Just arrived in the Solomon Islands

Members of the National Support Element - Sig Wall (left) and Pte Anderson meet local Solomon Islanders.

27 March 2008

As we stepped off the C-130 after a gruelling seven hour flight, the first thing that greeted us was the heat. As soon as we’d walked off the ramp and set foot on the Solomon Islands to prepare for the welcome ceremonies, we were hit by the intense sun and humidity. It was a shock at first, but having been here a week, we've found out this is normal.

The first few days at Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR) was about preparing ourselves for what's yet to come. During the handover from the rotation we were relieving, we gained detailed knowledge of our role and found our way around GBR and the Honiara CBD. We conducted various activities from zeroing our weapons, being introduced to new types of military equipment and integrated training with the Operational Response Group.  We now know our new Area of Operation and have made ourselves at home for the next four months.

Another thing I immediately noticed is how friendly the locals are, always smiling and waving, wanting to shake your hand, and going out of their way to help you as best they can. And the food is terrific!

With the previous rotation of kiwi soldiers now gone, we’re "it", here to do our part alongside our neighbours the Aussies, Papa New Guinea and Tongan Defence Forces.  With these forces about to go through a rotation themselves, we’ll soon become the ‘old boys (and girls) on the block. The outlook for the next four months is good!

By Signaller Dominic Wall