Thursday, 21 September 2000
Rescuers return to a Heroes Welcome
Air Force Iroquois crews who performed the rescue of United Nations staff from Atambua, West Timor, return home tonight
to a heroes welcome.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Phil Goff, The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshall Carey Adamson, the Joint
Force Commander, Brigadier Jerry Mateparae and MP Brian Neeson will formally welcome home Squadron Leader Mark Cook
(Southland) and his successful team.
The NZDF rescue of the UN workers has gained high profile accolades from regional and international leaders. The rescue
demonstrated the professionalism of the NZ forces and the NZ Governments commitment to security in the region.
Twenty-seven Air Force and four Army personnel arrive at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai on an Air Force Hercules at
11.30 pm tonight. Squadron Leader Mark Cook and fellow rescuers will be available for interviews on arrival.
ENDS