The Chinook sits chocked and secured on Tobruk's deck. The excercise provided valuable training for the flight deck team, pictured above. The last time a Chinook landed on Tobruk was 1996. Photo by LSPH Darren Yates.

HMAS Tobruk and Army aviators have combined for vital helicopter training off the Queensland coast.

For more than four hours five Chinook pilots from C Sqn 5 Aviation Regiment flew on and off the ship's vehicle deck 45 times.

The last time a Chinook had landed on Tobruk was in 1996, her commanding officer CMDR Peter Laver told Navy News.

He said the training helped the pilots hone their skills and gain further qualifications.

"This was also a valuable training opportunity for Tobruk's flight deck team.
"Most had never operated with a Chinook before," he said.

The helicopter training took place off Townsville when Tobruk was making her way around the "top end" to commence Op Relex duties.
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By Graham Davis