HMAS Albatross based helicopters' big roles in the South Coast bushfire emergency

A number of MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopters from 808 Squadron at the Nowra base have been part of the emergency situation.

In fact, many of the aircraft and crews have been part of the emergency response to Australia's bushfire crisis since November also working on the mid and north coasts of NSW.

The crews have undertaken a variety of roles in Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20 including delivering supplies, medical assistance, evacuations and providing support services to fire-affected communities.

Local helicopters have been tasked onboard HMAS Choules and the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks HMAS Adelaide III, particularly helping around the Malacoota and Eden areas.

Choules' embarked MRH-90 has transported essential supplies and support personnel into cut-off and fire-affected communities, evacuated families to safer places, airlifted patients needing expert medical care - supported by Navy's Aeromedical Evacuation Team, and other tasks supporting the various emergency services agencies they are working with.

One of the capabilities the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks can contribute to a disaster relief mission is the ability to deliver life-sustaining stores by sea or by air to communities cut off from normal supply routes with the ship's helicopters also playing vital roles.