Out of nowhere they appeared over the escarpment just after 4pm on Monday, looking a little out of place as they hovered low over the Illawarra.
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Four large aircraft glistened in the fading November sun, but these weren’t your typical visitors to the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park Rail.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Black Hawk helicopters could be seen – and certainly heard – as they arrived for counter-terrorism training in our own backyard.
One touched down briefly on Airport Road, as three others hovered just metres away.
About 10 people watched on in awe. It’s not every day you see aircraft of this kind in the region, but it’s a sight residents have been told to get used to over coming days.
The exercise is part of normal scheduled training, which will be centred around the Shellharbour local government area this week.
The Department of Defence said the training would be conducted at civilian facilities and people may notice military helicopters, vehicles and personnel in the area.
Low-flying helicopters, blank gunfire, pyrotechnics and other associated noises are likely to be heard.
“During training, the Australian Defence Force will be using helicopters near urban areas which may result in some unavoidable noise disturbance,” the department said in a statement.
“Helicopter movements may unavoidably go beyond 11.30 pm. The activity will impact the affected areas for the shortest possible time during this period.
“If the public observes or hears such activities, they should not be alarmed.”
The ADF have made relevant authorities aware of the training, which is also taking place in western Sydney.
“The training activities are designed to provide a realistic test of ADF skills and to ensure the ADF maintains the highest level of capability to respond, where required, to support Australia’s national interests,” the statement said.
“Defence acknowledges that these activities may result in disturbance to local residents, however, wherever possible, the ADF seeks to minimise this disruption.”
Last week, the department said: “The training will involve ADF members conducting responses to simulated terrorist incidents around critical infrastructure”.
For security reasons, no further information about the training can be released.