Welcome Home Op Rata II

One of the best things about being the Associate Minister of Defence – and, this week, Acting Minister of Defence – is welcoming home New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) troops who have been deployed overseas. It is great knowing they're home safe and sound to spend some long-awaited quality time with their friends and families.

This evening I was at Ohakea Air Force base to welcome the troops of Op Rata II. I farewelled these soldiers as they deployed to take part in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). At that time I promised that I would visit them in theatre, which I did in September.

While visiting them I was impressed by their professionalism and dedication to their mission. They had a real sense of purpose and were in great heart. My observations during the visit can be found in the 'September' section of the Royters archive. I am proud to be their Minister, and even more pleased that they're home safe – although, I'm sure, not nearly so pleased as their families!

At the time of their deployment, the men and women of Op Rata II were a mixture of service histories: many had already had operational service; for others, this was their first tour of duty. This evening, however, every one of them returned as vetereans. As I welcomed them back, I could not help but notice that our veterans are getting younger and younger – testament to the constant and evolving nature of the NZDF, and to the spirit of New Zealanders.

I am proud to know that always will there be young Kiwi men and women willing to put their hands up and volunteer to defend our rights and freedoms, and hold the flame of freedom high so that others too might live in peace and security.