Kiwi helicopter detachment departs for Christmas in Timor-Leste

26 October 2007

Thirty-two New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel departed today for three months with the NZDF helicopter detachment in Timor-Leste.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force pilots, technicians, engineers, crew and operational refuellers will be in Timor to operate two Iroquois helicopters which enhance the capabilities of the Combined Joint Task Force in the country.

They will work alongside the Australian Defence Force air assets and the 150 NZDF infantry and military observers in Timor-Leste and carry out personnel movement, aero medical evacuation and air logistic support.

The personnel that departed today are mainly from 3 Squadron at Ohakea Air Force Base.

New Zealand has contributed to various United Nations and peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste since 1999.  The New Zealand Defence Force’s commitment to Timor-Leste at present consists of more than 170 Defence personnel and two helicopters serving with the Combined Joint Task Force, as well as two Military Liaison Officers serving with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

ENDS

Currently 673 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 17 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.

For further information please contact Nicole Munro-Johnson, Defence Public Relations, on 04 529 6033 or 021 569 148.

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