Champagne marks helicopter record

Since the first Iroquois helicopter lifted off four years ago, No. 9 Squadron RAAF has logged the amazing total of 40,000 flying hours; most of it on operational sorties in Phuoc Tuy Province. When the aircraft landed at Vung Tau on completion of the operational sortie which brought up the 40,000 hours total, the crew - Pilot Officer Darryl Holden of Port Moresby, New Guinea), Flight Lieutenant Dick Whittman of Page, ACT, LAC Joe Pettit crewman of Wagga Wagga and LAC Tony Wheeler gunner, of Penrith NSW, were met by a large crowd of ground crew members of the Squadron who ceremoniously hosed them down. Dripping wet they were then congratulated by the commanding officer, Wing Commander Peter Coy of Hackett, ACT following which a bottle of champagne was opened and consumed to mark the occasion.