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| Australia's 1st MH-60R undergoing testing in the USA |
Construction of facilities for the new Seahawk Romeo Helicopters has commenced at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW.
The Hon Darren Chester MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, turned the first sod at a ceremony today to welcome the commencement of building works.
“This is the culmination of three years of planning by the Department of Defence to build new facilities required to support the training of MH-60R crew and maintenance staff, and to support operations and maintenance of the Seahawk Helicopters in their home port of Nowra,” Mr Chester said.
Defence is investing $189 million into facilities at HMAS Albatross, HMAS Stirling, WA, and Two Fold Bay, NSW, with $138 million in capital costs being invested at HMAS Albatross.
The capital investment from these projects will have economic benefits in and around the Nowra region, with significant opportunities for local industry during the construction period.
All works at HMAS Albatross are planned to be completed in time for delivery of the first of the Seahawk Romeo helicopters due in late 2014.