OPSTAR participate in Navy ‘Crashex’
An OPSTAR specialist Aviation Search and Rescue team recently participated in HMAS Albatross’s crash exercise, known as ‘Crashex’. Designed to test the skills of responders in challenging scenarios, the exercise simulated a helicopter crash in difficult terrain approximately 5km outside the airfield.
The exercise involved approximately 50 people from across the Navy, Emergency Services and Department of Defence contracted companies, testing a range of hard and soft skills including teamwork, leadership, and communication. HMAS Albatross Air Commander Rick Neville said that the exercise “demonstrated best practice from the contractors, and effective support from others involved.”
OPSTAR Managing Director John Giffard praised the professionalism of all personnel involved in the exercise, adding that “OPSTAR works in an integrated environment where interagency co-operation is essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes.”
He concluded saying, “The level of success achieved during the Crashex demonstrate the way in which civilian and military organisations who respond to aircraft incidents at HMAS Albatross work together every day to ensure they are ready.”
OPSTAR has been contracted to the Department of Defence to provide Search and Rescue for the Aviation Operations of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm at HMAS Albatross near Nowra, New South Wales since 2016.
Media Contact
N: John Giffard
T: Managing Director
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