Fleet Air Arm Museum Display - Helos Take Over (1984)

HMAS Melbourne (II) decommissioned in 1982. Both 805 and 816 Squadrons were disbanded and their Skyhawk and Tracker fixed-wing aircraft were offered for disposal.

The Macchi trainers of 724 Squadron were transferred to the RAAF, but 724 continued to operate with a reduced number of Skyhawks. 851 Squadron continued to operate Trackers but by 30 June 1984 the two last fixed-wing squadrons were disbanded.

The operating philosophy for naval aviation in the RAN shifted from aircraft carriers to frigates and support vessels operating helicopters. Navy commissioned its first guided missile frigate (FFG) in 1980. These ships were capable of carrying two medium helicopters and interim trials continued through the late 1980's with Bell 206 and Squirrel rotary-wing aircraft.

Naval aviation again took a quantum leap in 1989 with the delivery of the S-70B-2 Seahawk anti-submarine helicopter. The Seahawks and utility Squirrels were quickly pressed into active service aboard FFGs and other support ships during the 1990/91 Gulf War.

Navy deployments to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq were maintained through the 1990's. The first of the ANZAC class frigates commissioned in 1996 and they were also equipped with Seahawks of 816 Squadron. The ANZACs and their Seahawk Flights have had a continued presence in the Gulf region, including the 2003 Iraq War.

The Sea King utility helicopters of 817 Squadron have seen active service in East Timor and the Persian Gulf and served in numerous other operational areas including Somalia, Bougainville and the Solomon Islands.