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The Australian Army’s aviation capability has been united under a newly formed command.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, has announced the official formation of a new Army Aviation Command at a ceremonial parade and helicopter flyover at Blamey Square, Canberra.
Effective from Thursday (2 December), 16th Aviation Brigade and the Army Aviation Training Centre have been transferred from Army Forces Command to Aviation Command.
The Army Aviation Command has been established to align Army’s aviation capability under a unified command in a bid to streamline land, amphibious and special operations.
“The Command will improve resilience and adaptability and ensure Army’s training system is agile and contemporary,” LTGEN Burr said.
“The unity, sense of purpose and focus in a single command will support our land forces to achieve more tasks, in more difficult environments.”
The new command also marks the achievement of another key milestone outlined in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan.
The Army Aviation Command will be led by Major General Stephen Jobson, AM, CSC, who will oversee support for Army’s land power to enable the Joint Force.
“Aviation Command will coordinate the introduction into service of new helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, and enhance and assure the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of current aircraft,” MAJGEN Jobson said.
“The changes to Army’s aviation command and control structure will simplify the management of Army’s helicopters — one of the most multifaceted and resource-intensive platforms used by the land forces.”
Army’s aviation capability includes the provision of aviation reconnaissance, firepower support, air assault, and battlefield support and surveillance, across combined, joint and interagency environments.
Several aircraft types are operated by Army, including the Boeing CH-47F Chinook, Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter, NH Industries MRH90 Taipan multi-role helicopter and leased civil light utility helicopter.
[Related: Army establishes new health brigade]
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