Air Force Personnel Return From Timor-Leste

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Advisory

16 July 2008

Royal New Zealand Air Force Personnel Return From Tour In Timor-Leste

The second-to-last rotation of Number 3 Squadron personnel to serve in Timor-Leste will return to Ohakea Air Force Base tomorrow, to be greeted by family and friends and a chilly 10 degrees celsius in the Manawatu.

The thirty personnel have flown 192 hours while carrying out personnel movement, air logistics support and two aero-medical evacuations during their three months in theatre.

Handover to the replacement 3 Squadron contingent was completed this week, and that final rotation will withdraw all personnel and the two Iroquois helicopters when the mission closes in October.

Air Component Commander Air Commodore Gavin Howse says he is pleased with what the team has achieved in Timor-Leste.
“Once again our 3 Squadron helicopters and personnel in Timor-Leste have done a great job in providing air mobility to the International Security Force and undertaking medical evacuations when they were needed.

“3 Squadron has contributed to the hard working reputation of the Kiwis there and we should all be immensely proud of the contributions they have made. They’ll be looking forward to reuniting with their families tomorrow and enjoying the last few days of the school holidays.”

The contingent will arrive at Ohakea Air Force Base on Thursday 17 July, and will be greeted by Group Captain Shaun Clarke. Media are invited to attend.

When: 6.15pm, Thursday 17 July 2008

Where: Air Movements Terminal, Ohakea Air Force Base

What: Arrival of RNZAF personnel from a three month deployment in Timor-Leste.

ENDS

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