THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Monday, 11 May 2009
092/2009
A NEW ERA FOR NAVY AVIATION IS ON THE WAY
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today reinforced the strategic
importance of the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm at HMAS Albatross, and foreshadowed a
substantial increase in infrastructure investment on the base following the release of
the 2009 Defence White Paper.
Mr Fitzgibbon toured the base and met with aircrew and maintainers from 817
Squadron, who are planning for the impending retirement of the ageing fleet of six
SK-50 Sea King helicopters, which will be replaced by six advanced new MRH-90
multi-role helicopters in 2011.
During his visit, Mr Fitzgibbon observed that construction had commenced on the
building of dedicated new hangers and maintenance facilities ahead of the arrival of
the first of the new MRH-90s.
“This $38 million investment will ensure that HMAS Albatross has first-class facilities
to operate and maintain these advanced new MRH-90s, and the construction phase
will also create new job opportunities in the Nowra and Shoalhaven region,” Mr
Fitzgibbon said.
In recognition of the ongoing strategic importance of the Naval Air Station to
Defence’s future capability needs, the Government will invest $130 million into
upgrading base infrastructure under the Albatross Stage 3 Redevelopment Project,
which will commence in 2010.
While at HMAS Albatross, the Minister also toured 816 Squadron and spoke with the
aircrew and maintainers of the current fleet of 16 S-70B Seahawk helicopters about
the Government’s plans to acquire a fleet of at least 24 new naval combat
helicopters, as outlined in the 2009 Defence White Paper.
“The White Paper outlines the Government’s commitment to rectify the shortfalls in
Navy’s current naval combat aviation as a matter of urgency. These 24 new aircraft
will boost Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities while also possessing potent
air-launched torpedoes and anti-ship missiles,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Albatross remains central to the Government’s plans to rebuild and revitalize Navy’s
aviation capabilities after the difficult times that have fallen upon them in recent
years. Today is as much about recognising and thanking the men and women of the
Navy’s Fleet Air Arm for their service, while reassuring them that they have a crucial
role in our plans to build a stronger and more capable Defence Force for the 21st
century,” Mr Fitzgibbon concluded.
Media contacts:
Dan Fankhauser (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0439 442 617
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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