"A former Army gunner who became an RNZAF pilot, and is now in command of the 180-strong New Zealand contingent in Timor Leste, says his current role is a ‘great opportunity’.

WGCDR Kelly Byrne is the Commanding Officer of the New Zealand forces working in Timor Leste as part of the International Stabilisation Force. This includes Task Groups Manu, Gyro, Kaihanga and Toa, which collectively form Operation Koru.

TG Gyro is the company group of Kiwi soldiers, Kaihanga the five advisors to the Timorese Defence Force, and Toa the United Nations Mission in Timor Leste. Manu is the helicopter detachment.

A one-time transport pilot with the RNZAF, WGCDR Byrne left the Air Force in 1993 and bought a Blenheim vineyard, which he operated for 11 years. He rejoined the RNZAF two years ago, and was based at RNZAF Woodbourne until he deployed to Timor Leste.

He says while the mission is very ‘Army-centric’, having been an artillery officer in the New Zealand Army gives him an insight into how the Army operates.

Timor Leste, he says, is ‘reasonably benign’.

‘Without the benefit of the ISF, I think it would be very easy for law and order to break down again here. Essentially, we are part of an over-arching force, so there is no incentive for vested interest groups to cause trouble. We’re here to help Timor Leste on its way to full democracy.’" From Air Force News, November 2008, Issue 98. AWMM