Five of last six Sikorsky SH-3s in RAN service arrive back at Nowra on December 15, 2011, following the farewell flight over various locations in NewSouthWales and Australian Capital Territory.AFTER 38 YEARS’ service the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King was retired from Royal Australian Navy (RAN) service on December 16, 2011, at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales. On the previous day, three of 817 Sqn’s last six Sea Kings made a final flight over Sydney Harbour and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

One Sea King, N16-118, has gone to the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra for preservation. Replacing the Sea King is the NH Industries MRH 90 (Multi-role Helicopter). The Maritime Support Helicopter Squadron will have six of the type, which was developed by France/ Germany/Italy/Holland for NATO use, the first NH 90 prototype making its maiden flight in December 1995.

They will be operated from Canberra-class Amphibious Assault ships and shore bases. Having provided the RAN with its maritime support helicopter capability since July 1963, 817 Naval Air Squadron was also disbanded in December. The Australian Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said: “I’d like to thank the men and women of the 817 Sqn past and present, who have served with distinction. They were there for the 1994 bush fires, the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the 2001 North New South Wales floods, and just this year [2011], the South East Queensland flood relief.”