22 April 2008
It will be an Anzac Day dawn keenly anticipated by the friends and family of 110 New Zealand Defence Force personnel, when their loved ones return from six months in Afghanistan.
The Kiwi troops will arrive at Ohakea Air Force Base at 4.40am on Anzac Day to be greeted by Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rhys Jones.
The eleventh rotation of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team began their trip home after a change of command ceremony at Kiwi Lines on Sunday where Colonel Brendon Fraher handed control of the mission to Colonel Darryl Tracy.
When: 4.40am Friday 25 April 2008
Where: Ohakea Air Force Base
What: Arrival of 110 NZDF personnel from a six month deployment in Afghanistan.
Media wishing to attend the arrival must register interest with Paul Stein, 06 351 9037, before 12 noon on Thursday 24 April to ensure access is available.
Photo identification will be required on the day.
ENDS
The twelfth rotation of NZPRT personnel is now in Afghanistan. It comprises:
- 136 personnel in the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan Province.
- Two non-commissioned officers assisting with the training of the Afghan National Army.
- Five officers in International Security Assistance Force headquarters positions.
- One military liaison officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission.
- Two medical specialists with the Canadian Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar.
For further information please contact Nicole Munro-Johnson, Defence Public Relations, on (04) 529 6033 or 021 569 148.