Lance Corporal Libby McMurdo of 2nd Health Services Battalion (Linton), treating a local child at Mangia Village. WN 08-0043-80
18 July 2008
Forty four New Zealand Defence Force personnel will arrive home from a four month deployment supporting the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands on Saturday.
They will be greeted at Whenuapai Air Force Base by Chief of Army Major General Louis Gardiner and Territorial Force Advisor Brigadier Anthony Howie, as well as their family and friends.
The majority of the personnel are made up of Territorial Force soldiers from the 3rd Auckland Northland and 6th Hauraki regiments.
The Kiwis have worked alongside Australian, Tongan and Papua New Guinean military personnel and police during their time in the Islands.
They have been replaced by the seventh rotation of NZDF personnel who arrived in theatre earlier this week.
Operations such as RAMSI offer TF members the opportunity to take on the challenges that you would experience full-time in the Army and the civilian skills members bring are often invaluable when working with the local population.
The main body will return to Whenuapai Air Force Base on Saturday 19 July. Media are invited to attend.
When: 2.20pm, Saturday 19 July 2008
Where: Air Movements Terminal, Whenuapai Air Force Base
What: Arrival of NZDF personnel from a four month deployment in the Solomon Islands.
ENDS
Media wishing to attend the arrival must register with Nicole Munro-Johnson, 021 569 148 by 10am on Saturday 19 July to ensure access is available. Photo identification will be required on the day.
The Territorial Force makes up a quarter of NZ Army’s personnel, and are a vital part of operations abroad. Territorial soldiers and officers have been active on New Zealand peacekeeping missions to Lebanon, Sinai, East Timor, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Bougainville, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Solomon Islands.
Background - Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands:
RAMSI is a partnership between the government of the Solomon Islands and contributing pacific nations, including New Zealand and Australia. It aims to ensure security and assists the Solomon Island’s people and government to develop the skills and institutions for successful self governance.
New Zealand has supported the RAMSI mission since July 2003 at the request of the Solomon Island’s government. The NZDF will maintain a continued presence in the Solomon Islands until a yet to be determined date.
The mission in the Solomon Islands requires strong infantry skills and an ability to get on well with the local people. The New Zealand Troops regularly liaise with locals, conduct patrols, provide assistance to police and help with external security at Rove Prison.