Details Of Soldier Killed In Blackhawk Crash

Department of Defence Media Mail List

CPA 324/06 Thursday, 30 November 2006

Personal Details Of Soldier Killed In Blackhawk Crash Near Fiji

The Australian Defence Force, following agreement with the family, today released the name of the Australian solider who died as a result of a helicopter accident on HMAS Kanimbla yesterday.

Captain Mark Bingley, 35, was posted to Townsville to 171 Aviation Squadron as a Qualified Flying Instructor on Blackhawk helicopters.

The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, said Captain Bingley served the Australian Army with distinction.

“All Australians should feel very proud of his courage and commitment. Our sympathies go to all of Captain Bingley’s family, in particular his wife and son,” he said.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, also extended his condolences to the family and friends of Captain Bingley.

“He was an extremely competent and highly regarded member of Army’s aviation community.

“Captain Bingley will be remembered as a dedicated pilot who had an infectious energy and a great sense of humour.

“He was a valued team member who will be sorely missed by his comrades, the Army and the Australian Defence Force,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Captain Bingley was born in Launceston, Tasmania, and enlisted in the Australian Army in 1990.

On completion of Recruit Training, he served for several years as a Rifleman in The First Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 1997.

He was subsequently accepted for training as a helicopter pilot. On completion of his training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Aviation Corps in 1998.

During his service he flew helicopters for 5 Aviation Regiment in Australia and overseas, and undertook training in the United States of America.

Captain Bingley served in operations in East Timor, Cambodia and the Solomon Islands.

He was awarded the United Nations Medal for service in Cambodia and East Timor, the International Forces East Timor Medal, the Australian Active Service Medal, the Defence Long Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.

Captain Bingley is survived by his wife and son.

Ends

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