Year of the Tiger

10 December 2010

LIGHT SHOW: An 816 Squadron Seahawk performs a rare night flare serial. Photo: ABIS Justin Brown.

816 Squadron has had a busy 2010, with helicopters and their flights working across Australia and on exercises and operations globally. LSIS Paul McCallum spoke with 816’s CO CMDR Shane Craig who had nothing but praise for the sailors and officers under his command.

Unlike their namesakes, the tigers of 816 Squadron have not spent 2010 resting in the shade, waiting for the opportunity to strike. Rather, they’ve been working tirelessly across Australia and the world.

One major milestone this year was the introduction of electronic support measure equipment to the airframe, as well as the expansion of Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capability. In fact, later this month the NVG qualified crew will embark in HMAS Stuart bound for maritime security patrols on Operation Slipper.

816 Squadron’s CO CMDR Shane Craig said it was an exciting time to be a tiger as the squadron returned to its roots with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training.

“2010 started with exercise Double Trouble with three submarines, HMAS Anzac and RNZAF P3s in the Western Australian Exercise Area, as well as the warfare assessment weeks during the Fleet Concentration Period,” CMDR Craig said.

“After the Williamtown Air Show at RAAF Base Williamtown, we had another week in Newcastle conducting ASW exercises and a detachment has just returned from HMAS Stirling where they spent more time training with the submarines on ASWEX ’10.”

The positive vibe at the squadron has been brought about through an increased work and training tempo, which has helped the squadron reach and maintain an increased flying rate.

Many strategies have been put in place to keep the ageing aircraft in the air, including a change to TACCO and SENSO training to increase simulator hours and allow great focus on high-end warfighting skills.

Maintainers have also seen more use of reservists to conduct training, allowing qualified engineers and maintainers to work on the aircraft with great success.

Specific trade journal training is being conducted by ex-Seahawk maintainers and the availability of a training airframe has also improved the training flow for new personnel.

Away from the hanger at HMAS Albatross, the Seahawk has been maintaining its presence at sea with four flights detached with the Fleet, including one continuous rotation in the MEAO supporting international operations.

The squadron’s motto ‘Imitate the action of the tiger’ comes from the play King Henry V by William Shakespeare. CMDR Craig reflected on its meaning saying even in peacetime the Seahawk and its crews were always ready to do the job.

“When required, we rise to the occasion and satisfy the requirements of the Fleet,” he said.

“The Seahawk community’s best attribute is its people who are determined to maximise capability output in difficult and challenging conditions.

“816 Squadron is an effective team which, like a tiger, is ready to stand and be counted.”

SHOWTIME: 816 Squadron’s flying display impressed crowds at the Williamtown Air Show earlier this year. Photo: LAC Craig Barrett.	LASHED DOWN: HMAS Warramunga’s Seahawk begins a deck landing practice serial during Exercise Kakadu. Photo: ABIS James Whittle.	THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: HMAS Anzac’s Seahawk lifts off during the Fleet Concentration Period. Photo: ABIS Andrew Dakin.
FULL LOAD: A RAAF C17 loads up a Seahawk for transport to Western Australia. Photo: ABIS Justin Brown.	ON THE HUNT: Two Seahawks loaded with torpedoes search for a target during ASWEX ’10. Photo: ABIS Lincoln Commane.	PROUD: ABATA Vanessa Roedel poses in HMAS Warramunga’s hangar during Exercise Kakadu. Photo: ABIS James Whittle.