Air Force news 1

pacific drought reliefbristol f.2b fighter posteroperation winfly

shipwreck!The Air Force helps out

issue 131 November 2011 | Royal New Zealand Air Force

2 Air Force news

6 shipwreck the air force helps out

CoveR imAgeAn SH-2g Seaprite of No.6 Sqn RNZAF hovers near the stern of the ReNA, aground on Astrolabe Reef, on 13 october.

PHoto: CPL Sam Shepherd RNZAF.

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 Communications GroupHQ NZ Defence Force Wellington, New Zealand

EditorRichard JacksonPn 04-496-0289Fax 04-496-0290Email; airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz

Design and LayoutDefence Communications Group

Printed byBluestarPrivate Bag 39996, Wellington

DistributionMarianna Robati, Defence Communication GroupEmail: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz

Air 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 over-ride 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 December Issue Monday 7 November 2011

Contribution deadline for the Febraury Issue Friday 13 January 2011

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 1175-2327

22 christmas cheer for nZ defence and police personnel

23 resilience A quality of character

27 our Heritage Remembering Kiwi Bomber Crews

31 Book reviews The Age of Air Power

32 sport Inter-Services Rugby 2011

34 notices Farewells and Promotions

Contents

12 winfly 2011 preparing for the antarctic season

16 rnZAF 75th Anniversary Upcoming events

18 Pullout Poster Bristol F.2B Fighter

20 From the Flightline Photo essay

9 south Pacific Drought relief in tuvalu and tokelau

Air Force news 3

"Amid the huge effort going on around the bases to introduce new capabilities, we continue our ‘normal’ operations.”

First Word

First word

Amid the huge effort going on around the bases to introduce into service our new and upgraded capabilities, we continue our “normal” operations. i’ve put the word normal in inverted commas because our operations have been far from normal as a result of the effects of our major upgrade and acquisition activities, particularly with the (temporary) reduction in fleet sizes. I can’t actually remember what it’s like to conduct operations with full fleets, but at least with C-130 LEPs, P-3K2s and A109s now flying, and the first NH-90 arrivals imminent, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. However, that’s not the point of this First Word. what i want to do is remind people that we as an air force are still out there conducting military air operations in support of new Zealand’s security interests—our “normal” operations.

a snap shot of our activities over the last month or so shows: No. 3 Squadron has had four Iroquois positioned in Auckland, with another two on standby at Ohakea in support of Police and Army should an incident occur during the Pacific Island Forum or Rugby World Cup. At the same time, together with a Seasprite from No. 6 Squadron, they responded after the container ship rena ran aground on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga—and when you read this article they’ll most likely still be there [see page 6]. The Squadron has also been reacting to a steady stream of requests from Police, usually at night, for an Iroquois to assist with search and rescues. In addition they have carried out a number of tasks for other Government Departments including conservation and fisheries.

No. 5 Squadron, with their reduced fleet of Orions, continues the vital task of patrolling New Zealand’s and Pacific Islands’ territorial waters, which has netted a number of infringing foreign fishing vessels. They have also reacted to a seemingly increasing

number of searches for overdue vessels in both New Zealand and

Pacific waters. And soon the annual antics in the Southern Ocean

will resume which will see orion patrols in those waters.

No. 6 Squadron, as well as contributing to the effort off

Tauranga with their unique night all-weather capability, continues

to provide ships’ flights to support Navy outputs.

No. 40 Squadron continues to be in constant demand to provide

air transport. Of late this has included their twice-yearly month in and

around Afghanistan in support of both our own and coalition efforts

there; transport for a rotation of personnel in timor leste; along with

providing air transport to op pacific drought (assisting the water

producing efforts in Tuvalu and Tokelau—see page 9); Op rena—and

a myriad of other tasks to other parts of the globe for both the smaller

C-130 fleet and our Boeing 757s. Very soon they too will be making

their annual excursions south to the McMurdo ice runway in support of

the new Zealand and united states antarctic programmes.

Demand has also been high on No. 42 Squadron to provide

domestic VIP transport to one event after another.

Of course all this is ably supported by the rest of the Air

force—a critical aspect of our operations. and while all this is

going on, so too does training in its many guises to ensure we are

ready for tomorrow’s tasks and demands. as you can see from

all that, we’re providing military air operations in support of New

Zealand’s security interests every day.

By Air commodore steve MooreAir Component Commander

4 Air Force news

Briefings

MAJOR FIVE power defence arrangeMent eXercise An RNZAF P-3K Orion along with other NZDF staff and units participated in Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2011, hosted by the Singapore Armed Forces over the period 17 October to 04 November. the exercise aimed to improve the interoperability of the combined air, ground and naval forces of FPDA partners to enhance regional security. Ex BL11 was set in a multi-threat environment for the defence of Malaysia and Singapore and focused on both operational and tactical levels of warfare.

The FPDA partners are Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and this month marks the 40th anniversary of

the region's longest active defence agreement, the second oldest military agreement after nato. the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Force and secretary of defence attended the anniversary celebrations.

The FPDA, which was established in 1971, is in effect a consultation agreement between the five countries should there be a threat to Malaysia and/or singapore. it underpins new Zealand’s defence relationships with Malaysia and singapore and reflects our commitment to regional security.

New Zealand’s contribution to the latest exercise included hMnZs te KAHA, the Orion from No.5 Sqn, the navy’s operational diving team and nZ Army, RNZN and RNZAF personnel, who deployed to singapore and Malaysia to participate alongside our partners. the Exercise included a combination of real time exercises in the south china sea and command post exercises designed to test fpda nations working together to deliver the best effect.

tiMor leste defence force change of coMMandCommander Joint Forces NZ, MAJGEN Dave Gawn MBE, visited Timor Leste for the change of command of the east Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL). MAJGEN taur Matan ruak handed command of the F-FDTL to BRIG Lere Anan Timur during a handover ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili on 06 October.

MaJgen gawn said he was pleased to be representing the NZDF at such a significant occasion and was proud of the work done by NZ Forces in Timor Leste to bring about stability and security as well to help build capacity within the F-FDTL. During his visit, MAJGEN Gawn also took the opportunity to meet with the new Zealand Ambassador to Timor Leste, His Excellency Tony Fautua, the Australian Chief of Joint Operations Command, ltgen ash power and commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), COL Luke Foster. The ISF is in timor leste at the invitation of the government of timor leste to support local security forces to maintain a secure and stable environment.

P-3K Orion of No.5 Sqn RNZAF.

MAJGEN Taur Matan Ruak presents MAJGEN Dave Gawn with a traditional Timorese tais at F-FDTL HQ.

phot

o: a

df

Air Force news 5

annual reportSome interesting numbers from the RNZAF Annual Report (FY 10/11)…

60 number of submissions to the RNZAF Innovation Scheme

130 number of different courses run by Ground Training Wing

560% percentage of budgeted Search and Rescue hours flown by 5 Sqn

7,677 number of passengers carried in response to natural disasters

9,740 hours flown by RNZAF Force Elements

12,309 number of in-flight meals delivered

73,452 number of air movements at RNZAF Bases Ohakea and Whenuapai

89,946 number of visitors to the Air Force Museum

541,794kg weight of freight moved in response to natural disasters

Briefings

nZdf’s person of the yearNominations closed on 10 November for this year’s defence force person of the Year. The award celebrates the values of courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity and is to recognise someone who stands out in their commitment to these values.

“our values are vitally important to us because they reflect the qualities that we all expect of each other in both the military and corporate environments,” says CDF, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones.

The first recipient of the award, Deployment Services Officer, Mrs Carol Voyce, is a civilian based at Burnham, who provides welfare support services to deployed personnel and their families. her nominators thought she had exceeded the requirements of her job description and had continually provided support and facilitated assistance and advice to others under stress, while having to deal with her own significant family situation.

