AFN169 May2015

Air Force News 1Issue 169May 2015 / Royal New Zealand Air Force facebook.com/RoyalNewZealandAirForcetwitter.com/NZAirforce

WW100 ANZAC DAY AROUND THE WORLD

NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE

defence White paper HAvE A SAY ON THE FUTURE

Air Force News 32 Air Force News

First Word

Our missionTo carry out military air operations to advance New Zealand’s security interests with professionalism, integrity and teamwork.

Air Force News is the official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) —established to inform, educate and entertain its personnel and friends.

Published byDefence Public AffairsHQ NZ Defence ForceWellington, New Zealand

EditorJacqui GibsonPh: 04-4960286Fax: 04-4960290 Email: [email protected]

Design and LayoutDefence Public Affairs

Printed byBluestarPrivate Bag 39996, Wellington

DistributionEmail: [email protected] Force News is governed by an editorial board. Views expressed in the Air Force News are not necessarily those of the RNZAF or the New Zealand Defence Force. Defence regulations override all content in the Air Force News. Editorial contributions and ideas are welcomed. They can be emailed directly to the editor and do not need to be forwarded through normal command chains. Contributions need to include • writer’s name, rank and unit • photos provided separate from the text – at least 300dpi.

Contribution deadline for the July issue Monday 1 June, 2015

Air Force News will hold the copyright for submitted articles or photographs it publishes. Articles and photographs published in Air Force News cannot be published elsewhere without permission.ISSN 1175-232703 First Word

04 Latest News

06 In Focus

08 NZDF Aid Mission

10 Omaka Air Show

12 World Class Competition

14 NZDF on Anzac Day

22 Military Families

24 Our Heritage

26 Our People

28 Sport

30 Defence White Paper

32 Our Community

34 Photograph of the Month

14 WW100: At Home and Overseas06 In Focus: Women in the RNZAF

AnzAc DAy poppies

first WOrd

Image to come

By AIRCDRE Andrew Clark, Deputy Chief of Air Force

Here, at this point in 2015, we’re in the thick of our First World War centenary commemorations. The events are global. The stories and statistics are momentous and sobering. They continue to provide lessons for today.

For me, the stories of the veterans are especially valuable.

It is through their stories that our understanding of the First World War and subsequent conflicts endures and lives on.

I think of what I learned from my great uncle’s diaries describing the First World War, my grandfather’s stories from the Second World War and the recollections of great Kiwis such as Sir Richard Bolt.

Another story that sticks with me comes from a conversation I had with a Kiwi Spitfire pilot – he was a Battle of Britain veteran. He walked with the aid of a finely-crafted stick and noticed me looking at it. This, he said, nodding at the stick, was the result of a mistake he’d made – through what he called a moment’s inattention – 70 years ago.

In that moment, he missed sighting an ME-109 in his six o’clock. The aircraft put a 20mm round through his left leg and sent his Spitfire into the ground. He’d had to walk with a stick ever since. A fellow Spitfire veteran listening in nearby then picked up the story and related his own experience of a so-called error with disastrous consequences.

The reason stories like these have stuck with me is because they are expressed in today’s language and still have relevance today. Words like ‘mistake’, ‘inattention’ and ‘error’ all sound like parts of the modern aviation safety lexicon you hear every day. The reality is that aviation, especially military aviation, is and has always been particularly unforgiving of mistakes – and aviators know it.

Whether you’re flying planes, fixing them or working near them, the margin for error is very small and small mistakes have big consequences. It’s why military aviation has long been a specialisation of its own and it’s why we, those who wear light blue, have grouped ourselves together as specialists within an air force.

It doesn’t matter if we’re delivering aircraft spares, fuel, data or weapons, we’re messing with the same environment and margins. And it’s important we continue to learn from one another.

It’s why we share the same mind set – a mind set involving attention to detail, careful checking and re-checking, rigorous training and qualification and diligent supervision. It’s why it is important to speak up, question openly (regardless of rank), debrief honestly and critically and to share our mistakes. And it’s why safety reporting tools like the Error Management System are so important. At its heart, the EMS is another useful way for us to keep learning from our mistakes.

We don’t exist in isolation, of course. The RNZAF is only one part of the NZDF. But if we are experts in our own specialisation, then we have much more to bring to that joint environment. This is where our C2 project is also important. It helps us to pull our light blue threads together more coherently so that we can work to our best effect for the NZDF.

In my role as DCAF, I look across these many light blue threads that form the RNZAF to make sure we are all joined up and pulling in the same direction. Throughout my career so far, I’ve learned valuable lessons from the experiences of others working in the light blue game. Hopefully others have also learned from mine. As professionals, we like to think that we won’t make many mistakes and certainly not as many as we used to. But, being human, we probably still will make one or two occasionally. When we do, as military aviation specialists, it’s important to share that story and make sure others know about it.

AiRcDRe Andrew clarkcontents

04 3 SQN at Dip Flat for SAREX


cpL Laura spinks, a medic from RnzAF Base ohakea, assists Mr Dene Duthie, Auckland police sAR coordinator, after he injured his ankle during sAReX.

An RNZAF NH90 helicopter and crew took part in a five-day annual national search and rescue training exercise at Dip Flat in Marlborough in mid April, working

alongside experts from the New Zealand Police and Land Search and Rescue.

The NH90 assumed responsibility for search and rescue from the Iroquois at the end of 2014 and is now the primary aircraft for these missions.

Chief of Air Force Air vice-Marshal (AvM) Mike Yardley says the exercise allowed the NH90 to continue training for search and rescue operations. “Exercising with Police and Land Search and Rescue allowed us to train in a realistic search and rescue scenario. One of the things the NH90 did was winch the search and rescue teams into remote inaccessible locations and return to pick them up at the end of each day, averaging about five trips per day. This also allowed us to train Land Search and Rescue personnel in helicopter hoisting operations.

“At the same time the exercise gave us the opportunity to qualify our helicopter crewmen in mountain flying and increase the deployed operations experience of the NH90,” says AvM Yardley.

Commitment to national search and rescue is a core function of the Air Force. The RNZAF is a key member of the New Zealand search and rescue sector, a sector responsible for more than 30 million km² of land and sea.

AVM Yardley says the NH90 adds an extra dimension of capability to search and rescue activities and represents a substantial improvement on the Iroquois. “The NH90 is a highly capable aircraft and can carry up to 18 people or nine stretchers plus medical staff. This aircraft is well suited to the wide range of work the Air Force carries out with Police, Civil Defence and the Department of Conservation,” says AVM Yardley.

Latest News Latest News

nh90 fLies in NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE

nzDF continGent DepARts oHAKeA FoR AUstRALiA

The main body of the NZDF training contingent bound for Iraq departed for Australia on 21 April from

RNZAF Base Ohakea. The contingent was farewelled by the Governor General, Lieutenant General, the Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Tim Gall, and Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn. The Government announced in February the deployment of up to 143 NZDF personnel on a joint mission with the Australians to help build the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces. The Building Partner Capacity mission is a non-combat mission for a two year period, with a review to be conducted after nine months. In line with NZDF policy, deploying personnel will not be identified.

An nH90 helicopter from 3 sQn, ohakea, offloads Department of conservation personnel and equipment at travis Hut.

An nH90 helicopter picks up police sAR personnel in the Wairau Valley region.

The NZDF amphibious sealift vessel HMNZS CANTERBURY has returned to the Devonport Naval

Base after more than a month away playing a key role in the New Zealand Government’s support for vanuatu in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Pam.

The ship brought home more than 150 Navy, Army and Air Force personnel assisting the cyclone-ravaged nation. In total, more than 350 NZDF personnel have assisted with the relief effort, both in vanuatu and in New Zealand since Cyclone Pam hit on 13 March.

The Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Tim Gall says the NZDF, working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and aid partners New Zealand Fire Service Urban Search and Rescue and a Ministry of Health medical assistance team, made a significant contribution to vanuatu’s recovery.

“I’m very proud of all the work they’ve done, in a variety of locations and environments. There have been some big challenges along the way, but rendering assistance in these situations is something we train and exercise quite intensely for and are well-equipped to deliver on land, at sea and in the air,” he says.

