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www.navy.gov.au/faam

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AN INVITATION

The Royal Australian Navy invites you, your family and friendsto visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS ALBATROSS Nowra.Explore and experience the story of Naval Aviation from itsbeginnings to the present day.

A CHANGING MUSEUM

During 2007 the Museum was rededicated as a unit ofthe Naval Heritage Collection and an entirely new exhibitionentitled Wings Over Water was opened to the public.

Museum displays now depict the various eras of NavalAviation commencing with biplanes operating from Australian

cruisers in World War I, progressing though World War II, thefoundation of the Fleet Air Arm, the Vietnam War HelicopterFlight and up to the current ship-borne helicopters thatnow operate with the Fleet.

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THE FLEET AIR ARM

MUSEUMThe Museum consists of a large main facility, based onthe design of an aircraft hangar, located within the heritageprecinct at the entrance to HMAS ALBATROSS. As well

galleries, there is also a museum souvenir and gift shop toensure our visitors enjoy and remember their stay.

The Aviation Collection is a world standard exhibition.Over 25 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, some nowvery rare, are displayed alongside a wide range of uniquenaval aviation related artefacts. These include piston and

jet engines, aircraft ordnance and relics from the days of

operating from the flight decks of aircraft carriers at sea.

as the main aircraft exhibition gallery and supporting

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A HISTORY OF

THE FLEET AIR ARMAviation in Navy began in World War 1 with RAN shipsinvolved in the first experiments of using aircraft at sea.Navys first dedicated aviation ship was the seaplane carrierHMAS ALBATROSS that was built in 1929 and operated

amphibian aircraft of the RAAF.The formation of the Fleet Air Arm was approved in 1947and by the end of 1948 HMAS SYDNEY and her aircraftsquadrons were commissioned along with the Naval AirStation HMAS ALBATROSS at Nowra. SYDNEYs squadrons,flying Sea Fury fighters and Firefly ground attack aircraft,served with great distinction during the Korean War.

The 1955 commissioning of HMAS MELBOURNE saw Navyenter the jet age. MELBOURNEs first Air Wing includedSea Venom fighters, Gannet ASW aircraft and Sycamore

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helicopters whilst her second generation Air Wing consistedof Wessex helicopters, Skyhawk jet fighters, Tracker ASWaircraft and Sea King ASW helicopters. These aircraftprovided Navy with a strike and anti-submarine capability

not previously available. During the Vietnam War the FleetAir Arm operated the RAN Helicopter Flight-Vietnam whichsupported Australian and allied ground forces.

With the decommissioning of MELBOURNE in 1982 andcessation of fixed wing flying in 1984, the Fleet Air Armcontinued to provide naval aviation combat power with

rotary wing aircraft. Flights of Squirrels, Sea Kings andSeahawks were involved in the 1991 Gulf War, East Timorand Iraq. Today wherever Navy is so are the aircraft andthe professionals who form the Fleet Air Arm.

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WINGS OVER WATER

The Wings Over Water exhibition tells the story of Naval Aviationin Australia, with aircraft from the 20th Century, ranging froma World War 1 Sopwith Pup to a A4 Skyhawk jet fighter. Theexhibition also includes examples of allied and foreign aircraft,like the MiG-17 fighter. Showcases and audio-visual displays addto the stories of these aircraft and those who flew and fixed them.

Individual displays include the US 135th Assault HelicopterCompany that incorporated the RAN Helicopter FlightVietnam;there is a special exhibit on Admiral Sir Victor Smith and adisplay of airborne weapons. The Museums Flight Simulatorprovides a virtual experience, for all ages, on what it is likein the pilots seat.

Through the exhibition and its interactive features, visitors canlearn not just about Naval aircraft and hardware, but they can seeand hear the stories of the men and women who have served theNavy and Australia in the Fleet Air Arm.

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AIR SHOWS

The Fleet Air Arm Museum sponsors Air Days at least oncea year. A variety of heritage and Warbird aircraft and currentoperational aircraft from Navy, Army and Air Force usuallyattend, together with visiting aircraft from other privatecollections and museums.

The RAN Historic Flight is also based at HMAS ALBATROSSand as well as displaying their aircraft on Museum Air Days,visitors may frequently see them undertaking routine trainingand display practices at the Naval Air Station.

A Fleet Air Arm Museum Air Day provides our visitors with aunique opportunity to get a sensory overload from some ofthe most famous heritage and modern aircraft available for

viewing in Australia. Look out for the Air Day dates or contactthe Museum by phone, e-mail or the web site.

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LOCATION

The Fleet Air Arm Museum islocated 8 kms south of Nowraat HMAS ALBATROSS onAlbatross Road.

From Sydney turn right fromthe Princes Highway in Nowra

at Kalandar St, then straightthrough the round-a-bouton to Albatross Road.

From Batemans Bay turn leftfrom the Princes Highway atBTU Rd.

ADMISSION

Adults: $10

Children under 18: FREE

Serving Defence membersand APS Defence personnel:FREE (on presentation of a

valid ID card)

OPERATING HOURS

The Fleet Air Arm Museum isopen 10am - 4pm daily exceptNew Years Day, Good Friday,

Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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CONTACT USManager , Fleet Air Arm MuseumPO Box 7015

Nowra Naval NSW 2540Telephone: (02) 4424 1920Facsimile: (02) 4424 1999

Winner South CoastTourism Awards 2008