Over 100 Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) personnel took part in Exercise Tropic Astra on the Samoan island of Upolu between 29 July–1 September 2009.
Tropic Astra is an annual RNZAF exercise which trains crews in tropical flying operations. The exercise equips RNZAF personnel to carry out air and land operations in events such as disaster relief, humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and aid to Pacific Island governments.
Although the exercise is mostly an Air Force one, this year was a tri-Service event, with the first RNZAF elements arriving in Samoa aboard the HMNZS Canterbury (her load included four Iroquois helicopters, 70 personnel, 21 vehicles, 15 containers, and other equipment). Ninety trainees from the NZ Army Officer Cadet School achieved their own training objectives in the O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park.
Reflecting on the exercise, Commanding Officer No 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Russell Mardon said, “The three Services came together extremely well to mount and conduct this Exercise. We got a great reception from the Samoan Government and from the public. It was a tremendous success, which not only reinforced capability, but served to enhance it across a number of dimensions.”
Successful RNZAF search and rescue in Samoa
In the early days of Tropic Astra, the RNZAF carried out a successful search and rescue mission, locating a French tourist who had been swept out to sea. Christopher Courtarb had been swimming with a companion when he was swept beyond the reef and into the ocean. He managed to battle his way back to the rocky shore where he was found by the Iroquois crew. Christopher was successfully winched aboard the Iroquois helicopter and returned to safety. Squadron Leader David Brensell said, “The RNZAF is always prepared to assist in search and rescue. We were glad that, on this occasion, there was a successful outcome.”
Samoan firemen put through their paces
Local fire-fighters from Faleata Fire Station in Apia trained with a difference when they worked underneath an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter refilling monsoon buckets for fire fighting practice. The fire-fighters were put through their paces as they fought the rotor-wash to fill and safely dispatch the helicopter for fire-fighting purposes. This was the first time they had experienced this type of fire training. “The opportunity to train local fire-fighters in an area that was new to them has been a fabulous experience. The use of a monsoon bucket to fight fires will hopefully develop here in Samoa. The local fire crews were enthusiastic and didn’t take long to operate unsupervised underneath the Iroquois helicopter,” said Corporal Samuel Hutton.
RNZAF give kids a life
Disabled kids from Loto Taumafai School were given a lift as Iroquois helicopters from RNZAF No 3 Squadron flew in to take them on the ride of their lives. NZAID has been supporting Loto Taumafai School for People with Disabilities since 2003 and provides them with funding for operational core funding costs. Chief Executive Officer of Loto Taumafai School, Mr Leta’a Daniel Devoe said, “Having the Air Force here helping us has been a great opportunity that these children will probably never experience again.”
Students from Peace Chapel Christian Primary School were invited to visit the RNZAF contingent at Faleolo Airfield in Apia, Samoa. The students had been learning about transport and a visit to see helicopters was an excellent way to enhance their learning.