The Department of National Defence will provide testimony at the offshore helicopter safety inquiry in St. John's when hearings resume in January.

Earlier this fall, commissioner Robert Wells wrote to the chief of defence staff asking that a representative talk about search and rescue capabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Wells also wants to determine "a state-of-the-art first response time" from St. John's Airport to the offshore.

On Tuesday, in a statement to CBC News, a military spokesperson confirmed that "the Department of National Defence will participate at the inquiry and is in the process of identifying the most appropriate witnesses."

A spokesperson for the inquiry said Wells is pleased but will not comment publicly at present. A date has not been set for a military officer to speak at the inquiry, whose hearings are scheduled to recommence Jan. 11.