Image Gallery: March 2006
Army Aviation troops bound for Afghanistan
13 March 2006
More than one hundred members of the Australian
Army 5th Aviation Regiment were farewelled on
13 March 2006 by the Minister for Defence, Dr
Brendan Nelson MP, and the Chief of Army, Lieutenant
General Peter Leahy, as the soldiers prepared
to leave for Afghanistan.
The soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan as part
of Australia’s ongoing commitment to the international
coalition against terrorism.
The soldiers will be responsible for the operation
of two Australian Army Chinook Helicopters that
are being sent to the Middle East.
The Chinooks and their crews will provide air
mobility support to the Australian Special Forces
Task Group operating in Afghanistan.
The Defence personnel and their helicopters
that are based in Townsville, will be utilised
in the movement of troops, equipment and aero-medical
evacuation.
The helicopters have gone through extensive
upgrades including enhanced Electronic Warfare
Self Protection equipment, crew and passenger
protection and advanced communication capabilities.
| 20060226adf8134085_006 The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, gets to know Private Paul Smith and wife Elizabeth while son Corbin plays. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_008 The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, with Signaller Shannon Vienna, Shannon's mum Vicki , wife Briddie, and daughter Sophie at the 5th Aviation Regiment's Pegasus Club following the formal farewell ceremony. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_013 Invited VIPs at the farewell ceremony. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_016 The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, addresses the members of the 5th Aviation Regiment and their families. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_022 The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, addresses members and their families. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_030 Craftsman Damien Bennetto cradles baby Caitlyn, with wife Amanda Stone and daughter Kayla during the farewell ceremony. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_037 Corporal Brett Mesken with his son Aidan during the farewell ceremony. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20060226adf8134085_045 The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, arrives for the 5th Aviation Regiment farewell ceremony. (Date taken: 26 February 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
