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Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Stacey Van Stijn talks to Students at Samoa College

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Friday 21 August, 2009 ( NZ time)
The Skies The Limit As The Air Force Drop Into High Schools In Samoa

Three Samoan schools on the island of Upolu were looking to the skies as an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter from No 3 Squadron dropped in to visit this week. Staff and students of Paul VI, St Josephs and Samoa College were 'wowed' by the arrival of the helicopter and Air Force personnel who took a break from Exercise TROPIC ASTRA 09 in order to visit the schools.

Aboard the aircraft was a mix of Air Force aircrew and support staff personnel as part of the team. Medical Specialist Leading Aircraftsman Stacey Van Stijn said "It is always great to get out into the community meet students on school visits, the students certainly were interested in what we were doing here in Samoa "

For some in the Air Force this is their first time deployed overseas. "What a fantastic experience to come to Samoa for training and then to be part of school visit programme is just great, I hope we can visit more schools if time permits, the best part was when Paul VI sang a song of appreciation, now that’s cool" said Communications and Information Specialist, Aircraftsman Sam Galpin from the Expeditionary Support Squadron.

The Air Force Team spent their time answering questions and showing the students around the helicopter. One of the aims of the school visits was to showcase the RNZAF as a potential career path for school leavers. The principal of St Joesphs commented that "It was good to see the RNZAF out in the schools as some students may see the Air Force as a career option"

The Iroquois helicopters from No 3 Squadron, RNZAF are taking part in Exercise TROPIC ASTRA 09. It is being conducted from 29 July to 1 September 2009 and is an annual RNZAF exercise designed to provide readiness training in tropical flying operations, including civil tasking and aircrew survival training for selected aircrew personnel. The deployment managed by the RNZAF Expeditionary Support Squadron included RNZAF trade groups, Logistics, Motor Mechanic's, Fitters, Welders, Avionics (electrical specialists) Refuellers, Firemen, Administration, Aircraft Technicians, Air Security, Environmental Health, Medical, Satety and Surface, Communications and Information Specialists, Pilots and support from the NZ Army Catering.

In addition, the RNZAF will be conducting flying tasks in support of the Samoan Government as directed through the NZ High Commission. All of the activities being conducted will simulate what will happen in real time on air operations whether it is disaster relief, humanitarian aid or search and rescue and aid to local Governments.

ENDS:

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Aircraftman (AC) Sam Galpin surround by students from St Josephs
Notes:

• For further information on joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force, please refer to the Air Force recruiting website located at www.stepup.mil.nz

• The RNZAF has a strong Pacific Island culture and continues to be an equal employment opportunity organisation.

A career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force means you'll be trained to world-class standards, operate some of the most sophisticated technology around, and really go places. It's one of the most rewarding careers anywhere in the world.

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