C Squadron of the 5th Aviation Regiment provides medium lift support to the Australian Defence Force. Operating the Chinook helicopter, the Squadron prides itself on the ability to deploy at short notice in reaction to a wide range of requirements - be they military or civil in nature.

A 105 mm gun being lifted beneath a C Squadron Chinook helicopter as part of an airmobile exercise in Townsville, QLD.

The Chinook helicopter is designed to lift heavy loads either within the cargo hold or externally suspended from cargo hooks. The helicopter is capable of self-deploying with all required support over long distances, and can provide refuelling and re-arming capability to other aircraft in the Australian Defence Force fleet. Operations can be conducted from forward operating bases in support of ground troops and to and from ships underway. Night vision equipment allows the aircraft to be operated regardless of day or night.

Operational tasks in support of the Australian Defence Force are the prime role of C Squadron but recently the Chinook has been proving its worth in support of a wide variety of missions around the south western Pacific region. These tasks have ranged from supporting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Australia to transporting veterans of the Kokoda Track campaign to the memorial at Isurava, Papua New Guinea. Flood, famine and other disaster relief tasks both within and outside Australian territory regularly arrive at short notice, and provide both challenges and rewards to the members of C Squadron.

‘Hooking up’ an external load to the Chinook. The downdraft t is so strong that two people are required to carry out this task; one to place the strop on the hook, the other to prevent the first from being blown off the load!

The future for the Brahman - beast of burden to the Australian Defence Force - is certain in only one respect. The work will keep coming and the jobs will keep being done.

The Squadron motto "On time - Intact" implies that whatever the load, it will arrive in a timely manner ready to commence operations.