‘Siren’ of the seas joins Perth off Darwin

When HMAS Perth departed Darwin recently for a regional presence deployment, the siren heard was not from a local emergency service, but the low-pitched rumble of a maritime combat helicopter.

CAPTION: Leading Seaman Aviation Technician Airframe Prudence Harper, of 808 Squadron, conducts a flying exercise with HMAS Perth’s MH-60R aircraft ‘Siren’ during a regional presence deployment. Story by Lieutenant Commander Andrew Herring. Photos by Leading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez.

The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, bearing the call sign ‘Siren’, flew over Darwin to land on Perth’s flight deck, marking the end of a 3200km journey from its home base at the naval air station HMAS Albatross near Nowra, NSW.

Siren and its three-person crew from 808 Squadron were met by 16 fellow squadron members who had embarked in Perth days before to prepare for their aircraft’s arrival.

Detachments – called flights – join Navy’s frigates and destroyers whenever they deploy with an embarked helicopter.

The 808 Squadron detachment, known as Flight 802, comprises a flight commander, two pilots, one aviation warfare officer, two air crew and 13 avionics technicians.

Flight 802 Commander Lieutenant Commander Patrick McGuire’s highest priority when joining Perth was force integration.

“A flight must quickly become an integral part of the ship. This includes integrating equipment, procedures, logistics and, most importantly, people,” Lieutenant Commander McGuire said.

“The ship’s company prepares to support the flight with crew members qualified to operate the flight deck in addition to their normal duties, while members of the flight become familiar with ship, its procedures and contribute to whole-of-ship responsibilities such as damage control.

“It’s all about shaping us together as one team.”

Commanding Officer Perth Commander Benjamin Dalton praised the flight and his ship’s company for how quickly they merged.

“As soon as our flight joined Perth in Darwin, we started our force integration training program,” Commander Dalton said.

“The ship is used to having a flight embarked, so the crew quickly adapted, getting re-qualified where needed and building positive working relationships.

“Perth and Flight 802 now being one seamless unit, ready for the mission ahead of us.”

Perth’s regional presence deployment throughout south-east Asia will include goodwill port visits and community engagements ashore in several countries as well as cooperative training activities at sea.

Regional presence deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment to the region and play a vital role in enhancing cooperation with regional partners and allies in responding to shared maritime security challenges.

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