The Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R Romeo helicopter has had another
system added to its arsenal, with the commencement of dipping operations
off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida on 13 May. After five months
of flying operations from Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, NUSQN
725 received its first Airborne Low Frequency Sonar System (ALFS) and
with the complex process of installation, calibration and test flying
behind them, the team eagerly put the ALFS through its paces in the
local exercise areas. |
The system consists of
a number of moving parts and processing equipment, including a transducer
(commonly referred to as the dome) which is lowered (dipped) into
the water. A reeling machine which houses the lengthy cable is also
installed in the cabin with raising and lowering functions which are
operated by the Sensor Operator.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Chief Petty
Officer Aircrewman Nathan Minett after completing the first ‘dipping’
sortie. “This is one of the primary roles of the aircraft and
it’s great to see the system operating as advertised,”
he added.
Also in the crew was Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Todd
Glynn, who spoke of the return of this warfare capability to the Fleet
Air Arm.
“I was lucky enough to be part of 817 Squadron when they had
a dipping capability and it’s incredible to see how the systems
have developed over the years,” Lieutenant Commander Glynn said.
“This system, in concert with others, will give the Romeo a
tactical anti-submarine advantage and I look forward to seeing it
doing the business for the Fleet,” he said.
The Commanding Officer of NUSQN 725, Commander David Frost said that
the delivery of the first ALFS has capped off an incredible array
of weapons and sensors in the MH-60R, the likes of which the Fleet
Air Arm, and the wider Navy, have not seen before.
“This aircraft packs an incredible punch and we can’t
wait to bring it back home and pass on our new found knowledge. Every
day we’re reminded of the level of technology and war fighting
capability designed into the Romeo, and I’m incredibly impressed
with the way our men and women have not only soaked it all in, but
go that extra mile every day,” Commander Frost said.
The Squadron has now turned its attention to building on the knowledge
taught in the United States Navy training system, while maturing their
warfare skills in preparation for deploying to a weapons range later
in the year.
NUSQN 725 will commence a phased return to its home base at HMAS Albatross
from October this year, with current plans having all members of the
squadron and support personnel back on deck before to Christmas.
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