Memorial receives Royal Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter

The last operational Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Seahawk “Bravo” helicopter, known as Seahawk 872, which was involved in the deadly USS Firebolt incident in 2004, was today donated to the Australian War Memorial.

Following a final flypast of the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House, Seahawk 872 landed at the EPIC Showgrounds before being handed over by the RAN in a brief ceremony.

Manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, this RAN combat helicopter spent 29 years undertaking maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine and search-and-rescue operations, and aerial insertion. It served with distinction in Operation Damask in the First Gulf War, Operations Relex and Resolute for border protection duties, and more recently Operations Slipper and Manitou in the Middle East.

On 24 April 2004, operating off HMAS Stuart in the Persian Gulf during Operation Catalyst, the Seahawk was involved in an incident in which terrorists in fishing dhows launched a series of attacks against Iraqi oil terminals. One of these, packed with explosives, detonated when a boat from the USS Firebolt drew alongside. Three American sailors were killed and four were seriously wounded in the explosion.

HMAS Stuart immediately rendered assistance, ordering Seahawk 872 to Firebolt’s position. On approach, then Leading Seaman Aircrewman Benjamin Sime saw that the American boat had capsized. Following several unsuccessful attempts to rescue survivors, Sime entered the water to provide assistance. Moments later, two further attacks were launched against the oil terminals. Sime continued to assist the American sailors throughout the unfolding action. In recognition of his bravery he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry.

Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson thanked Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett for allowing the aircraft to be transferred to the Memorial, where its story can be shared with all Australians as part of a new display planned for Anzac Hall.

“To be able to display an object with such a unique story and provenance is an honour. The operational history of the ‘Bravo’ is one of immense pride and courage and we look forward to being able to interpret that for generations of Australians,” Dr Nelson said.

In January 1988 Seahawk 872 was one of the first of its type to arrive in Australia. It arrived as a kit and was assembled by Hawker de Havilland, and was the last “Bravo” Model Seahawk to be accepted by the Royal Australian Navy, on 11 September 1991.

Between 15 and 25 January 2003 the aircraft carried out daily runs to Canberra to help with the bushfires, operating out of the Uriarra Base which was later destroyed in the blaze.

Seahawk 872 will be towed to the Memorial’s Treloar Technology Centre in Mitchell, where it will be prepared for the upcoming display in Anzac Hall.