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The Australian Defence Force has held a military service commemorating four Australian Army aircrew lost in the 2023 Lindeman Island MRH-90 Taipan incident, on the first anniversary of the crash.
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On 28 July 2023, an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter impacted waters near Lindeman Island, Queensland, during a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs from the 6th Aviation Regiment were killed in the incident.
Commemorative activities included a military service at Swartz Barracks in Oakey on Friday, which saw plaques for each fallen aviator mounted on the Australian Army Aviation Corps Memorial wall. This was followed by a private, on-water memorial for the families of the aircrew at the site of the incident this morning.
Commander of Army Aviation Command, Major General Stephen Jobson, AM CSM, paid tribute to CAPT Lyon, LT Nugent, WO2 Laycock and CPL Naggs.
“The loss of Danniel, Maxwell, Phil and Alexander has left a void in the lives of the entire Army Aviation community,” MAJGEN Jobson said.
“These men were determined, quiet professionals, and generous friends. We join together with their families and friends to honour their memory, their commitment to our nation, and their sacrifice.
“Army and the Australian community will never forget.”
Defence said it appreciates the support of the public in respecting the privacy of the families and the Defence community.
It has been confirmed that the Australian Defence Force military transport helicopters will not return to flying operations and will instead be replaced by the introduction into service of a new fleet of UH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters.
