Community & Business
12 March, 2026
Commandant to leave at year’s end
Australian Army Aviation Training Centre Commandant Colonel Duncan Flindle has announced he will be moving on from Swartz Barracks at the end of 2026, as the precinct gets ready for an Open Day this Saturday from 10am-2pm.
Providing an update on activities at the base, Colonel Flindle reported that five UH-60 Black Hawk aircraft were now on base.
“The Black Hawk (acquisition) is paying dividends,” he said.
“The burden of maintaining the aircraft is a lot lower (compared with the MRH-90 Taipan fleet).
“It’s like the advice you get to never buy the first generation of a new car (referring to the Taipan) - the Black Hawk has millions and millions of hours logged and its underlying structures have proven capabilities.”
Ultimately, it is expected that 17 Black Hawks will be stationed at Swartz Barracks.
Seven aircraft will be used as part of a full training fleet, while the other 10 helicopters will go to B Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment.
B Squadron will move from Townsville to Oakey in 2028.
Appointed at the start of 2024 to manage the transition between the Taipan and Black Hawk fleets, Colonel Flindle will have been in charge at Oakey for almost three years when he leaves.
He says he has appreciated the commitment that Oakey and the wider region have towards getting behind the Defence community.
“The amount of support here is incredible, I’ve had (my most enjoyable) ANZAC Day service here,” Col Flindle said.
“Everyone comes together. The amount of people that turn up in Toowoomba (for the ANZAC Day Service) is staggering.
“That relationship we have (with) organisations, be they RSL, schools, cadet units, Toowoomba Regional Council and the Mayor - their commitment to all the commemorations we do throughout the year is outstanding.”
Colonel Flindle says that the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre has a fixed commitment to Oakey’s ANZAC Day service and regular engagement with local schools.
This Saturday (March 14), the Army Open Day at the Australian Army Flying Museum will celebrate 125 years of Australian Army service.
Gates open at 10am, and you can reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
Aircraft will be on display alongside a VR experience. Members of the community are invited to chat with soldiers.
Pizzas, burgers, brisket, cold drinks, and coffee will be available for purchase.
Visitors are advised to bring a water bottle and wear sun safe clothing.
