Established 1965 as 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight at RAAF Base Amberley for deployment to Vietnam as part of the 16th Army Light Aircraft Squadron. Started using Cessna 180 and Sioux helicopters from Bien Hoa. Expanded using US Army OH-58A Kiowas and O-1 Bird Dog to Vung Tau and Nui Dat until 1971. During that time, in 1967 the 16 Squadron was redesignated 1st Aviation Regiment. In 1974 received current name.