No.3 Squadron Returns From Successful Mission in PNG

No.3 Squadron Returns From Successful Mission in Papua New Guinea

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) No. 3 Squadron have successfully completed a highly intensive deployment to Papua New Guinea, providing support to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and authorities to ensure a fair, free and safe general election.

A detachment of three UH-1H Iroquois helicopters and aircrew, maintenance and support personnel from No. 3 Squadron deployed to Papua New Guinea in mid June.

No. 3 Squadron operated throughout Northern Province and Milne Bay, assisting in the transportation of election material and election officials to and from remote areas.

The mission was a significant success with No. 3 Squadron flying 165 hours and completing 115 sorties during the 17 day operation. Flying in the unpredictable tropical climate presented many challenges for the Iroquois and crews.

"Operating in the unique terrain in Papua New Guinea was a challenge for the Iroquois and the crew," says Squadron Leader Marcell Scott.

“The terrain in Papua New Guinea is harsh and mostly covered by untouched jungle. A great deal of the population live in villages which are hard to reach.

“The Iroquois operated to their limits in the hot, high altitude environment, with over 250 nautical miles from one end of the area of operations to the other, and weather being notoriously hard to predict.

“The mission was a challenge for even the most experienced of operators, and the mission success relied very much on the renowned flexibility of the Iroquois and No. 3 Squadron’s skilled aircrew and maintenance personnel.

“The planning that went into each sortie was extensive, accounting for weights and fuel to the very last pound to ensure the day’s flying was as safe and efficient as possible.

“Despite the challenges, No. 3 Squadron maintained its reputation for getting the job done efficiently with minimal fuss.”

The NZ Defence Force supported the Australian Defence Force-led Combined Joint Task Force.  More than 200 Australian personnel and 38 New Zealand personnel were deployed, including a NZ Army Lieutenant Colonel who filled the role of Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force.

The Royal Australian Air Force provided assistance, transporting No. 3 Squadron to and from Papua New Guinea by C-17. The Royal Australian Navy Landing Craft Heavy, HMAS TARAKAN, moved most of the equipment required to sustain the detachment from Port Moresby to No. 3 Squadron’s base in Tufi.

ENDS

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