AN ESSAY ON

723 SQN, HMAS ALBATROSS

By Midshipman K.S. Penman

INTRODUCTION

1. HMAS Albatross based in Nowra, NSW, is the largest operational Naval establishment and retains the title of the only Naval Air Station. It is home to three Naval air operational squadrons, 723 Squadron (SQN), 808 SQN and 816 SQN. These squadrons collectively provide The Fleet with air support in times of conflict and humanitarian aid. Albatross is also home to the Fleet Air Museum, formerly named as Australia’s Museum of Flight. 2. This report will briefly examine one of the three operational squadrons currently based at HMAS Albatross, 723 SQN. More specifically the history of the squadron, the aircraft that were once stationed there pertaining to a specific period and the purpose the squadron currently provides to the Fleet's Air Arm.

AIRCRAFT AND SQUADRON HISTORY

3. The origin of the squadron was formed in England as a Royal Navy Squadron on the 21st November 1944. It was one month later where the squadron embarked for passage to Australia. On the 28th February …show more content…
The 11th of March 1953 signified the integration of rotary-wing aircraft into the RAN. The three Bristol Sycamore HR 50 helicopters were the foundation of what will be the future of the Fleet Air Arm for decades to come. With this new capability, the squadron’s responsibilities expanded to include a more extensive search and rescue training, rotary wing training, communication duties and overall fleet support. The Sycamore was an excellent introductory rotary-wing aircraft, with its versatility and efficiency, the aircraft stood all above else. The most significant of circumstances was the major floods in country New South Wales (NSW) 1955, the Sycamore took part in effective flood rescue operations within the towns of Maitland, Dubbo and Narrabri. The aircraft also took accommodation on the aircraft carriers HMAS Sydney, HMAS Vengeance and HMAS Melbourne, providing the Fleet with substantial air power whilst at