As well as CANTERBURY’s deployment on 23 March with 150 tonnes of food, water and emergency supplies aboard, the NZDF assisted in vanuatu by providing:

• Combined Task Force Headquarters (advice and response coordination)

• C-130 Hercules flights (aid and personnel delivery, the evacuation of New Zealand citizens, injured locals and delivery into theatre of Fijian military personnel)

• Health teams and Army engineers (damage assessment, clearing debris from roads, repairs to water, sanitation systems and critical public infrastructure)

• B200 King Air aircraft to transport key officials and reconnaissance teams around the vanuatu Island group (read more on page 8 – 9)

• P-3K2 Orion aircraft (aerial reconnaissance to aid planning)

• Air load, passenger and cargo facilitation teams both in New Zealand and Vanuatu (read more on page 8 – 9).

nzDF AiD Mission coMes to A cLose


In Focus

Next year marks 75 years of women serving in the RNZAF – to commemorate the Air Force is hosting a major four-day event finishing on International Women’s Day in March.

The commemorative event, still in development, will include a formal dinner at Base Ohakea, a commemorative service and conclude with a two-day forum featuring a range of national and international speakers. The aim of the forum is to share information about the More Military Women Across the NZDF programme and reflect on the progress Air Force is making within this wider organisational context. So, right now, where are we at with the NZDF programme and progress within Air Force?

MoRe MiLitARy WoMen AcRoss tHe nzDF

Firstly, we know the Chief of Defence Force and the NZDF senior leadership recognise the benefits of having a

workforce that is innovative, intellectually agile and able to culturally relate in all operating environments. We also know they see women as part of the wider talent pool of capable and qualified people they want to fill the ranks. Among a range of initiatives, there’s a new marketing strategy and recruitment process in place to improve the expectations of women and the success of selection and acceptance into the NZDF. We also have research into the safety and wellbeing of women within the NZDF in train.

pRoGRess WitHin AiR FoRceTurning to our Service and the role women play within the RNZAF, it’s clear we’re making progress but there’s still a way to go. We have a well-organised Women’s Development Steering Group set up, with representation across the Bases, as well as a regular Women’s Development Forum. Our last forum was held in September, with the next one – to support our 75th anniversary – planned for March, 2016.

KEY EVENTS IN OUR HISTORY

in the rnZafWomen By WGCDR Bernadette Pothan and

SQNLDR Rebecca Maynard

ALL-WoMen’s QUeen’s coLoUR pARADe A HistoRic FiRst

For the first time in history, five women paraded the Queen’s colour at the RnzAF’s 78th anniversary service in Wellington.Chief of Air Force, Air vice-Marshal (AvM) Mike Yardley says: “This was a first-time occurrence for our organisation – and it’s just one of the ways we’re consciously building and defining the RNZAF we want in 10 years time.

“To bring about a more inclusive workplace and to have the diversity we want, we sometimes need to challenge the old norms and traditions. Consciously choosing to have airwomen lead this aspect of this year’s RNZAF anniversary is one way we can recognise individual skill and leadership potential, while highlighting the organisation’s diversity goals and keeping these goals at the forefront of people’s minds.

“Right now, you see women represented across all roles within our Air Force. Our goal is to increase that representation and to be recognised as a leader in workforce diversity. It’s only fitting that we reflect on this goal – among others – as we look back and commemorate 78 years, while looking ahead and thinking about where to next.”

FLTLT Rebecca Cosford, whose role was Queen’s Colour Bearer, says it was an honour and privilege to be involved with this year’s colour parade. “I think irrespective of whether you’re male or female, the opportunity to be a part of this parade is reasonably rare. I was really fortunate to parade with an exceptional team. All of us were dedicated to making sure we upheld not only the traditions of the Colour, but also the values of the RNZAF in general. As airwomen, we’re no different to anyone else in that sense.”

Central to the RNZAF’s anniversary ceremony on 1 April was the parade of the Queen’s Colour – a silk flag presented to the Air Force by Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to New Zealand in 1953. Parading the Queen’s Colour only ever occurs on the most significant Air Force occasions and in honour of the Queen and the Royal Family.

QUEEN’S COLOUR – IN BRIEF

remarkabLe WOmenCelebrating the past:

Section 33 of the Human Rights Act permits preferential treatment when allocating combat roles, based on gender alone, however, CDF has decided not to use this provision.

Women eligible for any role within Air Force (the RNZAF welcomes our first female pilot)

Regular and non-regular force service women are allowed to serve on the same basis as service men with respect to combat roles.

RNZAF hosts its first-ever Women’s Development Forum.

NZDF introduces family friendly policies to support recruitment and retention of women and to support families.

75 yeARS of women’s service in the RNZAF.

2002

1988

2016

Women integrated into all three Services within the NZDF (Navy, Army and Air)

1977 1993

2000 2006

OppOrtunities Of the futureEmbracing

WGcDR susie Barns is back at Base Auckland after a three-year diplomatic posting as an nzDF Logistics Advisor in London – a role she describes as one of the best of her career.

I just loved it to be honest. It was completely different to

anything I’d done before and I’d always wanted an overseas

posting. The thing I enjoyed most was working across all

three Services. It was a steep learning curve, learning the

platforms for Army and Navy. But it also involved a lot of

diplomatic work and relationship building throughout the

United Kingdom and Europe, which I really enjoyed. And it

was wonderful, too, because I got to share much of it with

my husband, Shaun, and my kids, Bryanna (12) and Trae (10).

We really made the most of the posting.

“Other highlights? I was lucky enough to be the Air

Force representative at significant anniversary events like

the Great Escape anniversary in Poland and the D-Day

anniversary events in Normandy and Paris. Another event I

really enjoyed was Prince Harry’s visit to New Zealand House

to meet the New Zealand Invictus Games team. That was

a real highlight. These experiences you just can’t buy and

they’re a realistic option for airwomen within the NZDF.

Would I recommend a posting like this to other logisticians?

Absolutely. I’d say: work hard, set your career goals early, get

clear about where you want to go and how you want to get

there. It’ll be different for everyone. But reach out for the

support you need and go for it.”

WATCH THIS SPACE …

This year the NZDF is hosting a Women’s Development Forum in June at Base Ohakea. Diarise 23 – 24 June and watch this space for more information.

Right now, we’re meeting with airwomen across the RNZAF, conducting focus groups that aim to stimulate discussion and ideas about what’s working well and what needs to improve for women within the RNZAF. We’ve met and spoken to approximately 100 women at Base Auckland and similar numbers in Base Ohakea. And we’re looking forward to meeting with airwomen in Wellington and Woodbourne too.

The main purpose of the focus groups is to raise awareness about the More Military Women project and to feed in, where relevant, the perspectives of our airwomen. We need to know from you, first hand, what kind of organisation you’d like to see and be part of 10 years from now. What would it look like? What would you experience if we’d established an RNZAF and an NZDF that was fully inclusive?

We’re also interested in the barriers or any new ideas that will help us achieve our goals. How, for example, can we improve retention? What is the key to recruiting more women to the NZDF? These are big questions – and we’re interested in all solutions.

WHAt noW?For now, we’re keen to get the conversations started and to get people thinking about the future. We’re also encouraging our air women to get in touch with their Base representatives with any ideas related to our focus group discussions. All feedback is welcome.

your Base representatives are:• Whenuapai – FLTLT Rebecca Cosford and FLTLT Janie McPhee• Ohakea – FLTLT Erica Riddle and WGCDR Alli Wells• Wellington – SGT Michelle Novak• Woodbourne – SQNLDR Jackie Searle and

FLTLT Liz Ross.

At nzDF level, your Air Force representatives are:• SQNLDR Becs Maynard• CPL Amy Gardiner.


NZDF Aid Mission

42 SQN IN VANUATU: a first fOr kinG air b200s

SQNLDR Campbell Hardey, FLTLT Samuel Paterson and FLTLT Nick Dawson deployed to Port Vila for two weeks after the devastating Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Port

Vila. Port Vila is 2200 km from Auckland and getting there was no small feat for the twin engine plane. The aircraft went via Norfolk Island to refuel with the flight taking all day.

