Operation Kiwi Stand

New Zealanders supporting the International Security Force in Afghanistan

SO BEAUTIFUL AND YET SO DANGEROUS: Kabul Airport nestled beneath the magnificent peaks of the Hindu Kush.

A small team of seven New Zealanders, three from the Army Movements and four RNZAF Air Load Management staff are currently deployed to Afghanistan working at Kabul Airport as part of the International Security Assistance Force. A truly international operation, they are working alongside servicemen and women from Britain, France, Spain and Denmark.

RESUPPLY MISSION: An RNZAF C130 waits to unload		ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES: Flying Officer Jade Streeter opens the first box of mail she has had in six weeks.

The multi-national team receive, check and then on-move military equipment supplies to all the other forces involved in the current conflict and occupation of Afghanistan. They are not involved in humanitarian aid, theirs is a purely military operation.

A LEGION OF LOADIES: Sergeant Destry Tumataiki (second from left) takes time out with some of his fellow loadies.		A DANGEROUS PLACE: New Zealand's Joint Forces Chief, Major General Martyn Dunne watches British troops dig out unexploded ordnance at Kabul Airport.

They live in tents with artic liners in the winter, generally eat British 12-man ration packs augmented with fresh supplies when available, and are resupplied with mail and other essential home comforts, including toilet paper, by RNZAF 40 Squadron C130 Hercules aircraft. And as an extra bonus the RAF now provides them with a phone card that gives them a 20-minute call home each week.

REPORTING TO THE BOSS: Major General Martyn Dunne (left) discusses the Kabul operation with Warrant Officer Class One Scott Vazey, Corporal Nathan Harkness, Corporal Garth Magnussen and Sergeant Destry Tumataiki.		WHAT COMES IN MUST GO OUT: Corporal Nathan Harkness sorts out the latest consignment ready for delivery.

RNZAF photographs by Cpl Carl Booty