Let's see if 805 is re-commissioned when the replacement is sorted out. BC



Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement

Thursday, 26 June 2008
031/2008

805 SQUADRON DECOMMISSIONS

The Royal Australian Navy’s 805 Squadron has been decommissioned at HMAS Albatross, Nowra after seven years of providing valuable training to Navy personnel.

The squadron’s Australian White Ensign was lowered and handed to Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Royals, RAN.

Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, joined current and past members of the 805 Squadron at the Decommissioning Ceremony.

“The current 805 Squadron was re-commissioned in 2001 to be equipped with a fleet of eleven Seasprite attack helicopters.”

“Past and present members of the squadron had achieved a number of good results despite difficult circumstances,” said Mr Combet.

“The limited release achieved by the Seasprite helicopters enabled Navy to train personnel at HMAS Albatross in aeroskills and mechanical expertise, with 29 attaining qualifications as aeronautical maintenance tradespeople.

“The squadron has also helped raise more than $15,000 for the children’s charity Camp Quality through a marathon bike ride in regional New South Wales.

“Due to ongoing technical problems the Federal Government has decided not to continue with the introduction of the aircraft, and the helicopters will be sold under an agreement with the manufacturer Kaman.

“The Squadron originally formed in 1940 and served in World War II before switching focus to Maritime Search and Strike.

“Members from 805 Squadron will be transferring into other squadrons and support roles,” said Mr Combet.

“The Public Servants who were attached to the squadron are being re-deployed within the Defence Materiel Organisation.

“We have also engaged a local professional human resource firm to assist the re-deployment of all affected personnel including the staff who were working for the contractor.

“The Government remains committed to the sustainment of helicopter facilities in the Nowra region and we expect that the local economy will continue to prosper as a result.”

The 805 Squadron Crest depicts blue and white waves representing navy, sea and heraldic principles. The orange represents the desert of Libya, with the Palm Trees representing the native trees of the Libyan area. The motto ‘Over Sea and Sand’ alludes to the areas flown over by the squadron in World War II.


Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet): 02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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