Once they arrived, the aircraft commenced a series of reconnaissance flights to assess feasibility of runways, level of damage sustained to buildings and other critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and villages throughout the region. They completed more than a dozen flights in total, transporting a range of personnel, including NZDF and local government officials. Their tasking helped determine what was to be loaded to HMNZS CANTERBURY, which left Devonport Naval Base a few days later.

According to FLTLT Samuel Paterson, the opportunity to deploy in support of this type of mission for the squadron

was unusual. “It was definitely outside of our normal tasking, which is mostly training related or New Zealand-based tasking. However, we have been trained to do each of the individual components required.”

“I think it showed the kind of tasking the Squadron could move into next year, when the Wings course moves away from the B200 and we start to train in the Texans. It was a good example of what the King Air is capable of.”Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific consisting of 82 relatively small islands. Poor communication systems even before the cyclone hit impacted the ability to communicate the extent of the damage. Radio coverage was poor following the cyclone with the main method of communication between mobile phones. The reconnaissance flights were a key part of the overall NZDF mission, headed by the Joint Task Force.

seasprites keY tO successfuL nZdf aid missiOn

Two Seasprite helicopters operated by 6 SQN played a key role in the NZDF’s successful aid mission in vanuatu in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Pam.

The NZDF deployed the SH-2G Seasprite helicopters to assist HMNZS Canterbury to unload vital stores and equipment at sites across the Shepherd Island group of vanuatu.

A mix of Air Force and Navy personnel make up 6 SQN. They come together to achieve the aim of providing aviation support to NZDF frigates, offshore patrol vessels and the multi-role vessel. Posting to 6 SQN offers Air Force personnel the opportunity to operate within the maritime environment, with helicopters performing a range of tasks including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, counter-terrorism and utility lift.

In vanuatu, the Seasprite tasks were prioritised in consultation with the vanuatu Government who were on site with aid teams.

The Commanding Officer of HMNZS CANTERBURY, Commander (CDR) Simon Rooke, says it was very satisfying to get the much-needed aid to the area.

“Everyone was really happy we were able to move stores and personnel ashore. Throughout the operation, the helicopters were busy moving people and equipment to where they needed to be, while a landing craft took 15 tonnes of Red Cross stores to a neighbouring island, then took the NZDF engineering teams ashore.

“The beauty of the set up was that we could put a very capable force to work, without putting any additional demands on the island,” CDR Rooke says.

“Having combined reconnaissance teams of NZDF, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and vanuatu Government personnel going ahead to set up access for us, allowed us to prioritise work and decide what to put where and when.

“Overall, it was a really well coordinated activity. Everyone had the same sense of purpose and vision. We are all determined to provide maximum effect to improve the situation of the people on these islands as soon as possible. We are all focused on the same thing so that makes it really easy to work together,” he says.

I went up to vanuatu as an Air Movements Officer in the Air Load Team as part of the initial response to support

operations. My role involved moving people and freight on and off RNZAF flights. With the King Airs, we facilitated the VIP and reconnaissance flights. I’ve been in my role for about four months and it’s the first time I’ve been exposed to anything like this. It was really interesting to work with so many other agencies and pull together under the New Zealand Inc banner. We got some great feedback, so I think it all went really well.

fLtLt nicOLa durie AIR MOvEMENTS

This deployment was my first time in the Air Liaison Officer role. Mostly it involved coordinating the

National Disaster Management Office, our crew, the deployed joint team, Joint Forces New Zealand, as well as the Australian and French forces. It was quite the juggling act coordinating it all within processes determined by the vanuatu Government. But in typical RNZAF style we remained flexible and responsive. Definitely it was a big learning curve for me.

fLtLt nick daWsOn AIR LIAISON OFFICER

In March, 42 SQN headed to Vanuatu in the Air Force’s King Air B200s, marking the first-ever deployment of

the aircraft as part of a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) response.

FLtLt nicola Durie, Air Movements officer in Vanuatu.

RnzAF King Air B200 in Vanuatu.

6 sQn RnzAF ground crew prepare the flight deck of HMnzs cAnteRBURy.

A sH-2G seasprite helicopter transports a water tank from HMnzs cAnteRBURy to Lamen Bay school in Vanuatu.


Omaka shOWcases rnZaf capabiLities

sQnLdr Jim rankinFor this year’s Omaka Air Show I was the Air Force Air Display Director, responsible for NZDF activities and running our air displays. I was also lucky enough to fly the Ohakea-based TBM Avenger at the show.

All up, I’ve been to the Omaka Air Show six times – they always provide a good chance to showcase our capabilities to the public. And it’s a great place to fly. The scenery is stunning and being so close to Woodbourne makes logistics a lot easier for us.

For me, there were several things that made this year’s show a success. We had a safe and successful display. We gave a combined NH90, Iroquois role demonstration, an Orion display that included the Iroquois winching a survivor from a boat and a flypast by a Texan. Ground Training Wing set up a tented camp and trade displays and recruiting and their bus were there too. Army came to the party with two Light Armoured vehicles and put on a rappelling display. A Hercules and Kiwi Blue were programmed to attend, but were away in vanuatu on cyclone relief tasking.

sGt Jen hartI was one of the helicopter crew involved in the NH90 role demonstration. I’ve been to an Omaka Air Show before but this was my first one actually flying. I loved it. The interaction with the public is great and it’s such a great feeling waving to the

a presence at these shows and showcase its talents. There were many people who came and talked to me about a future career in the RNZAF.

sGt LucY JOrdanI was the Defence Public Affairs photographer at this year’s event – the last one I attended was about four years ago and I’ve been to four in total. Omaka’s a great air show. There’s a wide range of aircraft on display and there’s always something new turning up. Kiwis seem to love restoring warbirds and every couple of years another completed project takes to the air.

This year it was great to see the Anson flying. I’ve missed it at previous shows. The flying V1 bomb was impressive – I wasn’t expecting it to maintain flight when they turned it into the wind, but it did pretty well. And it’s always good catching up with familiar faces from Woodbourne and various Squadron personnel who come down to support the event. Flying home through the Marlborough Sounds on the NH90 was pretty cool, too.

Probably my favourite aircraft were the World War Two aircraft, especially the Spitfire and the Corsair. The pilots aren’t shy about throwing them around – so they make for great photographs.

crowd at the end of a display – you literally get thousands of people waving back at you.

This year we did our display in conjunction with the Iroquois, which was quite special. It was a good showcase of the old and the new. The NH90 is still relatively new and for a lot of the public these events are the first opportunity they’ve had to see one up close. Of course, the Iroquois is still a crowd favourite, too. I think it is great for the RNZAF to be at Omaka. It gives people a chance to see the aircraft, talk with us and find out what we do.

sQnLdr sean perrettAt Omaka this year I flew the Mk IX Spitfire (based at Ohakea) and a Harvard. It would’ve been the sixth visit to Omaka for me – and another great air show.

One of the things I most enjoy about Omaka is chatting to the enthusiastic young pilots of the future. Seeing and flying alongside the newly-restored MkXIv Spitfire was another big highlight. It’s probably my favourite aircraft of the show – the sound of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and the way it looks. It’s a delight to fly and a real crowd pleaser.

Overall, it was a great day. The weather was good. The crowds turned out. And it’s always good for the RNZAF to have

Thousands of people headed to Marlborough for the Omaka Classic Fighters Air Show over Easter weekend, giving the RNZAF plenty of opportunity to demonstrate our aerial skills and showcase our aircraft.

Omaka Air Show

An Avro Anson doing a close flypast.

A Fokker triplane over Wither Hills. emma nicholl of nelson.

3 sQn personnel talking with the public at omaka.

nH90 dropping off soldiers at omaka.


World Class CompetitionWorld Class Competition

The RNZAF won top honours in the military section of an international aerospace maintenance competition held in Florida last month.

