The 16th Aviation Brigade marked several key milestones at two ceremonial parades this month.
In the midst of the Darwin wet season, beneath the sweltering sun, soldiers and officers of the 1st Aviation Regiment gathered on parade on December 2 to mark the march-out of the unit's Guidon, symbolising the unit's regimental headquarters relocating to Townsville.
The headquarters will join 161 Squadron, which relocated to Townsville earlier this year as part of the transition to the AH-64E Apache.
For now, 162 Squadron will remain in Darwin operating the Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter until its planned withdrawal from service.
Days later, the newly relocated members of the 1st Aviation Regiment gathered alongside personnel from the 5th Aviation Regiment and 16th Aviation Support Battalion in Townsville.
Personnel stood on parade to mark the lay-up of the 5th Aviation Regiment's A Squadron, the establishment of the 16th Aviation Support Battalion and the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regimental Headquarters.
'Here in Townsville, we are building a truly integrated aviation ecosystem that will deliver unmatched capability for the Australian Army well into the future.'
Commander 16th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier Fern Thompson, said the parades marked a significant milestone for the 16th Aviation Brigade.
"The purpose of these parades is to formally acknowledge and celebrate key milestones within Army Aviation and the 16th Aviation Brigade," Brigadier Thompson said.
"The events honour tradition, reinforce unit identity and demonstrate Army Aviation's readiness and commitment to delivering advanced aviation capability for the Australian Army."
Army Aviation is undergoing a period of significant modernisation, which includes the introduction of the AH-64E Apache into service and the consolidation of operating locations to generate a stronger helicopter capability for Defence.
As a CH-47F Chinook pilot with a passion for aviation, Brigadier Thompson was excited to be at the helm of the brigade during the introduction of the Apache.
"It represents a leap forward in technology, lethality and interoperability, ensuring that we can operate seamlessly with our allies," she said.
"The introduction of Apache, combined with our Chinooks, the expansion of Hamel Lines, and the growth of support elements like the 16th Aviation Support Battalion, is enabling future growth and operational excellence.
"Here in Townsville, we are building a truly integrated aviation ecosystem that will deliver unmatched capability for the Australian Army well into the future."
