First NZDF contingent departs to support Australian fires

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel prepare a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter to be loaded onto a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 aircraft at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

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

The contingent left from RNZAF Base Ohakea and was transported via a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 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 aircraft to support the ADF efforts.

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel prepare a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter to be loaded onto a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 aircraft at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel prepare a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter to be loaded onto a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 aircraft at RNZAF Base Ohakea.