Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 5, 2007 18:27:00 GMT 12
Phil, do you know this chap? I'll have to add his name to the Cambridge website. It'd be good to get in touch with him when he gets back from Timor and record his service history to date.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4084478a6579.html
Cambridge man maintains in Timor
By ANDREW McALLEY - Waikato Times | Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Machine guns and rescue hoists may seem miles apart for most people but to one Waikato man they're just items on a list requiring maintenance amidst the dust of East Timor.
Air Force armourer and former Cambridge High student Nick Jones is one of a 170-strong Kiwi contingent helping to secure the island nation. Based at the capital Dili's airport, Sergeant Jones works alongside 32 other RNZAF staff flying and maintaining two Iroquois helicopters including pilot Paul Aitken of Morrinsville.
Timor is one of many areas of conflict where the Anzac spirit of co-operation has been rekindled.
"The dust and humidity in Timor mean it takes a lot more work keeping weapons and ammunition in top condition," said Mr Jones.
"Fortunately we have a great team of Aussies and Kiwis working here who are always happy to help out."
When not ferrying troops and supplies around Timor's mountains for the Australian-led Combined Joint Task Force the Iroquois are on standby for aero medical evacuations if required. And it's Mr Jones and his team who help maintain the helicopters rescue hoists and keep them in working order.
The current rotation of Air Force troops stationed in East Timor are due to be replaced at the completion of their three month tour in July.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4084478a6579.html
Cambridge man maintains in Timor
By ANDREW McALLEY - Waikato Times | Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Machine guns and rescue hoists may seem miles apart for most people but to one Waikato man they're just items on a list requiring maintenance amidst the dust of East Timor.
Air Force armourer and former Cambridge High student Nick Jones is one of a 170-strong Kiwi contingent helping to secure the island nation. Based at the capital Dili's airport, Sergeant Jones works alongside 32 other RNZAF staff flying and maintaining two Iroquois helicopters including pilot Paul Aitken of Morrinsville.
Timor is one of many areas of conflict where the Anzac spirit of co-operation has been rekindled.
"The dust and humidity in Timor mean it takes a lot more work keeping weapons and ammunition in top condition," said Mr Jones.
"Fortunately we have a great team of Aussies and Kiwis working here who are always happy to help out."
When not ferrying troops and supplies around Timor's mountains for the Australian-led Combined Joint Task Force the Iroquois are on standby for aero medical evacuations if required. And it's Mr Jones and his team who help maintain the helicopters rescue hoists and keep them in working order.
The current rotation of Air Force troops stationed in East Timor are due to be replaced at the completion of their three month tour in July.
