Frosty Reception Awaits Army Engineers
1 December 2008
Frosty Reception Awaits Army Engineers
Ten Army engineers will depart on Wednesday to carry out maintenance tasks at the New Zealand and United States bases in Antarctica.
Comprised mainly of soldiers from 2nd Engineer Regiment based at Linton Military Camp, the team will support the NZ Antarctic programme and the US National Science Foundation for ten weeks.
Scheduled tasks at McMurdo Station and Scott Base include refurbishing a dive locker, constructing outdoor weather shelters, installing new hangar doors and assisting with the NZ wind farm project. All completed in thick snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rhys Jones says that the skill and determined attitude of the Kiwi engineers is valued by Antarctica NZ and the US National Science Foundation.
"Our personnel in Antarctica work in very hostile environmental conditions but the work they do is important for the smooth operation of Scott Base and McMurdo Station."
ENDS