This is the first time an RNZAF team has taken part in the competition. Held from the 13 to 16 April, it consisted of

20 separate skill challenges, including categories in electrical distribution and fibre optic fault finding tests, which the RNZAF team won outright.

Each challenge is scored on accuracy of task and time to complete with time penalties awarded for errors or missed procedures. During the event, the RNZAF team set several new records for tasks.

Team members included F/S Brad Watson, SGT Brad Mead, CPL Kerry Walter, CPL Tom Poole and CPL Dave Willetts. Together, they beat 38 other teams from eight nations to take out first place.

Chief of Air Force AvM Mike Yardley says he is proud of the team’s efforts. “‘The team’s win shows their skills are first class on the international stage.”

Feedback from the judges showed they were impressed with the professionalism and skill strength of the RNZAF team.

“This was an excellent opportunity for us to benchmark our training alongside our international counterparts. The Defence Force is extremely proud of what this team has achieved,” says AvM Yardley.

Well done to aircraft maintenance competitors LAC Chris Robertson and LAC Liam Riley who scooped first and

second place respectively at this year’s WorldSkills Oceania competition.

LAC Robertson won gold, while LAC Riley took away silver after three-and-a-half days of intense competition at Wintec in Hamilton.

In April, LAC Liam Riley and LAC Chris Robertson were two of 23 young Kiwis competing in the Oceania division of

air fOrce Wins internatiOnaL aerOspace cOmpetitiOn

the RnzAF team working on a jet

engine during the competition.

AiR FoRce Win GoLD AnD siLVeR At tRADe oLyMpics

LAc chris Robertson LAc Liam Riley

the RnzAF team competing in one of the competition challenges.

WorldSkills New Zealand – a competition dubbed the ‘Olympics of the trades.’

The competition took place from April 14–17 and saw a Kiwi team take on 105 competitors from Canada, India, Malaysia, China, Australia and Korea in a total of 30 skill categories, ranging from aircraft maintenance to various auto and engineering trades, carpentry, joinery, plumbing and heating as well as floristry, hairdressing, restaurant trades and web and graphic design.

ABoUt WoRLDsKiLLs WorldSkills New Zealand is an independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986, dedicated to encouraging young people to excel in vocational skills. This is achieved through exposure to competitions at regional, national and international levels. Every year, New Zealand competitors vie for a spot on the Tool Blacks team – the national WorldSkills that competes in the international competition. This year, in August, the team is travelling to Brazil for the international event. WorldSkills International has been around since 1950 and today has 73 member countries and represents 45 skills.

Well done to LAc Robertson and LAc Riley – you did us proud

5 sQn recOGnised fOr sar cOntributiOnRNZAF’s 5 SQN received a Search and Rescue special award at Government House in Wellington on 21 April. The Squadron was awarded a Certificate of Achievement – Special Award for their efforts during the search for MH370 in 2014 at the 2014 New Zealand Search and Rescue Council Awards. Governor-General, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae presented the awards. Congrats 5 SQN!

Photograph by Paul Fisher Photography. Left to right, FLtLt Brent collier, WGcDR Daniel Hunt (5 sQn co) and sGt Dean Hart.

nZdf cOmmemOrates anZac daY acrOss the WOrLd

More than 500 NZDF personnel represented New Zealand at Anzac Day services across the world in places as

diverse as Antarctica, Belgium, London and Turkey. This year is especially significant, marking the

commemoration of the centenary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli on 25 April.

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Tim Keating says NZDF personnel attended Anzac Day services in Great Britain, France, Belgium and Australia, as well as a contingent to Gallipoli.

“Anzac Day is commemorated by New Zealanders all over the world and it is appropriate that our personnel were present in the countries in which our service people served during the First World War,” LTGEN Keating says.

“In New Zealand and Australia, we gather on April 25 every year to acknowledge the sacrifice of all those who have died

in war and the contribution of the men and women who have served in all conflicts in both combat and peace-keeping roles.

“We also remember and acknowledge the service people of today on operations around the world and their families.”

In New Zealand, NZDF personnel supported 400 Anzac Day-related events across the country, including the programme of events focused on the new Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

“In acknowledgement of the support New Zealand gives its service people, many of our personnel returned to their hometowns to be part of their communities this Anzac Day,” says LTGEN Keating.

Personnel also took part in Anzac Day services in Niue, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa, remembering their involvement with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 100 years ago.

LAc sarah Henderson playing the Last post.

LAcW Madeline Hill, ADF.

View of Anzac square during the ceremony of Beating Retreat, pukeahu.

Ataturk Memorial, Wellington

The newly-opened Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, in Wellington, hosted more than 40,000 people on Anzac Day. This year’s Anzac Day service was the first-ever dawn service to be held at the park. The Governors-General from Australia and New Zealand both spoke at the event, with Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Ron Turner (retired) reading the Ode of Remembrance. The RNZAF Band were among the performers.

View from the carillon balcony over pukeahu national War Memorial park.

Where did you perform on Anzac Day this year?

A: Gallipoli, Turkey, as part of an eight-person Ma-ori Cultural Group contingent. I am one of two tutors and one of two kaikaranga at the Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove and the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair.

What did it mean to you to perform at this year’s commemorations?

A: Personally and culturally, it was a huge honour for me. I had a grand-uncle who fought there. Luckily, he returned but never really talked about his service. And, although I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the region two previous times, I was just as honoured to attend this year’s service.

An event like this leaves you with mixed feelings. Seeing the ages of those still lying there, you can only think of what they must have gone through. It’s a very sad occasion in that way. Then, it also makes you look at the gains these soldiers

provided for us. And that makes me inspired, full of respect and thankful for what all those young men went through.

This year’s event helped confirm my belief in what I do – it made me want to continue upholding their qualities of character, to remember them and prepare our future generations with those same qualities.

What was your personal connection to the WW100 commemorations?

A: My connection is 16/75, CPL Remana Paenga, B-Company, 1 Pioneer (Ma-ori) Battalion. Tears were flowing!

There was no more poignant place to be than to stand on Anzac Cove on Anzac Day 2015 – 100 years after my grand-uncle landed, representing him, my wha-nau and all those who fought and lost their lives in all battles.

Q&A WITH SGT PAENGA:

ma- Ori cuLturaL GrOup On anZac daY

Anzac Day service in Messines, Belgium. Left to right, paula Rudolph,

F/s Kathy nikau and sylvia pene.

Auckland

Dawn service at Buttes new British ceremony,

Belgium.

ANZAC DAY IN FRANCE: a humbLinG eXperience fOr cOrpOraL aLice Gribben

In April, two red poppies travelled to France in the pocket of an excited, yet humbled Air Force medic.

Twenty-five-year-old corporal Alice Gribben headed to France and Belgium with a contingent of 20 New Zealand

Defence Force (NZDF) personnel representing the country on Anzac Day.

In France, CPL Gribben visited a cemetery for New Zealanders who served in World War One and placed two poppies on the grave of her great, great uncle and a memorial in honour of his friend.

“It’s been a humbling and emotional trip for me. I’m one of just a few of my family to make the trip to my great, great uncle’s grave and the only one to commemorate his war service at a global event as significant as this year’s Anzac Day.”

CPL Gribben’s great, great uncle, Charles Nicholls MackIntosh, was a lance corporal in the Canterbury regiment of the New Zealand Army. A farmhand from White Rock, Rangiora, he was 21 went he left for the war in late March 1918.

On 24 August, he was killed in battle and buried in the Grevillers British Cemetery in France. Years later, L/CPL

MackIntosh posthumously earned a British War Medal and a victory Medal for his time in service.

Three of CPL Gribben’s great, great uncles served in the war, with only two returning home.

CPL Gribben, whose father was an Air Force sergeant and senior driver for more than 20 years, says: “My dad’s given me lots of information about Uncle Charles, as well as replicas of his war medals, which I wore while overseas.”

In Belgium, CPL Gribben was part of the NZDF Catafalque guard ceremonies. Five separate commemorative events took place on Saturday 25 April, starting with a dawn service at the Buttes New British Cemetery in Zonnebeke.

