8 April, 2007
A team of New Zealand Defence Force aircraft load specialists has departed from Whenuapai Air Force Base to assist with aid efforts in the earthquake hit Solomon Islands.
The eight person team, made up of six Royal New Zealand Air Force and two New Zealand Army personnel, departed for Honiara on a RNZAF C-130 Hercules at 12.45pm.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jack Steer said the team’s role would include preparing and loading NZAID and other emergency supplies onto RAMSI aircraft in Honiara for flights into areas hardest hit by Monday’s disaster.
“It is hoped that the Army movement operators and Air Force air load team will take some of the strain off those working in Honiara to prepare the aid stores for distribution.
“With the help of the New Zealand Defence Force personnel the amount of aid distributed to those in need should be greatly increased.”
The team will be based in Honiara for the duration of their deployment.
ENDS
For further information please contact Glenn Davis, Defence Public Relations, on 021 420 899.
For information regarding NZAID efforts contact Catrina McDiarmid on 027 292 9827.
Photo caption: An Air Force air load team in action on a RNZAF exercise earlier this year.
Other NZDF efforts in the Solomon Islands:
On Tuesday a RNZAF C-130 Hercules left for the Solomon Islands to deliver NZAID supplies including tarpaulins, water bottles and field kitchen units to Munda air field.
Currently a combined RAMSI section which includes seven NZ soldiers is providing security for a damage assessment team on Gizo Island.
The remaining NZ soldiers currently serving in the Solomons are providing general security in and around the Gizo area.