 | Fleet Air Arm |
| Fleet Air Arm |
The Fleet Air Arm was heavily involved in the Vietnam War with aircrew and maintenance personnel from 723 Squadron serving with distinction 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) jet fighter - [pictured] - and the Grumman Tracker (S2E) anti-submarine aircraft.
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 helicopters embarked on a range of fleet ships.
The Sea King [pictured on the Melbourne flight deck] and a succession of helicopters continue to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a significant capability afloat. The multi-role MRH-90 helicopter is currently joining those aircraft in service and the construction of two new heavy landing ships will provide air power platforms larger than the previous aircraft carriers.
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. It has seen service in aid missions in the South Pacific.
Over the years since 1948, the RAN Fleet Air Arm has operated almost 40 different types of aircraft - a challenge to aircrew and maintenance personnel - in a variety of settings and conditions.
The RAN Fleet Air Arm has forged a proud tradition over the years, a tradition of professional service and outstanding achievements. Its men and women today carry on high standards of dedicated service.
Admiral Sir Victor Smith (1913-98), 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 return to
Fleet Air Arm History page.