The date was also the graduation of the first intake of navy and army pilots, aviation warfare officers and aircrews at the Joint Helicopter School.

The 28 graduates from JHS1 formed 723 Squadron, flying and training on the new Airbus EC135 helicopters.

Fifteen on the aircraft are now based at Albatross used as part of the Helicopter Aircrew Training System [HATS].

It was also the first time the Unit Citation for Gallantry pennant, recently awarded to the RAN Flight Vietnam from 723 Squadron, was raised.

Of the graduates, 18 personnel completed their rotary pilots’ course, four are aviation warfare officers and six are aircrews.

The first intake started the 26-week training course earlier in the year at the new dedicated facility at Nowra air station.

Read more: HATS off and flying at HMAS Albatross

As well as using the latest helicopters, course members also used virtual reality and new helicopter simulators.

Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Chris Smallhorn, who was also the reviewing officer, congratulated the graduates on gaining their wings, saying it was a wonderful achievement.

“You have been trained, challenged and tested for a dynamic and at times unforgiving environment,” he said.

“You have shown determination during this course and training and now that will continue. You are now off on the next phase of your careers where you will be tested even further.

“Always push for excellence in whatever you do.”

He paid credit to all the instructors and trainers who worked as a team to ensure the first intake completed their course smoothly.

He also thanked the graduates’ families and loved ones for all their support and understanding while they undertook the challenging endeavour.

Commanding officer of 723 Squadron, Commander Bruce Willington said it was a proud and historic day for the squadron.

“It’s been a year of firsts,” he said.

“In a space of just over three and a half years we have delivered a training outcome to ensure we have professional, resilient helicopter aircrews with sound decision making and teamwork skills to fight on land and the maritime environment.

“Special thanks to 723 support staff who did a great job.”

He also thanked the many training aids and support from within the base that contributed to the course and its success.

“It’s been achieved with the support of a much bigger team.”

Training included aircrews operating the helicopters day and night and in all weather conditions.

By day the aircraft are flown in a variety of advanced manoeuvres with high banks and at low levels - sometimes also in formation with other aircraft.

They have undertaken ship deck landing procedures.

All manoeuvres are later repeated at night utilising night vision devices, while also carrying out winching operations and carrying external loads.

At the conclusion of the graduation the three duxes of each course were announced.

The Pilot Rotary Course dux was Lieutenant Rob McBeath; the Aviation Warfare Officer dux was Sub Lieutenant Ashley Hill; while the Aircrewman dux was Leading Seaman Simon Zammit.

The graduates will now progress to the next phase of their training and careers, with postsings around the country.

The ceremony concluded with a flyby of the new Airbus EC135 helicopters.