// No. 5 Squadron

Today, No.5 Squadron is one of the force elements under the command of the Air Component Commander JFHQ. Located at RNZAF Base Auckland, the Squadron is the RNZAF's only maritime patrol Squadron and is responsible for surveillance of New Zealand's maritime area of interest which is approximately 1/12 of the world's ocean surface, ranging from the Antarctic to the equator. Squadron History

No.5 Squadron consists of approximately 145 members and is allocated approximately 2,500 hours a year to meet NZDF Maritime Patrol Force requirements such as:

• Maritime surveillance
• Maritime reconnaissance
• Exclusive Economic Zone patrols
• Anti-submarine warfare
• Anti-surface unit warfare
• Search and rescue

To continue the Orion capability into the future the RNZAF are upgrading the flight deck, data management system, the sensors, the communications and navigation systems, mission support and maintenance systems. This will allow the aircraft to conduct a broader range of surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and use its surveillance capabilities much more effectively. This project is expected to be completed by 2010, and will extend the operational life of the Orions beyond 2020. These new capabilities will ensure that No. 5 Squadron will continue to span the ocean.