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.
This year is the 56th year of this announcement and we pay tribute to the pilots, observers, naval airmen and support staff who served in the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) unit.
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.
RAN UH-1 Iroquois helicopter operating in Vietnam
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.
Patches worn by members of the RANHFV sourced from the Royal Australian Navy
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. Get more information here.
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We're helping Australians of all ages better understand the life and times of our Vietnam Veterans as we commemorate the end of Australia's involvement in the war 50 years ago. We're sharing interesting social bits and pieces from the Vietnam War era to give you a feel of the world back then, but most importantly we're sharing your memories, stories, and pride. Your memories of the Vietnam era; your family growing up in the 1960s and 70s; or stories you have about the life and times of your veteran dad, pop, uncle, or aunt will breathe life into their story. Share your pictures, anecdotes, and memories so others can see our veterans as more than soldiers. We honour, respect and admire, but few know. Help us honour our Veterans.
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