Albatross Fleet Air Arm Squadrons out in force for Anzac Day and 75th anniversary

The RAN Fleet Air Arm will this year celebrate its 75th anniversary and the various squadrons based at HMAS Albatross, along with the base command, provided a huge contingent of personnel.

More than 700 personnel from Albatross and its squadrons marched up Junction Street to the cenotaph putting on a display that will long be remembered.

Helicopter squadrons, 808, 816, 725, and 723 were out in force as was 822X Squadron for the unmanned aircraft systems.

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Commanding Officer of the Fleet Air Arm, Commodore David Frost gave the Anzac Day service address, where he spoke about the spirit and meaning of Anzac.

He also spoke on the FAA's 75th anniversary and thanked the community for embracing the fleet air arm and the naval air station and making it such a part of the local community.

Nowra RSL Sub-Branch vice-president Fred Dawson said it was great to see such a large contingent of RAN personnel.

"The biggest we have seen in a long, long while," he said.

"And it is wonderful to see," which was greeted by applause by the large crowd in attendance at the Nowra service.

"I'd say it is the biggest presence we have had on display since 1945," Mr Dawson said.

The view from the memorial gates was certainly spectacular as the navy contingent and the large crowd in attendance snaked its way back down Junction Street.

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