817 Squadron was a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron. It was originally formed as part of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm for service during World War II and took part in combat operations in Norway, North Africa, Sicily and off the coast of France. Following the conclusion of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded in 1945. In 1950, it was re-raised as part of the Royal Australian Navy and subsequently took part in the Korean War. Recent deployments have included Operation Falconer, Operation Slipper and Operation Sumatra Assist. In December 2011, the squadron was disbanded.
817 Squadron Sea Kings on board HMAS Melbourne in 1980
An 817 Squadron Sea King during an exercise in 2007
Shark 07, 21 and 22 Sea Kings on their final mission, 15 December 2011. Turning over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory to track along Anzac Parade and over the Australian War Memorial before returning to Nowra for decommissioning.
The Fleet Air Arm (FAA), known formerly as the Australian Navy Aviation Group, is the division of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) responsible for the operation of aircraft. The FAA was founded in 1947 following the purchase of two aircraft carriers from the Royal Navy. FAA personnel fought in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and participated in later conflicts and operations from host warships.
A Hawker Sea Fury on the flight deck of the carrier HMAS Sydney, during the ship's 1949 flight trials
RAN Gannet aboard USS Philippine Sea
A Sea King hovering above the flight deck of HMAS Tobruk in 2008, prior to a Helicopter in Flight Refuel exercise
The MH-60R Seahawk, operated by 816 Squadron, is the most numerous aircraft in the RAN inventory
