OUR UNITS
Part 8 of 8 – Formation of the 1st Aviation Regiment’s Operational Support Squadron.
The 1st Aviation Regiment’s (1 Avn Regt) Operational Support Squadron (OSS) was first formed in January 2025 in both Darwin and Townsville as a part of Army Aviation’s force reorganisation. 2025 also saw the first year of the Regiment’s transition from Robertson Barracks in Darwin to Hamel Lines on RAAF Townsville. The Regiment’s headquarters, 162 Squadron, and OSS – Darwin (OSS-D) – continued to operate the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger from Robertson Barracks and maintained an attack helicopter capability for Army while the Apache commences Introduction Into Service (IIS). 161 Squadron and OSS – Townsville (OSS-T) commenced the establishment of the unit in Townsville and involved preparations for receipting the first of the fleet of AH-64E Apache aircraft at the end of 2025.
OSS, both Darwin and Townsville, was born from, the now-disbanded, TSS and flying squadron Technical Support Troops (TST). Additionally, OSS-D took in the remnants of the Logistic Support Squadron (LSS), which was disbanded at the end of 2024. LSS consisted of all logistics elements that supported 1 Avn Regt such as Aviation Groundcrew, Transport, Q-Store, and Ground Support Troop.
In 2025, half of the LSS elements from 1 Avn Regt transitioned to Townsville to join 16 ASB while the rest came under OSS-D. Additionally, the TSTs were removed from the flying squadrons, 161 & 162 SQN. The 161 SQN TST formed 161 TST under OSS-T, and 162 SQN TST joined OSS-D. At the end of 2026, OSS-D will be disbanded and will see the remaining logistic elements transition to join 16 ASB, and the remaining aircraft technicians transition to form 162 TST under OSS-T; or as it will be known from the start of 2027, OSS 1 Avn Regt.
OSS has a rich and long history tied to the Army Aviation capability as the Tasmanian Devils of the TSS have been supporting 1 Avn Regt since its formation on 26 Apr 1966. TSS and the historical TSTs of 161, 162 and 171 FLT / SQN have supported numerous platforms such as Cessna, Porter, Kiowa, Sioux, Iroquois, in many places around Australia and the world, notably in South Vietnam, Malaysia, PNG and Indonesia. 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight and its TST (or unit workshop) at the time, was awarded the United States Army Meritorious Unit Commendation for the actions in South Vietnam during 1965 – 1966.
OSS is represented by the Thorny Devil
The Thorny Devil was chosen as it is one of Australia’s hardiest native animals. Able to withstand the harsh conditions of Australia with ease, it is one of the country’s most resilient creatures. It is also completely covered in razor-sharp thorns making it somewhat difficult for any non-thorny devil to handle. These are many of the traits shared by the members of OSS. Being another native devil, it also pays respect to the origin of OSS, being the Tasmanian Devils of TSS. The squadron motto of INVENIUM VIAM is Latin for “I Shall Find a Way”, and is a shortened version of Hannibal’s famous quote, “I shall either find a way or make one”. The squadron logo of the Thorny Devil Head centred in the cog with crossed spanners represents the attitude that continues from TSS, unity in maintenance.
Operational Support Squadron to date and ahead
OSS spent the majority of 2025 preparing for the arrival of the first Apache platforms. This included a great deal of work including theoretical and practical training for the two Forward Repair Team (FRT) technicians; development and production of tool kits; reviewing and re-writing technical policy; establishment of the Apache Tool Store; creating the administrative processes and procedures for the new squadron; and preparing the maintenance facilities for arrival.
With most of the squadron away conducting training and only manned to 40% strength, it was truly an incredible feat to complete all the required actions to stand up a squadron, and establish a maintenance capability for a new platform ready to commence operations, within months. Despite the first aircraft only arriving in late-2025, flying operations commenced immediately, and all initial milestones were achieved prior to the end of year break.
2026 has seen the arrival of new members to OSS-T, all of whom require Apache technical training, with all scheduled to be completed soon. OSS-T will primarily support barracks flying operations as 161 Sqn commence qualifying their aircrew to receive an Australian type qualification. In addition to this, the inaugural Apache gunnery activities are planned and will also serve as an opportunity for 161 TST to prepare and rehearse Apache deployed maintenance operations also involving 16 ASB ALSE, RPS, and AG. Another quantity of Apaches will arrive over 2026 bringing the fleet size up by the end of the year.
2027 will be the last year of significant change and transition with the remainder of 1 Avn Regt transitioning to Townsville. This final large move will see OSS-T become OSS, as OSS-D collapses, and 162 TST will be raised in Townsville. The OSS Apache workforce will continue to grow in Townsville, when it is expected that OSS will have its full complement of military and contracted technicians.
MAJ Sean Hobson
OC OSS, 1 AVN REGT
Images courtesy of Defence
