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AFTER
THE CRASH |
Memorials
planned
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Chaplain
Andrew Knight prays over the caskets of Air Force and Navy
members killed in the crash of a Sea King helicopter engaged
in earthquake relief in Operation Sumatra Assist II.
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Photo
by AB Phillip Cullinan
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An
Indonesian tribute.
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Photo
by LTCOL Peter Murphy
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HMAS
Kanimbla CO CMDR George McGuire.
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Photo
by AB Bradley Darvill
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Options
for a permanent memorial are being planned
to honour the ADF personnel who died in
the Sea King crash on April 2 in Indonesia.
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Investigations
are continuing into the cause of the accident.
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THE
ADF personnel who have lost their friends and family in the Sea
King crash of April 2 are determined to bring about some good
from their deaths.
RAAF Base Pearce is planning to rename the medical centre at the
base after Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy, who was posted there
in 2003.
He was one of three Air Force members killed in the crash on Nias
Island, Indonesia, on April 2. Six Navy personnel also died. Funerals
were held last week and this week.
HMAS Kanimbla CO Commander George McGuire is exploring the possibility
of establishing a permanent memorial at the crash site.
“We’re going to look at what will be the most appropriate monument
to raise, and we’ll have to seek permission from the Indonesian
government,” CMDR McGuire said.
CMDR McGuire had high praise for the Indonesian authorities, who
offered support and aided in the evacuation of the two injured
survivors of the crash – Leading Aircraftman Scott Nichols and
Leading Seaman Shane Warburton.
“There’s a school near the crash site and we want to give back
to the community the help that they gave us, whether it be a slap
of paint or a bit of rewiring.”
LAC Nichols and LS Warburton were shaken yet optimistic as they
left HMAS Kanimbla after being treated for injuries, the CO said.
An aviation accident investigation team is continuing its work.
The result of the investigation will be provided to a military
inquiry. A board of inquiry was being finalised at the time of
print.
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