Page 84 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

92 EAGLE AND CARBINE
Due to the Regiment’s proximity to the disaster and the speed with which we were able to mount a response, soldiers from the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers were some of the first defence personnel to reach many communities affected by the floodwaters. This accelerated deployment meant that the Regiment was instrumental in the development of staging areas used by follow on forces in support of the relief effort.
ANZAC day 2022 saw the unit once again repre- senting the Australian Army at commemorative services all across our area of influence. Soldiers from the Regiment supported services in Werris Creek, Gunnedah, Gundy, Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Manilla, Merriwa, Armidale and Quirindi in New South Wales. In Queensland the soldiers supported services in Peregian Beach and Bribie Island.
The Regiment maintained it presence on operations in support of the wider Army in 2022. 12th/16th HRL soldiers continued to deploy on Operation RESOLUTE to serve as members of the Transit Security Element. Personnel also served on HQ JTG629.3 in ongoing support to Operation COVID-19 ASSIST.
Outside of operational support, 2022 was another big year of training for the Regiment with each Squadron putting soldiers through their paces on a series of blank, live fire and high explosive activities. October saw the hangars temporarily transformed into makeshift ranges as the use of airsoft Reality Based Training Systems allowed soldiers to develop their combat shooting skills. The Regiment also supported a number of Brigade exercises with soldiers participating in Exercises ARRAS SPRINT, VITAL PROSPECT,
AUSTRAL SHIELD, CURLEW LAUNCH and ROCKY READY.
At the end of October, the Regiment once again took the time to commemorate the Battle of Beersheba with the conduct of formal dinners in Tamworth and Bribie Island. This was a great opportunity for members of the unit to reflect on the history of the organisation and recognise some outstanding performances from individuals during the year. Past serving members of the Regiment, current officers and soldiers of the Regiment and their guests, Commander and RSM 11th Brigade and the RAAC Head of Corps Brigadier Christopher Gardiner attended these events.
While the year may be drawing to a close, the work continues as the Regiment prepares for another challenging high risk weather season across the country. Despite these challenges, we look forward to 2023 and the exciting future as new equipment, new roles and new responsibilities approach.
12th/16th Hunter River Lancers recognises the contri- butions of those who are leaving the unit at the end of this calendar year including REGT 2IC, MAJ Darren Dwyer, OC B Squadron, MAJ Chris Flear, OPSO MAJ Garry Warren and the RSM WO1 Guy Musgrove.
‘Virtutis Fortuna Comes’
Combat shooting with newly issued EF88 Carbines
Combat shooting with newly issued blade holsters.