A former front line fighter from the Royal Australian Navy goes on permanent  display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra today.

The R.A.N operated 20 U.S. built Skyhawks from 1967 until the early 80's,  flying them from HMAS Albatross and the deck of the carrier HMAS Melbourne.

When the aircraft were withdrawn 10 were sold to New Zealand, as the government promised the R.A.A.F would take over the navy " fleet protection "  role.

However it was soon released the Air Force was not only hard pressed to carry out the task, but the use of F-18's and F-111's was extremely expensive.

In a move which saw the then government being highly ridiculed, Canberra  decided to hire six Kiwi Skyhawks, including some of the former Australian aircraft, and fly them from Nowra.

The hire arrangement continued until 2001 when the New Zealand Defence Department decided to exit fast military  jet operations.

One of the former R.A.N aircraft was handed over to the museum earlier this year and after being restored to its old Australian colours, will be unveiled this morning.