Change of command ceremony for the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States ...

Change of command ceremony for the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army. Major (Maj) Paul E Raetz (not in view), has handed over command to Maj Harry T Woodmansee II, US Army. The parade stands at ease with Maj Woodmansee in command (front, left), while an unidentified US Army serviceman (front, right) holds the 135th AHC pennant. Identified in the rows of servicemen are 2267 Sub Lieutenant Charles Robert Richmond (Charlie) Rex, 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) (second row, second from left); Warrant Officer Class 1 Bob Merkley, 135th AHC (front row row, fourth from left); and Captain Bryant, 135th AHC (front row, 5th from left). In the centre of the group are two RANHFV members wearing dark berets, 2677 Lieutenant Thomas Francis Supple on the left (wearing a beard), and 2362 Ivan Charles Misfeld at the right. RANHFV is serving with the 135th AHC. 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.