161st Independent Reconnaissance Flight (Australia)
| 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1965–1971 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Role | Reconnaissance / Observation |
| Part of | 1st Australian Task Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Vung Tau, Nui Dat and Bien Hoa |
| Disbanded | 1971 |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Observation helicopter | Bell H-13 Sioux, Bell OH-58 Kiowa |
| Reconnaissance | Cessna O-1 Bird Dog |
| Transport | Cessna 180, PC-6 Turbo Porter |
The 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight was an Australian Army aviation unit. Formed in 1965 during the Vietnam War, in September that year the flight deployed to South Vietnam with two Cessna 180s and two Sioux light obersvation helicopters in order to support the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment based at Bien Hoa airbase. Following the expansion of the Australian commitment, the flight continued to serve in this role as part of the 1st Australian Task Force, with an englarged established and expanded responsibilities, operating out of Vung Tau and Nui Dat until the end of 1971 when it was withdrawn to Australia.[1] Reformed in late 1973 as 161 Reconnaissance Squadron at Holsworthy near Sydney, it was equipped with Kiowa helicopters. In December 1994 the Squadron moved to Darwin, Northern Territory.[2] Today, it is a sub-unit of the 1st Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks and operates the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.[3]
Notes
- ↑ Horner 2005, p. 299.
- ↑ Eather 1995, p. 149.
- ↑ "1st Aviation Regiment". Department of Defence. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
References
- Eather, Steve (1995). Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force. Weston Creek, Australian Capital Territory: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-15-3.
- Horner, David (2005). Strategic Command: General Sir John Wilton and Australia's Asian Wars. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-555282-2.