Our Aerospace Engineer –Aeronautical Engineers work mostly on the ground with the Navy’s amazing range of high-tech helicopters, managing and designing the maintenance and repairs of their integrated weapons systems, sensors and flight simulators. Our Pilots and Observers are officers, in charge of the flight, tactical employment and safety of the aircraft and its crew, completing tasks including deployed operations from Navy warships, flying tactical missions and flying low level in amongst valleys. Learn more
Behind every great aircraft there's an even better aircraft technician. Technicians prepare the aircraft for flight by conducting a thorough 'Pre Flight' inspection, so when the aircraft takes off it is as safe as it can possibly be. As a technician in the Navy it's the equipment you work with that really sets your job apart. Work in the Aircraft stream and look after the engine and flight control systems, aircraft structures and finishes. Or in Avionics be responsible for aircraft electrical systems, anti-submarine sensor systems and flight instruments. Learn more
HMAS ALBATROSS, home to the RAN's Fleet Air Arm, is located in the Shoalhaven Shire, a place with a long history of involvement in Australia's aviation development. Located in south-eastern NSW, approximately 2 hours south of Sydney, it is a beautiful part of Australia. Jervis Bay is 15 minutes from HMAS ALBATROSS and is 160 kilometres of coastline with 109 beaches, claiming the whitest sand in the world. Shoalhaven River is a spectacularly beautiful waterway with enormous sheer rock faces spanning the length of it.
Each type of helicopter is assigned to a particular Squadron, who maintain, service and fly the aircraft. 816 Squadron is responsible for the Seahawk helicopter. You can identify the helicopters and the members of 816 Squadron by the Squadron's insignia, a roaring Bengal tiger that signifies courage, on a black crest. 816 Squadron uses the second line of a famous passage from Shakespeare's Henry V as their motto. "But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger."
"It's an awesome area. We've got surf beaches and Jervis Bay nearby…great mountains and bushwalking so if you're into outdoor activities it's the perfect place to live." Lieutenant Michael Brown Helicopter Pilot RAN
Located aboard ships out at sea, the Navy's range of helicopters is built to withstand extreme conditions like heavy rain, strong winds and high seas. They are involved in a range of operations including search and rescue, transportation, medical evacuations and surface and submarine warfare. In addition to their war-fighting capabilities, the helicopters can also deliver troops and equipment to designated entry points, where conventional aircraft could not land. The Navy currently uses the Seahawk, fitted with advanced sonar and an anti-submarine torpedo, the Sea King that can carry loads heavier than a Land Rover and the Squirrel, used to prepare pilots in-training for operational flying. Learn more