Air Force helicopters to boost security efforts in Timor

19 April 2007

Two New Zealand Defence Force Iroquois helicopters and 32 personnel will deploy Dili next week to assist security efforts in Timor Leste.

The first of the two Iroquois with support crew will leave Ohakea Air Force Base on an Air Force C-130 Hercules 8am on Monday and the second helicopter will follow later in the week.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jack Steer said the helicopters would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Australian-led Combined Joint Task Force currently serving in the country.

The Combined Joint Task Force already includes 150-strong New Zealand Defence Force personnel who are conducting security operations in Dili.

“The Iroquois and their crews will work alongside Australian Defence Force aviation assets already in Timor Leste to insert and extract patrols and assist with the provision of aero medical evacuation and air logistic support,” Rear Admiral Jack Steer said.

“That the first Iroquois is expected to begin flying on ANZAC day is particularly fitting. The close co-operation between the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force contingents which make up the Combined Joint Task Force has been key to the success of security efforts in Timor Leste so far.”

The Defence Force personnel and Iroquois helicopters deploying next week are drawn from the Ohakea based 3 Squadron.

They will remain in Timor Leste for approximately three months as the first rotation of what will be a 12 month deployment.

ENDS

Media wishing to attend the deployment from Ohakea Air Force Base should be at the front gate at 7am. To register interest or to photograph the Iroquois being loaded please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.

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