ongoing assistance to Solomon Islands
OPERATION RATA II
RAMSI
(SOLOMON ISLAND)
INFANTRY PLATOON and NSE (updated by PRO HQJFNZ August 5, 2004)
RAMSI is a police-led operation. As law and order returns, and the threat to the police declines, participating Pacific nations have gradually drawn down the military presence in Solomon Islands. From a peak of 1,700 12 months ago, military numbers have reduced to 650 and in October 2004 will fall to a platoon (max 40 pers incl. support staff).
The Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) commenced in late July 2003 following a request for assistance to restore law and order from the Solomon Islands government. RAMSI had the support of the Pacific Island Forum, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. Over 2000 police, military and civilian personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have served there. New Zealand’s initial contribution was a detachment of four Iroquois helicopters, crews, engineering and support staff, plus additional staff in support of the Australian led mission. On August 25, 2003 a platoon of infantry from 1 RNZIR joined the mission bringing the number of NZDF personnel to about 222. They were on a three-month rotation and the fourth rotation finished in July 2004 when RAMSI was scaled down. Currently there is one NZDF personnel although in October 2004 a platoon will deploy for a three-month rotation [plus 35 police] (other participating nations will rotate as well).
During a recent visit Mark Burton, Minister of Defence said “In true Pacific style, New Zealand Police and Defence personnel are working with their counterparts from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Australia in helping the Solomon Islands' people restore law and order throughout their country”.
Ends
Photo Caption: Closing Ceremony and parade: CDF, Air Marshal Ferguson watching the parade with other CDF's from participating nations, Australia, Tonga, Fiji and PNG.
This page was last reviewed 29 September, 2011 and is current.
