New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release
29 May 2009

Air Force Orion Helps Prepare Canadian Army For Operations

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P3-K Orion will participate in Exercise MAPLE GUARDIAN as part of the multi-national air force elements in support of the Canadian Army.

Based at Canadian Air Force Base Comox, the Orion crew will focus on overland Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations in support of Army operations.

Exercise MAPLE GUARDIAN is being conducted in Canada over the period 30 May - 11 June and this is the second time the RNZAF have been involved. The exercise also includes aircraft from the Canadian Armed Forces and the United States Air Force.

“Exercise Maple Guardian allows RNZAF Orion crews to practice operating in direct support of ground troops in a realistic, multi-threat environment. With the Orion fleet undergoing significant upgrades over the next few years, it is essential that we start core training now in order to be prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow,” said the Number 5 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Nick Olney.

ENDS

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