IT was a historic day at HMAS Albatross with the commissioning of the new 808 Squadron on Thursday.

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All the pomp and ceremony of a naval commissioning took place as the 808 Squadron was officially commissioned with the Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett issuing the commissioning order to the Commanding Officer 808 Squadron, Commander Charlie Stephenson.

The ceremony was also attended by Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley; Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs; Commander of the Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Vince Di Pietro as well as current and former 808 Squadron members and their families.

A special guest was the wife of the last commanding officer of 808 Squadron, Captain Garvon Kable, Brenda Kable who inspected the guard and the squadron.

Commander Stephenson said the commissioning was an exciting time that followed extensive training, trials and preparations which have ensured the squadron’s aircraft and personnel are ready for service.

Set to be the home of six new MRH90 helicopters, the commissioning was followed by a flypast of other HMAS Albatross squadron helicopters from 723 and 816 to welcome the new 808 Squadron.