723 Squadron Hosts Fantastic Families Day
14 January 2009
The families of 723 Squadron personnel were recently invited onboard for a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Australian Navy's Squirrel helicopters.
The day was an opportunity for families to see where squadron members work and what they do and most importantly, according to 723 Commanding Officer LCDR Col Brightling, convey a timely thank you "The day was designed to formally recognise the support that families' provide to all of us in enabling us to so effectively fulfil our obligations to Navy", LCDR Brightling said.
The two stand out features of a fun filled day were an exciting display from 723's famous "Squirrel Pairs" Helicopter Display Team. and the opportunity for a local area flight.
It has been a busy year for 723 SQN with two detachments to RAAF Base Wagga, one week in Jindabyne where they conducted mountain flying training and a four week seagoing detachment on HMAS Success (I) to advance aircrew training.
LCDR Brightling, said the whole Squadron was also deployed to RAAF Base Edinburgh near Adelaide for two weeks: "Over 240 hours were flown in that very busy period,"
"We've also moved into a new hanger this year so this is the first time both the engineering and aircrew have been united under the same roof and it bodes well for further increasing the already excellent morale within the squadron."
The day was a resounding success with over 250 family members attending and for LCDR Brightling the best part was: "Seeing the smiling faces of both children and adults alike as they alighted the aircraft on completion of their flights. Their smiles only served to highlight the importance of such a day and the goodwill it engendered. It has been a very busy year and all squadron members are now looking forward to a well-earned break with friends and family over the festive period."