The second recipient, SQNLDR Mike Cannon, demonstrated his commitment and courage many times. in the aftermath of the Anzac Day Iroquois tragedy Mike was at the heart of the response to the needs of both the surviving crewman and the families of those killed. he worked tirelessly to support the grieving families, and to assist with those sensitivities that inevitably arise out of such circumstances.

cdf will announce the winner of the 2011 Person of the Year at a function in December. The winner will receive a trophy and an NZDF-funded scholarship in a defence-related study area of interest to the winner. ltgen Jones said, “The NZDF Person of the Year award showcases the dedication and values of our personnel. i encourage you all to nominate someone who has gone ‘above and beyond’.

nZdsM now AVAILABLE FOR those fifty AND OVEREx-Service personnel aged 50 and over can now apply for the new Zealand defence service Medal (nZdsM). due to the large number of people eligible for the NZDSM, the call for applications is being managed in four stages, with priority given to processing applications from older living ex-Service personnel. Since April, when the first applications were called for, over 17,700 applications have been received by the Medals Office and over 13,000 medals have been issued.

The new medal means that a large number of personnel who served new Zealand loyally and well in a wide range of roles and contexts, but not on operations, are now receiving medallic recognition for their work.

Ex-Service personnel are encouraged to apply for the medal using the online form on the NZDF Medals website http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz Hard copies of the application form are also available through the website and at most local rsas who can provide staff to help ex-Service personnel fill in their applications.

Many local rsas are arranging presentations in local communities. Ex-Service personnel who have received the NZDSM who would like the medal to be presented to them formally should contact their nearest rsa.

Nominations forms are available at http://org/dcg/defence/Forms/Allitems.aspx.

The RNZAF Annual Report is available from the Office of Strategy Management.

6 Air Force news

support to Maritime nZ

ShiPWReCK!At 0200hrs on 5 October, the 47,000 tonne container ship RENA ran aground on Astrolabe Reef, about 12 nm off the Bay of Plenty coast. The ship was stuck fast and her hull damaged.

An RNZAF Iroquois lowers salvage team staff to the RENA as a salvage tug stands by.

Air Force news 7

With 1700 tonnes of fuel oil on board and the damaged fuel tanks already leaking, the prospect was for an environmental disaster. There was also the problem of shipping

containers breaking loose—with the potential for more pollution from their contents. the Maritime new Zealand Pollution Response Service was mobilised.

during the next two days Maritime nZ investigated the ship and trialled dispersants on the oil slick. the nZdf was advised that its assistance would be needed. A multi-agency planning group led by Maritime NZ was convened, including NZDF personnel to support the planning and control functions.

By 8 October the Navy’s patrol vessels were deployed for sea-space control around the stricken ship, while RNZAF aircraft were made available for transporting people and equipment to the Tauranga area. An Iroquois from No.3 Sqn deployed to Tauranga airport for flights to the ship as required. Over 300 NZDF personnel, mostly Army staff, were placed on standby if needed for a shoreline cleanup.

flight lieutenant gareth kemeys was in auckland with the No.3 Sqn detachment.

“the detachment commander approached me and advised that I would be leaving the next day for operations in response to the grounding of the rena. the crew really had no idea how long it would be for, but the operation would most likely involve the removal of the crew from the ship if required, as well as other taskings. Thus the only way to think about the task was

as if it would be a Search and Rescue, and we loaded up the Iroquois

with as much gear so that we could respond to reconnaissance

scenarios that we thought most likely to occur. Most of the planning

was around winching, stand-off illumination and recovery over water

by day or night.”

That same day, 8 October, the salvage company Switzer had

assembled a team, placed pumps aboard the ship and developed

an initial salvage plan. People and equipment were on the move to

tauranga from as far away as singapore and amsterdam. a civilian

B747 was chartered to bring salvage equipment and a Bell 214

helicopter to new Zealand for the task.

FLTLT Kemeys: “During a fine day, the ship is easily seen as soon

as you lift from Tauranga. On arrival on the Monday, we flew over the

ship, Motiti Island and other significant landmarks and marked them

in the GPS, to ensure that when the weather was bad, we were able

to navigate to those positions as required, safely.”

By 10 October an RNZAF C-130 Hercules made a flight to Australia

to bring oil containment equipment to NZ. As well, an SH-2G Seasprite

from No. 6 Sqn was placed on standby; later that day it too deployed to

Tauranga airport. The air and ground crew, with an Air Liaison Team,

totalled 14 personnel deployed to Tauranga.

FLTLT Kemeys explained that the helicopters were required to

move salvage staff to and from the RENA and to take Conservation

personnel to outlying locations to check on at-risk bird and sea-life

populations. The helicopters were also available for any SAR

taskings if required.

“Taskings involved us flying to the ship or Motiti Island. We

carried out beach reconnaissance to check for oil and locations

of the spill, insertion of salvage crews to the RENA, and airlift of

navy personnel to attending naval ships. we carried Maritime

NZ personnel to the tug boats and the defuelling tanker. Motiti

Island flights involved resupply of food and water to the marae

and the doc wildlife response teams and personnel rotations.

We transported oiled wildlife. We have flown underslung loads as

well as using the aircraft cabin space. Whilst we [the Iroquois crew]

hadn’t (then) flown any VIPs, the Seasprite has flown the Prime

Minister and other Ministers.”

By then four Naval vessels were supporting the operation; as well,

troops were ready to deploy to tauranga from linton and burnham

Camps, along with Territorial soldiers from Auckland and Tauranga.

“If there was a major spill we were able to act quickly,” said the NZDF

Joint Task Force Commander, Commander David Turner.

But overnight the weather changed, and RENA was pounded by a

heavy easterly swell. The ship’s stern (still afloat) continued to twist

and work against the fixed bow structure. During the morning of

11 October the RENA rolled radically, some containers toppled and

huge fractures appeared in the ship’s hull. three cargo holds were

breached and flooded, while fuel tanks were further damaged and

some 300 tonnes of oil spilled. The Master called ‘Mayday’ and the

crew and salvage teams were hastily evacuated.

At 0800 the two RNZAF helicopters were launched to evacuate

the 30 or so personnel from the stricken ship. The initial intent

was to leave four salvage personnel on board, but as the weather

worsened the decision was made to evacuate everyone.

FLTLT Kemeys recalled: “We had been called in the morning to

evacuate the crew as a precaution, in conjunction with the Seasprite.

As the weather deteriorated, I informed the Master of the RENA that

8 Air Force news

support To Maritime nZ

he would have to wait for the weather to improve. But subsequently

he issued a Mayday call [which changed the status of the evacuation

from a planned task to a life saving emergency].

“we then operated in some very challenging conditions and

were able to extract a number of personnel before the Navy came

in and completed the remainder of the task via boat transfers. This

was very impressive by the Navy in such big swells. Indeed all the

defence forces involved during this day worked together very well

indeed. We returned to base, relieved not to have to fly further in

those very challenging conditions.”

All on board RENA were evacuated safely, but one of the naval

RHIB crew was injured. With the new damage and the fresh oil spill

a P-3 Orion from No. 5 Sqn flew a surveillance flight over the Bay

of Plenty to monitor the spread of the oil and locate any floating

containers. Reportedly, 88 containers had fallen from the ship.

as Air Force News went to press, the RNZAF support for the

RENA salvage continued, and fresh helicopter crews were rotated to

Tauranga. FLTLT Kemeys looked back on his crew’s part in the event:

“When the weather is good, it is lovely in the Bay of Plently.

However, for most of the week the weather was terrible with low

cloud base and poor visibility or rain. During the ‘Mayday’ call the

weather was especially challenging as flying low over water with

the old avionics fit in the Iroquois is not ideal—but it is, however,

achievable. The main problem with the weather was frequent

changes, and it required a lot of awareness to ensure that a recovery

to Tauranga airport was always available.

“Our ground crew had to work long days, we deployed with only two

maintainers in support. they worked long hours without complaint in

rain or sunshine; they were a credit to our superb maintenance team.

They just got the job done, so we could continue to fly.

“The Airport staff had been especially accommodating, with the

Tauranga Air Traffic Controllers being very understanding during

what were very flexible operations. The Air NZ ground crew and

support staff have also been very helpful which was great. And

thankfully the terminal café has some wonderful sandwiches and

great coffee, which kept us going day after day!”

"our ground crew worked long days without complaint in rain or sunshine. They got the job done so we could continue to fly"

RENA on 9 October, with a slight list to port.

Helicopter Crewman SGT Karl Borck watches from the RNZAF Iroquois as it flies over the RENA.

Our Seasprite passes RENA on 13 October, note the severe list to starboard.

Air Force news 9

operational capability

By sQnLDr nick cooper,Air Liaison Officer

“the AiR LiAiSoN oFFiCeR is sick and you have one hour to board a RAAF C-17 flight to Samoa to help with Operation Pacific Drought.”

