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THE MH-60R Seahawk Romeo is the future of naval aviation and the redevelopment of HMAS Albatross is a reflection on where navy has to go according to Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Tim Barrett. Vice-Admiral Barrett was talking at the handover of the final of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters for the navy and the official opening at Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky’s purpose-built logistics and maintenance facility at Albatross Aviation Technology Park, west of Nowra. “This aircraft shows where the future of naval aviation will go and to a great extent the future of navy’s ability to fight on the sea will be made by this aircraft,” Vice Admiral Barrett said of the $3 billion helicopter project. “I get a great deal of enjoyment coming to Nowra, not just due to my past association with the area, but importantly what is happening here at Nowra at the moment and the last couple of years really is a reflection on where our navy has to go. “The Fleet Air Arm over a period of time has been reinvigorated with new squadrons, 808 and 725, new equipment, the MRH and Romeo helicopters and future equipment such as the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) which will arrive here shortly. “It has not been an easy ride. There have been challenges but what I have seen in the development of these new projects is an ability to take these challenges and to solve them through agile thinking, through innovative thinking, through a sense of purpose where we need to go. “This navy is about to completely recapitalise over the next 15 years and it’s those same attributes that we need to see the rest of navy follow. “We have to move forward to be able to deliver future capability to government and what has been demonstrated here at Nowra is the best in how you can achieve that. “It inspires me and the rest of navy needs to follow suit in how we develop our future capabilities.” The 24 helicopters were delivered on time and on budget, a feat which saw the project win Australia’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group Project of the year award in 2015. Vice Admiral Barrett said the Romeo was the best maritime combat helicopter in the world. “Since deciding on the helicopter in December 2011, we have already gained a lot through this project, including initial operating capability last August,” Vice-Admiral Barrett said. “We have three flights at sea at the moment. We have great training from 725 Squadron and we have 816 Squadron operating these aircraft at sea. “This is the future of naval aviation, alongside those other squadrons providing new aircraft and new equipment to both train and support the combat role provided by Romeo. “But it is a team effort - it is Lockheed Martin, it is Sikorsky, it is what was the Defence Materiel Organisation now Capable Acquisition Sustainment Group, the Romeo project office, the United States Navy, the Naval Aviation Systems Office and the Fleet Air Arm, most noticeably 725 and 816 squadrons. “But it also the contractors, subcontractors and locals who have allowed us to put this entire capability together, I acknowledge you all. “We have done the right thing in the way we have brought Romeo into service and this system is worthy of any operator of Romeos anywhere in the world.” In addition to the MH-60R helicopters primary mission areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, it also has the capability for secondary missions including search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and VHF/UHF/link communication relay. The Romeo is replacing navy’s existing fleet of S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters and are expected to have a 30-year-lifespan. The 11,400 square metre facility includes two buildings, a maintenance repair and overhaul base and a logistics centre warehouse, housing Sikorsky’s Australia-based Helitech, Lockheed Martin and the US Navy. It will provide through life support logistics for the new Romeo helicopters. “This is a special occasion for the Royal Australian Navy, Lockheed Martin and our partners Sikorsky,” said Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, Raydon Gates. “This is a milestone. We are proud of handing over the final helicopter and opening our facilities. “This is the culmination of many hours of collaboration between the RAN, US Navy and Lockheed Martin. “This collaboration has become even more meaningful with Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Sikorsky late last year. “The combination of these two great companies, now brings a holistic and integrated team that supports our customers around the world, especially in Australia. “Lockheed Martin has been here over 70 years and remains the second largest footprint of the organisation offshore of the United States.” He said the project was contributing to the local community and create local jobs. “Five years on from signing the contract we have delivered the aircraft to the RAN and a great home in Nowra,” he said. “We have a whole new purpose built facility to house and maintain the new fleet. “There is space for future growth. “This is a day of celebration, symbolising partnerships and excellence.” Mr Gates expects the work force to reach 120 in the next two years.
