CELEBRATION TAKES TO SKIES
AWE- INSPIRING aircraft graced Townsville’s skies to mark the 50th anniversary of the Australian Army Aviation Corps.
A formation of MRH90 Taipan and CH- 47F Chinook aircraft from the 5th Aviation Regiment flew past The Strand yesterday morning.
Commanding Officer of the 5th Aviation Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gilfillan said the unit was proud to be a part of the Townsville community.
“It was a privilege today for the 5th Aviation Regiment to provide an MRH Taipan and CH- 47F Chinook fly- past at The Strand, synchronised with fly- pasts in Darwin, Sydney and Oakey, to commemorate 50 years of Australian Army Aviation,” Lt- Col Gilfillan said. “Our advanced digital combat aircraft are the visible face of our capability, but our true capability is our people.”
Head of the Australian Army Aviation Corps Brigadier Scott Benbow said he was proud to mark this milestone with personnel.
“Then and now, the corps is committed to helping the Australian soldier fight, survive and win, and be ready to serve wherever needed,” Brigadier Benbow said.
“From a small corps formed in 1968 flying light fixed- wing aircraft, the Australian Army Aviation Corps has grown to be an advanced, state- of- the- art force. Today, the ( corps) flies a variety of capabilities, including the Tiger armed reconnaissance, Chinook medium lift and Taipan multi- role helicopters.”