AFTER 39 years of faithful service, the UH-1H Iroquois will retire from the ADF on September 21.

Commanding the last Huey troop, Capt Bradley Wheeler, A Sqn, 5 Avn Regt, said he would lead a three-ship formation over South East Queensland as a tribute.

“The final flight will be a fly past of the Brisbane city, over the Story Bridge and the Brisbane River before returning to Enoggera,” Capt Wheeler said.

Service personnel are encouraged to attend Duncan oval for the final flight of an aircraft that has served in Vietnam, Sinai, Bougainville, Solomon Islands and Banda Aceh. A formal dinner will also be held at Oakey on October 19 for serving and retired Army and Air Force personnel associated with the UH-1H.

Capt Wheeler said although the workhorse’s retirement was imminent, it was still working hard. “We’re predominately doing crash rescue helicopter duties at Oakey,” he said. “We’re also finalising a loadmaster basic course.”

He said although it would be sad to see the Hueys go, 16 Bde (Avn) was looking forward to their replacement.

“They’re being replaced by the MRH-90,” he said. “The MRH-90 will be a fantastic new capability for Army Aviation, with the first two aircraft due to arrive in Townsville late this year.”

For more information on the final flight or the formal dinner, contact Lt Andrew Deasy at andrew.deasy@defence.gov.au

INFORMATION DAY

HQ 16 Bde (Avn) will hold a recruitment day at Gallipoli Barracks on October 2 for ARA and ARes personnel interested in an aviation career. There will be a static aircraft display and advice on loadmaster, pilot and trade careers, including the $17,500-$25,000 Trade Transfer bonus.
Further recruiting days are planned for Townsville, Sydney and Darwin. For more information contact hq16bde.techinfo@defence.gov.au or (07) 3332 5502.