HMAS Albatross
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Graduates set for take off at HMAS ALBATROSS
After months of intensive training with 723 Squadron the latest Aircrewman graduates were presented with their wings by Commodore Tim Barrett, Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, in a ceremony at Nowra's Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Commodore Tim Barrett (Ctre), Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, stands with the recently graduating Aircrewman Course which was held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS ALBATROSS. L-R: CPOA David Oxley (Inst), LS Kevin Boer, LS Ray Solomon, CMDR Colin Brightling (CO 723 Sqn), CDRE Tim Barrett (CANAG), AB Jordan Dickinson, LS Scott Gordon, LS Chris Hodgkinson, CPOA Dexter Burton and POA Steve Rissman. Photo by: AB Brenton Freind
Commodore Barrett welcomed LS Kevin Boer, LS Scott Gordon, LS Ray Solomon, LS Chris Hodgkinson and AB Jordan Dickinson to the Fleet Air Arm and the ranks of highly trained professionals. Thanking the families and friends of the graduates Commodore Barrett acknowledged that "A vital element of their success in this very demanding course is the support of their loved ones".
Commodore Barrett also congratulated the instructors. Aircrewman instructor PO Steve Rissman said determination is another key to success "Although each student is given as much assistance as possible from the instructors and the squadron, it is up to the individual student to make the big effort to achieve the results necessary to pass."
The graduating sailors of the Aircrewman Course which was held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS ALBATROSS. L-R: LS Chris Hodgkinson, LS Kevin Boer, LS Ray Solomon, LS Scott Gordon and AB Jordan Dickinson". Photo by: AB Brenton Freind
When asked about challenges LS Solomon used the analogy of sitting for your driving test "Imagine the stress you experience in that one hour, being so closely monitored, your every action being checked for the smallest error, imagine that spread over 11 months and you get some idea".
All stress was forgotten during yesterday's ceremony. Guests stayed for morning tea, extensive photo shoots and a sensational display from two Squirrel helicopters.
Back Row (L to R) Leading Seaman Aircrewmqan Kevin Boer, Leading Seaman Aircrewman Jordan Dickinson. Front Row (L to R) Leading Seaman Aircrewman Chris Hodgkinson, Leading Seaman Aircrewman Scott Gordon (Seated) and Leading Seaman Aircrewman Ray Solomon". Photo by: LS Craig Owen
Asked how it felt to receive his wings AB Dickinson, described it as "Surreal. It was fantastic, it's a long term goal and to reach it is a massive achievement".
His proud mum, who was standing nearby, was quick to point out that it was just one of Jordan's many achievements. It was a very big day for Jordan, who not only graduated, but was also promoted to Leading Seaman.
PO Rissman is very proud of his latest graduates: "It was great to see how each student developed throughout the duration of the course. Looking back at their first flights and seeing the progress that they have made over the period of the course is rewarding in itself. The graduation ceremony was an excellent opportunity to recognize and reward these achievements and to allow the family and friends to be part of the day"
