EVANS, Timothy

U996677, Squadron Leader, Royal New Zealand Air Force

CITATION

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration

Queen's Birthday Honours List 2008

Squadron Leader EVANS served as the Detachment Commander for Task Group Manu, comprising a helicopter detachment and support elements from 3 Squadron RNZAF, which deployed to Timor Leste from April to July 2007, as part of the New Zealand Defence Force contribution to the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF).  He quickly developed a close working relationship with his Australian counterpart and encouraged his team to become an integral part of the ANZAC Aviation Group, without compromising their unique New Zealand and Air Force identities.  The success of his approach quickly became apparent as operational synergies between the two aviation elements were realised.  He also encouraged his staff to adopt a ‘can do attitude’ without sacrificing mission accomplishment, or passenger and aircraft safety.  Task Group Manu conducted a significant number of aero-medical evacuations of ISF and United Nations personnel, both by day and night and always responded in a remarkably short time.  His detachment also provided significant helicopter support to both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections by transporting election and party officials and ballot boxes in and out of precarious landing zones by day and night, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.  This support and professionalism was greatly appreciated by the government of Timor Leste and the United Nations mission.

AWARDS

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration

New Zealand Operational Service Medal

New Zealand General Service Medal Timor Leste

Timor Leste Solidarity Medal

NOTES

Born

Died

THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT