Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Fleet Air Arm History
The Early Years
The Royal Australian Navy first became involved in naval aviation during World War 1 when aircraft were operated from the gun turret-launching platforms of RAN cruisers operating with the Royal Navy.
After the war, in 1929, a purpose-built seaplane carrier, HMAS Albatross (pictured), was commissioned.
However, operating expenses were high and in 1933 the ship was placed in reserve - and was finally sold to the Royal Navy in 1938.
During World War 2, RAN cruisers carried aircraft flown and maintained by RAAF personnel with the RAN providing the observers.
When the British Pacific Fleet came to Australia in the latter part of the war, about 24 RAAF pilots volunteered to transfer to the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), and these men subsequently served aboard RN aircraft carriers and at RN Air Stations established in Australia.