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RNZAF C130 Hercules in Antartica. (File photo)

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Air Force Hercules Rescue Flight to Antarctica

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C130 Hercules aircraft took off from Christchurch at 7am this morning on a rescue mission to the Antarctic to evacuate an American man suffering cardiac problems. The American has been working as part of the United States Antarctic Programme (USAP) and is believed to be in a serious but stable condition. He will be returned to New Zealand for further treatment.

Two New Zealand Defence Force medics in addition to two civilian medical staff are also on the flight to provide in flight medical aid during the transit back to New Zealand. The USAP request to evacuate the man came from through Antarctic New Zealand yesterday and the C130 Hercules from No 40 Squadron was prepositioned in Christchurch to prepare for today's flight. It is expected that the Air Force Hercules will make the return 16 hour flight today and is due back in Christchurch at 1145pm tonight.

"Aero Medical Evacuation is a capability the Air Force can deliver as and when required. Our crews are experienced flying in and out of Antarctica and this task doesn't present any issues for us and our aim is to safely return this man to New Zealand for treatment" said Squadron Leader Richard Beaton, Acting Commanding Officer No 40 Squadron.

ENDS

There are currently 685 NZDF personnel participating in 14 different operations, UN missions and exercises in 10 different countries around the world.

Notes:
The New Zealand Defence Force's Role in Antarctica
Each year Antarctica New Zealand requests New Zealand Defence Force support for the forthcoming Antarctic summer season. The NZDF also provides support to the United States Antarctic Programme. Jobs include search and rescue support, air transport, Terminal Operations at Harewood (Christchurch Int. Airport) and McMurdo, ship offload operations and Scott Base support personnel. The summer season extends from October to February each year.

Each year No. 40 Squadron RNZAF undertakes approximately six C130 Hercules flights during the summer season The Squadron forms the Fixed Wing Transport Force of the New Zealand Defence Force Elements and provides:

• strategic air transport,

• tactical air transport,

• support to the government,

• support to the NZ Antarctic Programme,

• disaster relief and humanitarian operations,

• Aero medical evacuation,

• civil defence support in NZ and the South Pacific and

• VIP air transport

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