Final hurrah for Huey A02-295 after making its final journey Air Force and Army marked a significant milestone when the last helicopter of the Australian Military Iroquois fleet was delivered to its new home. Members of the Army Aviation Systems Program Office from Oakey in Queensland delivered tail number A02-295 to the Scottsdale RSL in Tasmania on September 30. The Iroquois fleet ended operations in December 2007 and the majority of the aircraft were given to Defence establishments for use as static displays or training aids. The final eight aircraft were sold to Australian historical organisations, including military museums and RSLs around the country. Huey A02-295 had been in storage at Damascus Barracks in Queensland for seven years before it was carefully strapped down on the back of a semi-trailer for its journey south across the Bass Strait. FLGOFF Olivia Rowlandson was the logistics coordinator in charge of the disposal team. “Having the opportunity to be a part of the last Iroquois delivery was an absolute honour and a major highlight of my 10-year service in the Air Force,” she said. “Witnessing the joy on Scottsdale RSL President Bruce Scott’s face when his Huey arrived made me realise just how significant this helicopter is in our military history.” Former Army aircraft technician and disposals coordinator Dave Eglington was responsible for overseeing the deliveries of the helicopters to their new homes. “For me, coordinating the deliveries of the final eight aircraft to Australian historical organisations has been the highlight of the whole project,” he said. “Meeting with Vietnam veterans and learning of their personal experiences with these aircraft was very humbling. Some of the historical organisations are in small towns dotted across the country and these aircraft represent major tourist drawcards for their respective organisations and military displays.” In the majority of cases, each Iroquois will be displayed under cover, which means the aircraft will be preserved for future generations. The cold and wet Tasmanian weather did not dampen the spirits of the large crowd that gathered in the street to welcome A02-295 as it arrived at the Scottsdale RSL. Vietnam veteran and Scottsdale RSL President Bruce Scott could not believe that after many years of hard work his Huey had finally arrived. “It was a great day for the Scottsdale RSL sub-branch as very little military memorabilia finds its way to Tasmania,” he said. “It took three years of negotiation, paperwork and fundraising to get it here.” He said the delivery meant a lot to the club, the RSL movement and Vietnam veterans. Iroquois A02-295 has been taken to a secure location while a $300,000 museum is built adjoining the club. The Tasmanian Government has contributed $230,000 towards the project. Work on the museum is expected to start in coming weeks and is anticipated to be completed in time for Anzac Day next year.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 05:30:00 +0000
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