Where Are The Hueys?

[Martin Edwards]

I have just updated the Huey page but since retirement and placing into storage we have lost touch with the current status and location of many.
Any information would be most welcome
http://adf-serials.com.au/3a2.shtml

[cj0203]

With the problems current with ARH and particularly MRH and subsequently a capability gap since late 2007, maybe the powers at be are keeping the Hueys close to their chests in case of a Huey II upgrade?

I know, I'm dreaming!!!!! It makes too much sense for the pollies to consider but I believe for the cost of 2x MRH90, the whole Iroquois fleet and then some could be upgraded to the Huey II. Upgraded Blackhawks would also make too much sense to warrant consideration.

Chris

This post has been edited by cj0203 on Jun 2 2011, 07:47 AM

[enfield38]

G'day Martin,

I only know of the following:

H Models:
085 on display Enogerra
149 allocated to Museum of Australian Army Flying, to be configured as gunship
279 RAAF Amberley training aid at the Security and Fire School
377 RAAF Museum Pt Cook configured as gunship
455 training aid RAAF School of Technical Training Wagga
487 allocated as gate guard RAAF Townsville
649 Museum of Australian Army Flying Oakey
771 allocated to the RAAF Amberley Heritage Centre
915 training aid RAAF School of Technical Training Wagga

B Models:
384 RAAF Museum Pt Cook
389 kiddies hands on display AWM Canberra, painted as 1018
1019 AWM Canberra, sound and light display
1020 RAAF Museum Pt Cook, in pseudo Long Tan configuration
1022 relocated fron Nyngan for display at Caloundra
1024 SASR Museum WA

RAN:
As per website

Cheers,

Rod Cairns

[Martin Edwards]

Thanks Rod,
I have updated location and status of A2-149 and A2-487

[Martin Edwards]

From Guy Moten
Re A2-508
"Post 171 Op Spt Sqn / 1 Avn Regt, aircraft was reassigned during an AAvn reorg to A Sqn 5 Avn Regt from where it was later retired.
Currently on a plinth near the entrance to the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey."

So there is another one accounted for.
Iroquois page updated
Can anyone provide photos?

[Warhawk]

Contributor Robert "Rob" and Debi Knox sent the below photo, which I had to crop to upload

Rob is builting a 1/7th scale P-40N-15 A29-570 which I was assisting per scheme by contributing some limited circulation Pics of.

Best
Gordy

Attached Image

[cj0203]

Looks like the engine has been removed.

[cj0203]

Spotted today, A2-490 on the back of a truck heading towards Raaf Amberley. I was heading the other way so was too far gone to see whether it turned off to go to the base or continued on South, but I'd say she was headed to the base. Sorry no pics but was definitely A2-490.

This post has been edited by cj0203 on Jul 27 2011, 06:42 PM

[Judwin]

Might all be rubbish, but...

During a trip to Oakey last year we were told that several RAAF Huey's (up to 12) are stored in an industrial unit south of Brisbane airport awaiting sale and/or disposal. All are supposedly servicable examples retired from Oakey.

Our guide wouldn't be any more specific on their location though.
Cheers
Judwin

[cj0203]

I thought they were at Damascus barracks in Meeandah?

[cj0203]

Here's A2-490 on it's final run a few weeks back. think it went to Amberley?

This post has been edited by cj0203 on Sep 15 2011, 06:22 PM

Attached Image

[cj0203]

Anyone know much about this baby in Army colours? I have absolutely no pics of her in Army service at all, and I have a huge collection of Oz Huey pics. I have a couple of shots from her RAAF days but got nothin' from Army service
Anyone??

Chris

[Daniel Leahy]

The e-mail below (received on July 23) doesn't give details re serials etc, but does give an indication of where things will be heading (or have now moved):-

[QUOTE]More Vietnam War helicopters to be preserved


Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that six additional Iroquois helicopters will be reserved for sale to historical organisations.

“The helicopters will be available to organisations in Australia that have strong historic connections with the aircraft and can maintain the aircraft as static displays,” Mr Clare said.

