As fans across the world unite in celebration of all things Star Wars today, who would’ve thought that we’d have a link to the famous film franchise right here in our own collection?
Our Research Team recently discovered an actual link between No 3. Squadron RNZAF and the Star Wars movies in the Squadron memorabilia. They were initially puzzled by what they found, but some detective work through the archives revealed the answer – we’re sure there are a few ex-3 Squadron people out there who will be able to tell us more!
Back in 2009, the Squadron was engaged on Exercise ‘Tropic Astra’ in Samoa, to hone their tropical operational skills. At the same time, a film crew were filming a series of the reality TV show ‘Survivor’ in Samoa. 3 Squadron must have lent some assistance, as the film crew gave them a wooden plaque and flag to thank them for their support.
In addition, it turned out the ‘Survivor’ producer and production designer, Jesse Jensen, had played a minor role as horned Jedi knight Saesee Tiin in the amphitheatre battle scene of ‘Star Wars Episode II: The Attack of the Clones’ in 2001. He gave the Kiwis two signed photos, which you can see in the accompanying photos.
Were you on that exercise and can tell us more? Please get in touch with us here!
