The 55-member SCDF Operation Lionheart Contingent has conducted search and rescue operations at Christchurch, New Zealand since 23 Feb 2011. A section of the Singapore team will operate for a further seven days, until Sunday 13 March 2011, at the request of the New Zealand government. Since commencing operations, the SCDF Operation Lionheart Contingent has carried out search and rescue operations at a total of 44 sites.

At 1713 hrs (Singapore time) today, 21 members and 4 dogs involved in the rescue operations at Christchurch, New Zealand arrived at Changi International Airport via Flight SQ298. On hand to receive them at Changi Airport"s Terminal 3 was the High Commissioner for New Zealand, His Excellency Peter Hamilton. Commissioner Peter Lim, Commissioner SCDF was also at the airport to receive the members of the Operation Lionheart Contingent.

The remaining members of the Operation Lionheart Contingent (including the Contingent Commander, LTC Ling Kok Yong) will continue to assist with the recovery operations at Christchurch.