Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Cold Summer Beckons For Defence In Antarctica

5 October 2007

Cold Summer Beckons For Defence Personnel In Antarctica


Click for big version

Work during the Antarctic summer season has begun for seven New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and the No. 40 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

The Kiwi troops arrived at their new home on the ice this week, and the first RNZAF C-130 Hercules flight will be conducted this weekend.

Led by Major Toni Duffield, the NZDF personnel on the ground are spread between Scott and McMurdo Bases and will be carrying out a variety of roles in support of Antarctica New Zealand and the United States Antarctic Programme.

Duties include escorting visiting scientists and dignitaries, assisting with the transport of scientific equipment for research purposes and ensuring supplies at various Antarctic facilities remain well stocked. They also provide support to search and rescue operations on the ice.

No. 40 Squadron will undertake up to six (C130 Hercules) flights prior to Christmas this year, with continued assistance through early 2008. Due to weather conditions some flights are postponed or in some cases at the 'point of safe return' flights turn around and return to Christchurch due to rapid changing weather on the ice.

ENDS



Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.