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Honouring The Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam 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.
This year is the 57th 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 recognised 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.
The DVA commissioned the Military Shop to design and manufacture the Commemorative Medallion in October 2022. The medallion's obverse design features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, with 'Vietnam War' and 'Australia Remembers' inscribed at the top and bottom. The reverse design features a stunning Vietnam motif with “1962-73 on the top rim and “Thank You For Your Service” on the bottom rim. The stunning motif features a UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" Helicopter, a depiction of HMAS Sydney (III) "Vung Tau Ferry", and an Australian soldier holding an SLR. The Prime Minister on behalf of the nation launched a special Vietnam Commemorative Medallion to Honour our Vietnam Veterans.
On Vietnam Veterans’ Day last year, 18 August 2023, a national commemorative service was held in Canberra to recognise the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Read more here.
This year, the Military Shop has carefully chosen Vietnam War Commemorative items and placed them on special prices so veterans and families have the opportunity for affordable mementos to share with future generations. Discover these great offers here.
