The first week of No.3 Squadron's fourth rotation to Dili, Timor Leste, was an eventful one.
Soldiers rappel to the ground.
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After arriving on Wednesday, January 23, the detachment’s two Iroquois were in action on Friday in the village of Aileu, around 25 minutes flying time from Dili, as part of an Australian-led capability display in front of the population of the small town.
The display was a combined International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and Timor police effort to demonstrate to the local population how the organisations work together to provide security and stability in Timor Leste.
The RNZAF's role was to deploy four soldiers, who rappelled from the helicopter, into the field. They were part of a wider ISF and Timor police effort to catch a simulated escaped prisoner.
After the display was finished one of the Iroquois landed on a nearby sports field as part of an open day for locals to view the various capabilities of the ISF. On show alongside the Iroquois were Australian armoured personnel carriers and weapons used by the ISF soldiers. The whole display was captured by local media and was attended by the New Zealand Ambassador, Australian Ambassador and senior figures in the ISF.
SGT Davies briefs personnel. AK-08-0020-21-tn.jpg.
On Saturday RNZAF members joined other NZDF personnel to form the bulk of two cricket teams who played the Australian forces to mark Australia Day in Dili. For the record the New Zealand teams won both games, and an RNZAF member won one of the main prizes in the Australia Day raffle run by the Australian forces.
On the Sunday No. 3 Squadron's hangar was visited by Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. He was escorted by detachment commander SQNLDR Oliver Bint, and the Prime Minister took the time to get his photo taken with the No.3 Squadron detachment.
Following his visit to No.3 Squadron the Prime Minister lunched with New Zealand and Australian Defence personnel and in a brief speech to them after lunch thanked them for their efforts in bringing peace and stability to Timor Leste.