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Amid trucks moving metal and planes flying through the sky, work has begun to build a shelter for the air force’s newest birds.
After drilling through the stones with a shovel at Ōhakea air base, Defense Minister Peeni Henare on Tuesday signaled the start of the largest construction project ever undertaken by the Defense Force.
Te Whare Toroa, consisting of two hangars spanning 180 meters by 60 meters, two stories high, will be the new home of Squadron No. 5 and four new P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The name was inspired by the albatross on the squadron’s crest.
“Today marks an important milestone, one that has been fought hard, but takes a long time,” Henare said.
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Defense Minister Peeni Henare plans to return to the site to monitor the work.
“The construction works for the P-8 aircraft will be one of the largest and most complex in this country and, in fact, the Defense Force has ever seen.”
The Poseidon aircraft will support New Zealand’s maritime surveillance, resource protection, and humanitarian and disaster responses.
You will also be able to participate in warfare, as they are armed with torpedoes, anti-ship missile harpoons, and other weapons, and can launch and monitor sonobuoys and hunt submarines.
MURRAY WILSON / THINGS
The air force is acquiring a fleet of P-8A Poseidon jets in early 2023.
Construction of Te Whare Toroa, awarded to Hawkins Construction, will cost $ 250 million and, at the peak of construction, 400 workers will be on site.
About 250 military members would fill the squad’s posts once it is completed in 2023, Henare said.
“They are eager to bring their families here, integrate into the community, have the support not only of the air base, but the community in general, and work with modern equipment.
Murray Wilson / Stuff
TO ?? hakea will house four new P-8A Poseidon aircraft starting in 2023.
The arrival of the aircraft is expected to bring a significant boost to Manawatū-Whanganui and its economy.
Manawatū Mayor Helen Worboys visited the incoming squad at Whenuapai Air Force Base to allay fears members may have of getting away from the great smoke.
“It was very well received and we intend to reduce that staff next year. [to] Ōhake to show them around. This is fantastic news for our community. “
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An artist’s impression shows Te Whare Toa spanning a space as large as three soccer fields.
Finding construction workers could be difficult given the number of large projects in the region competing for talent, but now is the time to grab a helmet and upgrade your skills, Worboys said.
“They depend on local employment and local talent, so this is an incredible opportunity. For a young person or even someone looking for a career change, this is the place to come. “
The aircraft will replace six P-3K2 Orions, which have been in use since the 1960s and are nearing the end of their operational life.
