Loading Hellfire missiles, torpedoes and countermeasures is the most exciting part of Leading Seaman Isaac Hayes’ job.
The aviation technician specialises in maintaining the electrical systems of MH-60R Romeo Seahawk aircraft at Navy’s 808 Squadron.
“In my opinion it’s one of the best jobs in the Navy. Helicopters are a hugely valuable asset and crucial to a mission,” Leading Seaman Hayes said.
“Aviation maintenance is taken very seriously. I feel like I’m doing really useful and important work – without us they can’t get up, they can’t fly.”
Leading Seaman Hayes works in a flight team of 19 maintainers and aircrew and said a typical day varies according to the mission and aircraft maintenance cycles.
“For a day of flying there is daily pre-flight maintenance inspections, we assist with all movements to get the aircraft out on the flightline and then all checks involved with launching it,” he said.
“Once the aircraft lands, there’s post-flying maintenance and further inspections as well as rectifying any faults that have come up throughout the flying evolution.
“You can find yourself doing some pretty in-depth trouble shooting that can be technically difficult but it’s very satisfying and rewarding when you solve the problem.”
His role as a technician has also taken him into the Indo-Pacific aboard HMAS Anzac during Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) 2022, visiting India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.
Leading Seaman Hayes said there was plenty of opportunity to travel as helicopters were regularly embarked on ships.
Originally from Cessnock in NSW’s Hunter Valley, Leading Seaman Hayes was encouraged to follow in the footsteps of his cousins and join Navy after finishing school.
When not serving his country on the high seas, Leading Seaman Hayes said Nowra was a great place to make a life, being close to the beach and only a 10-minute drive to the base, HMAS Albatross, each day.
“I love beach fishing, mostly for salmon and tailor, so living on the coast suits me,” he said.
“All of my mates that I socialise with are pretty much all work friends. It just goes to show that my closest friends, I’ve found through the Navy.”
Members interested in information on a career within the Naval aviation workforce can contact their local workforce manager, while non-ADF can go to Navy Jobs.
