On successful completion of rotary conversion, students will then conduct Operational Flying Training (OFT) on either 816 Squadron (Seahawk) or 817 Squadron (Sea King). Upon successful completion of BOC, students will then proceed to 723 Squadron HMAS Albatross (Nowra, NSW) to conduct rotary conversion on AS350B Squirrel helicopters for approximately 12 months. Officers undertaking Observer training can expect to be posted to RAAF East Sale for Basic Observer Course (BOC) for 39 weeks utilising King Air aircraft. The length of OFT is dependant on aircraft type, ranging between 9-12 months. On successful completion of rotary conversion, students will then conduct Operational Flying Training (OFT) on either 816 Squadron (Seahawk), or 817 Squadron (Sea King).

Successful graduates will then proceed to 723 Squadron HMAS Albatross (Nowra NSW) to conduct rotary conversion on AS350B Squirrel helicopters for approximately 12 months. On completion of BFTS, graduates will proceed to 2FTS (RAAF Pearce, Bullsbrook WA) to continue training for 170 working days utilising PC9 trainers. Officers undertaking Pilot training can expect to be posted to Tamworth NSW to undertake Basic Flying Training (BFTS) for 120 working days utilising CT4 trainers. Officers who have completed their initial (NEOC) training at HMAS Creswell and posted to HMAS Albatross can expect to undertake training as follows: Read more about HMAS AlbatrossвЂ™ History Training In recent years significant redevelopment has taken place, continuing the operation of HMAS Albatross and recognising its strategic importance as the sole Royal Australian Navy Air Station.

The helicopters now based at HMAS Albatross have restored to the RAN much of the anti-submarine capability lost when the Tracker squadron was disbanded in 1983. McDonnell Douglas Skyhawks and Grumman Trackers were chosen and additional avionics facilities were built to service the complex equipment they carried. In 1965, it was decided to buy American aircraft to replace the ageing British Gannets and Sea Venoms. In 1964 the introduction of Wessex helicopters, with a dunking sonar capability, required a further expansion of services. More aircraft necessitated stricter standards of air traffic control and a new control tower was built in 1958.

In 1955, Sea Venoms and Gannets arrived, requiring radar workshops and test facilities. As more capable aircraft have been acquired, so ground support facilities have had to be built. HMAS Albatross has been expanding ever since. In November 1950, they were joined by the Carrier Air Group of 808 and 817 Squadrons, also flying Sea Furies and Fireflies. These aircraft, operated by 805 and 816 Squadrons, disembarked to Nowra in May 1949. HMAS Albatross was commissioned in August 1948 and the 20th Carrier Air Group, comprising Sea Fury and Firefly aircraft, was brought from England to Australia by HMAS Sydney (III). The carriers were named HMA Ships Sydney (III) and Melbourne (II), and the shore facilities were at Nowra. The initial planning included purchase of two aircraft carriers, aircraft and establishment of shore facilities. In July 1947, the Commonwealth Defence Council approved the formation of a Fleet Air Arm which would be controlled and operated by the RAN. In March 1946, the base reverted to RAAF control вЂњto be retained but not maintainedвЂќ. The Royal NavyвЂ™s Fleet Air Arm began operations at Nowra in late October 1944, and the base was renamed HMS Nabbington. RAAF Base Nowra was considered ideal because of its proximity to Jervis Bay, which was large enough to accommodate the entire British Pacific Fleet. In 1944, the British Admiralty directed forces to the South-West Pacific necessitating shore base establishments in Australia to support the Royal Navy and its Fleet Air Arm. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) occupied the new base on and was soon followed by the US Army Air Corps and the Royal Netherlands East Indies Air Force. The decision to build an airfield on the land now occupied by the Naval Air Station was taken soon after WWII was declared in 1939.

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