MH-60R Seahawk Romeo makes maiden flight over HMAS Albatross and contracts signed for Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).

FRIDAY marked two major milestones in the history of HMAS Albatross and the Royal Australian Navy.

The navy’s newest maritime combat helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk Romeo made its maiden flight over HMAS Albatross, and contracts were signed securing the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).

The new helicopters and the HATS are a big deal for the Shoalhaven because of the investment.

The 24 new helicopters represent an investment of more than $3 billion, while the HATS facility comes in at $700 million.

The construction work alone is expected to create 380 jobs, although many of the subcontractors are fighting for payment for work done on new helicopter facilities.

A large crowd was gathered on the hardstand Friday morning to inspect the new Seahawk but all eyes turned to the sky when the old Seahawk and the new Seahawk put on an aerial display.

None were more excited than Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore Vince Di Pietro.

Vice Admiral Barrett called it the most capable naval combat helicopter flying in the world and said with the replacement of other aircraft recently such as the Sea King, Nowra will be at the forefront of where the navy’s naval aviation presence starts.

“The Romeo project is a model project, on time, on budget,” he said.

“We sent over 100 people to the United States to learn how to fly these aircraft and as a consequence of that when they get here they are ready to go. 

“This has been a huge naval aviation community effort to bring the aircraft to the point we’re at now.”

Commodore Di Pietro said it was a huge honour and a privilege in tough economic times to get the project introduced.

“I feel like I’m watching the recapitalisation of a very important capability for the Australian people.

“Show me another place in the Australian economy that has experienced this level of investment here in Nowra today.

“It’s a big day,” he said.

After the fly-past the group moved to the Fleet Air Arm Museum for the signing of the HATS contract.

Managing director of Boeing Australia Kim Gillis joined RAN head of helicopters Rear Admiral Tony Dalton in signing the contracts, of which there were 4000 pages.

Boeing Defence Australia won the tender to partner with the RAN on the HATS.

Mr Gillis said it was the largest in-country contract the company had signed in the past decade.

He said he expected the company would be partnered with the program for the life of the helicopter, at least 30 years.

“This is great for the area because we will be employing technicians, engineers and apprentices,” he said.

Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis, representing the Minister for Defence, said it was exciting to hear some of the people who will be working with the aircraft tell her the Romeo was the best choice.

“It’s exciting to hear – to know that parliament made the right decision.

“This is really great for the area.

“I’m very excited in the investment in the HATS because that’s going to provide a position for 80 professionals in our region which we’ve never had before.

“Young graduates, non-defence from engineering, technicians which will change the look of our community.

“We’ve got a guaranteed future.”