Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Fleet Air Arm History
1970s - 2004
The Fleet Air Arm was heavily involved in the Vietnam War with aircrew and maintenance personnel from 723 Squadron serving in-country with 9 Squadron RAAF and the United States Army's 135th Assault Helicopter Company.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Melbourne and her squadrons took part in the operations of the Far East Strategic Reserve.
In 1967, the Melbourne took delivery of a new generation of aircraft, the Douglas Skyhawk (A4G) - pictured - and the Grumman Tracker (S2E).
In the early 1970s, the Westland Sea King helicopter was introduced as the Wessex replacement.
The paying-off of Melbourne in 1983 marked the closing of the RAN fixed-wing aircraft carrier era. However, the Fleet Air Arm continues its role in providing sea-borne air power and the focus today is on the embarked helicopters.
The Sea King (pictured on the Melbourne), Squirrel and the Seahawk helicopters continue to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a significant capability afloat. The multi-role MRH90 helicopter will soon join these aircraft in service.
The RAN Fleet Air Arm has seen active service in Korea, the Malaya Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, Vietnam, the Gulf War, East Timor, the War Against Terrorism, and the war against Iraq.
Over the years since 1948, the RAN Fleet Air Arm has operated more than 20 different types of aircraft - a real challenge to the aircrew and the maintenance personnel.
The RAN Fleet Air Arm has forged a proud tradition over the years, a tradition of professional service and outstanding achievements. The Fleet Air Arm men and women of today carry on these high standards of dedicated service.
Admiral Sir Victor Smith, regarded as the "Father" of the RAN Fleet Air Arm, in the 1950s adopted the motto Second to None for the FAA. This motto is as true today as it was in Sir Victor's day.
For more history, see:
Picture Gallery; or
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