“I was part of all five services – it was a big day, but an incredible honour to represent New Zealand overseas on Anzac Day. It was also a big deal for my family given our personal connection with the First World War,” says CPL Gribben.

Originally from Christchurch, CPL Gribben joined the RNZAF in 2008 aged 18.

“Joining the Air Force seemed completely natural to me. My dad has had a long Air Force career, I spent eight years in the St John’s cadets and lived on Base for the first five years of my life – first at Hobsonville and then Wigram. I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do.”

Wreath laying ceremony, Longueval, France.

Wreath laying, Grevillers British cemetery, France.

Mayor of Grey District, His Worship tony Kokshoorn leading the Blackball Anzac

day parade, Westport.

Westport

anZac daY in sinGapOre By Lyle Ellicock

Our Anzac Day ceremony took place in the early hours of Saturday morning at the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore.

This year’s event drew 3,000 people who came along to watch a Catafalque party led by the ADF and an address from NZDF Defence Advisor COL Craig Stewart. In the audience were dignitaries from all around the world, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and France, with the ‘Ode For The Fallen’ delivered by Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon from the Singaporean Armed Forces. To be a part

of the Anzac Ceremony in Kranji was such a great honour – so, too, was having the opportunity to visit the Royal Singapore Air Force. Representing our service and the country was an amazing feeling, particularly knowing our friends, family and Air Force would be proud of us. I will never forget standing to attention as the sun was rising to look out across the sea of people that had come to pay their respects. In my contingent were A/CPL Deen Ah Lam (Logistics), LAC Ryan Wardlaw (Avionics), LAC Emily Pilcher (Aircraft) and me, CPL Lyle Ellicock (Logistics).

F/S Murray Mansfield took nearly a year to write the lone piper

lament he played at this year’s Gallipoli centenary service at Chunuk Bair.

It wasn’t that he was unfamiliar with writing music for the bag pipes. The Ohakea aircraft technician penned the lament for the unveiling of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in 2004.

It wasn’t that he was unfamiliar with writing music for significant events. F/S Mansfield, considered one of the country’s top bag pipers, had played for the Queen and at Sir Edmund Hilary’s funeral.

It was just that it took time to get it just right, he says of the 90-second lament We Will Remember Them.

“I needed to capture the moment, to give it the right structure and to make sure it suited the purpose. I wanted to do a good job for New Zealand, to represent the New Zealand Defence Force well.”

F/S Mansfield, who has played the bag pipes since he was five and whose father is a piper, played for a crowd of more than 10,000 people at the Dawn Service and New Zealand Memorial Service on April 25.

pipeR’s GALLipoLi LAMent tooK A yeAR to WRiteRnzAF engineer F/s Murray Mansfield played his own composition at the Gallipoli centenary event in turkey.

nzDF and ADF contingents in Gallipoli.


Military FamiliesMilitary Families

JAcK on tD. As long as I can remember, Dad’s

always been flying planes and building model planes. We’ve built a lot of kit set planes together – though I moved away from planes quite young and got pretty keen on rockets.

My first rocket was made of cardboard. Dad helped me launch it and we lost it in the trees somewhere. I started out small – just learning how to construct them. And I’ve got more complex as I’ve gone on.

Dad says the rockets are all my work. And that’s true, mostly. But he does give me a lot of advice throughout the process. I like that. Working with Dad is really awesome. We have equal say. We both put across our ideas, although I definitely know more about rocket making than him. I like that I learn a bit from him. But mostly he learns from me.

What else do I like about Dad? I’d have to say everything to be honest. He’s always helping me. He’s really supportive. He’s always saying good things to me. Things like: ‘Good luck Jack, I hope it goes really well. You’ve worked hard.’ That’s what he said to me just before I launched the big Marsden rocket.

really complex. And every rocket is a one-off.

You’ve got to master design, aerodynamics, electronics and composite construction and understand the performance of the materials under stress. He has to figure out the forces at play and keep everything completely safe – the surface temperature of these big rockets alone is something else. Air friction means they can reach hundreds of degrees. One of the first big rockets Jack ever made was built on the bathroom floor, which he converted into a makeshift workshop. He was in there with large drills, a lathe and fibre glassing equipment – the works.

Jack’s been building rockets very successfully for a few years now. He’s won eight national records for altitude, complexity and having a perfect safety record (in relation to landings). I’ve built a few rockets over the years. But nothing like the ones he makes. His latest one, the 47 kilogram record-breaker launched a month ago is more than four metres tall and built to withstand supersonic flight. On it’s first flight I think it reached more than 2,500 metres in just 23 seconds at speeds of 800 kilometres an hour – it took more than 800 hours to make. The sanding and painting alone took two weeks.

I can remember the first time Jack showed an interest in this kind of thing. We’d gone off to the model shop to find parts for a radio-controlled jet I was building and Jack, about eight at the time, came up to me asking to buy him a small model rocket. I think it was about 30cm tall. That’s how it all started.

Would I like to see him join the Air Force? I mean I’d love to see him have some of the great career opportunities that I’ve experienced and, yes, it would be a thrill for me. But I’ll be interested in whatever choice he makes. NASA is an option he’s looking at. Engineering or flying with the Air Force could be on the cards. Whatever he chooses, he’s a really great young man.

We have a running joke between us. I’ll be working away on something complicated and he’ll look over at me and say: ‘Look Jack, my only concern is …’ We laugh, because it’s never only one concern. Every five minutes he says it.

Dad likes to say that I’ve gone from being the little kid who used to follow all the old rocket makers around to the young kid they come to to ask questions. And I s’pose that’s true. I’ve really learned a lot about rockets over these past couple of years.

When I think about what makes me good at this I’m pretty sure it’s the time and effort I put in. I do like physics, maths and chemistry though – and I think that helps.

I’m not sure what’s next. Maybe another rocket? Definitely another rocket – maybe five metres next time – the big brother of Marsden and maybe one with Air Force colours?

We do a lot together as a family – that’s me, Dad, Mum and my brother Bryn. We go camping, water skiing and biking. And we’ve all lived overseas with the Air Force. But rockets are just me and Dad’s thing.

Jack making a rocket for the world rocketry meet in Australia. He says: “We haven’t named all our rockets but this one’s called ESCAPE VELOCITY. It has a 450 kilogram thrust motor and is fuelled by composite solid fuel. I’ve designed it to travel at super sonic speed nearly three times the speed of sound. During the flight, all the paint peels away from the body due to the forces around it.”

KEEP IT IN THE FAMiLyAIRCDRe Tony Davies and 16-year old Jack Davies are father and son.

JAcK is one of the country’s leading amateur rocketry experts and aspiring Air Force engineer. He’s spent his entire life in the Air Force family, exposed to dinner table conversations on aircraft capability and technology and Dad’s next posting.AIRCDRE Tony Davies was just a couple of years older than Jack when he joined the Air Force to start a Wings Course. He was 18. It was 1984. Since then, AIRCDRE Davies has flown Andovers, Hercules, Boeing 727 and 757s, served in the first Gulf War, held a number of staff appointments, been a flying instructor and spent a year in both the United States and the United Kingdom (with his family) on academic studies. This year, AIRCDRE Davies, who now leads the Strategic Commitments and Intelligence Branch, was awarded a Long Service clasp for 30 years’ service with the RNZAF.

in this article, the first in an occasional Military Families series, we catch up with Jack and tony (tD) in the family workshop at home.

tD on JAcK. I’m extremely proud of Jack. He’s a real self

starter, with an incredible drive. He’s often up long after we go to bed at night researching or studying and he’s got an incredibly calm temperament (not like me). When it comes to launching some of the huge rockets he’s built, I fret about things like what could go wrong in flight. I get concerned. But when I’m like that he just looks at me and says: ‘Chill out dad. Not to worry, I’ve got it covered’. And he inevitably has.

The impressive thing is that he’s building these things from scratch and from his own design – putting all his NCEA maths, physics and chemistry knowledge to the test. He’s launched more than 100 rockets and almost all of them from scratch. These things are


rnZaf band heLp marGaret ceLebrate 82 YearsIn 1943, nine-year-old Margaret Ferguson took to the stage to play a cornet solo as a guest performer of the RNZAF Band.

