1 December 2008
Ten Army engineers will depart on Wednesday to carry out maintenance tasks at the New Zealand and United States bases in Antarctica.
Comprised mainly of soldiers from 2nd Engineer Regiment based at Linton Military Camp, the team will support the NZ Antarctic programme and the US National Science Foundation for ten weeks.
Scheduled tasks at McMurdo Station and Scott Base include refurbishing a dive locker, constructing outdoor weather shelters, installing new hangar doors and assisting with the NZ wind farm project. All completed in thick snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rhys Jones says that the skill and determined attitude of the Kiwi engineers is valued by Antarctica NZ and the US National Science Foundation.
“Our personnel in Antarctica work in very hostile environmental conditions but the work they do is important for the smooth operation of Scott Base and McMurdo Station.”
ENDS
For more information please contact Nicole Munro-Johnson, Defence Public Relations: 04 529 6033, 021 569 148.
The New Zealand Defence Force has sent personnel to the ice in various roles since the 1950s, although 2007 was the first year that Army Engineers have been sent to carry out maintenance tasks.
There are currently 644 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 16 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.