817 Squadron RAN

The Squadron reformed in 1943 with Fairey Barracuda aircraft and carried out operations in Sumatra and the Nicobar area before disbanding in 1945.

The Squadron embarked on HMAS Sydney and served with distinction during the Korean War, operating the Fairey Firefly Mk5.

The Squadron disbanded and reformed with Fairey Gannets in 1955, operating from HMAS Melbourne and conducting Fleet ASW support and training until 1958.

817 Squadron reformed in 1963 to conduct ASW, Fleet Utility support and training, equipped with Westland Wessex HAS.31A helicopters.

The Squadron also has maintained one aircraft and crew at Christmas Island for various periods to provide a surveillance capability in defence of Australia's northern borders.

Deficiencies in maintenance practices, training, support and logistics operations within the Navy were also identified as contributing factors.

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.