21 March 2007
A Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois helicopter will fly over central Christchurch tomorrow in support of a police training exercise at the old Christchurch Women’s Hospital.
The helicopter, crewed by six Air Force personnel from RNZAF Base Ohakea, has been operating from the former Air Force Base at Wigram since Monday.
Iroquois captain Flight Lieutenant Adam Houston said the exercise provided an opportunity for the Air Force to practice working together with police for joint operations in urban environments.
“Exercises like these allow Air Force and police personnel to gain a practical understanding of how we function together in an operational environment.
“The skills gained by our pilots and crews on these exercises are useful both in New Zealand and overseas.”
Earlier this week the government approved the deployment of up to three Iroquois helicopters with 32 crew and support staff to Timor-Leste to assist with peace keeping operations in the country.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.