Old Glory finds a new home at 723 Squadron. The Minister assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale hands the US flag to the CO of 723 Squadron, LCDR Stuart Harwood. The flag used in the presentation had flown for one day above the US Capitol.

Five hundred personnel and one tiger participated in ceremonial divisions at HMAS Albatross recently.

The uniformed personnel and the 816 SQN mascot, a tiger cub, were accompanied by the Sydney area Naval Band and paraded in front of a large number of family and friends.

The reviewing officer for divisions was the Minister assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale while the Maritime Commander RADM Raydon Gates presented commendations to a number of personnel.

During the proceedings the Minister presented a United States flag to the CO of 723 Squadron LCDR Stuart Harwood.

This flag was presented to the Australian Government earlier this year by LTCOL Fred Dunaway, US Army (Retired), and is to be held in safe keeping by 723 SQN.

From October 1967 to June 1971 a detachment of personnel from 723 SQN was integrated with the 135th Assault

Helicopter Company. In 1967 it was converted to a unit consisting of American servicemen and personnel from the RAN, becoming known as the Experimental Military Unit (EMU).

The flag was flown over the United States Capitol Building in Washington DC on November 11, 2001 on behalf of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company.

The 135th wanted to honour the members of the RAN who gave their lives in Vietnam serving with the EMUs.

The flag is encased with the EMU Crest and a citation, and will now be held by 723 SQN until a permanent exhibit can be established.

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