International exercise in Guam tests RNZAF air mobility, aero-medical skills

An RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft from No. 40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland and contingent of about 30 aviators including aircrew, maintainers, an air load team and medics as aeromedical observers, are now back on home soil.

They took part in the air mobility component of the USAF Exercise Resolute Force Pacific, which practises the delivery of air combat power at the levels needed to deal with a rapidly escalating crisis - should one occur.

In addition to the USAF, participants included the air forces of Australia, Canada, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, alongside the United States Marine Corps, US Army and the Japanese Self-Defence Force.

The detachment commander, Squadron Leader Mel Fieldes, said the main focus was on practising and improving how the participants work together in stressful situations to project combat power.

“This type of training ensures that we can respond effectively and quickly, to security challenges, and shows the commitment of all nations involved to maintaining regional stability,” she said. 

“Situations such as these, where we deploy into an unfamiliar environment and need to build effective relationships quickly from scratch, are invaluable opportunities to test our full range of skills. 

“We’re very happy with what we achieved over there.  We’ve all come home with a range of new learnings and understandings of how our Defence partners operate.”

Squadron Leader Fieldes said a particular highlight was a simulated aero-medical evacuation in which RNZAF medics worked alongside British and Canadian counterparts on a Royal Air Force aircraft. 

“The flight simulated the care of critically ill people, including dealing with onboard medical emergencies until the patients could be transferred to higher-level care once the aircraft landed. 

“It was a perfect example of how we improve by working together, thereby making our own military stronger,” she said.