The 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight was an Australian Army aviation unit of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. In June 1965, the 161 Reconnaissance Flight was raised part of the No. 16 Army Light Aircraft Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley for deployment to the Vietnam War. In September that year the flight deployed to South Vietnam with two Cessna 180 planes and two Sioux light observation helicopters in order to support the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment based at Bien Hoa Air Base. The unit moved to Vung Tau Air Base on 13 May 1966. The Flight was re-designated the 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight. when unit strength was increased, so making it an Independent unit (and able to draw its own rations and rations). Following the expansion of the Australian commitment,