“The Iroquois helicopters have served in the Australian Defence Force for nearly half a century. It is important that we preserve them to ensure their contribution to our military heritage is not forgotten.

“They were affectionately known as Hueys.

“During the Vietnam War, the helicopters provided vital support to troops on the ground. They were used for casualty evacuations, patrols and resupply.”

Mr Clare said the Iroquois helicopters featured prominently in the battle of Long Tan.

“Last year, Flight Lieutenant Cliff Dohle was posthumously awarded a Distinguished Service Medal for his courage as captain of an Iroquois during the battle of Long Tan,” Mr Clare said.

“Cliff Dohle showed incredible bravery and skill when he dropped off desperately needed ammunition to troops under enemy fire. Not only did he risk being fired upon, he had to navigate the helicopter through torrential rain.

“Without the supply of ammunition, the troops on the ground would have been overrun by the Viet Cong.

“Cliff Dohle’s efforts that night saved the lives of Australian soldiers.”

Following their service in Vietnam, the Iroquois went on to serve on many peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

“The Iroquois’ final deployment was to Sumatra in Indonesia to provide assistance following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami,” Mr Clare said.

“The helicopters flew from dawn to last light every day, delivering food, water, medical supplies and aid workers to affected areas.

“Air and ground crews worked tirelessly in Banda Aceh for six weeks. By the time they were withdrawn in late February, they had completed approximately 300 missions and delivered 150 tonnes of vital supplies.

“The helicopters evacuated close to 500 people who had lost their homes to the tsunami.”

Iroquois helicopters were withdrawn from service in December 2007.

Locations where the helicopters have previously been based include:
• RAAF Williamtown, NSW
• RAAF Fairbairn, ACT
• HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW
• RAAF Amberley, QLD
• RAAF Townsville, QLD
• 1st Aviation Regiment, Oakey, QLD
As the helicopters were procured from the United States, the sale is conditional upon approval from the United States Government. The helicopters will have to be demilitarised and prepared for display. The cost of this work will be the responsibility of the recipients. Costs are estimated to be up to $100,000 per aircraft.

Announcements regarding the tender and sale will be made in the coming months.

Eleven Iroquois helicopters have already been allocated to Defence bases around Australia and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra for static display.

Those bases are:

• RAAF Base Townsville;
• Point Cook in Victoria;
• Darwin;
• Holsworthy;
• Oakey;
• Enoggera; and
• Bandiana.

Another five Iroquois helicopters will be kept by the Australian Defence Force as training aids and another two have been offered for sale to national returned service organisations.

Organisations wishing to receive notification when the tender is released can register their interest with the Defence Disposals Agency, by emailing disposals@defence.gov.au or phone 02 9393 2914.

Imagery of the Iroquois helicopters is available at:
http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=11120107[/quote]

Perhaps contacting the disposals e-mail address in the second last paragraph might return some results?

[cj0203]

Here's the secret cave at Damascus Barracks

(IMG:http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af259/cj0203/Hueys/471499_381231188554277_100000021988044_1536622_212578679_o.jpg)

Chris

[Martin Edwards]

...excellent!

They look to be in great condition :D

You wouldn't have a list of all the Hueys that are resident would you?

[Brendan Cowan]

Wow!

Now that is proper storage!

BC

[cj0203]

No sorry, I didn't take the pic. I know A2-490 is trucked off(Amberley maybe?). If that 1st tail is A2-508, that's now gate guard at Oakey. Would love to get in there for a peek that's for sure!!!

On a side note, If anyone is interested, I recently created a facebook page for the Oz Hueys, feel free to share your pics/memories etc there.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/323455847694763/

Hopefully it will continue to grow.

Cheers

Chris

This post has been edited by cj0203 on Mar 1 2012, 10:32 PM

[rockdropper]

I hope they build shelters for them. Its a shame to see great old aircraft go to rack and ruin.

[cj0203]

Recent mail out from the Army Museum at Oakey.


Part of the report by the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

(IMG:http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af259/cj0203/cid_08EDAEAD-BED4-4A08-8D61-E0530DEA5C1Elocal.jpg)

Now this would be sweeet!!!

