Bombs Boom at Kaipara
High explosive bombs rocked the Kaipara Air Weapons Range north of Auckland as the Royal New Zealand Air Force undertook a week of bombing training over 9 to 13 June.
The Kaipara Air Weapons Range was the target as No. 5 Squadron undertook bombing training. (AK-07-0229-09).
The week saw a RNZAF P3-K Orion drop 42 MK 82 (500lb) bombs as part of an exercise designed to ensure personnel maintain the skills necessary for the operation, preparation and release of ordnance.
No. 5 Squadron Commanding Officer, WGCDR Logan Cudby said the training aimed to make sure everyone involved from pilots and air crew, to ground crew and armament personnel has the necessary training to handle, load and drop high explosive weaponry.
The Air Force’s Orions can be armed with either depth bombs or torpedoes. The bombing week practices the critical links between ground support personnel and air crews to ensure the weapons can be delivered accurately,’ he said.