Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Defence Minister
Support for FAA
11 May 2009
The Defence Minister has foreshadowed a substantial increase in infrastructure investment at the naval air station, HMAS Albatross, following the release of the 2009 Defence White Paper.
The Minister, Mr Joel Fitzgibbon, today reinforced the strategic importance of the Navy's Fleet Air Arm during a tour of the air base and a meeting with aircrew and maintainers from 817
Squadron who are planning for the retirement of the ageing fleet of the six Sea King helicopters which will be replaced by six MRH-90 multi-role helicopters in 2011.
During his visit, Mr Fitzgibbon saw construction of the building of dedicated new hangers and maintenance facilities ahead of the arrival of the first of the new MRH-90s.
"This $38 million investment will ensure that HMAS Albatross has first-class
facilities to operate and maintain these advanced new MRH-90s, and the construction phase
will also create new job opportunities in the Nowra and Shoalhaven region," Mr Fitzgibbon
said.
In recognition of the ongoing strategic importance of the Naval Air Station to Defence's
future capability needs, the Government will invest $130 million into upgrading base
infrastructure under the Albatross Stage 3 Redevelopment Project, which will
commence in 2010.
While at HMAS Albatross, the Minister also toured 816 Squadron and spoke
with the aircrew and maintainers of the current fleet of the 16 Seahawk helicopters about
the Government's plans to acquire a fleet of at least 24 new naval combat helicopters, as
outlined in the White Paper.
"The Paper outlines the Government's commitment to rectify the shortfalls in Navy's
current naval combat aviation as a matter of urgency. These 24 new aircraft will boost
Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities while also possessing potent air-launched
torpedoes and anti-ship missiles," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
"Albatross remains central to the Government's plans to rebuild and revitalize Navy's
aviation capabilities after the difficult times that have fallen upon them in recent years.
Today is as much about recognising and thanking the men and women of the Navy's Fleet Air Arm for their service, while reassuring them that they have a crucial role in our plans to build a stronger and more capable Defence Force for the 21st century," he said.
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