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A RNZAF C-130 Hercules (on the right) alongside aircraft from other nations participating in Maple Flag. The Hercules arrived at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in Canada on Saturday

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

21 May 2007

AIR FORCE TO PARTICIPATE IN CANADIAN EXERCISE

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules has joined more than 60 other military aircraft at Canadian Forces Base, Cold Lake, in Canada for Exercise Maple Flag.

Maple Flag is a four-week exercise designed to give Air Forces from participating countries the chance to work together in a simulated air combat environment.

RNZAF Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Peter Stockwell said the opportunity for the C-130 Hercules crew to work with personnel and aircraft from potential coalition partners was invaluable.

“Maple Flag gives RNZAF C-130 crews exposure to tactical operations within a large scale coalition environment. This is crucial if we are to be effective in operational theatres in the future.”

The RNZAF will participate in the Fixed Wing Transport Force segment of Maple Flag between May 22 and June 1.
The exercise includes aircraft from New Zealand, Canada, Belgium, Germany, France, Singapore, England, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA.

The RNZAF C-130 Hercules and its 32 crew and support personnel departed Whenuapai Air Force Base on May 16.

ENDS

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