Not a lot of time, but something that RNZAF personnel have dealt with many times over. for me that was the start to a week’s work in Samoa, mainly to support the airlift of a desalination plant and various personnel into Tuvalu, but also including liaison with the NZ High Commission, Australian Defence Force, United States Coast Guard, the US Defence Attaché, Red Cross and Ausaid personnel. the aim of the mission was to alleviate the water shortages in tuvalu and Tokelau. The C-17 duly left—a little late, which helped me out with the preparation and ensured I had time to touch base with Joint Force Headquarters; this allowed some order to come to the plan.

Our Hercules, which had left earlier, was to land in Samoa for fuel then push on to Tuvalu to unload the first five pallets and the forward landing party to prepare the site.

On the C-17 were the remaining Army personnel, the new High Commissioner to Tuvalu and a further five pallets. The High Commissioner was required in Tuvalu that night; however, the C-17 was doing a quick off-load and then on to Australia once its work was done. So that meant the High Commissioner had to do a quick jump between aircraft in Samoa. The Hercules completed its flight on to Tuvalu according to plan and the crew arrived back at the

South PACiFiCdRought ReLieFAn RNZAF C-130 Hercules deployed to Samoa in October, to act as the vital air-bridge for New Zealand’s response to the drought in Tuvalu. At the same time our aircraft transported NZDF staff and supplies to work with our American partners to relieve the immediate shortage of drinking water in Tokelau. The water situation on the two remote island groups was critical, with little rain forecast.

Flexi Dams store water made by the NZ Army Reverse Osmosis plant that was flown to Tuvalu.

10 Air Force news

operational capability

accommodation at around midnight.Day 2 dawned bright and clear, the Herc crew managed the

second push with the remaining personnel and the five further pallets without incident. My task was mainly ensuring that Day 3 would go as planned.

Air Commodore Port, eight large water containers and around a dozen newsmedia people were due in on our Boeing 757 at 1900. They were then to have an early wake up call (0400) for Day 4 which included a Hercules flight to Tuvalu, a visit to the US Coast Guard Cutter WALNUT (which had been supplying water to the Tokelaus with three NZ Army personnel on board) and a flight out on the Boeing for the majority.

Days 3 and 4 went as planned and Day 5 was the return of the Hercules to Whenuapai and a well-earned rest for the air crew. That would leave around 10 personnel to keep the water flowing in Tuvalu.

Overall the mission achieved its aims, with the Hercules and boeing crews and aircraft keeping to their schedules and putting in some long hours. the army engineers had the desalination plant up and running within five hours of receiving all the plant parts—they produced 10,000 litres that night. At the same time the USCGC WALNUT ensured there was an adequate supply of water in Tokelau.

This was all the result of some great team work between the NZ Army, RNZAF, the US Coast Guard and several non-governmental organisations. Our Defence Force can be justifiably proud with the professionalism shown and the outcome achieved, within such a short time frame.

oPeRAtioN PACiFiC dRoughtCombined NZ, Australian and US operation for Pacific islands’ drought relief

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Murray McCully, announced on 5 October that a multi-national operation was underway to provide emergency water supplies to drought-stricken Tokelau and respond to a similar water shortage emergency in tuvalu.

“A severe La Nina weather pattern is operating in the Pacific region resulting in very low rainfall for many areas,” said Mr MrCully. “Tokelau is entirely reliant on rainwater collection and is therefore severely impacted when drought conditions occur—we understand that there was less than a week’s supply,” he said.

TOkelAU• An RNZAF Hercules left Ohakea on 06 October carrying personnel

and supplies, including 12 (empty) military water storage containers, to Pago Pago, American Samoa to meet the US Coast guard cutter walnut.

• The WALNUT delivered some 40,000 litres of water to each of Tokelau’s three main atolls. Water quality of remaining supplies on the atolls was also assessed.

“the situation in tokelau was very serious and this action was required to ensure the safe supply of drinking water for the 1500 residents—all of whom are New Zealand citizens,” said Mr McCully. “we thank our american friends for their willingness to assist and the speed at which the WALNUT was able to be deployed.”

RNZAF Loadmaster F/S Kim Wright speaks to Major McDonald, OC of the deployed Army Engineers, as the Hercules unloads at Funafati, 13 October.

Air Force news 11

operational capability

TUvAlU• In Tuvalu NZ Army Engineers flown in by the RNZAF made repairs

to the main desalination plant on funafuti. • Once the NZDF Micro Filter Reverse Osmosis plant was airlifted in

to Funafati it began producing up to 40,000 litres of water per day. The water situation on the island group is improving, but as at mid-October there was only a 5–10% probability of heavier than light rainfall in the remainder of the month. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that New Zealand continues to monitor the Pacific drought situation closely. “we stand ready to provide further assistance if

required,” Mr McCully said.

The Micro Filtration Reverse Osmosis unit being unloaded on Funafati, 10 October.

NZDF personnel in the RAAF C-17 that took additional supplies to Samoa on 12 October

AC Sarah Georgel of Ohakea Air Movements Section secures the empty water containers for Tokelau, inside the C-130.

Pilot FLTLT Freddy Ferris at the controls as the Hercules departs Tuvalu for Samoa and thence NZ, 13 October.

12 Air Force news

Antarctic support

By LAc Lyle ellicockeveRy yeAR beFoRe the summer ‘antarctic season’ the us Antarctic Programme mobilises several flights to and from Antarctica as Operation WINFLY (Winter Fly-In). This comprises two weeks of concentrated preparing and loading people and supplies headed to Antarctica via a USAF C-17 jet transport.

This year, Operation WINFLY began with the arrival of the C-17 on 18 August. It was planned to conduct return flights to the Ice until 30 August. The team at Christchurch Air Movements was joined by 11 extra staff made up of various movements specialists from across the NZDF (8 RNZAF Air Movers, 2 RNZAF Aviation Refuellers and 1 Army Move Op). I was lucky enough to be one of the Air Movers to be given the opportunity to help with winfly.

We were quickly inducted into airport procedure, including air-side driver training and protocols around the American aircraft. urgency was stressed as we started work straight away receipting cargo still in the C-17 and unloading bulk freight into the cargo yard ready for its rebuild in preparation for its journey to Antarctica. The tempo for the next two weeks became evident as a mountain of freight in the sheds was sitting a few layers deep, waiting for us to build, document and load it.

The projected schedule had the C-17 performing seven trips between Christchurch and McMurdo Station— three of these flights were to be passenger and cargo flights with the other four to be full cargo flights. Full cargo flights can take up to 17 aircraft pallets or 100,000 pounds of freight at one time, compared to 6 pallets in a C-130 Hercules.

The passenger flights required us to be at work at 0330, ready to build baggage pallets and process all the passengers to meet the

0700 scheduled departure time. The first few mornings were just

after the cold snap that had heaped snow on Christchurch, so it was

a fresh experience humping and dumping 30+kg bags up to a 96 inch

(2.4m) tall baggage pallet in a -2ºC chill. Once the bags were sorted

the aircraft was loaded and seen on its way.

Unfortunately not all the flights were straight forward.

Throughout the fortnight there were a number of delays due to the

weather in Antarctica, which meant that the aircraft could not meet

its early departure schedules and was delayed until the weather

cleared up. for the winfly team this was no consolation as we

continued to build pallets throughout the day, but eventually the

continued flight delays meant we had time to get out and explore

christchurch.

As the two weeks came to an end the majority of the WINFLY

team said their goodbyes and returned to their parent units on the

1st of September. The Christchurch Air Movements Team managed

the three remaining cargo flights that were still to fly. Finally, on the

night of 4 September the C-17 was seen off home back to the USA,

marking the conclusion of WINFLY 2011. In the end we had sent

south 70 aircraft pallets, 356 passengers and approximately 404,574

pounds of cargo (baggage, mail and general freight). For most of the

nZdf team the amount of freight we processed was more than we

had ever handled working at air Movements.

The 11 personnel who augmented the team at Christchurch

Air Movements Section became a tight group and we each left

Christchurch with a new bunch of friends. The strange working

hours, hot days and cold nights didn’t have any effect on the strong

team as we all knew what needed to be done and just got it done in

typical military fashion.

