Click to enlarge
May 2007, 3 Squadron, RNZAF Iroquois conducting Aero-medical evacuation of Australian soldier

Media Release
25 May 2007

AIR FORCE HELICOPTER EVACUATES AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER IN TIMOR

A New Zealand Defence Force Iroquois helicopter conducted an urgent evacuation in Timor Leste on Wednesday night to assist a sick Australian soldier based at a remote outpost.

The soldier had been based near Gleno, South of Dili, but required urgent transport to a hospital at approximately 7.30pm after falling ill and suffering from breathing problems.

The RNZAF Iroquois was dispatched immediately to bring the soldier to Dili for assistance at a military hospital located near the New Zealand and Australian air assets in Timor Leste. The soldier is now safe and recovering well.

The aero medical evacuation was the first to be carried out by RNZAF 3 Squadron since arriving in Timor Leste last month. It is one of the many capabilities the Iroquois add to the NZDF deployment in the country, along with the added ability to transport troops and supplies.

There are currently two Iroquois and 180 New Zealand Defence Force personnel based in Timor Leste assisting the Australian-led Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) A fresh rotation of New Zealand troops departed for Timor this morning.

The CJTF works alongside the Timorese government, UN Police and local security forces to promote security in the South East Asian country.

ENDS

© Scoop Media