Media Release

19 October 2012

Defence Force’s Antarctic Season Gets Underway

The NZ Defence Force support to Antarctica New Zealand and the US Antarctic Programme for the 2012/13 season is underway. Around 200 Defence Force personnel in total will support the mission at various stages this season.

The first Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 flight, which assists with moving supplies and personnel, is scheduled to depart today (19 October). Weather dependant, the Air Force will complete a total of six C-130 flights to the ice.

The Harewood Terminal Team in Christchurch is already busy supporting US C17 flights to Antarctica. The team is responsible for the loading and unloading of flights as well as passenger processing, and will operate continuously throughout the season.

Senior National Officer, Acting Lieutenant Commander Barry Holmes, says Defence Force personnel are keen to play their part in making it a successful season.

“Antarctica is one of the Defence Force’s specialist areas of operation, utilising the right people and equipment to cope with the challenging environment.

“We have a great working relationship supporting Antarctica NZ and the US Antarctic Programme. The Defence Force has a long standing commitment and has been involved in Antarctica for over 50 years, helping New Zealand to support the Antarctic Treaty and associated peaceful scientific programmes to safeguard this pristine environment.”

A tri-Service team deployed to Scott Base at the beginning of October, and personnel fill a number of key roles such as plant maintenance, cargo handling, operations co-ordination and continuous watch-keeping communications support.

The Air Force is scheduled to conduct seven B757 flights this season, and will also assist with emergency recovery and search and rescue standby for US aircraft operations. An Airdrop Rigging Team will also provide assistance to a C17 training airdrop.

A New Zealand Army light engineering team will deploy in January to carry out a number of construction, deconstruction and repair projects in the McMurdo area. These projects ensure essential facilities and equipment can withstand the harsh winters, and safeguards the environment.

The mission will peak in February during the annual supply ship offload, where personnel will work round the clock in 24 hour daylight and freezing temperatures to unload shipping containers and move cargo to McMurdo and Scott Bases.

ENDS

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