WiNFLy 2011

A USAF C-17 takes off from Christchurch.

phot

o: u

sa

f

Air Force news 13

Antarctic support

Loading the C-17.

Some of the WINFLY team (from L): LAC Ellicock, LCPL Mirko, LAC Hatcher, LAC Riley (sitting on box) & LAC Ireland (standing).

Cargo pallets awaiting loading.

14 Air Force news

operational capability

w/o Dave DeanAircraft maintenance Squadron, Logistics Command–Air

With the CoNtiNuiNg drive for efficiency and more effective ways

of doing business, the RNZAF has explored ways to maximise the

effectiveness of the resources available for aircraft maintenance.

One initiative has resulted in the transfer of responsibility for the

intermediate level Maintenance (ilM) of the aircraft maintained

at RNZAF Base Auckland, to Logistics Command (Air). This has led

to the establishment of the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMS)

which is now responsible for delivery of ILM for the P-3K/P-3K2,

C-130/C-130(LEP), SH-2G and B757 aircraft.

There will be some who remember back to when AMS Auckland

was last in existence, prior to 1979. While the new AMS basically has

the same role as its predecessor, we will be taking the opportunity

to introduce many initiatives into the way the rnZaf carries out

ILM maintenance on our aircraft, to ensure the Force Elements (the

flying squadrons) will have their platforms available for the maximum

amount of time.

The new AMS stood up on 01 August this year. But we are taking

a staggered approach to receiving our personnel, as each of the

four aircraft types next come into their phase servicing. The first

phase servicing being under taken is on SH-2G Seasprite NZ 3605.

The phase servicing started on 19 September and was completed

on 28 October.

AMS will assist No. 40 Sqn in completing the next C-130 phase

servicing in November, then by January 2012 AMS will be at

full strength when we will then pick up the P-3K2 and B757 ILM

servicings as well. That will allow the staff of the flying squadrons to

concentrate on flight line and deployed operations.

Our Squadron is headed up by SQNLDR Simon Cupples, appointed

as Commanding Officer AMS, with myself as WOAMS. We are

responsible for the overall management of the Aircraft Maintenance

Squadron, ensuring work is completed on time, in Spec and within

budget. Quality assurance management, resource management and

detailed planning are also key drivers for the new Squadron.

The AMS work force comprises four Flight Sergeants, three of

whom fill the role of Line Planning Managers, and are responsible

for ensuring the aircraft servicing is completed in accordance with

the agreed work scope, in line with the maintenance plan and all

airworthiness requirements.

One further F/S fills the role of the Long Term Planning Manager,

to develop and manage an ongoing long term maintenance plan (12

months) for ilM servicing that achieves and maintains a stagger of

aircraft through AMS. The long term plan will be used to schedule all

work into aMs to ensure smooth and continuous arrival of aircraft at

a pace that matches the operational requirement for the generation

of flying hours and avoids swamping AMS resources.

Four aircraft type specialist teams will each be led by two Sergeants and one Corporal from aircraft trades, to lead the servicing and provide the expertise for each aircraft type. they will utilise a pool of trades-people to be assigned to a particular aircraft type as necessitated by the daily needs of the work in progress.

The Pool trades-people (Aircraft and Avionics trades) will be expected to carry out their work using their intrinsic trade skills, and where necessary, be led by the type specialists for the aircraft they are assigned to. The Pool trades-people will also work across all four aircraft types, as required to balance out surges and lulls experienced during the individual phase servicings.

aMs will have two civilian Materiel planners working across all of the servicings and a Corporal Ground Servicing Equipment tradesperson directly responsible for ensuring all Phase-related GSE is serviceable and available for each of the phase windows.

Obviously cross training and authorisations for all of the personnel concerned is a critical component of the transition to the new model, and Logistics Management and Training Centre Auckland has been busy creating AMS-specific training courses.

Quality Assurance management will feature strongly within AMS, with a dedicated Quality Assurance model being an integral part of business. This includes the implementation and management of the operation and the continuing effectiveness of the quality assurance system through compliance, leadership, audit, investigation/rework, documentation, training, and management review. The model developed has been aligned to industry standards and is anticipated to bring many benefits to the operation of AMS, and other RNZAF units.

To date the standing up of AMS has received amazing support within rnZaf base auckland and from the rnZaf engineering community, typical of any healthy organisation that ultimately embraces positive change. This step is a positive one, which will

enhance the rnZaf’s reputation in meeting its outputs.

AiRCRAFt mAiNteNANCe SquAdRoN

"AMs will assist no. 40 sqn in completing the next c-130 phase servicing in november, then by February 2012 AMs will be at full strength when we will then pick up the P-3K2 and B 757 iLM servicings as well."

The inaugural AMS staff, in front of Seasprite NZ 3605.

Air Force news 15

Defence capability

By wGcDr Geoff comberProgramme Director

the NZdF CAPAbiLity Branch’s Pilot Training Capability (PTC) Project team reached a key milestone on 03 October, with the release of a Request For Information (RFI) to Industry. The responses to this RFI will help the project team develop a Detailed Business Case to inform Cabinet for making a decision on the future delivery of pilot training in the rnZaf.

The project is tasked with the provision of a capability that satisfies the requirements for pilot training up to the completion of the Wings Course, and also the training of Qualified Flying Instructors.

Currently, the RNZAF uses the CT-4E Airtrainers for the basic phase of pilot training and the B200 Kingairs for the advanced phase. While the Airtrainers are currently suitable for their basic flight training role, the twin-engine Kingairs are limited in the power, manoeuvrability and cockpit visibility needed for advanced pilot training.

The Minister of Defence, Dr. Wayne Mapp, has pointed out that the Kingairs “are also not equipped with the modern generation electronic instruments, communications and situational awareness aids that are important features of our new and upgraded aircraft and helicopters.”

It is for similar reasons that the retired Macchi MB339CB fleet were assessed as unsuitable, and uneconomic to modify to meet the current requirement. The Macchi avionics are now 20 years old and would need a substantial upgrade to meet the training needs of our current ‘glass cockpit’ fleets. Of more significance, in the 10 years the Macchi has been out of service, support for the engine has ceased and re-engining of the aircraft would be necessary to return them to operational service. The costs of resolving these issues, and the ongoing operating costs, exceed those of a modern pilot training capability solution. Dr. Mapp has recently announced that the Macchis will be disposed of.

The project team is now seeking information from a wide range

of companies which might lead to a solution that will meet the

RNZAF’s needs. Additionally, keeping in mind that this is the Pilot

Training Capability project, the team will look at all elements of

the capability (including personnel, infrastructure, logistics and

maintenance support). This is not simply a project to ‘go out and

buy some aeroplanes’!

Dr. Mapp explained, “The Government is open to either leasing

or purchasing aircraft, and innovative ways of managing the support

and operation of new aircraft. We will be encouraging industry to

work with the RNZAF to introduce this new training capability as

quickly as possible.”

Therefore, the Pilot Training Capability project team, working

in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, plans on having

a Detailed Business Case ready for Cabinet in 2012. Confirmation

of a contract and subsequent introduction into service will follow

Cabinet’s direction but, at the earliest, the new capability could be

operating from 2013.

THe PROjeCT TeAm The PTC Project Team resides within NZDF Capability Branch as

part of the directorate of programme delivery. the director of

Programme Delivery, CAPT Dave Gibbs RNZN, stated that this is

one of the first projects to be managed under the new-look HQ

Capability Branch structure and has provided an effective proving

ground for new government processes.

The Project Team comprises:

• WGCDR Geoff Comber – Programme Director

• Mr Rodney Porto – Project Manager

• WGCDR Steve Wright – Project Engineer

• SQNLDR Brett “Klinky” Clayton – Qualified Flying Instructor

• W/O Andy Evans – Integrated Logistics Support

the team is resident at the Messines centre (trentham) in the

Capability Branch project offices. Keep watching the skies!

the minister of Defence, the Hon Wayne mapp mP, released the new Defence Capability Plan in early october. He stated that the new plan provides a framework for acquiring the capabilities needed to deliver the government’s defence policy. the NZDF pilot training system is a key enabler of airborne capability, training both fixed wing and rotary wing pilots. The Defence White Paper 2010 notes that our future pilot training capability needs to match the full range of operational demands made on aircrew. A project to deliver a new pilot training capability for the NZDF has been approved.