More than 70 years later, the RNZAF Band returned the gesture by sending Margaret a birthday card to celebrate 82 years – this time at the invitation of

Margaret’s daughter-in-law Sarah Churchman.“My husband’s mother, Margaret, once appeared with

the RNZAF Band in Dunedin when she was just nine. She played two songs and kept a record of the event in her special autograph book, which I recently discovered.”

Ms Churchman also found newspaper clippings of the event in Margaret’s belongings.

“That performance was obviously something very special to her. She’d got the band members to sign her autograph book and it was probably one of her earliest public performances.”

Margaret would later go on to become an accomplished trumpet player, frequently playing the Last Post at Anzac Day ceremonies in Dunedin.

“After finding out all this amazing information about Margaret’s connection with the RNZAF Band, I thought it would be a wonderful birthday surprise if the family could give her a signed photograph of today’s RNZAF Band.”

So Ms Churchman wrote to the band to see what they could do.RNZAF Band Master, W/O Denis Spurdle, who received

the letter was more than happy to carry out Ms Churchman’s wishes, deciding to go one step further.

“We saw it as a lovely invitation and opportunity for us to thank Margaret for that performance all those years ago – as well as her ongoing support,” says W/O Spurdle.

Our Heritage

He says the band sourced a recent photo and had it made into a birthday card by the NZDF design team. Then Chief of Air Force, AvM Mike Yardley and the band signed it before he sent it to Margaret, along with the band’s latest CD.

Ms Churchman says: “Margaret was pretty astonished but I could tell she was also very touched and remembered very clearly performing with the RNZAF Band as a young girl. She told me she clearly remembers walking on stage to play back in 1943 and being completely mesmerised by the lights, thinking they looked like stars, and pausing a bit too long!”

It certainly brought back many memories of her trumpet playing days, says Ms Churchman.

82-year-old Margaret Ferguson with her grandson and daughter-in-law on her birthday.

RnzAF Band members signing Margaret’s birthday card.

cornet player Margaret Ferguson’s clippings collection showing she played with the RnzAF Band in 1943.Our Heritage


changed a bit too, in a very beneficial way. I now have the basic skills to operate in the military and that’s a pretty cool feeling. I would definitely recommend it to others, all the shared values, teamwork and the skills you learn. You form a new family, one that I’ll keep for a very long time.

A/cpL stAcie cARLine, Recruit instructor

I’ve been in the RNZAF for seven years now – in roles as diverse as warehouse management, purchasing and procurement, Air Movements and have had the opportunity to deploy overseas. I can still distinctly remember my recruit course back on R2/08. It left a lasting impression on me.

I became a recruit instructor after a job vacancy opened up and my sergeant at the time (who was a corporal on my own recruit course) said that it would be good for future career development. Funnily enough, I hadn’t planned taking on this role, it just never occurred to me. But it’s been one of the highlights of my career. I’ve really enjoyed watching the recruits grow into young airmen and airwomen and seeing them graduate.

Our recruits have come from all over the country, from all different walks of life – many with little or no experience or understanding of military life. I’ve really enjoyed teaching them timing, drills, weaponry and taking them through basic field exercises. It’s been a rewarding challenge – and the bond these recruits have made over the weeks is something that they will have forever. That’s been great to see first-hand.

Where One JOurneY ends; anOther beGins fOr emma and shaun

In March, we began tracking the progress of RNZAF recruits AC Emma Porritt and AC Shaun Lindsay on their 14-week recruit course at Base Woodbourne in Marlborough. Back then, they were two individuals in a group of 47 Air Force recruits from across New Zealand.

For Emma, 19, the new environment felt a long way from her hometown of Hamilton. For 21-year-old Shaun, from

Palmerston North, it was the emphasis on teamwork that made a strong initial impression. The pair has come a long way since then. Early on, they took part in a 12-hour mental and physical challenge called the ‘longest day’, they’ve built rafts, learned navigation and constructed a bike track with the Department of Conservation. There’s been fitness training, training drills and trips to the Wigram Air Force Museum to bone up on the history and traditions of the Air Force. They’ve shot rifles at West Melton firing range, perfected night shooting, patrol and camouflage, barbwire fence construction and sentry positioning.

On 22 April, they graduated. In this article, the last in the series, we ask Emma and Shaun to give us their final impressions of the recruit course, reflecting on one of their latest deployments – Exercise HE TAUA .

Ac eMMA poRRittcongratulations on your recent graduation. you did it! overall, how was the recruit course – was it anything like what you expected?Recruit course was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Some of the exercises and activities on the course I wouldn’t have dreamed I’d be doing a year ago. I was expecting activities such as PT and weapons, but I wasn’t expecting adventure training; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training or Civil Defence techniques.

tell us about one of your final deployments, exercise He tAUA, what was it like?It was great. Our first day involved setting up wiring, Sangers and tentage – then came the shift work. Our first 21-hour shift started with a vehicle check point for seven hours, we then moved on to sentry and to quick reaction force, where you do jobs requiring attention around the Base. You’re also the first to respond when a contact comes through over the radio. Staying awake was definitely a struggle at times. We had little sleep and what rest we did get was at whacky hours – at times we’d have breakfast before going to bed, it was hard to keep

track of days! The highlight, for me, was the enemy contact – standing to, returning fire, mortars, operating the radios, requesting illumination, giving target indications. The exercise gave us the chance to use everything we’d learnt on course in one situation. It was a high-adrenaline experience – you didn’t want to rest when there was contact.

now, you’re finished. What do you make of the recruit course looking back? Would you recommend it to others? if so, why?I will miss the course and the people – though it’s a relief it’s over. My course mates, all strangers three months ago, are now some of my closest friends. Overall, there’s been a lot of learning. And, looking back, no matter how tough it was at times, I still loved it! From being cold and wet at two in the morning on Sentry duty to the Longest Day back in week two. I highly recommend joining the Air Force as a recruit – particularly if you love being outdoors and challenging yourself.

And what about your ambitions of becoming an Air Force medic? Are your plans the same? Where to next for you?I always wanted to do something medical, which led to checking out the Defence Force. I went on a Defence Careers Experience while I was at school – and got hooked. You hear nothing but positive feedback about what the Air Force offers. And I’m very happy to have taken the next step with the recruit course. Next, for me, involves heading down to Burnham Camp to study as a Medic with the Army and Navy trainee medics. I’ll study and take part in on job training. I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get stuck in to training.

Our People Our People

RnzAF RecRUit GRADUAtion CoNgRATS!

Ac sHAUn LinDsAycongrats to you, too, shaun. How tough was the recruit course for you? Was it anything like what you expected?The recruit course was tough, but fair. That’s probably the best way to put it. Being part of the military is never going to be easy and the course reflects that, but at the same time I really enjoyed having this kind of training. It’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. What I knew before course is nothing compared to what I know, what I’ve experienced and what I’m capable of now. I had an idea of what to expect. But so much of it was unexpected, which was awesome.

tell us about exercise He tAUA, what was it like for you?The exercise was at Dip Flat, which is about 90 kilometres from Base. The aim of the exercise is to learn and experience a 24/7 operation under a high threat level. We searched people, vehicles, ‘looked after’ sentries and ran a Quick Reaction Force.

My favourite aspect of the exercise was sentry because it puts you in the thick of things whenever something goes down. The long shifts were a new thing for me, averaging 21 hours work with five hours sleep over four days. It was exhausting, but an awesome experience all the same. I would’ve thought sleep would’ve been less likely with the loud commotion of rifle-fire and thunder-flashes through the night, but we got used to it pretty quickly and were out to it before we knew it.

now, you’re finished. What do you make of the recruit course looking back? Would you recommend it to others? if so, why?Recruit course was awesome, hard work. But I can see what I’ve got out of it and the experiences I’ve had. I feel like I’ve

the recruit course drill display team await the command to move on to the parade ground.

Graduates catch up with friends and family on completion of their recruit course graduation parade.

