New Zealand Defence Force Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
10 February 2005
Exercise Fincastle - International Competition with a Difference
The Air Force's Orion's and crews are preparing to compete with the maritime patrol forces of Britain and Australia as
part of Exercise Fincastle from 14 February to 2 March. The Air Force's No. 5 Squadron will host this year's Fincastle
at their base at Whenuapai.
This keenly contested competition involves participants' ability to detect, classify, track and engage a submarine by
day or night. In addition, the exercise involves a forum for the development of procedures and tactics, and wider
maritime surveillance and patrol training.
5 Squadron's ground crew will compete for the Lockheed Martin maintenance trophy and all participants compete for a
sports trophy.
Competition for the coveted Fincastle trophy will come from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-3 Orion and 84 RAAF
personnel, and 25 members of Royal Air Force (RAF) crewing and supporting a RAF Nimrod aircraft.
"It's important to take every opportunity to exercise with security partners so we can grow professional and personal
relationships," says No.5 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander John Lovatt.
The Fincastle trophy was first competed for in 1961, it had been presented a year earlier in memory of an RAF air Gunner
who was killed in action in 1943.
ENDS