8 May, 2007
Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopters were out in force over South Taranaki today as New Zealand troops began their final push towards the rebel stronghold of Okaiawa village.
But don’t be alarmed. It’s not for real. It’s all part of Exercise Wolf One – a simulated 10-day exercise designed to test and train the Ohakea based Iroquois crews and Linton based soldiers in a large range of combat situations.
Three Squadron commanding officer Wing Commander Ian Macpherson said the exercise allowed RNZAF helicopter air crews to gain experience working alongside New Zealand soldiers.
“Joint exercises like these are great preparation for overseas deployments such as Timor Leste where RNZAF personnel and soldiers are required to work together closely.”
Exercise Wolf One began in Waiouru on April 28 and culminated in a simulated assault on the “rebel stronghold” of Okaiawa village on the slopes of Mount Taranaki today.
The army-led exercise involved four RNZAF Iroquois and crews, 230 soldiers, 20 light armoured vehicles (LAVs) and up to 40 other military vehicles and supply trucks.
Over the course of the exercise troops have conducted simulated route reconnaissance, convoy escort missions and sector searches for rebel hideouts and caches of weapons, explosives and contraband.
ENDS
For further information on the Air Force’s contribution to Exercise Wolf One, please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.