General News
14 February, 2025
Barracks officers help flood recovery
Aircraft from Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre and the Republic of Singapore Air Force have been assisting with flood recovery efforts in North Queensland.
At the request of the Queensland Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) provided rotary wing support to the state-government led response to the flooding.
Aircraft from Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre provided assistance to SES, police and ambulance responders, as well as transporting Red Cross volunteers and equipment to sites in need.
In photos released by Defence, an Australian Army CH-47F Chinook can be seen carrying a power generator to Ingham.
Aircraft supplied from the Base include 2 x AW139 helicopters leased by the Army at Oakey and operated by 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force has supplied CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which are integrated with the ADF response operations.
“Defence appreciates Singapore’s support to the ADF’s contribution to the National Emergency Management Authority’s disaster relief response,” a Defence spokesperson said.
“We acknowledge Singapore’s support to Australian communities in times of need, including during Operations Bushfire Assist 2020 and Flood Assist 2022.”
“Australia has welcomed the Singapore Armed Forces’ training in Australia for close to four decades.”
Australia and Singapore share a close and long standing defence partnership.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Local Defence Officers in Townsville say it is a privilege to serve the Australian people and
that the aircraft from Oakey can always be relied upon.
“It is always an honour and a privilege to look after and support the Australian community,” Commanding Officer 5th Aviation Regiment Lt. Col. Richard Bremner said.
“We’re happy to be here and support where we can.
“The Chinooks (have been) out moving vital stores and assets.
“The Chinooks are capable of providing both internal and external lift to stores and personnel and flying long distances to provide the sustainment affect we need.
“The AW139s from Oakey are providing key support to the movement of personnel.”
It’s not the first time aircraft from the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre have provided support in time of need.
In 2022, Army aircraft were deployed in search and rescue efforts across Queensland and northern New South Wales, helping save lives through rescues from floodwaters at Boonah and Gatton.
Later in the same year, Army Aviation were called out to another flood response in May, and provided personnel from the base in support of the November 2022 New South Wales and Victorian flood emergencies.
Army aircraft provided these services back in the 2011 floods, saving lives in the Lockyer Valley
and also dropping off feed where it was needed.
The 2025 flood in Ingham is regarded as the worst the town has seen since 1967.
So far, two people have died as a result of floodwaters.