PiLot tRAiNiNg CAPAbiLity PRojeCt APPRoAChiNg tAKeoFF SPeed

16 Air Force news

celebrating 75 Years of service to new Zealand

2012

CommuNity SuPPoRt FoR the AiR ShoWOn Wednesday 12 October Base Ohakea played host to a group of community and regional business leaders to outline plans for the Air Force Air Show. Chief executives, mayors, councillors, economic development managers, and people from the education sector were among the group keen to hear what was going on and find out how they could help promote the air show in their communities.

Organised by the Air Show Committee, the RNZAF presentation also covered the other activities and events next year to celebrate the RNZAF’s 75th Anniversary.

wgcdr blaikie said the event was very successful and he heard positive feedback. “It’s heartening to see the community is right behind us in promoting the Anniversary and Air Show and there were a number of very positive suggestions about how the wider community can participate and promote the event,” he said.

An Air Force-themed national art competition is among the more recent activities to be confirmed. It will coincide with the Air Show. More details about this and other activities will follow in upcoming

editions of Air Force News.

Next year is a big year for all of us in the Royal New Zealand

Air Force as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary on 1 April

2012. A busy schedule of events for the public is planned

for the first quarter of 2012 stretching from February to

April—kicking off with Napier’s Art Deco Weekend in February and

culminating with the nationwide Anzac Day commemorations on 25

april.

Event Director WGCDR Bill Blaikie says “75 years of providing

safe and effective military air operations for New Zealand is a real

opportunity for us to celebrate with our personnel, supporters of

the Service—especially ex-RNZAF personnel—the Defence Force,

the wider defence community, the Government, our general public

and the international military aviation community.”

The theme for the Anniversary is the RNZAF’s contribution to our

nation—‘celebrating 75 years of service to New Zealand’. The events

will showcase the RNZAF’s people and capabilities to the public,

demonstrating our commitment to our mission: new Zealand’s air

Force: ready, resilient and respected.

jANuARy Red Checkers’ aerobatic displays.– APRiL

FebRuARy napier is using the rnZaf anniversary as its

theme for next February’s Art Deco Weekend

and the RNZAF will be participating with a Red

Checkers air display, promotional activities,

recruitment stands and performances by the

rnZaf band.

mARCh nZ post is producing a commemorative stamp

and coin issue that will be released in mid-March.

the stamp issue will tell a comprehensive story

of the RNZAF’s past, present and future.

31 mARCh Don’t miss the Air Force Air Show on March 31 at

Base Ohakea, between Sanson and Bulls. This is

the event that will bring together the RNZAF’s

proud history and future capabilities. It’s here that you will see military aircraft from around the world in one spectacular event on show for the public.

2-3 APRiL wellington: air force parade and commemorative service

eASteR RNZAF aircraft will be at Warbirds over Wanaka air show. we will showcase our historic flight aircraft as well as our current fleet, including the new helicopter fleet and our upgraded transport and surveillance aircraft.

For more information visit www.airforce.mil.nz/operations/whats-on/75th-anniversary

Air Force news 17

celebrating 75 Years of service to new Zealand

the bRiStoL F.2b Fighter symbolises the development of New Zealand’s air force in the years following WWI until 1937, when the RNZAF was finally established as an independent service. The ‘Brisfit’ earned a great reputation during WWI as one of the best aircraft of the Royal Flying Corps. Over 5000 Bristol Fighters were built and the type continued in RAF service until 1932.

During WWI New Zealanders wanting to fly could train at the British government-funded flying schools at Kohimaramara (Auckland) or Sockburn (Canterbury) while those already in the nZ expeditionary force could elect to transfer to the royal flying Corps. One who made that step was Major Keith Park, who joined the RFC after being wounded in the Battle of the Somme. He flew Bristol Fighters and became an ‘ace’ with up to 20 victories. Keith Park then remained in the post-war RAF, becoming a key commander in the battle of britain and reaching the rank of air chief Marshal.

Following the Great War, the British Government sent Colonel AV Bettington of the RAF to advise the New Zealand government on air policy; he arrived in March 1919 with four crated aircraft—two Bristol Fighters and two DH4 bombers. Although Bettington’s full recommendations were not adopted, the Bristol Fighters and DH4s were retained at Sockburn for continuation training by former wartime pilots.

In 1920 an Air Board was set up by the government, then in 1923 the NZ Permanent Air Force, with a territorial (reserve) component called the NZ Air Force, was established within the NZ Military Forces.

Five more Bristol Fighters were bought for the NZPAF (two in 1925 and three in 1927) and army cooperation tasks were practised during annual manoeuvres. In addition, aerial surveying—particularly for the State Hydro Department—became another regular task for the two-seater ‘Brisfits’.

In December 1929 the NZPAF adopted RAF ranks and the ‘air force blue’ uniform. In February 1934 King George V granted the title Royal New Zealand Air Force to New Zealand’s air arm, even though it remained under military control. In April 1937 fresh legislation placed the RNZAF as an independent armed force, alongside the NZ naval forces and the nZ Military forces.

Prior to 1937, the RNZAF had begun re-equipping with more modern aircraft. The few Bristol Fighters were no longer required.

One had crashed in 1936 and the others were withdrawn from

service that same year.

The aircraft illustrated is The Vintage Aviator Limited’s Bristol

F.2B based at Masterton, presented as D-8084 which served with

No. 139 Sqn RFC in Italy during WWI. The actual airframe is in

fact F-4516, which served in No. 13 Sqn RAF in the UK after WWI.

Remarkably, most of the airframe survived and was rebuilt in 1998

and brought to NZ in 2006. It is powered by the oldest airworthy

Rolls Royce engine in the world. The aircraft is to be displayed at a

number of air shows this summer.

TECH SPECS

SeAtS: 2: pilot and rear gunner

SPAN: 11.96m (39’ 3”)

LeNgth: 7.87m (25’ 10”)

Weight: 1,474 kg (3,250 lbs) max

PoWeR PLANt: 280hp Rolls Royce Falcon III

mAx SPeed: 123 mph (198 km/h)

RANge: 300 miles (483 km)

bRiStoL F.2b FighteR

"The Bristol F.2B Fighter will be at a number of air shows this summer."

Phot

o: A

lex

Mit

chel

lPh

oto:

Air

For

ce M

useu

m o

f NZ

The restored Bristol F.2B of The Vintage Aviator Ltd.

Bristol Fighters at Wigram in the 1920s.

18 Air Force news

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND

Air Force news 19

new Zealand SERVICE: 1919-1936The restored original Bristol F.2B of The Vintage Aviator Ltd flying over the Wairarapa in 2007.

F.2b FighteR

Phot

o: A

lex

Mit

chel

l

20 Air Force news

From the Flightline Tuvalu people watch the RNZAF C-130 depart for Samoa during Operation PACIFIC DROuGHT.

AIRCDRE Peter Port meets LTCDR Huff uSCG aboard the Cutter WALNuT. The ship took NZDF water tanks to Tokelau during Op PACIFIC DROuGHT.

A No.3 Sqn helicopter crewman looks down at the RENA as a salvage member is winched to the ship.

DOC staff load cartoons containing oiled wildlife into an Iroquois during Op RENA.

Air Force news 21

From the Flightline

The RNZN celebrated its 70th anniversary by sailing the fleet into Wellington on 29 September. An Iroquois from No.3 Sqn flew the photo sortie; No.6 Sqn had two Seasprites embarked in HMNZS Ships CANTERBuRY and TE KAHA.

The A109 integration trials aboard HMNZS CANTERBuRY began at Devonport on 26 October. Here the ship's flight crew, the air crew and others involved with the trials pose for a photo at the end of the first set of trials.

An RNZAF Iroqupois over the RENA.

Phot

o: F

airf

ax M

edia

, wit

h th

anks

In Masterton, CPL Jamie-Lee Hooper ATC escorted George Bates, President of the Wairarapa Branch of the RNZAF Association, while the Mayor Gary Daniel and Mrs Susan Jackson (former Air Force nurse) and others stand to attention for the wreath-laying [see p26].

Phot

o: L

ynda

Fer

iga,

Wai

rara

pa T

imes

-Age

22 Air Force news

our People

ChRiStmAS CARdS produced by school children from Papakura, Waiouru, Burnham and Wellington’s Mt Cook School are among the goodies in this year’s rsa christmas parcels sent to our defence Force and NZ Police Force personnel who will be serving overseas on christmas day.

