During the Christmas period Navy ships will be at sea conducting maritime security patrols in the Middle East Area of Operations and on border protection duty in northern Australia. Additionally, Navy will be ready to provide any disaster relief assistance in Australia if required. Part of this assistance comes in the form of Navy helicopters.
With the bushfire season now upon us, the Royal Australian Navy’s Seahawk helicopters, based at HMAS Albatross have recently conducted water bombing practice.
Using their “Bambi Buckets”, the helicopters can carry huge quantities of water and deliver it to any fire flashpoint with pinpoint accuracy.
Commanding Officer of 816 Squadron, Commander Grant O’Loughlan says Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is on call to respond should a bushfire flare.
“Some Australians are unaware that while they are on Christmas holidays we will be on stand by throughout the bushfire period, along with other state services to provide support if required.” said Commander O’Loughlan.
“With our training complete, 816 Squadron is ready to join the fight to protect Australian property and lives if called upon this holiday season,” said Commander O’Loughlan.
It wouldn’t be the first time Navy’s Seahawks were called to action fighting fires. Seahawks were involved in the protection of property and fighting fires in the ACT Bush Fires of 2003.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 13, 2012; Image: Royal Australian Navy