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By KATE BANVILLE
A LARGE-SCALE mission to locate MRH-90 helicopter crash victims Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph “Phil” Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs is continuing off the North Queensland coast.
Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the identities of the members at a press conference in Townsville Sunday afternoon.
All four Australian Army members on board – two pilots and two loadmasters – were from Sydney’s 6th Aviation Regiment.
Marles said the crash, which happened at about 10.30pm Friday, brought home the skills and professionalism required by those of the Australian Defence Force.
“Our thoughts are with the air crew, our thoughts are with their families and with their teammates, who we’ve met today, and who will be experiencing an enormous degree of anxiety in this moment,” he said.
“This accident is a reminder of the unique significance that comes from service in the Australian Defence Force.”
Defence Chief Angus Campbell (pictured) also expressed his commitment to the mission underway.
“To the families, to the friends, to the teammates in this very, very difficult time my sincere support and commitment that we can do everything we can to determine the location and to see the search and rescue effort undertaken as expeditiously as effectively as possible,” he said.
“To the people from 6th Aviation Regiment, to The 5th Aviation here in Townsville – Thank you for your service.”
The scale of the international effort has ramped up with multiple maritime and air capabilities from Australia, New Zealand, Canadian forces, as well as civilian agencies who are working around the clock in search of the missing airframe, cockpit, and men on board.
As of Sunday a ship equipped with SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) was also added to the mission.
The multi agency effort is being led by the Queensland Police Service.
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Joint Operations Chief Greg Bilton (pictured) said the ‘coordinated and comprehensive air and maritime search and rescue effort’ also included specialist divers who began searching shortly after arriving on Sunday morning.
“The Whitsundays area is renowned for strong currents and so you do get some movement of any debris in the water,” he said.
“That is a very important factor that affects searching.”
The Caller understands the 173 Squadron members were taking part in a restricted mission providing non tactical air transport to special forces operators of the 2nd Commando Regiment when the MRH-90 Taipan crashed into waters off Lindeman Island Friday night.
News of the crash has sent shockwaves through the tight knit aviation community with an outpouring of disbelief and praise for the four missing men by friends and colleagues.
A long time friend and fellow aircrewman told the Caller the tight knit aviation community has banded together following the shock of losing their own.
Unable to be identified due to the nature of his work and security clearance, he said Corporal Phil Laycock was not only a friend but a true professional.
“Phil is a great soldier and natural leader but most importantly a great family man, father,” he said.
“Phil is a top human being and a great army aviator”.
*Our reporter Kate Banville is uniquely placed on this story as a former soldier who was posted to the 6th Aviation Regiment and has close ties to the unit with friends directly involved.
NOTICE: Australian Defence Force support services
1. Defence All-hours support line – The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1800 628 036.
2. Defence Member and Family Helpline – Operates 24-7, if you need support, help, or advice at any time, call 1800 624 608. The Defence Member and Family Helpline is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
3. A network of dedicated mental health professionals at health centres located at major Defence bases is available to provide or facilitate support for ADF members both on-base and off-base. For out-of-hours or away-from-base assistance, members can call 1800 IMSICK (1800 467 425) to locate the nearest support. More information is available via the Mental Health Portal at: https://www1.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/health-well-being/services-support-fighting-fit/mental-health-online
4. Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former serving ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website for more information.
5. Open Arms also has Safe Zone Support which can be accessed at: https://www.openarms.gov.au/safe-zone-support.
6. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides immediate help and treatment for any mental health condition, whether it relates to service or not. If you or someone you know is finding it hard to cope with life, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or DVA on 1800 838 372. Further information can be accessed on the DVA website.
A full list of welfare support services is available at: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/afghanistan-inquiry/welfare-support