36th AS conducts joint training with NZDF Published Dec. 18, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Airman 1st Class Jasper Lucero, 36th Airlift Squadron (AS) loadmaster, prepares a C-130J Super Hercules for static-line jumps at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base, New Zealand, Nov. 21, 2023. The bilateral training educated military members from the 36th AS and the New Zealand Defense Force on how to jointly prepare for static-line jumps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron conducted bilateral joint training with New Zealand Defense Force members at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 20 – 23, 2023. The 36th AS and NZDF members performed static-line jumps for trainees in the NZDF Parachute Training and Support Unit and high altitude-low opening jumps for the NZDF Kiwi Blue Parachute Team. These jumps also helped train new loadmasters from the 36th AS. “This training helps us better understand what each of our capabilities are.” said Staff Sgt. Brayden Knight, 374th Operations Support Squadron air drop inspector and instructor loadmaster. “If a joint mission needs to happen, we have a better understanding of their techniques, procedures and communication in a real world scenario.” NZDF pilots and crew members familiarized themselves with the C-130J Super Hercules as they retire their C-130H models and replace them with the C-130J’s. Members of the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) Kiwi Blue Parachute Team prepare for a high altitude-low opening jump at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base, New Zealand, Nov. 20, 2023. The 36th Airlift squadron assisted NZDF with training on a C-130J Super Hercules as they prepare to retire their C-130H models in favor of C-130Js. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “For us to have a C-130J Super Hercules come support is hugely beneficial,” said Squadron Leader Juliet Urlich, Royal New Zealand Air Force 40th Squadron C-130J Operational Test Director. “With the retirement of the C-130H models, we don’t have a lot of availability. This benefits us for our parachute school and to see how Yokota does things.” The NZDF PTSU helps train new paratroopers from military bases all over New Zealand with static-line and military freefall jump courses. These trainees also learn the values of teamwork, cooperation, continuous improvement, and resource optimization. The 36th AS aircrew also aimed to boost community relations with an appearance at the Wings over Wairarapa Air Show to engage with the New Zealand community and other aviators. 231121-F-HD796-1393 Paratroopers from the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) Parachute Training and Support Unit (PTSU) prepare for static line jumps over Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 21, 2023. The NZDF PTSU professionally trains new paratroopers from military bases all over New Zealand with static-line and military freefall jump courses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 3 images | 231121-F-HD796-1393 231121-F-HD796-1393 Paratroopers from the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) Parachute Training and Support Unit (PTSU) prepare for static line jumps over Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 21, 2023. The NZDF PTSU professionally trains new paratroopers from military bases all over New Zealand with static-line and military freefall jump courses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith) 1 of 3 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 231121-F-HD796-1275 Pilots from the 36th Airlift Squadron (AS) and New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) fly over Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 20, 2023. Members from both the NZDF and the 36th AS practiced their air capabilities during the joint training. Training items included static-line jumps, high altitude-low opening jumps, and flight familiarization for both loadmasters and pilots of the NZDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith) 2 of 3 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 231120-F-HD796-1030 Flight Lt. Magnus Holding, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) 40th Squadron pilot, briefs members from the 36th Airlift Squadron on plans for their upcoming flight at RNZAF Base, New Zealand, Nov. 20, 2023. The 36th AS and New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) members were able to perform static-line jumps for trainees in the NZDF Parachute Training and Support Unit and high altitude-low opening jumps for the NZDF demo team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith) 3 of 3 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “The air show used to be a yearly event, but for the past three years it's been canceled,” said Knight. “The event builds community relations with New Zealand, shows our capabilities and our partnership with their military”