Kanimbla reflects

WE REMEMBER THEM:During a ceremony of reflection onboard Kanimbla, berets from the Special Air Service Regiment and Aviation Squadron, along with a pilot’s helmet, represent the victims of the Black Hawk crash. Photo: ABPH Jo Dilorenzo

SEA SERVICE: Embarked Forces and HMAS Kanimbla’s ship’s company come together for a moving ceremony of reflection for Capt Mark Bingley (171 Squadron) and Trooper Josh Porter of Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). Photo: LAC Euan Grant

MORAL SUPPORT: Members of 817 Squadron reflecting at the ceremony. Photo: ABPH Andrew Dakin

Volume 49, No. 23, December 14, 2006



A ceremony of reflection was conducted by HMAS Kanimbla’s ship’s company on December 7 to honour two Army colleagues killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the sea during a training exercise.

More than 550 Navy and Army personnel attended the memorial service on Kanimbla’s aft flight deck, conducted by CO Kanimbla CMDR Jay Bannister and the ship’s chaplain Murray Lund.

Chaplain Lund led the ship’s company in prayers and bible readings before Army personnel dropped two wreaths into the sea in memory of the two Army personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The accident victims were identified as the Black Hawk pilot, Capt Mark Bingley, of 5 AVN Regt, and Trooper Joshua Porter, SASR, whose body was not recovered from the area despite an extensive search involving RAN helicopters that spanned a week.

Soldiers who knew the two crash victims spoke for several minutes about their mates’ personal attributes and dedication to serving their country.

The reflection ceremony concluded with the song Walk On by U2.

The funeral for Capt Bingley was conducted at the Saint James Cathedral in Townsville on December 8, the day after Defence officially classed Trooper Porter as missing, presumed dead.

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