ADF helicopter-pilot training increased 50%
After substantially increasing flying hours over the past two-and-a-half years, 723 Squadron has increased its graduate output by 50 per cent.
FILE PHOTO (July 2022): Royal Australian Navy EC-135 helicopters from 723 Squadron conduct a fly past during a 723 Squadron Graduation Ceremony at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Photo by Leading Seaman Ryan Tascas.
Although it is a Navy unit, 723 Squadron is a joint and integrated effort, currently featuring an Army commanding officer, Navy, Army and RAAF staff, and ably supported by Boeing Defence Australia, who provide assistance to ensure capability and training requirements are met.
Since the flying rate of effort was increased in 2021, 723 Squadron has delivered the highest flying output in the rotary community for 2023, with the trend continuing into 2024.
This was made possible by the contributions of every unit member, including maintenance and support staff, in particular instructors – a mix of Navy, Army and Boeing Defence Australia personnel, who work side by side to prepare the ADF’s next generation of helicopter aircrew.
723 Squadron operates the EC-135T2+ helicopter, from HMAS Albatross on the NSW south coast.
The region offers a diverse range of flying environments, supporting world-class helicopter training for both Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army aircrew.
Commanding Officer 723 Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Schadel was proud of the squadron’s achievements and appreciated the work of the diverse workforce.
“The team here at 723 Squadron is committed to the training of aircrew for combat, and the quality, rate and effort at which they excel in their work is a credit to themselves and the Fleet Air Arm,” Lieutenant Colonel Schadel said.
“The culture and values of 723 Squadron makes it a very rewarding place to work and this is seen day in and day out in the way in which the staff and students alike are committed to their courses and ensuring we train quality rotary-wing aircrew, with a combat mindset, ready for their operational conversions in the Fleet Air Arm and Aviation Command.”
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