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News
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5
Avn Regt Chinook lifts a UniMog during the 16 Bde air mobile
exercise in Townsville.
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Photo
by Cpl Neil Ruskin, 1JPAU
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Air
display remarkable
All
Army aviators back home in Australia
TOWNSVILLE skies were recently filled with 16 Bde putting on an
impressive air-mobile operation display, using lift-helicopter variants.
With constant overseas operational commitments that extend back
to 1998, it has only been in the past few months that all the Army’s
aviators have been able, to once again, call Australia home.
So after some well-earned rest, Army aviation reconstituted and
began training once again, with the recent activity the finale.
Pleased to see the brigade back on home soil, 16 Bde commander,
Brig Tony Fraser, and Brigade RSM, WO1 Titch Preston, were on hand
to observe the troops as they skilfully undertook the task of transporting
two companies of 1RAR combat ready troops.
After picking them up at Lavarack Barracks, aviators transported
the troops to High Range Training Area, where the Kiowas of 162
Recce Sqn were busy path finding, securing the LZ and as their name
suggests, providing reconnaissance support.
Even for local residents, who are familiar with helicopters flying
overhead, the sight of more than 20 flying in formation was an impressive
sight that commanded their attention.
Taking up viewing points wherever they could, the people of Townsville
joined Brig Fraser in observing the remarkable display of air-mobile
operations. Although clearly thrilled with the full range of activities
unfolding in front of them, the crowd favourite was the movement
of two UniMogs by the versatile and powerful Chinook helicopters.
Wanting to capture’ the event, the spectators busily took photographs
as the Chinooks effortlessly lifted off, almost as if they were
unaware they were carrying a truck beneath them weighing around
four tonnes.
Over the past six years, deployments have taken 16 Bde units to
locations including The Middle East, East Timor, the Solomon Islands
and Papua New Guniea.
During this time, those members not deployed were kept busy with
equally important domestic duties such as supporting the Sydney
Olympics, CHOGM and the Rugby World Cup.
Speaking on these commitments, Brig Fraser said that, “as commander,
I am very proud of all the achievements and of all those support
and maintenance personnel as well as the aircrew who were involved
over those years.”
He went on to say, “today’s activity required a significant effort
from all quarters of the Army aviation capability and marks the
return of the Army’s air-mobile capability for 3 Bde.
16 Bde looks forward to working closely with our combined arms colleagues
to improve the combat power of the ARA.”
With the activity successfully completed, the Army can rest assured
the men and women of 16 Bde are prepared and will continue to prepare,
for the next opportunity to support their military brethren.
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