Seahawk technical training staff commended

Technical staff from the Seahawk Simulator Warfare Centre (SSWC) in HMAS Albatross were recently presented with a Chief of Navy Group Commendation for their exemplary work in the provision of MH-60R technical training.

CAPTION: Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley presents a group commendation to MH-60R Technical Training – Seahawk Simulation Warfare Centre at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Story by Richard Wilkins. Photo by Leading Seaman Carlos Chu.

The recommending officer, Lieutenant Commander Colin Paton, said the team exceeded expectations when faced with challenging training development needs.

“With the increase in aircraft technicians transitioning through the SSWC, the technical training staff were instrumental in ensuring training standards were not only maintained, but in most cases improved,” Lieutenant Commander Paton said.

Over an 18-month period, Headquarters Fleet Air Arm initiated two trials for aircraft technicians undertaking their initial employment training, in addition to those traditionally delivered at RAAF Base Wagga. The initiative was a collaboration with a Shoalhaven-based registered training organisation.

The trial was a resounding success, with trainees transitioning much earlier than through the traditional initial employment training system. However, the initiative placed further demand on already stretched training resources.

Among other initiatives, staff were able to alleviate pressure on training-aid resources and course programs using creative solutions, such as temporarily using a decommissioned S-70B-2 aircraft stored in Albatross as a supplementary training aid.

Lieutenant Commander Paton said the hard work of the SSWC technical staff helped enable the blended training system model.

“Make no mistake, this group of individuals managed these training requirements with aplomb, thus ensuring our training system continues to deliver quality aircraft technicians to the Fleet Air Arm,” Lieutenant Commander Paton said.

The SSWC members were presented with the group commendation by Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley, alongside Commodore Training John Stavridis and Director Training Authority-Aviation Commander Andrew Collard.

The commendation recognised the team’s outstanding performance, in keeping with the finest traditions of the Navy and the ADF.

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