NZ Air Force aircraft in Suva to conduct maritime surveillance

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orien aircraft is in Suva to mark the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 5 from Laucala Bay.

The aircraft is also here to conduct a maritime surveillance patrol of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone at the request of the Fiji government.

Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Mike Yardly said it is appropriate that they have an aircraft from the number 5 Squadron.

The aircraft provides a range of services to the government agencies and the Squadron provides six crews including 12 personnel compromised of Pilots, Flight Engineer, Air Warfare Officers and Air Warfare Specialists to conduct its tasks.