Further Deployment to the Solomon Islands

21 April 2006

An Air Force Hercules C130 and 53 Army soldiers are on stand-by tonight to provide further assistance to the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands. 

The soldiers are expected to deploy on Sunday 23 April and will increase New Zealand Defence Force numbers currently deployed in and around Honiara to 125.

The 53 soldiers will include an additional infantry platoon as well as support staff including medics, drivers, and communications personnel. The majority of the soldiers will be drawn from Burnham based 3rd Land Force Group.

The C130 is expected to make a number of trips into Honiara.  Interested media will be offered seats as soon as troops and equipment have been transported.  Media who wish to register their interest in a seat should contact Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lincoln on 021 806 926.

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For further information please contact Lieutenant Colonel Mike Shatford, Defence Public Relations, on 04 4960270 or 021 441 493
 

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