Bob Redman. Reflections on Vietnam Huey Pilot and Test Pilot

Wing Commander Bob Redman (AKA Rags) joined the RAAF in Aug 67.   He was awarded his wings in Dec 68 and was posted to 5 SQN Fairbairn ACT for conversion to Iroquois helicopters (UH-1B/D). In early 1970 he served with 9 SQN in Vietnam until Apr 1971, including several weeks with the 45th Medevac Company US Army, flying UH-1H ‘Hueys’ from Long Binh.   He rejoined 5 SQN at Fairbairn in Jul 71 before rejoining 9 SQN Jan 72 on its move from Vietnam to Amberley QLD.   He was mentioned in dispatches for his service in Vietnam. In Dec 73 he joined the US Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Maryland USA flying a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.   He worked as a test pilot in the US Naval Air Test Centre for four months before returning to Aircraft Research and Development Unit at Laverton Vic in Jun 1975.   He completed a flying instructors’ course May 77 on Macchi 326H aircraft at Central Flying School East Sale Vic, instructing at 2FTS Pearce WA until late 1979.   He was posted as Commanding Officer Transport Support Flight Butterworth Malaysia in Jan 1980, flying DC3, Caribou transport aircraft and UH-1H helicopters until mid 1982.   WGCDR Redman completed RAAF Command and Staff course in 1985, and the Joint Services Staff Course in 1989.   He served in a number of staff positions in Air Force HQ, Defence, RAAF Staff College, and the Pentagon (1986 – 89), before retiring at the end of 1991 and moving to Belmont NSW. In Nov 96 he commenced full time reserve service in 81Wing HQ at RAAF Williamtown.   In Nov 98 he rejoined the RAAF in the same position, primarily to coordinate the transition from the Macchi to the then new Hawk 127.   He continued the same duties at the newly formed 78 Wing Williamtown from Jul 2000 until Jul 2002, including planning fast jet training and continued development of the Hawk 127.   He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in Jul 2002 for his work at 78 and 81 Wings. WGCDR Redman was posted to ADF BFTS Tamworth from Jul 2002 as a flying instructor on CT4B and CAP10B aircraft.   He retired from the RAAF on 30 Dec 04.. Rags married Shaun in 1972.   They have four children, four grandchildren, and two MGs.   Rags, Shaun, family and friends built an RV-7 aircraft (VH-YMG) in the family garage. Current interests are family, friends, keeping the vehicles on the road, and in the air, the RAAF Association, the 9 Squadron RAAF Association, and the Sports Aircraft Association of Australia