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Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

40 personnel from the Army’s helicopter detachment returned to Australia from Banda Aceh following a 30 day deployment, Brigadier Tony Fraser, Commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade said today.

"The personnel returning today have been working hard providing casualty evacuation and deploying specialist teams and humanitarian aid throughout Banda Aceh," Brigadier Fraser said.

"The contingent was responsible for providing food, water, medicine, relief stores and personnel to those areas cut off by the Tsunami. They provided a vital lifeline to areas up to 90 miles from their base of operations."

"All members of this contingent including the aircrew, ground crew and their mechanical and electrical engineers have done an outstanding job and have bought some hope to the people of Banda Aceh."

"They have all been proud to lend a hand and assist the people of Indonesia rebuild their lives after this terrible tragedy," Brigadier Fraser said.

The personnel from the Oakey-based A Squadron, 5^th Aviation Regiment were welcomed back to Australia at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.

Whilst the personnel have retuned, four UH-1H Huey Iroquois helicopters remain and are being operated by a third rotation of personnel.

Defence Media Liaison – (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664.

Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999
Fax: 02 6265 6946
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