AIRFORCE. 14/2/2005

A n RNZAF P3-K Orion of the number five squadron undertakes a n eight day patrol of the South Pacific . At the patrol’s first assignment at the Kermadecs, the Orion descends to two hundred feet to take photos of a vessel suspected of illegal fishing. The patrol inspects more vessels on route to Fiji where it rests overnight. Next stop is the Honiara from where an eight hour patrol of the Solomons group is made. On returning to Honiara crew members find that an engine is leaking oil which will require the removal of a propeller. A replacement Orion is sent from Auckland. The patrol then flys to Vanuatu where they have a day’s rest. The next night the patrol’s mission is to find illegal fishing under the cover of darkness. The patrol returns at first light to identify and monitor the offending vessel until a patrol boat intercepts it. Nine days, 2.6m kms of ocean patrolled, 162 vessels investigated and a suspected illegal one apprehended; another Orion patrol comes to an end.