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Air Force Search For Missing Teens in Ruatoki

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Tuesday 25 August 2009

Air Force Helicopter Called In To Search For Missing Teenagers In Ruatoki Valley Area


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RNZAF Iroquois Helicopter

An Iroquois helicopter from No 3 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force launched from Ohakea Air Force Base at 7am this morning to assist the Police search for three teenagers missing in the Ruatoki Valley area, 15kms south of Whakatane. Three teenagers, two 15 year olds and one 17 years have been missing for over 24hrs after they went pig hunting on horse back yesterday. It is understood that they were lightly clad with no overnight equipment.

An aerial search was conducted yesterday by a local helicopter with no sign of the missing teenagers. The Air Force Iroquois helicopter was called in to assist due to the rugged terrain and the Iroquois's winching capability. An Air Force Tanker has been dispatched from the Whenuapai Air Force Base to refuel the helicopter in location. The Iroquois arrived in the search area at 8:45am and will begin to insert search teams into the area as directed by the NZ Police.

Notes:

• There are currently 854 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence exercises across 10 countries.
• No 3 Squadron has total personnel strength of approximately 135, and operates the following aircraft:
• 14 UH-1H Iroquois
• 5 Bell-47 Sioux
• To meet NZDF Rotary Wing Transport Force Element requirements, the Squadron provides:
• Operational support and training for the NZ Army, specifically in tactical air transport, special operations and aero medical evacuation.
• Helicopter conversion (Sioux) and operational conversion (Iroquois) training for pilots and helicopter crewmen.
• Search and rescue, medical evacuation, NZ Police support, and assistance to other Government agencies
• VIP transport

ENDS

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