Friday, November 1 was the end of an era at HMAS Albatross when the Australian Public Service communication technicians at 453 Squadron Nowra Flight (Air Traffic Control) were farewelled.
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Brett Beattie, Anthony Visser, Richard Gilmartin, Jon Laird, Joeline Pearsall and Dan Walker have been part of NAS Nowra and HMAS Albatross over the past 20 years.
The original Ground Radio Station has seen many changes over the years, reaching a peak workforce of 30 personnel in the mid-1980s with duties including maintaining radio networks, the Albatross operations room, precision approach radar and tactical air navigation system.
After the advent of satellite communications the GRS' main function became the maintenance of air traffic control systems and navigation aids.
The GRS moved across to the present day air traffic control facility in 2001.
GRS was eventually disbanded and the APS communication technicians came under the command of 453 Squadron Nowra Flight.
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A new model for current and future maintenance workforce comes into place next month.
Brett joined GRS in 1991 and including prior RAAF service has 30 plus years of service.
Jon joined GRS in 2004 and including prior Army Reserve and RAAF service has more than 20 years service.
Dan joined 453 Squadron NWA FLT in 2018 and including prior Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) service also has more than 20 years service.
All three were presented with various long service awards by the commanding officer of HMAS Albatross Captain Fiona Sneath.
Anthony joined GRS in 2015, Richard joined GRO as the ground radio officer manager in 1999 and Joeline was the APS3 equipment liaison officer who was re-assigned to HMAS Creswell in April 2018.
