Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
A New Zealand Defence Force C-130J Hercules and two NH90 helicopters have delivered equipment, medical gear and clothing to remote areas of Papua New Guinea.
The flights took place over two weeks, while the nation was celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence.
Among No. 40 Squadron’s C-130J deliveries were first aid equipment, clothing and books.
The squadron’s liaison officer for the C-130J, Flight Lieutenant Mick Wansink, said the PNG deployment wasn’t one they had the opportunity to do very often.
“It’s great being able to fly around these islands for the crew. The flying has provided plenty of challenges manoeuvring into smaller airfields that are not used as often by aircraft of this size.
“Operating in new environments adds elements that we don’t typically have to deal with back in New Zealand,” Flight Lieutenant Wansink said.
The NH90s travelled to small remote areas throughout the country where fixed-wing aircraft are unable to land.
They delivered about 2000kg of mosquito nets to the rural population. Malaria is a serious concern in the Pacific nation, with roughly 90 per cent of the population living in areas at risk of infection.
Scholastica Rim, from Rotarians Against Malaria, joined one of the flights to a remote village in the country’s highlands.
“Being able to deliver the mosquito nets is going to reduce malaria and protect the local populations,” she said.
“The regions are so remote that the only means to bring the nets in is by aircraft, so that’s what we are doing. That’s awesome.”
The NH90s also moved an 800kg mini-excavator to workers in remote farmland in the Kiru village to Keapara in Rigo District Central. The equipment needed to be moved 4km and across a lagoon if the NH90 had not been available.
No. 3 Squadron Flight Commander, Flight Lieutenant Paul Robinson, said it was rewarding to be able to help communities that wouldn’t be able to achieve the tasks without their support and capability.
The heat, reaching around 30°C each day was a challenge for the air and ground crews, he said.
“The heat affects both the aircraft and the personnel – we need to make sure the helicopters have the power required to do what’s needed, as well as the crews looking after themselves.
“During the deployment the ground crews have been putting in long hours in the hot temperatures and it’s hats off to what they have been able to put out for us,” Flight Lieutenant Robinson said.
An RNZAF Boeing 757 also flew military bands from Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu to PNG to take part in a military tattoo as part of independence celebrations.
Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said supporting New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours was an important role for the RNZAF.
“It’s great to see our crews getting the mahi done when they travel away from New Zealand. The job is always more challenging in a different environment, but the ground crew, the aircrews and all the support staff have all contributed to a successful mission.
“It’s an honour to be here to help celebrate PNG’s important milestone and to be able to successfully deliver the support out to the provinces is a credit to the whole deployed team,” Air Commodore Scott said.
