A Squadron is one of two squadrons that operate the Blackhawk helicopter within the 5th Aviation Regiment. The Squadron consists of three flying troops, a technical support troop and an administration and logistics troop. A Squadron has a wide range of roles and has been deployed on operations in a variety of locations conducting these roles during the last few years. Some of the locations include Sydney, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Solomon Islands, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
The last 12 months have been a typically busy time for the Squadron, having been involved in three separate operational deployments. On top of these deployments the Squadron has been called upon to provide airmobile support to the Australian Defence Force.
The future will prove to be a challenging and rewarding time for the Squadron. There are a number of large exercises planned that will provide Squadron members with the opportunity to develop the skills required of them. In addition it is expected many members of the Squadron will be required to deploy to support Operation Citadel in East Timor. Many of those will have already completed at least one operational tour in the area.
In the longer term it is a possibility that the Squadron will be required to move to NSW and reconstitute to develop an amphibious operations capability with the Australian Navy. The move will be a change in focus for the Squadron that will undoubtedly prove to be another challenge.
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