THE MH-60R Seahawk Romeo is the future of naval aviation and the redevelopment of HMAS Albatross is a reflection on where navy has to go according to Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Tim Barrett.
Vice-Admiral Barrett was talking at the handover of the final of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters for the navy and the official opening at Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky’s purpose-built logistics and maintenance facility at Albatross Aviation Technology Park, west of Nowra.
“This aircraft shows where the future of naval aviation will go and to a great extent the future of navy’s ability to fight on the sea will be made by this aircraft,” Vice Admiral Barrett said of the $3 billion helicopter project.
“I get a great deal of enjoyment coming to Nowra, not just due to my past association with the area, but importantly what is happening here at Nowra at the moment and the last couple of years really is a reflection on where our navy has to go.
“The Fleet Air Arm over a period of time has been reinvigorated with new squadrons, 808 and 725, new equipment, the MRH and Romeo helicopters and future equipment such as the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) which will arrive here shortly.
“It has not been an easy ride. There have been challenges but what I have seen in the development of these new projects is an ability to take these challenges and to solve them through agile thinking, through innovative thinking, through a sense of purpose where we need to go.
“This navy is about to completely recapitalise over the next 15 years and it’s those same attributes that we need to see the rest of navy follow.
“We have to move forward to be able to deliver future capability to government and what has been demonstrated here at Nowra is the best in how you can achieve that.
“It inspires me and the rest of navy needs to follow suit in how we develop our future capabilities.”
The 24 helicopters were delivered on time and on budget, a feat which saw the project win Australia’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group Project of the year award in 2015.
Vice Admiral Barrett said the Romeo was the best maritime combat helicopter in the world.
“Since deciding on the helicopter in December 2011, we have already gained a lot through this project, including initial operating capability last August,” Vice-Admiral Barrett said.
“We have three flights at sea at the moment. We have great training from 725 Squadron and we have 816 Squadron operating these aircraft at sea.
“This is the future of naval aviation, alongside those other squadrons providing new aircraft and new equipment to both train and support the combat role provided by Romeo.
“But it is a team effort - it is Lockheed Martin, it is Sikorsky, it is what was the Defence Materiel Organisation now Capable Acquisition Sustainment Group, the Romeo project office, the United States Navy, the Naval Aviation Systems Office and the Fleet Air Arm, most noticeably 725 and 816 squadrons.
“But it also the contractors, subcontractors and locals who have allowed us to put this entire capability together, I acknowledge you all.
“We have done the right thing in the way we have brought Romeo into service and this system is worthy of any operator of Romeos anywhere in the world.”
In addition to the MH-60R helicopters primary mission areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, it also has the capability for secondary missions including search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and VHF/UHF/link communication relay.
The Romeo is replacing navy’s existing fleet of S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters and are expected to have a 30-year-lifespan.
The 11,400 square metre facility includes two buildings, a maintenance repair and overhaul base and a logistics centre warehouse, housing Sikorsky’s Australia-based Helitech, Lockheed Martin and the US Navy.
It will provide through life support logistics for the new Romeo helicopters.
“This is a special occasion for the Royal Australian Navy, Lockheed Martin and our partners Sikorsky,” said Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, Raydon Gates.
“This is a milestone. We are proud of handing over the final helicopter and opening our facilities.
“This is the culmination of many hours of collaboration between the RAN, US Navy and Lockheed Martin.
“This collaboration has become even more meaningful with Lockheed Martin’s acquisition of Sikorsky late last year.
“The combination of these two great companies, now brings a holistic and integrated team that supports our customers around the world, especially in Australia.
“Lockheed Martin has been here over 70 years and remains the second largest footprint of the organisation offshore of the United States.”
He said the project was contributing to the local community and create local jobs.
“Five years on from signing the contract we have delivered the aircraft to the RAN and a great home in Nowra,” he said.
“We have a whole new purpose built facility to house and maintain the new fleet.
“There is space for future growth.
“This is a day of celebration, symbolising partnerships and excellence.”
Mr Gates expects the work force to reach 120 in the next two years.
