Squadron to tackle Kokoda

 

Volume 49, No. 16 , September 07, 2006

By Michael Brooke

Members of 817 SQN will tackle the gruelling 96km Kokoda Track as part of an aggressive adventure-training initiative to rebuild team spirit and morale following the Sea King accident in 2005.

CMDR Tim Leonard told Navy News that he and 10 members of 817 SQN would walk the Kokoda Track in mid-September as part of a larger reconstitution plan. This trek will assist some of the unit’s 120-personnel to develop bonds through a series of demanding physical challenges.

“We are walking the Kokoda Track not only for its historical significance but because it poses the type of physical challenge that will help squadron members bond together which is essential to enhance team work and morale,” he said.

CMDR Leonard said the Kokoda challenge was approved by the Naval Warfare Advisory Committee as one of a number of adventure-training activities.

“These activities are about providing 817 SQN members with demanding physical challenges. Even the training we have conducted in preparation for Kokoda has improved everyone’s team spirit,” he said.
The group tackling Kokoda represents a cross-section of 817 SQN including aircrew as well as senior and junior ground crew, some of whom are descendants of soldiers who fought the Japanese to a standstill in New Guinea in 1942-43.

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