GpcApt colin Marshall chats with the recruits on parade during the graduation ceremony.

the recruit course pt display team go through their paces for the crowd.


Over Easter, the RNZAF Mixed Netball Team headed to the New Zealand Mixed National Tournament, playing seven tough games in total – and coming out bottom of their B-grade league, yet upbeat and positive for the experience.

F/S Abby Ward, team coach, says: “It was a fairly humbling result, but a great competition for everyone involved.

Unlike many of the opposition, we hadn’t had the luxury of playing together and putting in a lot of team practice. We were there for the opportunity to gain the full experience of attending a tournament of this quality. Overall, we played our guts out, with RNZAF netball giving it our best shot.”

She says: “Attendance at these events rarely happens by chance. A significant amount of work takes place behind the scenes to support the squad and assist their participation. Thanks to the team’s manager A/CPL Kyle Emery and the RNZAF Sports Committee who provided funding. Thanks too to the Base Auckland Junior Ranks Club for their contribution.”

the teamRnzAF Mixed netball team (above): Left to right, back row: LAC Allison Smith, LAC Stephen Kearney, LAC Jordan Lloyd (C), A/CPL Kyle Emery, LAC Alex Jones, SGT Sarah Anderson and F/S Abby Ward (coach). Front row: SGT Shannon Tait, CPL Melanie Maitland, CPL Mikayla Paora, LAC Indy McKinnon, LAC Whakapono Nepata and CPL Julia Anderson.

Sport

base auckLand takes WaterpOLO titLe

By FLTLT Sam Bradley, Fleet Planning Manager (HER/B757)

easter tOurnament fOr rnZaf netbaLLers

By F/S Abby Ward, RNZAF Mixed Netball Team Coach

Sport

The tournament, held from 13 – 16 March, took place at Linton Army Camp, an ideal facility with a generous pool, allowing for some exciting water polo action. After

close battles between the four teams, Auckland came out winning the final against Palmerston North Boys High School with a score of 17 – 6, an impressive outcome. other results from the tournament include:

• Men’s Player of the Tournament: FLtLt sam Bradley

• Women’s Player of the Tournament: LAc nicole Martyn

• Rookie of the Tournament: Ac teina stacey

• Sportsperson of the Tournament: FGoFF Dave Vernon

• Men’s RNZAF Swim Champ: Ac Mike Grey

• Women’s RNZAF Swim Champ: Ac Mahima seth.

Well done to team Auckland for taking out this year’s RNZAF inter base water polo title. Four teams took part in a three-day tournament, including three Air Force teams and an invitational fourth team from Palmerston North Boys High School.

FLtLt penny Khull successfully defending against A/cpL Gav Walker.

FGoFF Dave Vernon, sportsperson of the tournament, played with only one arm for

most of the weekend.

Get

invOLved

Water polo is a sport in which any skill level can play and all are welcome. contact your local officer in charge (oic) if you wish to take part.

LAc stephen Kearney

sGt sarah Anderson.

LAc Alex Jones.

W/o Jake Mcphee eyeing up the goal.


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Have Your Say

consULtAtion FoR 2015 DeFence WHite pApeRBy Luz Baguioro, Defence Public Affairs

These are only three of the questions New Zealanders have to ponder when they take part in public consultations for the Defence White Paper held from

early May to 22 June.“These are important questions. Because we’re looking

out a quarter of a century, if we want to answer them well, we have to bring together a diverse range of perspectives,” says Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter.

“The White Paper has implications for all New Zealanders. It’s not just about what capabilities we buy. It’s about how we look after and advance our national interests, including New Zealanders’ ability to trade and travel. That is why it is important for New Zealanders to take this opportunity to contribute to shape the Government’s defence policy from 2015 onwards.”

The White Paper will be the blueprint for how the Government plans to address the security threats, challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand over the next 25 years. It will outline the roles and tasks that the NZDF should undertake in responding to these challenges, as well as the capabilities and resources it needs to carry out its roles and tasks effectively.

“There have been significant shifts in the international environment over the last five years,” says Secretary Quilter. “The territorial integrity of nations such as Iraq, Syria, Libya and the Ukraine is being challenged by groups that appear to have substantial external support. ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) is seeking to carve out a new state across international boundaries. And cyber-based threats to New Zealand’s prosperity and security continue to proliferate.

• What are the major threats or challenges to New Zealand’s security now and in the future?

• What are the roles the NZDF should perform to keep New Zealand secure and advance our interests abroad?

• And what military capabilities should New Zealand invest in to deliver the armed forces that the country requires?secretary of Defence

Helene Quilter.

Have Your Say

AFgHANISTAN The NZDF has been actively involved in Afghanistan since 2003. Although the Provincial Reconstruction Team was withdrawn in April 2013, a small number of personnel are providing training assistance and capacity building through the UK-led Afghan National Army Officer Academy.

ANTARCTICA The NZDF contributes to the New Zealand Government’s continuing involvement in Antarctica though the Antarctic Treaty system. The NZDF involvement consists of providing air transport, logistics support and specialist personnel skills, and is coordinated through collaboration with Antarctica New Zealand and its partner-nations in the Ross Sea region.

MIDDle eAST The NZDF maintains a small team providing operational support to NZDF forces operating in the Middle East region. In 2013-14, HMNZS TE MANA and an Air Force P-3K2 Orion joined a multi-national maritime security task force undertaking counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, off the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean. Officers are stationed in HQ in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Navy officers have been seconded to assist allied nations that are conducting counter-piracy patrols in the Arabian Gulf and Horn of Africa maritime operating areas.

IRAQ A 143-strong contingent is set to be deployed alongside the Australian Defence Force to train Iraqi security forces so they can regain the combat skills they need to roll back the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and deter its further advances. The deployment will be up to two years.

ISRAel, leBANoN The NZDF has been providing UN Observers to the United Nations Truce and Supervisory Organisation since 1954. These personnel patrol the area of operations and monitor ceasefires and military activity within the region.

RePuBlIC oF KoReA The NZDF provides staff support to the operational, liaison and corridor control functions of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission in Korea.

SINAI PeNINSulA The NZDF has been providing expertise to the Multinational Force and Observers since 1982. NZDF personnel also monitor the operation of the Egyptian Border Guard Force.

SouTH SuDAN The NZDF provides Military Observers and Staff Officer assistance to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan.

TIMoR-leSTe The NZDF has been supporting various operations through the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) since 1999. Although New Zealand’s military and police participation in UNMIT concluded on 31 December 2012, NZDF’s engagement continues through the five Technical Advisors attached to the Timor-Leste Defence Force.

uNITeD STATeS oF AMeRICA A NZDF National Planning Element and operational support has been based at the United States Central Command in Florida since 2003. They perform liaison and planning functions.

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“given the changes in the global security outlook inthelastfiveyears,wearekeentolistentothepublic’s views on where, how and to what extent they think New Zealand should contribute to internationalpeaceandsecurityefforts.“The consultation process provides a feedback loop between the Government and the New Zealand public that will help ensure New Zealand’s defence policy and planning can take into account the views of the New Zealand public,” says Secretary Quilter.

The Government last published a Defence White Paper in 2010. Since then, the NZDF has concluded operations in Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands and withdrawn the Provincial Reconstruction Team from Afghanistan. It continues to participate in United Nations and other multinational operations, from South Sudan to Korea, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to collective security and upholding the international rule of law. In the second quarter of this year, the NZDF will deploy a 143-strong contingent on a non-combat training mission to Iraq as part of an international coalition against ISIL.

“By making a submission, New Zealanders will be able to share their views on how the NZDF can best advance New Zealand’s national interests and influence defence policy.”

MAKe A sUBMission Submission forms are available on the NZDF Intranet (for RNZAF personnel) or on the Ministry of Defence’s website.

Go to: www.defence.govt.nzCompleted submission forms can be emailed or posted to:

• [email protected]

• Defence White Paper 2015, Ministry of Defence, PO Box 12703, Wellington 6144.