The parcels, which include items such as Whittakers’ peanut slabs, Watties tomato sauce, Anzac biscuits, Christmas mince pies, Marmite, chippies and onion dip ingredients, Jaffas and chewing gum, will be sent to 11 countries including Afghanistan, Antarctica, Korea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.

Over 434 parcels were packed during September by personnel from the NZDF, Police, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services association (rnZrsa) and students from Mt cook school.

“The RSA parcels bring a small reminder of New Zealand to personnel who are not able to be with their families at Christmas,” said Commander Joint Forces NZ, MAJGEN Dave Gawn. “Our people do a great job overseas and I hope that the parcels show them that we really appreciate what they are doing, not just on Christmas Day, but every day.”

The RSA tradition of sending parcels to troops overseas began during World War I. The annual project is funded by generous financial donations from local RSAs, New Zealand Police, and contributions from the Navy, Army and Air Force Central Welfare Funds.

ChRiStmAS CheeR FoR NZ deFeNCe ANd PoLiCe PeRSoNNeL

RNZRSA Christmas parcel packing—students from Mt Cook School with cards for the parcels.

Ellie Shea with CPL Segal and CAPT Smith pack parcels.

Scouts clean vehicles at RNZAF Base Woodbourne as part of Scouts Job Week in September.

Air Force news 23

ready, resilient and respected

By wGcDr Ants Hawe Principal Chaplain Air*

in the Air Force News recently [AFN 128, August] Psychologist

SQNLDR Maurice Jennings wrote an excellent article on

resilience. i want to keep that thinking going.

Why is it that too often, when a relationship breaks up,

we see one or both of the people involved go out, get blind drunk

and create all sorts of mayhem? Why is it that when a partner ‘just

doesn’t get it’ and seems to be reading from a different page, our

frustration levels rise to where we lose the plot?

there are so many stories aren’t there? stories that are

almost identical: a young person in a position, on a course, or in

a relationship for whom everything is going along fine. And then

something happens. To on-lookers, it doesn’t seem to be much

(in fact, it often isn’t), yet their whole life comes down like a pack

of cards. Words are spoken, decisions made and courses of action

taken that seem completely out of the blue and often an apparent

over-reaction. Next thing you know, they yell ‘I’m out of here!’ and

quit, give up, or simply disappear without a word.

What’s gone wrong? Often, the missing ingredient is resilience.

What is resilience? It is the quality of character that allows a

person or group of people to rebound from misfortune, hardships

and traumas. Like most character traits, resilience is best defined by

describing how it is applied in real life. Resilience is:

• the ability to stand firm despite setbacks, challenges and

delays;

• the ability to be undeterred by external circumstances and

events, and

• the ability to rebound.

So about now you may be saying, ‘Can you bring all that down to

earth a bit, padre?’ OK—here goes….

When it comes to resilience, here’s what you really need to

know… As my Mum used to say, “When the going gets tough, the

tough get going!”

To put that another way, resilient people (tough people, those

with internal strength) think of how to get through a situation

whereas weak people think about how to get out of a situation.

think of it this way. we can liken resilience to a car’s suspension

spring—tempered and strong. When the car hits a bump, the spring

is flexible enough to bend and absorb the hit, but then its inherent

“i’m out oF heRe!”

resilience, strengthened by the tempering, helps it to spring back to its designed shape.

We need to be the same. We need to have internal strength to get us through when the going gets tough.

Where does that strength come from? Like metal, we are made strong when we endure the tempering process, when we endure the heat of a situation or a relationship going wrong without exploding or imploding. The tempering (without losing temper) builds up the internal fortitude (strength) to stand strong and not cave in under pressure. My mother would call that, “Iron entering your soul.”

And get this, the more often you make healthy decisions based on good values, principles and healthy self-view, the more strength you have to make your stand when the bottom seems to fall out of your life.

I’ve always been taken with the concept of tūrangawaewae – literally the standing place for the feet, but figuratively, the place where you make your stand. let your tūrangawaewae, your standing place, be upright, with your feet firmly planted on strength of character when hard times come your way. then you will not only come through a situation stronger and wiser, but you will have earned the respect of those around you—but that’s a topic for

another day.

* With input from Padre Ken Meehan, Ohakea.

"resilience is the quality of character that allows a person or group of people to rebound from misfortune and traumas"

Rachel McKenna (of Shortland Street, TV2) lacked resilience when she resorted to alcoholic binges. But now she no longer drinks and is building her personal resilience.

Phot

o: S

out

h Pa

cific

Pic

ture

s

24 Air Force news

Military medicine

By wo1 T.J. croweSchool Sergeant major, NZDF Health School, Burnham Camp

military medicine and particularly pre-hospital, or

field medicine, has undergone a small revolution in

the last few years that has changed casualty care

procedures from first aid up to advanced resuscitation.

the changes have come from hard learned lessons gained on the

battlefields of the Middle East and Afghanistan, and have been

confirmed by researchers and experts from around the world. New

treatments, procedures and equipment have been developed (often

by front line troops) and tested comprehensively by both operators

and scientists.

One of the findings has been the importance of actively

maintaining a trauma casualty’s temperature from early on in their

treatment with made-for-purpose warming systems that can also

be used to safely warm those who are hypothermic.

Thinking about safe and active warming from the start has

been found to be critical in the survival of battlefield casualties or

hypothermic patients. In the past this was difficult to do. It required

bulky heating devices and a power supply, or the impracticality of

placing other people in the same sleeping bag—a move not without

risk in extreme cold situations. It is also difficult to continue to treat

patients if they are cocooned in multiple layers of sleeping bags, and

not a good idea when others may need their gear later on.

nZdf health school medic students recently practiced a range of

casualty scenarios relatively common in a cold environment as part

of their military medicine training. A large walk-in freezer provided

by Polar Cold in Hornby allowed a controlled but chilly stage for them

to demonstrate practical basic skills in treating and maintaining

their casualties in a winter environment (such as found at altitude in Afghanistan or in the sub-Antarctic environment as recently experienced by the crew of HMNZS WELLINGTON).

Using standard issue equipment and a sample range of commercially available active patient warming systems, students treated simulated fractures and kept their patients warm and comfortable for over an hour in temperatures well below zero.

The consensus from both students and patients alike was that it was a good way to confirm that their training and equipment was effective even in the extreme cold. The scenarios in the big freezer provided the students with useful experience and knowledge to take with them on future operations.

KeePiNg CASuALtieS WARm!

Defence Health students practise using patient warming systems with standard military equipment in walk-in freezer.

AC Josh Sherwood RNZAF keeps warm on the inside and frosty on the outside while monitoring his patient.

Air Force news 25

our people

deFeNCe FoRCe PeRSoNNeL are

encouraged to give blood during this year's

blood brothers’ campaign. the purpose

of blood brothers is to secure new regular

blood donors and to boost and build up

stocks of blood prior to the Blood Service’s

busy Christmas and New Year period.

Last December personnel donated

enough units during the campaign to

save up to an estimated 1400 lives over

and beyond the Christmas period says

communications Manager for the nZ

blood service paul hayes. “it’s always good

when we can work closely with another

big organisation to promote the idea

of donating blood to help people in our

communities,” says Mr Hayes

in the last year the nZ blood service has

experienced a decline in new donor numbers

over 20 percent compared to the previous

year. the blood brothers campaign will run

throughout November and December and

will extend into the NZ Blood Service busy

season up until christmas and new year.

the blood service will visit many of the

NZDF Camps and Bases across the country,

as well as Defence HQ in Wellington.

dAve WALKeR, an ultra marathon runner from Auckland trained for the 217km Death Valley, Ultra Marathon held in Badwater, US in July this year with the help of the aviation Medicine Unit’s (AMU) Hypobaric chamber.

“dave came to the unit and used his wind trainer in the chamber to help get him acclimatised to running in higher altitudes,” said fltlt gareth iremonger. “he spent about a month here, three days a week and he’d be in the chamber for an hour at a time.”

Using the Hypobaric Chamber for altitude simulation gave dave some insight into what the air would be like at that high altitude and helped him prepare for his ultra marathon. he underwent intermittent

hypoxia training, the main aim of which was

to improve his performance at altitude.

