Two iconic Huey helicopters will land at Corrimal to salute the final parade of the Vietnam Veterans Illawarra as a separate entity on Sunday, 31 August.
Organiser Professor Michael Hough, himself a Vietnam veteran, said the community is invited to watch the Iroquois helicopters land at the Rangers football ground at Wilga Street, Corrimal at 10.15am. Only adverse weather or the operational reality of flying old aircraft will cause a postponement.
Operated and staffed by the Historical Aviation Restoration Society (HARS), the ex RAAF and Army Huey 703 and former RAN Huey 898 will be on the ground and open for inspection until they depart at about 1.15pm for their home base in Nowra.
Prof Hough said this will be the final year the Illawarra chapter will operate as a separate entity representing all who served in the Vietnam conflict.
“The Illawarra Vietnam Veterans decided they will now be hosted within the structures of the Corrimal RSL Sub-branch,” Prof Hough said.
“There will be no charge for admission, with Corrimal RSL Sub-branch and Corrimal RSL Club sponsoring the catering.”
The two helicopters share a direct relationship with veterans, a fact their landing will salute.
Based at HMAS Albatross, Huey UH-1B number 898 was used to train Royal Australian Navy pilots heading for service in Vietnam.
The story of UH-1H 703 began in July 1970 in South Vietnam when the helicopter was purchased by the RAAF’s 9 Squadron from the US military after the loss of another. 703 flew with the RAAF in many roles, most notably air survey work in Irian Jaya, until 1990 and then into Australian Army Aviation until its retirement in September 2007.
Still in Army livery, 703 was displayed at RAAF Museum, Point Cook, Victoria until its donation to HARS in May 2023. It was then transported to the Shellharbour Airport hangars for restoration by HARS volunteers. Now its Australian civil registration VH-X9S pays homage to its origin and years with the RAAF’s legendary 9 Squadron in the Vietnam War.
The two will land, simulating a ‘hot’ incursion, using smoke flares under direction from ground controller HARS member Ken Jackson. After both landings have been safely secured, the helicopters will be open for inspection, firstly by the Vietnam Veterans and then by the general public.
