FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 May 2003
Hercules Departs For Gulf Of Oman
The first of two Air Force C130 Hercules departed from Whenuapai Air Base at 8.00am today with 10 personnel and
equipment in support of Operation Troy.
A second C130 Hercules will depart on the 10th of May, they are scheduled to return to New Zealand on the 16 and 17 of
May.
An Air Force Orion and its support crew will leave Whenuapai on 11 May to contribute to the multinational Operation
Enduring Freedom by undertaking Maritime Interdiction Operations in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
The aircrew and maintenance staff have been preparing themselves and the aircraft since the Government announced its
intention to deploy in November last year. The Air Force team will provide a valuable and internationally recognised
contribution in the effort to prevent terrorism.
ENDS