New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

November 30 2007

Air Force Aid Flight Oro Bound

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules has left Whenuapai Air Base enroute to the province of Oro in Papua New Guinea.

The flight is carrying relief supplies from the stockpiles of the government’s aid agency NZAID. Two generators, tarpaulins, collapsible water containers and 500 blankets will be off-loaded by New Zealand Defence Force personnel when the

C-130 reaches Oro at lunchtime local time on Saturday.

Thousands of people are in need of shelter and clean water after severe flooding swept through the area as a result of Cyclone Guba which occurred two weeks ago.

C-130 Hercules captain Flight Lieutenant Gus Black said that the aircraft and crew would land at Girua Airport which is the main logistical support hub for the international relief effort. Relief supplies will be then left in the hands of the aid agencies currently on the ground.

“We will only be on the ground for an hour or so and then pretty much heading home, so it is a significant mission for us. It is a lot of flying but it is nice to know that we are supporting those who are in need of a helping hand,” said Flight Lieutenant Black.

One RNZAF C-130 Hercules is always held on standby, or can be directed to support emergency situations or associated tasks

Number 40 Squadron is based at RNZAF Base Whenuapai in Auckland.

ENDS

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