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Black Hawk town: The Army helicopters keeping Sydney safe from the air

A squadron of five Army Black Hawks took to the skies over the harbour yesterday to prepare our elite troops for emergency situations, including counter-terrorism operations.

THEY may be famous for the Hollywood blockbuster bearing their name, but these Black Hawk choppers are playing a vital role in the safety of our city.

A squadron of five Army Black Hawks took to the skies over the harbour yesterday to prepare our elite troops for emergency situations, including counter-terrorism operations.

And the Daily Telegraph was given an extraordinary eagle eye’s view of the city during the formation flyover, with the chopper pilots showing off their skills in a series of low swoops over harbourside suburbs.

Executive Officer of the 6th Aviation Regiment Major Jeremy Mierendorff said the training runs were a valuable tool.

These courses allow our crews to maintain the highest level of capability to respond to emergency situations, including counter-terrorism operations,” he said.

Although the Army conducts the flights several times a year, it was the first time they had flown over Sydney for two years.

The choppers took off from Middle Head Oval in Mosman.

The Army’s fleet of Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters are used mostly in combat zones for moving troops and equipment, as well as observation, evacuations and aerial fire support. In Australia they are also used for search and rescue assistance and flood relief deliveries.

The 2001 Ridley Scott film Black Hawk Down, based on a 1993 mission in Somalia, won two Academy Awards for film editing and sound mixing.

Loadmaster Corporal Luke Costello during a flight in an Army Black Hawk over Sydney / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal Luke Costello during a flight in an Army Black Hawk over Sydney / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Pilot Captain Michael O'Leary preparing his Army Black Hawk helicopter / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Pilot Captain Michael O'Leary preparing his Army Black Hawk helicopter / Picture: Jonathan Ng
These exercises ensure aircrews have the highest level of preparedness to operate in all conditions, across rural and complex urban environments, including in support of counter-terrorism operations / Picture: Jonathan Ng
These exercises ensure aircrews have the highest level of preparedness to operate in all conditions, across rural and complex urban environments, including in support of counter-terrorism operations / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The shadow of an Army Black Hawk over Sydney / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The shadow of an Army Black Hawk over Sydney / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The view is one of the perks of the job / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The view is one of the perks of the job / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Although the Army conducts the flights several times a year, it was the first time they had flown over Sydney for two years / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Although the Army conducts the flights several times a year, it was the first time they had flown over Sydney for two years / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal James Koens during the flight / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal James Koens during the flight / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal James Koens during the flight / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal James Koens during the flight / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The greatest harbour in the world as seen from the Army Black Hawk / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The greatest harbour in the world as seen from the Army Black Hawk / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Daily Telegraph was given an extraordinary eagle eye’s view of the city during the formation flyover / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Daily Telegraph was given an extraordinary eagle eye’s view of the city during the formation flyover / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The Army Black Hawks keep Sydney safe / Picture: Jonathan Ng
The Army Black Hawks keep Sydney safe / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Coming in for the landing / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Coming in for the landing / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal James Koens after the flight / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Loadmaster Corporal James Koens after the flight / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Black Hawk down safe / Picture: Jonathan Ng
Black Hawk down safe / Picture: Jonathan Ng

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/black-hawk-town-the-army-helicopters-keeping-sydney-safe-from-the-air/news-story/40bcbe6b3d0a1021372c75639e17f020