Third Battalion Group Depart

Tuesday 06 November 2000

The largest group of soldiers from the Third Battalion Group (NZBatt3) going to East Timor leave from Ohakea Air Force Base tomorrow evening.

This 240 strong group will include NZBatt3 Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Dave Gawn, and Regimental Sergeant Major Bo Ngata.

The Minister of Defence Hon Mark Burton MP, Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Carey Adamson, Chief of General Staff Major General Maurice Dodson, Joint Force Commander Brigadier Jerry Mateparae and Commander 2 Land Force Group Colonel Barry Vryenhoek will be present to farewell this group.

Media who wish to attend will be met at the gate of Ohakea Air Force Base at 7:00pm, and will be escorted to the Gymnasium. There will around an hour and a half available for interviews or photographs. Public Relations staff will be available to assist in making personnel available for interview if required.

Any media who wish to attend are requested to phone Belinda Ryan, Army Public Relations Officer on 04 496 0296 or 025 443 404.

ENDS

Contact: Belinda Ryan, Army Public Relations Officer, 04 496 0296 or 025 443 404.

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