Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia

Skyhawk Aircraft at Nowra

28 April 2012

After being in storage for nearly a decade, a former Navy Skyhawk jet fighter has returned to Nowra to take its place in the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

The TA-4 Skyhawk was handed over to the RAN in a ceremony that involved the exchange of aircraft logbooks. The Skyhawk made its journey to Australia last week aboard a RAAF C-17 Globemaster.

The Skyhawk will be repainted from its current New Zealand colours into 724 Squadron livery before the aircraft becomes a public exhibit at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Museum Manager Terry Hetherington said there had been a great celebration at HMAS Albatross to mark the return of one of the jet fighters.

Peter Marshall was also excited to see the Skyhawk return "home" after its years of service in NZ. He flew the Skyhawk from 1972 to 1980.

Royal New Zealand Air Force logistics project manager Wing Commander Chris Calvert (retired) has worked with the Skyhawks since 1987. He and his team of six spent the last week restoring the jet back to RAN configuration.

Pictured: HMAS Albatross commanding officer Captain Gordon Andrew, Royal New Zealand Air Force logistics project manager Wing Commander Chris Calvert (retired) and Fleet Air Arm Museum manager Terry Hetherington with the Skyhawk log books.

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