HMAS Albatross has been directly threatened by the Currowan blaze, an Australian Defence Force contractor has confirmed.
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OPSTAR has been contracted to the Department of Defence to provide Search and Rescue for the Aviation Operations of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm at HMAS Albatross since 2016.
"On New Years Eve and January 4 the [OPSTAR] team, together with the Airfield Firefighters, worked to protect HMAS Albatross assets, including Defence Industry assets at the adjoining Aviation Park, when HMAS Albatross was directly threatened by the Currowan fire," an OPSTAR spokesperson said.
"OPSTAR's specialist Aviation Search and Rescue Team at HMAS Albatross supported the increased level of operations at the base by providing up to 24/7 Search and Rescue coverage to flying operations.
"OPSTAR's MV Sycamore Flight Deck Operational Support Team and Ships Medical Emergency Team, including a paramedic, were recalled at short notice to provide Aviation and Medical Operational Support aboard the MV Sycamore when it was tasked to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations off the south east coast of Australia."
These support tasks are ongoing as part of wider Australian Defence Force operations to support bushfire-affected communities.
The South Coast Register has contacted Defence for comment on the fire but has not received a response.