Whitsundays chopper crash a reminder of debt we owe our armed forces personnel

The men and women of the Australian Defence Force often put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our nation, and the tragic accident in the Whitsundays is a reminder of the debt we owe them, writes the editor.

The men and women of the Australian Defence Force often put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our nation, and the tragic accident in the Whitsundays is a reminder of the debt we owe them.

Four people are feared to have lost their lives after an MRH-90 military helicopter ditched in waters off Hamilton Island Friday night. The accident occurred during Talisman Sabre 2023, one of those training exercises which are required to hone the skills of our military personnel and prepare them for combat.

As Defence Minister Richard Marles points out, these exercises may be necessary for our readiness in facing genuine military threats, but they always carry risks of their own.

A barge anchored at the site where a MRH 90 military helicopter crashed, lifts out the tail section. Picture: Michaela Harlow

These dangerous exercises will continue, as will the global conflicts which have drawn our ADF personnel to all corners of the globe to risk their lives to protect our freedoms.

But the accident in the Whitsundays is a reminder of how vitally important ADF personnel are to the security of our country, and how indebted we are to them for their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way.

Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and colleagues of those missing.