- Author
- A.N. Other
- Subjects
- Naval Aviation
- Tags
- None noted.
- RAN Ships
- 817 Squadron, HMAS Melbourne II, HMAS Sydney III
- Publication
- December 2011 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
The Squadron farewelled its adopted home town of Goolwa, South Australia, in the last week of February 2011 and conducted school visits, flying displays, a freedom of entry parade on 26 February and a re-dedication of the 817 Squadron memorial at the Goolwa RSL sub-branch, honouring those who have lost their lives while serving with the Squadron. Three Sea Kings also participated in Exercise RIMPAC 2010 and Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011 in July, the Squadron’s final major exercise before decommissioning.
The Sea King with 817 Squadron has provided 35 years of outstanding service to the RAN, the ADF and Australia. The Sea King has been a brilliant Maritime Helicopter which due to its large size, impressive flying range and load carrying capability, is instantly recognizable to the wider public. The esteemed reputation of the Sea King and 817 Squadron is a fitting reflection of the dedication and skill of the Aircrew and Maintainers who have operated these magnificent aircraft. On 15 December 2011 a Sea King flight is expected to fly from NAS Nowra to Canberra and return which will be the Squadron’s final flight. The following day 817 Squadron will de-commission at HMAS Albatross. ‘We shall miss them when they are gone’.