Australian Navy Squadron Wins Avalon Trophy

816 Squadron (816 SQN) has returned from the Avalon airshow with a highly sought-after award.

The Australian International Airshow is the premier event on Australia’s international aviation calendar and the Military Concours d’Elegance is awarded after judging by a panel comprising representatives of the event organisers Airshows Downunder, the Royal Australian Air Force Association and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

All military static aircraft displays are assessed and awarded points for general presentation, role-particular appearance, maintenance condition, the display material exhibited to inform the public about the aircraft and the presentation of the air and ground crews.

The Seahawk from 816 SQN was up against two other aircraft in this category; the Royal Singapore Air Force’s AS-53 Super Puma and the RAN’s MRH-90.

816 Commanding Officer, Commander Grant O’Loughlan says that while there is no doubt that the Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk is a very impressive aircraft it was the 816 team who guaranteed the win.

“One of the major attractions of the Avalon airshow, in fact any airshow, is the opportunity to meet the pilots and crew and get up close to the amazing aircaraft on display”, CMDR O’Loughlan said.

“The 816 crew are always very professional and engaging and they really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to everyone who stopped by to admire the Seahawk.”

“They love what they do and love talking about it, so this mix of enthusiasm and pride in the Seahawk and their work made for a winning combination.”

The awards were presented by the Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Davies CSC with LCDR Paul Morrison and PO Amy Williams accepting on 816 Squadron’s behalf.

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Naval Today Staff, March 14, 2013; Image: Royal Australian Navy