New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

10 July 2007

Air Force Joins Maritime Warfare Exercise Off Australia

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion aircraft departed New Zealand yesterday to take part in an Australian-led maritime warfare exercise south east of Sydney.

The exercise, which runs from July 9 - 13 and includes the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana, allows 25 RNZAF Orion crew and support personnel to gain experience working alongside their Australian Navy and Air Force counterparts.

RNZAF Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Peter Stockwell, said the Orion crew would complete up to 32 hours of maritime warfare training during the exercise to hone their skills at sub-surface detection and anti-ship warfare. "Opportunities to train alongside our closest ally are always welcome and assist us whenever we work together operationally.

"The Orion is a capable peacetime surveillance aircraft, but as a military organisation it's important that we ensure our combat skills are as well honed as our surveillance skills."

The Australian Defence Force carries out regular maritime warfare training off the East Coast of Australia and the New Zealand Defence Force is often invited to participate.

ENDS

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