2003

UH-1H ‘Huey’ Iroquois helicopters, Australian War Memorial (AWM) photograph

“Four UH-1H ‘Huey’ Iroquois helicopters from 171 Squadron, 1st Aviation Regiment, break formation as they descend to land at Honiara International Airport. A detachment of Iroquois helicopters, normally based in Oakey, Qld, was deployed to the Solomon Islands under Operation Anode, Australia’s military contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Working in conjunction with New Zealand helicopters from No. 3 Squadron, RNAZAF, they provided reconnaissance, transport and medical evacuation to the multi-national military and policing intervention.”

UH-1H ‘Huey’ Iroquois helicopters, Australian War Memorial (AWM) photograph

“Two local villagers watch Australian UH-1H ‘Huey’ Iroquois helicopter A2-508, which had landed at the former Second World War airfield at Mbambanakira, on the Weather Coast of the Guadalcanal, for refuelling. The helicopter belonged to 171 Operational Support Squadron, 1st Aviation Regiment, and was one of four Iroquois helicopters deployed under Operation Anode, Australia’s military contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).”

2006

Army helicopters fly to Solomon Islands, Minister for Defence Brendan Nelson, Media release 49/2006, 22 April 2006

“Tomorrow [23 April 2006], two Army UH-1H Iroquois Helicopters will deploy from Oakey, QLD to Honiara, along with approximately 45 Army personnel to provide a military air-lift capability to the soldiers who have deployed to the Solomon Islands since Wednesday.  These helicopters will provide necessary mobility and flexibility to Australia’s strengthened military presence that is supporting the police as they restore law and order in the Solomon Islands. Three Royal Australian Air Force Hercules will move the helicopters and personnel from Oakey tomorrow.”

ADF support continues in Solomon Islands, Minister for Defence Brendan Nelson, Media release 51/2006, 26 April 2006

“Two Army UH-1H Iroquois Helicopters from Oakey in Queensland have been flying in support of Police Operations and are also employed in an Aero-Medical Evacuation role in support of troop safety.”

2007

Army Farewells the Iroquois ‘Huey’ Helicopter, Department of Defence, Media release CPA 325/07 21 September 2007

“The Army farewelled the venerable UH-1H Iroquois ‘Huey’ helicopter today, with a lunchtime farewell flypast by three aircraft over Brisbane. The ‘Huey’ has become synonymous with the Vietnam War and its distinctive “thwock thwock” sound evokes instant memories amongst the Vietnam Veteran community. However it has served Australia faithfully both domestically and around the world in warlike conditions, peace keeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance since its introduction in 1962….Towards the end of the year we will take delivery of the first of our multi-role helicopter, the MRH-90, which will take over all the duties of the Iroquois as well as providing important new capability. The MRH-90 is larger, more powerful and more versatile than the Iroquois, and will be entered into service with both Army and Navy.”