[Brendan Cowan]

Sounds Promising!

;)

BC

[mark]

Hey Chris,
As per your previous post, I have gone and joined the facebook group for ADF Hueys and have posted a few shots.Thanks for creating!...cheers Mark

"
No sorry, I didn't take the pic. I know A2-490 is trucked off(Amberley maybe?). If that 1st tail is A2-508, that's now gate guard at Oakey. Would love to get in there for a peek that's for sure!!!

On a side note, If anyone is interested, I recently created a facebook page for the Oz Hueys, feel free to share your pics/memories etc there."

[cj0203]

Cheers Mark, slowly adding more content.

Good to see the members growing, hopefully we can start flushing out some more rare content on the old girls as the page grows.

I'm about to start living the dream myself, got the call up for Army pilot training and heading to Duntroon in a couple of weeks!! Can't wait. Wish the Hueys were still flying though for Army!!


Chris

[mark]

Chris,
That is awesome news re Pilot Training/Duntroon.I wish you the very best of luck and success with your career....Best Regards Mark

[cj0203]

Thanks Mark.

[Brendan Cowan]

Congratulations Chris,

Keep us posted on you progress!

B)

Brendan

[cj0203]

Thanks Brendan, will do.

Enlist today , then off to Oakey this afternoon.

Chris

[Martin Edwards]

July 2011 update

A2-487 has gone to Australian Army Infantry Museum at Singleton NSW

A2-703 noted being repaired at Tyabb after being damaged on truck travelling to Point Cook

A2-766 gone to Orchard Hills (RAAF Kingswood) as training aid

A2-110 has gone to the Vietnam Veteran's Museum on Phillip Island




Attached Image

[davesoda]

Theres photos of 110 at the Vietnam Veterans Musuem on my Facebook page.

Histroic Australian Aircraft: http://www.facebook.com/HistoricAustralianAircraft

[Martin Edwards]

Received via e-mail


G'day Guys,

Little bit of info. Iroquois A2-773 is now at the war memorial annex in Mitchell, ACT and set to be restored to Vietnam configuration for eventual display. Their curator John White said they had sought this helo for some time because of its significant provenance, including 2 RAAF piltos winning gallantry awards.

Keep up the good work. I find ADF-serials an extremely useful resource.

Max Blenkin

[Martin Edwards]

Minister for Defence Materiel – New homes for Vietnam War helicopters
2 October 2012

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced the preferred recipients of six Iroquois helicopters reserved for RSLs and historical organisations.
“The Iroquois helicopters served in the Australian Defence Force for nearly half a century. They were affectionately known as Hueys, and featured prominently in the battle of Long Tan,” Mr Clare said.
“During the Vietnam War, the helicopters provided vital support to troops on the ground. They were used for casualty evacuations, patrols and resupply.
“Today’s announcement means they will be preserved to ensure their contribution to our military heritage is not forgotten.”
The six successful organisations are:
• Australian Flying Corps RAAF Association West Australia Division;
• Vietnam Veterans Associations of Australia Mitchell Sub-branch Victoria;
• Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum Queensland;
• Port Pirie RSL Sub-branch South Australia;
• Merredin Military Museum West Australia; and
• Scottsdale RSL Sub-branch Tasmania.
Following their service in Vietnam, the Iroquois went on to serve on many peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
“The Iroquois’ final deployment was to Sumatra in Indonesia to provide assistance following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami,” Mr Clare said.
“The helicopters flew from dawn to last light every day, delivering food water, medical supplies and aid workers to affected areas.
“The air and ground crew worked tirelessly in Banda Aceh for six weeks. By the time they were withdrawn in late February, they had completed approximately 300 missions and delivered 150 tonnes of vital supplies.
“The helicopters evacuated close to 500 people who had lost their homes to the tsunami,” Mr Clare said.
Iroquois helicopters were withdrawn from service in December 2007.
Defence will now commence negotiations with the preferred recipients.
The helicopters will need to be demilitarised, and the display is subject to approval by United States Government under its International Traffic in Arms Regulations.