AttenD A pUBLic consULtAtion session Public consultation sessions are being organised with universities, think tanks and veterans’ associations across the country. The session schedule will be posted on the Ministry of Defence’s website and disseminated through the media, the New Zealand Returned and Services Association and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.

The Defence White Paper Project Team will also visit RNZAF Bases to encourage personnel to have their say.


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WOrLd War ii veterans recOGnisedSix RNZAF and two Navy veterans were awarded the French Legion of Honour

by the French Ambassador to New Zealand Florence Jeanblanc-Risler in April. At a ceremony held in Auckland at the National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy, the veterans were appointed as Knights of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. The formal recognition is part of a French campaign to recognise the services of New Zealand veterans alongside the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy. Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is the highest decoration given in France for both military and civilian distinguished national service. the decorated veterans are:

• FLtLt John Moore Morris• sQnLDR Keith Marwood Boles• FLtLt Hugh Findlater• sQnLDR John Leslie Munro

• FGoFF clive Woodward estcourt• FGoFF noel sutherland• Able seaman Roger Maclean• Lt neil Harton.

BAse oHAKeA HOSTS MIGHTY MOPEDATHON FOR CHARITYBase Ohakea hosted a mopedathon in April to raise money for the Missing Wingman Trust. First place went to CPL Aaron Carr and LAC Ashton Hughes – well done!

BASE AUCKLAND WeLcOmes a neW W/OThe newly-appointed Command Warrant Officer RNZAF Base Auckland, W/O Philip Webley (right), is congratulated by outgoing RNZAF Base Auckland Warrant Officer, W/O Kevin Otto (left) in front of the WW100 Memorial Crosses at RNZAF Base Auckland.

More than 100 veterans attended the 41 SQN reunion in Wellington in

March. The reunion, held 27 – 29 March, began with a formal dinner attended by Chief of Air Force AvM Mike Yardley, with a keynote address from AvM (Rtd)Robin Klitscher. It included a tour of the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton, Sir Peter Jackson’s First World War aircraft display and workshop and the city’s new National War Memorial Park, Pukeahu.

41 SQN was a transport unit of the RNZAF, formed in 1944 and responsible for transport flights in the south Pacific during World War Two. It remained active after the war and flew supplies to the New Zealand occupation force in Japan. Three crew from the squadron participated in the Berlin Airlift during 1948 and 1949 and one of its flights was temporarily based in Singapore from 1949 to 1951. From 1955, the entire squadron was stationed in Singapore, from where it participated in the Malayan Emergency, Indonesia - Malaysia confrontation and the vietnam War. Detachments of 41 SQN were also based in Thailand from 1962 to 1965. The squadron was disbanded in 1977.

41 sQn reuniOn IN WELLINGTON

Sixty people turned out for the 2 SQN reunion in March. The reunion, held in Tauranga between 20 – 22 March, involved a Friday night meet and greet, a Saturday golf tournament and formal dining at the Classic Flyers Museum, with a Sunday brunch to finish the event.

2 SQN started as a territorial squadron, conducting most of its annual flying at RNZAF Base Wigram in the early

years. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Squadron patrolled the Cook Strait area and, from 1941, flew Vildebeeste and vincent aircraft and later the new Hudson Bombers to protect shipping in the Cook Strait area. The Squadron deployed to the Pacific between from 1943 and 1945, carrying out reconnaissance, anti-submarine supply dropping and general patrolling flights. It was disbanded and reformed several times, in the 1980s operating A4 and TA4K Skyhawk aircraft in operational conversion and tactical reconnaissance roles at Base Ohakea. 2 SQN deployed to Royal Australian Naval Air Station Nowra in 1991, while continuing to provide conversion training for RNZAF fast jet pilots. In 2001, 2 SQN was disbanded. Today the Squadron standard is laid up in the Ohakea Chapel along side 75 and 14 SQN standards.

In March, the RNZAF took part in an annual kids’ charity event called the variety Bash. At the heart of the fundraising effort is an eccentric car rally, which travels hundreds of kilometres over a week. This year, the event started in New Plymouth, headed to Wellington and finished in Auckland. Along the way, nearly $150,000 worth of grants were given out to children and schools. This year, the NZDF provided mechanical and logistic support through our Group Support Equipment team. The RNZAF team provided four mobile repair teams of personnel from Base Whenuapai and Base Ohakea.

2 sQn reunites in tauranGa rnZaf in varietY bash

Former RNZAF Group Captain Arthur Frederick Tucker sadly passed away in April. The RNZAF wishes to recognise his outstanding career achievements. Born in Auckland in 1921, GPCAPT Tucker was a pilot with the RNZAF for 35 years, completing Pacific tours with 16 SQN in 1944 and 1945 and a posting

to Japan in 1946 with 14 SQN. In 1952, he became CO of 75 SQN and later Deputy Director of Operations in RNZAF HQ and would later command 14 SQN in Malaya. In 1961, he was appointed the New Zealand Joint Services Liaison Officer in Singapore and held several significant posts, including

Deputy Head of the New Zealand Defence Liaison Staff in London. In 1958 he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya. He was also made an Officer of the Most

Excellent Order of the British Empire.

ObituarY

GPCAPT ARTHUR FREDERICK TUCKER

French Legion medal ceremony. Mr clive estcourt shows chief of Air Force, AVM Mike yardley old photos and keepsakes.

Mr John Leslie Munro receives his medal from the French Ambassador.

Might Mopedathon competitors in April.

2 sQn reunion attendees.

RnzAF at the Variety Bash, providing mechanical and logistic support.

GpcApt Arthur Frederick tucker, pictured in 1967.


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RoyAL neW zeALAnD DentAL coRpscentennial celebration in november 2015The Royal New Zealand Dental Corps will host their centennial celebration for past and present members at Trentham Military Camp in Wellington between 5 – 8 November.

Register nowRegister by email, [email protected]

Find out moreFor more information contact: WO2 Ross Heald, [email protected]

Photograph of the Month

RNZAF PHOTOGRAPHER ROD MACKENZIE

ARMy MUseUM WWi eXHiBit on nAtionAL toUR

The National Army Museum is taking a mobile WWI exhibition, called Heartlanders of WWI, around the

country in October. The travelling museum roadshow is a special project for the WW100 commemorations. Three shipping containers, fitted with the mobile exhibition, will take some of the museum’s most prized pieces around the country. For more information, contact Nicola Bennett at [email protected] or check out the museum website www.armymuseum.co.nz/whats-on

This photo is part of a series showing the new Field of Remembrance at RNZAF

Base Auckland. The Field of Remembrance has 100 crosses, representing 100 New Zealanders who died in the First World War. I wanted to show the field of crosses and the Air Force flag in this image, so the trick was to get low and close. Taking these photos gave me the opportunity to discover more about the men and women listed on the crosses. I wanted to connect with what I was photographing. For example, I can tell you the cross you see in the middle of this shot belongs to 21-year-old Army Private John O’Carroll of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion. He died on 16 September 1916, during the second day of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, on the Somme in Northern France.

For me, finding out about these people really brings home the tragedy and personal sacrifice of the war.

It’s when you understand that each name reflects a life and a story – that they were someone’s brother, uncle, sister or wife – you start to put an event like the First World War in to perspective.the missinG WinGman trust

BAnK: WestpacAccoUnt: 03 0774 0642082 00cHARity nUMBeR: CC50067AMoUnt: $1 weekly/fortnightly

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have YOur saY 2015 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

The Ministry of Defence is seeking submissions on the 2015 Defence White Paper.

DeADLine 22 JUne 2015

read it

Read the 2015 Defence White Paper online at www.defence.govt.nz

Get a hardcopy from the Defence White Paper Project Team at an upcoming public consultation session.

taLk abOut itCome to a public consultation session. Check out the Ministry of Defence’s website for more details about these sessions.

make a submissiOnMake a submission using the form on the Ministry of Defence’s website.

send your completed form to:

• [email protected]

• Defence White Paper 2015, Minstry of Defence, PO Box 12703, Wellington 6144.

AFN169 May2015

Documents

Transcript of AFN169 May2015