Despite his best efforts, at 200kms – only

17 kms short of the finish line – Dave had to

make the tough decision to withdraw from

the race suffering the negative effects of

endurance racing. Money raised from his

efforts went to his charity of choice – The

national burn centre.

“i guess the moral of the story is you

might not have the best equipment,

flashest gear, biggest sponsors, or even

finish the race, but you can still get out

there, give it your best and get some great

results,” says Gareth.

Amu SuPPoRtS uLtRA-mARAthoNeR

bLood bRotheRS’ CAmPAigN

the NZ blood Service will be collecting on defence bases as follows:

Waiouru: 09 November

devonport: 17 November

burnham: 23 November

Woodbourne: 23 Novemberat the Clubs of Marlborough (Alfred St, Blenheim) from 1230-1730.

Linton: 05 December

Whenuapai: 12 Decemberin the senior nco’s Mess 1245-1500

Dave Walker with his support crew in the uS, proudly sporting RNZAF tee-shirts.

Dave during the race.

Dave training in the Hypobaric Chamber.

26 Air Force news

our Heritage

CommemoRAtive SeRviCeS to mark the 71st Anniversary

of the battle of britain were held at the national war Memorial

in Wellington on 15 September and at RNZAF Bases and in

communities around the nation. In Wellington, His Excellency

Lieutenant General, The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae,

GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, along with

Government representatives, members of the RNZAF and the

wider Defence Community, and members of the Diplomatic

corps attended the service at the national war Memorial. the

Honourable Peter MacKay PC QC MP, Minister of National Defence

Canada, who was starting an official visit to New Zealand that

day, laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of

Canada. RNZAF Bases Auckland, Whenuapai and Woodbourne,

along with the air force Museum of new Zealand either hosted

commemorative services or sent representatives to community

commemorations; the RNZAF Association branches led the

commemorations in many communities.

THe BATTle OF BRiTAiNDuring the summer and autumn of 1940, the German Luftwaffe embarked on a campaign to win air superiority over the Royal Air Force. For the Germans, victory over the RAF was crucial if they were to mount an invasion of the united kingdom. the battle of britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces. From July 1940 the Luftwaffe was ordered to attack coastal convoys and radar stations along england’s south coast. the attacks then shifted to RAF airfields, aircraft factories, infrastructure and, finally, to London. The change in targets from the RAF airfields to London gave Fighter Command an essential breathing space and is seen as the turning point of the battle.

New ZeAlANd’S CONTRiBUTiONThe RAF recognises some 130 Fighter Command aircrew from New Zealand who served in the Battle of Britain. Notable Kiwi flying aces included Colin Gray, Alan Deere and Brian Carbury. Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell said, “Twenty Kiwi airmen lost their lives fighting for our country during this battle and we commemorate them, alongside our British and Commonwealth partners, who also suffered losses. It is an important day to remember the sacrifice that they made in this crucial battle of WWII.”

bAttLe oF bRitAiN RemembeRed

in July the Woodbourne W/o & SNCo’s mess recognised our Air Force’s heritage of valour, with its victoria Cross Dining-in. W/o muza Davies, P-3K2 Systems Upgrade Programme, reports….

viCtoRiA CRoSS WiNNeRS CommemoRAtedthe WoodbouRNe W/o & snco’s Mess recognised our heritage of valour, through its Victoria Cross Dining-In held on 7 July. The ‘VC Dining-In’ is always held on 7 July and is compulsory for members to attend—this is the date in 1941 that SGT Jimmy Ward RNZAF of No.75(NZ) Sqn won the Victoria Cross for extreme bravery in the air; the RNZAF’s only Non-Commissioned Officer VC winner.

The Second Pilot in the crew of a Wellington bomber hit by a night fighter over Germany, SGT Ward crawled out onto the wing of the bomber in an attempt to extinguish a persistent fire. At the Woodbourne Dining-In SGT Ward’s VC citation is read out, and the toast ‘For Valour’ given.

The Woodbourne W/O & SNCOs’ Mess celebrate Jimmy Ward’s act of bravery—and the valour of other VC winners—by recognising various events in military history where the Victoria Cross has been awarded. Each year a different event is selected.

This year’s commemoration focussed on Rorkes Drift, the battle in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 where 11 Victoria Crosses and five Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded. Just 150 British soldiers held off over 4000 Zulu warriors at Rorkes Drift on the Buffalo River bordering the Kingdom of KwaZulu (South Africa). Never again have so many Victoria Crosses been awarded for a single battle. These events were immortalised by the 1964 film ‘Zulu’.

For the dinner, the Dining Room was themed to reflect the period, an audio-visual presentation played continuously during the dinner, and the menu reflected fare of the period. The dessert was a notable

culinary delight—the Mess thanks f/s nigel timpson and Ms tania Broadhead (ESS Executive Chef) for the menu research, cooking and delivery of a delicious meal. w/o evans gave crucial help in the decoration and setup of the dining room; special mention for Mr Vice (F/S ‘Cheech’ Chee) for his grace, while the tones of ‘Ladysmith Black Mambazo’ provided a suitable African ambiance.

Honoured guests for the evening were WO1 Cunningham WODF and WOAF, W/O Moratti. Our speaker was SGT ‘Howie’ Hudson whose spell-binding oratory captivated the assembled throng—he was accorded a standing ovation. the right of reply—for the Zulus—was given by myself, noting that the Zulu battle tactics are still relevant and taught today. The audio-visual presentation by SGT ‘Speedy’ speden and f/s ‘ash’ price was excellent and had individuals stopping mid-mouthful to catch what was happening on the big screen. The sequences of video and stills graphically displayed the action and introduced us to those 11 VC winners.

The formal Dining-In was entertaining and informative, and those attending learned a little more military history, and especially of the valour of the men we remembered—their valour is at the core of our values.

The formal dinner at Woodbourne.

Air Force news 27

our Heritage

By the editor

SASSeNAy, FRANCe

during August,WGCDR ‘Patch’ Nelson (currently working

in Milan on the A109 helicopter project) attended a

memorial service at the village of Sassenay, to honour

eight members of an RAF Lancaster bomber crew which

was shot down in 1943.

FLTLT Royston Taylor RNZAF, was one of eight flight crew from

England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand who are remembered

on 15 August each year by the people of Sassenay. Royston Taylor

was the navigator of Lancaster JA850 from No. 7 Sqn RAF of the

Pathfinder Force. The bomber was shot down over France as it

headed for a raid on Milan, Italy.

The unique aspect to this story is the courage of the people of

German-occupied Sassenay. After the crash they decided to hold

a funeral for the eight airmen, and for a 19 year-old French youth,

Gabriel Badet, who had attempted to help immediately after the

crash but was electrocuted by wires brought down as the bomber

crashed. The funeral was an act of defiance against the Germans; a

great crowd from the surrounding neighbourhood assisted, bringing

flowers and a collection was made, for a low marble wall to surround

the graves. But the Mayor of Sassenay was arrested by the Gestapo,

dismissed from his post, imprisoned and deported to Germany.

About 20 other townsfolk were also imprisoned for a time by the

Germans. The villagers’ act of defiance in the face of the German

occupation was remarkable.

In 1988 the village of Sassenay recalled those events, erected

a memorial for the eight flyers, and invited representatives

from Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to that event.

New Zealand aircrew played a full part in the Allies’ Combined Bomber Offensive, which aimed to cripple the industrial might of Nazi germany in the dark years before D-Day. in recent months, RNZAF representatives have joined with families of veterans to remember our airmen who died in action during WWii.

RemembeRiNg ouR KiWi bombeR CReWS

A Lancaster of No.75 (NZ) Sqn RAF.

phot

o: a

ir f

orc

e M

useu

m o

f nZ

WGCDR Nelson salutes during the service at Sassenay.

28 Air Force news

our Heritage

However New Zealand Embassy staff were unavailable then and subsequently no New Zealand official had attended the other annual memorial services.

Earlier this year, Kiwi musician Aly Cook performed at nearby Louhans, from where she was invited to Sassenay and shown the grave. Back in NZ, Aly told the RSA and the NZDF about the annual service; as a result wgcdr barry nelson and his wife drove up from Milan this year.

