New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

19 March 2007

Defence Force Increases Presence In Timor Leste

The NZDF is set to send up to three helicopters with 32 crew and support staff to further assist with stability operations in the troubled nation of Timor Leste.

Drawn from the Ohakea based 3 Squadron, the RNZAF personnel and Iroquois helicopters will deploy in late May in the first rotation of what will be a 12 month deployment.

The deployment was prompted by a request from the Australian Defence Force to augment their helicopter operations in Timor Leste and provide a more robust capability.

Likely tasks for the crew include insertion and extraction of patrols, assisting with the provision of aero medical evacuation and air logistic support.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jack Steer says 3 Squadron are more than ready for the deployment.

“In recent years 3 Squadron have deployed on similar operations in the Solomon Islands and Bougainville, and in 2000 worked in partnership with Australian air assets in Timor Leste.

“We are pleased to be able to provide a further capability to assist the Government of Timor Leste as they continue to strive for stability, and this deployment is further proof of the diverse range of operations the NZDF can effectively contribute to.”

The helicopters will be transported to Timor Leste using the RNZAF C-130 Hercules and will be co-located with the Australian air assets at the Heliport in central Dili.

Also announced by the Government today was the appointment of a New Zealand Officer as the Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force in Timor Leste.

ENDS

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