A Birds Eye View of the Apple Isle

29 November 2007

The crew of 723 Squadron's Medusa Flight with two excited children from Deloraine

The Northern end of the Apple Isle was given a rare treat when three members of 723 Squadron's Medusa Flight, (featuring the A109E Agusta helicopter) visited Northern Tasmania for five days of activities designed to showcase the Navy's team oriented lifestyle as part of the Navy Community Engagement Program.

Staff and Crew at Christmas Hill Raspberry farm enjoy a break from the visitors

The A109E arrived in Tasmania from its home base in Nowra NSW flying into Devonport, Launceston and the Deloraine area visiting High Schools and Cadet Units in Devonport and Launceston. Around 2000 students and members of the public from Northern Tasmania were able to get up close and personal with the crew and the aircraft during the visit . In addition the visit enabled personnel from Navy Headquarters Tasmania and a number of Tasmanian Navy Cadets a surprise chance for a "Birds Eye View" of their local region.

Navy Cadets from Devonport, Two lucky Cadets were picked to take the ride of their life

The aircraft and crew attended the V8 Supercar Rally at Symmons Plains near Launceston to augment Defence attendance at this event. Defence showcased a number of it's assets including 723 Squadron's Helicopter Display Team, the new A109E, the Defence Federation Guard and the RAAF Roulettes. Regional military involvement also included personnel from the Tasmanian Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band, Navy Headquarters Tasmania and Defence Force Recruiting.

723 Squadrons Helicopter Display Team returning to the Pits at Symmons Plains

The three day V8 Supercars event at Symmons Plains commenced on Friday 16 November, free admission for school students ensured a high level of attendance. Over 600 students had a unique opportunity to see the A109E helo which was on display in the middle of the racetrack, to meet the aircrew and to talk about life in the Navy.

The five day visit by the Medusa Flight A109E and its crew was rated an outstanding success by the public who were full of praise for the crew and their interaction with all those who took advantage of this rare treat.

The Navy's Community Engagement Program has benefited considerably from the ongoing support of 723 Squadron, in particular the support provided by Medusa Flight on this busy visit program. It is anticipated many people around Australia will continue to get opportunities to meet with Navy aircrew and learn more about their aircraft through this Program in the future.