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Kiwi Troops depart for tour in Afghanistan

Tuesday 8 April 2008, 9:52AM

By New Zealand Defence Force

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AUCKLAND

On Wednesday 9 April a contingent of 124 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will depart from Ohakea Air Force Base to begin a six month deployment to Afghanistan.

The departure ceremony will be attended by the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rhys Jones, Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner, and Commander 2LFG Colonel Tim Keating along with family and friends of the departing personnel.

When: 8.30am Wednesday 9 April 2008

Where: Ohakea Air Force Base

What: Departure of approx 124 NZDF personnel for a six month deployment in Afghanistan. They will join 22 NZDF personnel who departed New Zealand last weekend, bringing the total number in Afghanistan to 146.

Media wishing to attend the departure must register with Nicole Munro-Johnson, (04) 529 6033 or 021 569 148, before 4pm on Tuesday 16 October to ensure access is available. Photo identification will be required on the day.

 

Breakdown of NZDF roles in Afghanistan:

136 personnel in the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan Province.
Two non-commissioned officers assisting with the training of the Afghan National Army.
Five officers in International Security Assistance Force headquarters positions.
One military liaison officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission.
Two medical specialists with the Canadian Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar.