Today we pay tribute to the pilots, observers, naval airmen and support staff who served in the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) unit.
On 14 July 1967, the Australian Government announced the formation of the RANHFV to support allied forces in Vietnam, serving with the United States Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company.
The unit was formed in response to a request for assistance by the United States Government.
To prepare for their tour of Vietnam, in just eight weeks Australian navy personnel trained for a different kind of mission, concentrating on tactical landing and take-off for the insertion and extraction of troops from dangerous land zones flying Huey helicopters.
The first RANHFV contingent arrived in Vietnam on 16 October 1967. Initially based at Vung Tau with the US Army, the unit became officially known as ‘EMU’ for the Experimental Military Unit.
By the time operations ceased, more than 200 personnel had flown hundreds of offensive operations in intense combat.
Sadly, five members of RANHFV were killed and 22 were wounded in action. Today we honour those who lost their lives and pay tribute to all those who served in the Vietnam War.
Throughout 2023, the Australian Government is recognising the contribution of our Vietnam veterans, their service in Vietnam and their role as integral members of the ex-service community in the decades since the war.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023, a national commemorative service will be held in Canberra to recognise the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
