| Accession Number | P05707.020 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
At Tan Son Nhut Air Base, members of the 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), ...
Description
At Tan Son Nhut Air Base, members of the 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), embark a QANTAS Boeing 707 'City of Ballarat' aircraft for a non stop flight to Australia. The servicemen, who have completed their tour of duty, refer to the aircraft as the 'Freedom Bird'. At Sydney, the men disembarked at night and waited in a darkened freight hangar before departing for other destinations by bus. RANHFV is serving with the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army, in Vietnam. 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.