Chief of Australian Navy, VADM Ray Griggs, RAN recently toured North America and one of his first ports of call was Jacksonville Florida, where Fleet Air Arm Personnel are conducting Initial MH-60R Seahawk Trade and Operational Flying Training.
VADM Griggs was given an insight into the latest training facilities at NAS Mayport and experienced first hand the full capability this aircraft will deliver for the RAN.
Whilst addressing NUSQN 725, Chief of Navy reiterated that the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) and, MH-60R will position Australia as one of the most advanced maritime powers in the region.
Chief of Navy took the opportunity to recognise a number of NUSQN 725 members, with the presentation of their Australian Defence Medals before departing in a MH-60R to see first hand the facilities that will be home to NUSQN 725 later this year.
NUSQN 725 will operate Australian owned MH-60R helicopters from NAS Jacksonville during 2014 before returning to Australia in 2015 to commence training aircrew at Nowra. The first MH-60R flight is planned to embark mid 2015.
[mappress] Press Release, May 14, 2013; Image: Australian Navy