Login
iscover
The crew of Sea King Helicopter ‘Shark 02’ – which crashed on a humanitarian support mission in Nias, Indonesia, on 2 April 2005 – have been commemorated in a service at Navy’s Fleet Air Arm headquarters. The crash took the lives of nine Australian Defence Force personnel and injured two others on board.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
In the close-knit world of Naval Aviation, 2 April is a sombre day for many personnel, as they remember and reflect on the loss of nine ADF personnel who died in the ‘Shark 02’ crash.
Among those who died were Lieutenants Paul Kimlin, Jonathan King and Mathew Goodall, and Leading Seaman Aircrewman Scott Bennet, all aircrew from 817 Squadron at HMAS Albatross.
A service is usually held on this day at a memorial located outside the Albatross Chapel. The memorial’s location in the home of Navy’s Fleet Air Arm serves as a tangible reminder of Navy’s history of service and sacrifice.
The memorial also has an enduring connection with the Shark 02 families who were involved in every stage from design to construction, when the memorial was refurbished and re-dedicated in 2014.
Due to current physical distancing requirements, personnel and family were unable to gather for the service this year, however Chaplain Steve Estherby conducted a private memorial ceremony, which has been uploaded to social media platforms.
“This year is the 15th anniversary of this tragedy and while I deeply regret that we were not able to conduct a public memorial service, I’m pleased we found a way to mark this important event and remember those who died and their loved ones are important to the wider Navy family,” Chaplain Estherby said.
In a sombre and solitary moment, which reflected a wider loss still keenly felt by many personnel, HMAS Albatross’ Executive Officer Commander Nigel Rowan placed a wreath at the memorial on behalf of all those who could not be there.
“This is a place of profound memories,” CMDR Rowan said.
“Many still carry the loss of their friends and colleagues in their hearts and minds.
“While we were unable to assemble as a group to share that loss, I know many others will also be thinking of them today.”
Chaplain Estherby concluded his address by saying, “We remember them so that we do not forget what they have shown us. Faithful service and sacrifice for others. We need their example in the midst of the current crisis and we stand on their shoulders.”
The Royal Australian Navy remembers all nine members of the Australian Defence Force who lost their lives in the Shark 02 helicopter incident. They were:
-
Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy
- Lieutenant Matthew Davey
-
Lieutenant Jonathan King
-
Lieutenant Paul Kimlin
-
Lieutenant Matthew Goodall
-
Flight Lieutenant Lynne Rowbottom
-
Petty Officer Stephen Slattery
-
Sergeant Wendy Jones
-
Leading Seaman Scott Bennet
