At Tan Son Nhut Air Base, members of the 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) ...

Accession Number P05707.016
Collection type Photograph
Object type Transparency
Maker Speedy, Ian Maxwell (Max)
Place made Vietnam: South Vietnam, Saigon, Tan Son Nhut
Date made 10 September 1969
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Copyright

Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright

Description

At Tan Son Nhut Air Base, members of the 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) prepare to embark on a flight to Australia at the end of their tour of duty. Identified are; R37030 Petty Officer Ronald Albert Hayes (far left, carrying suitcases); and 2362 Ivan Charles Misfeld, (far right, group at back of Caribou aircraft); and R93484 Leading Airman Photographer James Connolly (foreground, far right, carrying cameras. RANHFV is serving with the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army. Due to its integrated nature, the unit is designated an 'experimental military unit', with the nickname EMU. Based originally at Vung Tau Air Base, the company moved to Fire Support Base Black Horse near Xuan Loc in December 1967. In November 1968 the unit was moved to Bearcat Base, north east of Saigon. Throughout their service in Vietnam members of RANHFV provided tactical airlift and gunship support for Australian and allied ground forces.