Personnel from HMAS Albatross’ 808 Squadron have ably supported Australian Navy’s role in the recent Exercise TALISMAN SABRE, embarked in HMAS Choules.
Commanding Officer Choules Commander Chris Aulmann said that the reliable and flexible MRH90 helicopters operated by the squadron provided essential logistical support, in both a ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore environment.
“Initially assigned a range of people, mail and cargo tasks by the Air Operations Cell on USS Bonhomme Richard, the role of the MRH90 grew to supporting front line operations, including the re-supply of rations and water to soldiers ashore.
“This was a great vote of confidence in the aircraft and team of 18 who make up Flight 1 onboard Choules,” said CMDR Aulmann.
During the Exercise, the MRH90 also completed a record number of cross deck landings on US ships including to US Ships Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay, Ashland and Preble.
Flight Commander, Lieutenant Commander Steve Brown, said that it was vital that the Australian Defence Force could transport personnel to various ships throughout.
Participating gave many of the flight crew and maintainers the opportunity to put practice into reality.
“As a result of our successful operations over the past few weeks, I am looking forward to the MRH90 making an even bigger contribution to the next TALISMAN SABRE in 2017″ , Lieutenant Commander Brown said.