Old friend returns to HMAS Albatross
The return of an MRH-90 helicopter to HMAS Albatross brought together former aircrew, maintainers and personnel who played a role in the aircraft's operational service.
The occasion held particular significance for five personnel, including the current CO of Albatross, who took part in the original MRH-90 training program in France in 2007.
The group gathered once again to witness the aircraft's arrival at the former 808SQN facility, now occupied by 822SQNF.
“I was there at the beginning in 2007, and I was also there as we farewelled the last of Navy's MRH-90 aircraft on 22 June, 2022, as Commanding Officer of 808 Squadron,” said CO Albatross CAPT Paul Hannigan.
“That departure occurred without pomp or ceremony and marked the end of an era. Today is particularly poignant for me and for the former 808 Squadron personnel present as we bring the MRH-90 home.”
The aircraft represents a significant chapter in Navy aviation history.
During its service with 808SQN, the MRH-90 conducted embarked operations and supported humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts across Australia and throughout the region, including during the 2019-20 bushfire emergency.
Its return to Albatross was particularly meaningful for those who flew and maintained the aircraft.
“The many humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations conducted by 808 Squadron MRH-90s, both at home and in our region, created a strong connection between our people, the aircraft and the communities they supported. I have no doubt that former 808 Squadron personnel share the pride and satisfaction I feel in bringing the MRH-90 home,” CAPT Hannigan said.
The aircraft's relocation required extensive planning and coordination, supported by specialised equipment and significant logistical effort to ensure it could be safely transported. Personnel from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Aviation Wing provided vital support in transporting the aircraft, rotor blades and associated equipment.
“During the unprecedented 2019-20 bushfire season, a strong bond was formed between 808 Squadron and the NSW RFS Aviation Wing as we worked together in support of local communities. It was through that relationship that the NSW RFS Aviation Wing generously offered to transport the MRH-90 from the Army Aviation Museum at Oakey to HMAS Albatross, and we are extremely grateful for their support,” CAPT Hannigan said.
A number of support items also had to be sourced or manufactured to enable the move. Four wooden transportation blocks were required to secure the aircraft during transit; however, only two remained following the MRH-90 disposal. The additional blocks were produced by a sawmill at Tomerong, south of Nowra. The Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU) manufactured several metal components needed to complete the transportation blocks. In addition, the last remaining MRH-90 towing arm was located and recovered from disposal holdings at RAAF Base Amberley.
'I was there at the beginning in 2007, and I was also there as we farewelled the last of Navy's MRH-90 aircraft on 22 June, 2022, as Commanding Officer of 808 Squadron.'
CPO Carl Stewart from the Fleet Air Arm Safety Cell said the aircraft had been prepared for transport several months earlier by former Army MRH-90 maintainers but there was still more to consider.
“Remaining challenges included sourcing missing transportation blocks, locating a towing arm, recovering transportation equipment from Wodonga and obtaining maintenance publications,” he said.
“Through the support of the Tomerong sawmill, AMAFTU and the NSW RFS Aviation Wing, all required equipment was delivered to Swartz Barracks, Oakey, in time for the move. The relocation to Albatross proceeded smoothly, with only a minor tooling issue during unloading that was quickly resolved. Obtaining maintenance publications also proved challenging because the documents had been withdrawn from service following the disposal of the MRH-90 fleet.
“After extensive enquiries, a copy was located and access was provided by the Army Aviation Systems Program Office. Mr Anthony Greber from Headquarters Fleet Air Arm subsequently downloaded and restored the electronic publication system for use by museum and maintenance personnel.”
Despite the extensive coordination required to relocate the aircraft, its arrival provided an opportunity for former personnel to reconnect with an important part of their professional aviation history.
The return of the MRH-90 brought together personnel from different generations of service, recognising the contributions of those who introduced, operated and sustained the capability throughout its time in Navy service.
“The dedication and professionalism of the men and women of 808 Squadron who operated and maintained the MRH-90 deserve recognition. That recognition was largely absent when the last of Navy's MRH-90 aircraft transferred to Army service in June 2022. Bringing an MRH-90 home to Albatross and the Fleet Air Arm Museum acknowledges their contribution, and I am proud to witness this moment,” CAPT Hannigan said.
The aircraft will now form part of the Fleet Air Arm Museum collection, preserving an important chapter in Australian naval aviation history for future generations.
“Displaying and curating an MRH-90 within the Fleet Air Arm Museum will preserve a significant element of Royal Australian Navy aviation heritage. I am particularly excited that a new exhibition is planned for 2027 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Fleet Air Arm,” CAPT Hannigan said.
See more photos here.
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