Moving 5AVN style

By Leut Adam Grover

A Blackhawk approaches HMAS Manoora's flight deck during Ex Sea Eagle. Photo by AB Kel Hockey

MOVING a company of soldiers over a hostile air and sea space and getting them to the right part of the battlefield on time, every time, is de rigueur for members of the 5 Avn Regt.

The regiment’s contributions to Ex Sea Eagle were an integral part of the success of the exercise. Operating highly complex S-70 Blackhawks at sea is not a simple task.

Cpl David Johnston, an aircraft technician, said the helicopters are a challenge to maintain well in a maritime environment.

“We work hard to make sure that there is a high level of aircraft serviceability,” he said.

Being ready for anything is a core component of being an Army aviator and is a major source of job satisfaction. He said at times they acted like cattle trucks, however, they did significant jobs.

“Last year we carried the Prime Minster in East Timor and there is an autographed t-shirt, signed by Mr Howard back in our mess in Townsville.”

Cpl Johnston said that members of the Regiment were getting used to spending a lot of time away from home at the moment.

“There is by necessity a high level of work and this means that we only come together as a whole regiment once a year, if that.

The up-side to this is that we get stronger and more capable with each day on exercises such as Sea Eagle.”