A RNZAF No.3 SQN NH90 helicopter is loaded onto a RAAF C-17, on its way to assist with the Australian bushfires. NZDF photo.

First RNZAF chopper on its way

06/01/202007/01/2020 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3284 Views 0 Comments Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20

The first of three Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters and its crew departed for Nowra, New South Wales, today to support the Australian Defence Force efforts in tackling the Australian fires.

CAPTION: New Zealand Defence Force and Australian Defence Force personnel load a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter onto a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster at RNZAF Base Ohakea. Photo by Corporal Nicci Freeman.

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The contingent left from RNZAF Base Ohakea and was transported via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

Two further RNZAF NH90s and crew will depart for Australia over the next two days.

A contingent of New Zealand Army combat engineers and a command element will also deploy to Australia via a RNZAF C-130 Hercules to support the ADF efforts.

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