Tactical landings on Australia’s biggest warship
TOWNSVILLE’S army choppers have taken to the skies in a tactical joint-exercise with Singapore, signalling a “significant milestone” for the bilateral defence relationship.
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TOWNSVILLE’S army choppers have taken to the skies in a tactical joint-exercise with Singapore, signalling a “significant milestone” for the bilateral defence relationship.
Together with Singaporean CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter crews, Townsville based aviators assisted in joint amphibious cabaility training on Australia’s largest warships, HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra.
The Singaporean CH-47 crews, permanently based at Oakey in Queensland, spent two days flying from Townsville to HMAS Adelaide at sea to undertake required deck landing qualifications.
It included communicating with the warship’s flight control room and being guided by Australian sailors on the flight deck.
The 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville is home to the ADF’s fleet of the 30 metres long CH-47 Chinook, which was designed to provide tactical transport for vehicles, heavy equipment and dozens of troops.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said qualifying Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel to operate their CH-47 aircraft with the Australian Navy, was a “force-multiplier” for both nations.
“The ability to operate our largest amphibious vessels with Singapore’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters means we can work together to mobilise and move personnel or supplies at sea, and enhance our combined joint capability,” Ms Reynolds said.
“The 30th Anniversary of Singapore training in Australia is a significant milestone in our bilateral defence relationship, and this activity is a clear demonstration of the closeness of our friendship and our growing interoperability.”
Originally published as Tactical landings on Australia’s biggest warship