By 13 April 2017
RAN Seahawk S-70B-2, serial N24-011 “Skeletor” (photo : Simon Coates)
AFTER more than 6200 airframe hours and more than 28 years of service the Royal Australian Navy, Seahawk S-70B-2, serial N24-011 “Skeletor”, has flown its last operation.
Navy took the opportunity to retire the anti-submarine helicopter from 816 Squadron at HMAS Albatross, during HMAS Arunta’s recent inter maintenance activity undertaken in Bahrain while deployed on Operation Manitou.
The helicopter’s last flight was into Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East region where it was dismantled and prepared for transporting back to Australia.
A Seahawk MH-60R helicopter, often referred to as the Romeo model, will soon arrive in the area allowing Arunta to maintain its extended surveillance and interception capability as it patrols with the multinational Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East.
Operation Manitou is the current name for the Australian Government’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.
(SouthCoastRegister)
