‘He was a mate’: Missing soldier Alexander Naggs former 1RAR
One of the airmen missing after a helicopter crash in the Whitsundays has been identified as a former Townsville 1RAR soldier.
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At least one of the airmen missing in the Whitsundays after a helicopter crash on Friday night was formerly based in Townsville.
Corporal Alexander Naggs was named as one of the four missing airmen from the Talisman Sabre crash, and served in the 1RAR until 2017.
Federal Member for Herbert and former 1RAR soldier Phillip Thompson said he knew Alexander Naggs when they both served together.
“We were both in the infantry. Naggs was in heavy weapons and he also served in rifle companies,” Mr Thompson said.
“I knew him, he was a mate.
“When you’re in a group like the 1RAR it’s a very tight-knit and small group.”
Corporal Naggs served in the 1RAR from 2010 to 2017 before becoming loadmaster at the 6th Aviation Regiment based in Holsworthy, Sydney.
He was in the helicopter with fellow 6th Aviation Regiment soldiers Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent and Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock.
Mr Thompson said Corporal Naggs was a great person.
“He was someone who always put service before himself. He got along with everyone,” the veteran said.
“He’s someone many infantry soldiers in Townsville known and respect. He’s in our hearts right now as the search progresses.”
Mr Thompson said he knows of people currently searching for Corporal Naggs who served with him.
“When something so tragic like this happens, it’s your group and your people who are trying to find you,” he said.
“They’re not just your mate. They are your family.”
Mr Thompson said he’s reached out to several of his serving and veteran mates to check in with them.
“Times like this bring us together, but it’s also tragic,” Mr Thompson said.
Parts of the crashed MRH-90 Taipan helicopter have been found, but efforts are ongoing to locate the fuselage and any traces of the missing crew.
Divers are now on the scene.
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Originally published as ‘He was a mate’: Missing soldier Alexander Naggs former 1RAR
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