18 May 2008
NZAF Iroquois Support Police Stg On Cook Strait Exercise
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Members of the police Special Tactics Group rappel out of a RNZAF Iroquois onto the Aretere Interislander ferry during
a combined training exercise.
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The 10.00am sailing of the Interislander ferry from Picton to Wellington on Friday 16 May set the scene for a combined
police Special Tactics Group (STG) and RNZAF Number 3 Squadron counter-terrorism training exercise.
The routine training, involving fast rope rappelling, saw members of the police STG rappel from an RNZAF Iroquois onto
the deck of the Aretere Interislander ferry as it made its way across Cook Strait.
Iroquois captain Squadron Leader Nigel Cooper of RNZAF Number 3 Squadron said the exercise was a great success.
“We achieved our aim which was getting the team on board the ship.”
Sqn Ldr Cooper said the combined exercise provided the Iroquois crew with the opportunity to practice fast rope
rappelling during a realistic training situation.
Interislander passengers and crew had been well briefed by the Police and RNZAF prior to the training exercise.
ENDS