US conduct Apache-related training for Australian force

Last week, a US Army AH-64E Apache visited HMAS Canberra in Sydney and used the chance to engage in a number of deck-based training exercises.

The US Apache provided Army and Navy personnel with an excellent training opportunity prior to the arrival of Australia’s AH-64E Apache fleet in 2025 as it was its route to the Australian International Airshow 2023 in Avalon, Victoria.

Major Daniel Tidd from Army Aviation’s Command Battlefield Aviation Program was on board to watch the training after months of cooperation.

Our joint force has had the chance to learn how to operate the Apache in both a barracks setting and an at-sea environment thanks to the activities, he said.

“This opportunity is the culmination of months of combined force planning and substantial bilateral engagement.”

For the personnel still on board while Canberra is parked next to Fleet Base East, seeing the American Apache was a rare treat.

Roy Watson, Canberra’s Commander Air, was ecstatic to see the aircraft land.

Commander Watson stated, “Seeing the aircraft land has been the product of months of work from many, many different agencies.

“Seeing it actually happen gives me a lot of personal satisfaction,” the speaker said.

Meanwhile, the American Apache airmen enjoyed flying over Sydney Harbour and taking in the sights. The mission, according to Chief Warrant Officer Fourth Class Chris Duquet, was fun.

Chief Warrant Officer Duquet remarked, “It’s terrific working with the Australians and I’ve truly liked the collaboration.”

“Your countryside is stunning. Overall, it was a nice experience, and it was wonderful to see some of that.

Training includes landing and takeoff drills, general deck handling drills, refueling drills, and prospects for future Navy and Army cooperation.

As we move closer to the Army’s operational Apache fleet in 2025, Major Tidd stated, “We’re particularly enthusiastic about the outcomes of this training. It represents a critical milestone in expanding our understanding and interoperability.”

The US Apache resumed its journey to the air show, where it will participate in a static demonstration alongside a US Army UH-60M Black, an Australian Army MRH90 Taipan, ARH Tiger, and CH-47F Chinook.