For the first occasion in half a decade, the 5th Aviation Regiment (5 AVN) and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) carried out a tactical refuelling of three M1 Abrams primary combat tanks utilizing a CH-47 Chinook at Townsville Field Training Area. Within the framework of Exercise Eagle Walk, troops rehearsed fueling protocols employing an expedient technique referred to as a ‘fat cow.’ Major George Flannery of 2 CAV, the Officer Commanding for the tank squadron that integrated with 5 AVN units to perform the refuelling, stated that while the tanks were the most guarded and deadly ωeapon system on the battlefield, they were “extremely fuel-hungry”.

“Our ground refuelling resources, like the HX 77 trucks, can’t always navigate rough terrain. Hence, with these combined capabilities, we know refuelling can transpire anytime, anywhere. This training was vital for sharpening soldiering skills. It’s crucial for us to rehearse this method, not only to identify techniques to execute it more swiftly and effortlessly in the future, but also to ready soldiers for forthcoming warfighting drills like Exercise Talisman Sabre,” Major Flannery stated.

For numerous soldiers, such as 2 CAV armoured crewman Trooper Travis Brown, it was their premiere experience being part of a tactical refuelling. “You encounter things you don’t observe daily. For drills like this, it’s beneficial for us to be in a field setting, making errors so we understand how to correct them. This paves the way for us into the next tactical drill better equipped for what’s ahead,” Trooper Brown commented.

The Australian Defence Force’s operational fleet of Abrams is maintained by the Army’s three Armoured Cavalry Regiments in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Townsville. Additionally, vehicles for training purposes are also housed at the School of Armour in Puckapunyal and the Army Logistic Training Centre at Bandiana. To support the Abrams, the ADF has fabricated seven M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) armoured recovery vehicles.

The Australian Defence Force has operated Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the majority of the period since 1974. Thirty-four of this type have been commissioned into Australian service, including twelve CH-47C variants, eight CH-47Ds, and fourteen CH-47Fs.