Timor helicopter troops rotate

After a successful six months serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), the men and women of Timor Leste Aviation Group – rotation 14 (TLAG 14) have returned home to Australia.

The troops and their Black Hawk helicopters have been replaced by TLAG 15.

Whilst assigned to the ISF, the S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopters made a significant contribution to security in East Timor by providing troop lift and aero-medical evacuation (AME) capabilities.

TLAG 14 Officer Commanding, Major Tony Dennis, said he will look back with pride over the group’s two-month build-up and six-month tour-of-duty.

“As a detachment, TLAG 14 has performed exceptionally well,” Major Dennis said.

“Five AMEs were conducted in support of ISF soldiers on patrol in Timor Leste, the Tour de Timor, OP TOWER (the ADF’s contribution to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste) and local nationals.”

Ahead of their return home, TLAG 14 personnel along with other ISF members were presented with the East Timor Solidarity Medal during a ceremony attended by the President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta.

Media note: 

Imagery of TLAG 14 is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5002&search=Bosslift2011