The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Carey Adamson, today said a six person Defence Force planning team was despatched last night to Brisbane to work with Australian Defence Force planners for the possible deployment of a UN mandated peacekeeping force to East Timor.

“The composition of our contribution will be determined by what the UN requires, but we will be able to provide a joint contribution if asked, that is, a contribution of two or more of the Navy, Army or Air Force,” said Air Marshal Adamson.

“We have already made a joint contribution with one RNZAF C130 Hercules and a small Army contingent currently operating in the Australian Defence Force led airlift in support of UNAMET.”

“Also, the naval vessels HMNZS TEKAHA and HMNZS ENDEAVOUR and their 200 personnel have been redirected to the waters north of Darwin to be available to support UNAMET if required. TE KAHA arrived on Saturday night and ENDEAVOUR departs Singapore today to sail to the area. Both ships will be available to support UNAMET if required.”

“Beyond these contributions other force elements of the Royal New Zealand Navy, NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force are being brought to a reduced notice to move as quickly as other commitments permit.”

Forces being readied for possible deployment include:

One company group with M113 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), plus elements of engineers, medical, logistics, signals, transport, supply and repair;

A fixed wing element; and

A rotary wing element.

“Whatever the composition of our national contribution, it would remain under New Zealand national command.”

ENDS

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