Media Advisory
31 May 2007
Two Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois helicopters will fly over central Christchurch tomorrow to participate in a multi-agency exercise.
The joint exercise involves the Air Force, Army and New Zealand Police and will be conducted in the Christchurch CBD area between 1pm and 10pm.
Iroquois captain Flight Lieutenant Ben Stephens said the training was a good opportunity for his crew to gain further experience working alongside Army and Police personnel in an urban environment.
“The skills gained by pilots and crews on these exercises are useful both in New Zealand and overseas,” he said.
There are currently two RNZAF Iroquois and 32 RNZAF personnel deployed in Timor Leste to assist with peace keeping operations in the country.
Air Force and police personnel regularly work together in New Zealand on Search and Rescue, civil defence and anti-drug operations.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.