Image Gallery: August 2009
31 August 2009
Missing Australian servicemen welcomed home
The last Australian servicemen missing from the Vietnam war were welcomed home today (31 AUG 09) at RAAF Base Richmond.
Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver failed to return from a routine bombing mission on 3 November 1970.
They were recovered in thick jungle in an extremely rugged, remote and sparsely populated area of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, near the Laotian border.
The two airmen were returned aboard a C130H Hercules and welcomed during a ramp ceremony.
RAAF airmen from the Federation Guard formed an honour guard while the bearer party from 2 Sqn carried the remains of their comrades from the Hercules to waiting biers.
Speaking before assembled family, veterans and dignitaries, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Mr Greg Combet said the repatriation was “the end of an era.”
“Australia can close this chapter of its history,” Mr Combet said.
“We honour all of those who served in Vietnam and sincerely thank them for their service.”
Dignitaries attending the ceremony also included Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Dr Mike Kelly and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin.
During their last mission Flying Officer Herbert and Pilot Officer Carver flew aboard callsign Magpie 91.
A team of defence specialists completed excavating the crash site on Tuesday 21 July 09.
The successful repatriation was the result of cooperation between Vietnamese authorities and the Australian government.
20090831raaf8165908_0070
Chaplain Gary Whelband leads the bearer parties carrying the caskets of returned servicemen Flying Officer Michael Patrick John Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Charles Carver.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8165908_0074
Chaplain Gary Whelband leads the bearer party carrying the casket of returned serviceman Pilot Officer Robert Charles Carver.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8165908_0133
Leading Aircraftman Sean Rankin, Air Force Band, plays the last post over the casket of Flying Officer Michael Patrick John Herbert during the repatriation ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8165908_0173
The crowd pays its respect as the two caskets are carried to the waiting hearses.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8178707_0123
The bearer party carrying the casket of returned serviceman Pilot Officer Robert Charles Carver past the Canberra Bomber.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8178707_0156
The hearses carrying the caskets of Flying Officer Michael Patrick John Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Charles Carver travel through an Honour Guard of Vietnam Veterans and serving members.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8182062_0183
Leading Aircraftman Sean Rankin, Air Force Band, plays the last post over the casket of Flying Officer Michael Patrick John Herbert during the repatriation ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8194170_0034
Chaplain Gary Whelband leads the Bearer Party out from the Honour Guard.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8194170_0047
Chaplain Gary Whelband leads the Bearer Parties towards the biers.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8194170_0082
The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, the Honourable Greg Combet AM MP, addresses the Repatriation Parade for Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8194170_0118
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, AM, addresses the Repatriation Parade for Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8194170_0173
Pilot Officer Robert Carver's remains are carried by the Bearer Party to a waiting hearse.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
20090831raaf8540638_0087
Members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club attend the Repatriation Ceremony for Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver.
(Date taken: 31 August 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
