Royal Australian Navy MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter crew Successfully launches first Mk 54 torpedo

: Posted On Friday, 18 July 2014 10:32

Naval Forces News - Australia

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter crew Successfully launches first Mk 54 torpedo

Aircrew from Royal Australian Navy NUSQN 725 continue to build warfare skills in the MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter, taking full advantage of their US based operations and deploying to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre (AUTEC) in order to complete weapon firings and complex warfare training events.

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R 'Romeo' helicoper loaded with two Mk 54 torpedoes
during firing trials in Florida, USA. Picture: RAN

Four Royal Australian Navy crews completed the intensive Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program (HARP) alongside their US Navy counterparts as part of the qualification process, whilst the maintenance teams finalised their training in weapons loading prior to deploying to AUTEC. Speaking about the deployment, Commanding Officer of NUSQN 725, Commander David Frost, said the activity is the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of the Defence Material Organisation Phase 8 Project Team and the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm.

“Although the main objective is to build warfare skills, it also signals a new era for the Fleet Air Arm, demonstrating the capability of this potent maritime combat helicopter.”
The HARP program covers all areas of MH-60R tactical flying, including advanced ground school training addressing aircraft employment, sensor utilisation, crew served weapons, surface and subsurface weapon employment and applied tactics.

It also includes intensive simulator events in the areas of Anti Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface Warfare.

Sensor Operator Leading Seaman Tom Clunie found the training invaluable, and a great way to round off his Operational Flying Training at HSM 40.

“The HARP training program has rapidly expanded my knowledge and capability within the MH-60R,” Leading Seaman Clunie said.

The training was provided by staff of the US Navy Weapons School located at Naval Station Mayport, and was effectively an applied Mission Readiness Evaluation for aviation assets.

HARP training is a pre-requisite for all US Navy crews prior to commencing a deployment, assuring the requisite level of capability in the specialised areas of warfare the MH-60R aircrew will be expected to operate in.