173rd Aviation Squadron (Australia)

The 173rd Aviation Squadron is an Australian Army aviation unit which forms part of the 6th Aviation Regiment. It is currently based at Holsworthy Barracks and is equipped with Bell Kiowa helicopters.
History
The squadron was formed on 17 February 1974 at Oakey and initially operated Pilatus PC-6 Porters. In 1978, the squadron also received a number of GAF Nomads. During this time, the squadron undertook a variety of Army co-operation roles utilising the short take-off and landing characteristics of its aircraft. These included: artillery spotting, troop transport, field resupply, medevac, ground-air liaison. It was also used for survey work in the South Pacific and flood relief in Australia.
The squadron gave up its Porters in late 1992 and in the following year, the squadron adopted the title of "173 (Surveilance) Squadron"; under this guise it undertook the aerial surveillance and survey roles and was also used as a vehicle to deliver parachute troops...