Members of the squadron gathered in the 816 hangar to hear Commanding Officer Chris Smallhorn speak of the history of the squadron, and look to the future.

The eldest and youngest members of the squadron were invited to cut the anniversary cake, the honour going to Seaman Jonathan Wilson, 19, and Warrant Officer Max Poole, 63.

CO Smallhorn has held the reins of 816 for nine months and said it was a significant milestone for a squadron to celebrate 60 years.

He said the event was an opportunity to reflect on the strong history and encourage the current members of the squadron to embrace its success.

Earlier this month the squadron reached another milestone, with the Seahawk helicopters having flown 60,000 hours.

“Sixty-thousand flying hours in the Seahawks without the loss of an aircraft is remarkable,” CO Smallhorn said.

For Warrant Officer Max Poole, the oldest member of the squadron who continues to pilot the Seahawks, the milestone was particularly poignant.

“I joined the Navy in 1960 and have been flying at Albatross since 1967,” he said.

“It’s amazing because the life expectancy in a flying career is not as long as mine has been.

“But I am still here and I am still flying. To still be flying at 63 in a front line squadron amazes me.

“The Navy has changed over the years, but some things don’t change.

“In this squadron we are doing the best we can with what we’ve got and we’re achieving results.”