New Zealand Defence Force Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release

10 February 2005

Exercise Fincastle - International Competition with a Difference

The Air Force's Orion's and crews are preparing to compete with the maritime patrol forces of Britain and Australia as part of Exercise Fincastle from 14 February to 2 March. The Air Force's No. 5 Squadron will host this year's Fincastle at their base at Whenuapai.

This keenly contested competition involves participants' ability to detect, classify, track and engage a submarine by day or night. In addition, the exercise involves a forum for the development of procedures and tactics, and wider maritime surveillance and patrol training.

5 Squadron's ground crew will compete for the Lockheed Martin maintenance trophy and all participants compete for a sports trophy.

Competition for the coveted Fincastle trophy will come from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-3 Orion and 84 RAAF personnel, and 25 members of Royal Air Force (RAF) crewing and supporting a RAF Nimrod aircraft.

"It's important to take every opportunity to exercise with security partners so we can grow professional and personal relationships," says No.5 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander John Lovatt.

The Fincastle trophy was first competed for in 1961, it had been presented a year earlier in memory of an RAF air Gunner who was killed in action in 1943.

ENDS

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