17 July 2007

The parliamentary elections in Timor Leste, where the New Zealand Defence Force’s largest deployment is based, passed without significant incident on June 30.

A large voter turnout for the election was anticipated, with 82% of eligible voters having voted in the previous two rounds of the Presidential Election. B Coy was tasked with assisting the United Nations Police (UNPOL) to provide a secure environment for the election within their tactical area of operations which included the Dili CBD and eastern suburbs.

In the lead up to the final phase of the election campaign, B Coy intensified its patrolling regime in order to increase the International Security Force’s presence on the streets of Dili to deter any potential trouble that could spring from the final election rallies of the various political parties.

B Coy operations were carefully coordinated with UNPOL and the Garda Nacional Republica (GNR ), the Portuguese Riot Police. Consequently B Coy, acting in close cooperation with both UNPOL and the GNR , was able to disrupt any possibly sinister plans to incite inter-factional violence. They were able to quickly and effectively quell minor incidents of civil unrest.

B Coy also has a section based in the eastern city of Baucau, some 100km east of Dili, where it provides security to a detachment of Australian engineers who are undertaking civil aid tasks in the eastern districts. The Baucau section is enjoying the change in scenery and the odd game of soccer and volleyball with the locals.

On the 26 June the F-FDTL held a ceremonial parade at the Government Palace to mark the introduction of their new uniforms. It was a significant occasion for the F-FDTL, who since the crisis of April - May 2006 have been working hard to enhance both their professionalism and standing in Timorese society.

About 300 F-FDTL personnel were on parade, including the Defence Force’s small naval detachment, resplendent with their battalion and Defence Force colours. The parade was reviewed by President Horta in his role as the ceremonial head of the Timorese Armed Forces. Elected President of the Republic of Timor Leste in May, President Horta was formally inaugurated into office on 20 May 2007.

A number of international dignitaries, including representatives from UNMIT and the ISF, also attended the parade. The highlight was the exchange of the old and new uniforms between the Timor Leste Prime Minister and Chief of Defence Force. As Pte Eugene Bertram commented, “For so many important people to attend, it was obviously a proud and significant day for this developing force. Good on them.”

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TG MANU (3 Squadron RNZAF Detachment)

An RNZAF No.3 Squadron helicopter detachment is part of the ANZAC Aviation Group that comprises AD F, NZDF and HEVI LIFT (civilian contractor) helicopter assets. The AN ZAC Aviation Group operates a mixed fleet of Blackhawk, Iroquois, Kiowa and Bell 412 helicopters. The RNZAF Iroquois have added another unique capability to that already afforded by the AD F Blackhawk and Kiowa helicopters, being able to move troops and stores into landing zones that are inaccessible to the larger Blackhawk helicopters.

No. 3 Squadron has just completed 150 hours of flying in support of the ISF. They have conducted a wide range of tasks, including the routine movement of stores and personnel, aero-medical evacuation and support to Special Forces continuation training. However, their main task over recent weeks has been flying in support of the parliamentary election, transporting ballot boxes and election officials into and out of remote locations.

Since arriving on April 23 they have transported more than 450 passengers, primarily New Zealand and Australian troops, and more than four tonnes of freight.

Helicopter detachment commander Squadron Leader Tim Evans said operations during the parliamentary elections resulted in the Iroquois achieving the 150 flying hours milestone.

“As many of Timor’s villages have poor access by road, the helicopter involvement in the election process was the pickup of full ballot boxes in order to enable timely collection and counting of the votes.”

Other tasks included transporting troops and supplies and assisting with aeromedical evacuation. During Timor’s presidential elections the helicopters assisted by transporting officials, ballot boxes and voting screens to polling booths in outlying regions.

The current rotation of Air Force support personnel is to be replaced at the end of July.

The NZDF deployment to Timor Leste comprises some 175 NZDF personnel tasked with assisting the Government of Timor Leste to maintain law and order, and to help the development of the Timorese Defence Force. The NZ Police also have a contingent of 25 personnel serving as part of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste (UNMIT).

The deployment consists of four separate task groups;

TG GYRO comprises the National Command Element, National Support Element and Bravo Company, 2/1st Battalion, RNZIR. TG GYRO has been placed under operational control of the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force, and its primary focus is the conduct of stability and support operations in support of the Government of Timor Leste.

TG MANU consists of a helicopter detachment from 3 Squadron, RNZAF. TG MANU has also been placed under operational command of the International Stabilisation Force and is tasked with providing rotary wing support.

TG TOA comprises two NZDF officers seconded to UNMIT; one of whom, Col Graeme Williams, is the Chief Military Liaison Officer.

TG KAIHANGA consists of two NZDF officers attached to the Office of Defence Force Development. These officers hold J1 and J4 advisory appointments within the Timorese Defence Force, FALIN TAL – Forca de Defesa de Timor Leste (F-FDTL).

Image Gallery - Issue 378