“We met the Mayor (Mr Didier Rety) and Mr Dominique Bergamo (who assisted with translations). upon our arrival they took us out to sassenay to view the memorial site and the commonwealth war grave of the crew. we were also introduced to Mr christopher Matkin, the son of the British pilot, and to the nephew of the British Flight Engineer. Other French locals and relatives were in attendance, including some of the former Mayors of sassenay.

“The commemoration began with a service in the local Sassenay church—the same church used for the funeral service of the crew following the crash. The standard bearers, the Mayor, myself and the other attendees then paraded at the gravesite and observed a minute’s silence. i placed an rnZrsa poppy at the foot of the headstone of fltlt taylor. following the graveside activity all attending formed up behind the standard bearers and marched the 800m or so to the site of the memorial on the outskirts of town. The memorial is placed in close proximity to the actual crash site, which is in a field still used for cropping. The standard bearers flanked the memorial and the national anthems of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain and France were then played, in honour of those who lost their lives, including Gabriel Badet, the young Frenchman.

“Following the speeches, the mayor and I were interviewed by a France3 TV crew for a news programme aired on the Bourgogne regional news that evening—NZ’s participation for the first time was the theme of the news item. during this time we also met the grandson of the original mayor from 1943. I can not emphasise enough how grateful they are that NZ has now been represented at the annual service.

“On a personal note, FLTLT Taylor attended Hastings High School and must have been there at about the same time as my grandmother (sheila russell). both my father and i also attended hastings boys’ High School, which was formerly Hastings High School.

“The genuine respect shown by the French citizens to these gallant men by conducting these annual services underlines our warm relationship based on common values and historical ties,” wgcdr nelson said.

wAimATe, SOUTH CANTeRBURy, 2011

earlier this year Robin Veitch was clearing out his father’s estate when he came across an old letter written in 1945 after the writer, Ken Kenworthy, was released from Prisoner of War camp. The letter had been sent to Robin’s

grandmother, and described the last moments of FGOFF Reginald Veitch’s life. Robin’s Dad (Reg’s brother) had held onto this link with reginald for many years.

Reading the letter for the first time, Robin found himself racked with emotion—the immediacy of Ken’s narrative remained, 66 years later. Robin consulted his friend, Major John Govan (currently serving in darwin) and the story was shared with the Timaru Herald in time for Anzac Day and now, with Air Force News.

Reg Veitch—a keen rugby player who captained Wellington against the 1937 Springboks—joined the RNZAF in September 1941 and went to Canada, under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Trained on Lancaster bombers, he joined No. 12 Sqn RAF in July 1944 and he and his crew were quickly on operations.

On 12 December 1944 they took off for their 26th trip. That night 540 aircraft made a major attack on the industrial city of Essen. Reg’s aircraft, Lancaster ND 342, took off at 1618 into the winter night. The

Reginal Veitch during his RNZAF training.

The NZ Memorial Cross, presented to the families of those killed on active service.

phot

o: t

he p

ress

Robin Veitch with the letter and memorabilia of his uncle Reg.

phot

o: t

he p

ress

Four headstones mark the graves of the 8 Lancaster crew in Sassenay.

Air Force news 29

our Heritage

crew’s Bomb Aimer, ‘Ken’ Kenworthy wrote in 1945:

“…whilst on the bombing run we were suddenly attacked by a

night fighter who machine gunned us from nose to tail destroying our

instruments and leaving us in a blazing condition…. Reg immediately

ordered us to bale out. As Air Bomber I saw that all our bombs had

been released, informed Reg—who wished me the best of luck—then

baled out.… Harry, our Navigator, baled out a few seconds after me

and at that time Reg was standing on his seat ready to bale out next.

Reg had stuck by and piloted the aircraft, giving his crew every chance

to get out safely, the flames must have been dangerously near by the

time his turn came to jump.”

In fact only the Navigator, Bomb Aimer and Flight Engineer

survived, to be taken prisoner. Their Lancaster, one of eight shot

down that night, crashed near Dusseldorf and the other four in the

crew were killed. Today they lie in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery,

in germany.

It was Christmas-time 1944 when the family learned that Reg

was missing on air operations. They knew little more, until the letter

arrived after the end of the war.

FROm THe NeTHeRlANdS TO wANgANUi

in the Netherlands much effort has gone into recovering aircraft

wreckage and recording details of allied aircraft and their crews

shot down during the war. from the wreckage of one lancaster

bomber, ND 752 from No.75(NZ) Sqn, the flying helmet liner

of FGOFF Henry John Burtt RNZAF had been recovered and for

many years was safely looked after by Arthur de la Vieter in the

Netherlands. Burtt and four of his crew had died in the crash, when

their Lancaster was shot down by a night fighter on 20/21 July 1944.

Mr de la Vieter’s efforts to discover the origins of the helmet

resulted in correspondence with FGOFF Burtt’s niece, Sue Little, in

Wanganui. As a result, in July this year the Dutch Ambassador to New

Zealand Mr arie van der wiel handed over fgoff burtt’s helmet and a

Dutch commemorative medal to Muriel Sefton, Henry Burtt’s sister.

the historic helmet arrived via the diplomatic courier service from

the NZ Embassy in The Hague.

Muriel Sefton and her family assembled for the personal ceremony, when Ambassador van der Wiel returned the flying helmet. Mrs Sefton said the return of the helmet brought closure to a remarkable journey.

“It’s a time for closure from being notified that he was missing, to being informed of his death, and then all these years later to have his helmet returned to me. It’s an extraordinary feeling to be holding the helmet my brother was wearing when he was shot down. Henry was a family man and it would please him immensely to have his flying helmet home in new Zealand. i am very happy and grateful to all who have made this day happen.”

FLTLT Dan Pezaro and SQNLDR Barbara Finlayson from RNZAF base ohakea attended the family ceremony.

“It was an honour to be invited there, to witness the return of a treasured possession belonging to a fallen comrade,” said FLTLT Pezaro. “We represent the RNZAF and the people of New Zealand when i say we are very proud of fgoff burtt and very thankful for everything he did for his country. In the spirit of ANZAC, we will remember him.”

FGOFF Burtt’s logbook and flying helmet from WWII.

phot

o: a

ir f

orc

e M

useu

m o

f nZ

FGOFF Henry Burtt RNZAF.

Ambassador Arie Van Der Weil presents a commemorative medal to Muriel Sefton as Sue Little looks on.

30 Air Force news

Above: The NZCF Command Course Officers with the Commandant,.NZCF: Back row (l – r): FGOFF R. Matthews, LT S. Grayson, 2/LT S. Stapleton, FGOFF A. Koppenaal, FLTLT G. Horn, FLTLT R. McNabb, 2/LT L. Crawshaw, 2/LT T. Sinclair, FGOFF L. White. Front row (l – r): FGOFF P. Swaney, LT J. Mist, SQNLDR R. Peacock, S/SGT D. Bennett, LTCDR J. Mills, CDR G. Stokes, SQNLDR B. Sinclair, SQNLDR D. Edmeades, LT P. Marshall & FLTLT B. Gillatt.

Air Training corps

the CommANdANt oF the NZ Cadet Forces, CDR Glen Stokes RNZN, has announced that No. 17 (City of Christchurch) Sqn, atc has won the royal new Zealand returned and services Associations (RNZRSA) Community Service Award for 2011.

This year the competition was strong but the RNZRSA judging panel was most impressed with the Squadron’s range of community-focused activities. Those activities went a long way to furthering the aims of the NZ Cadet Forces and, in particular, No. 17 Sqn’s standing in the local community.

the national president of the rnZrsa invited the unit commander, SQNLDR S.A. Cole NZCF and three ATC Cadets to attend the formal opening of the rnZrsa national council Meeting on 14 November at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington. There, the Squadron was to be presented with a cheque for $1,000 and the trophy by the Governor General during the formal opening of the national council meeting. this invitation also allowed the Squadron’s three Cadets to be the Flag Party, marching in the RNZRSA House Flag to the meeting.

following the presentation the cadet unit commander was invited to address the National Council on behalf of the unit about what they achieved to earn the trophy. He commented that the award was a result of the unit’s team approach and that without solid input from the air training corps association of New Zealand Branch Committee, Unit Officers and Cadets, the number and variety of activities they undertook would not have been as successful as they were. SQNLDR Cole concluded by thanking the rnZrsa for the award and their generosity.

RNZRSA CommuNity SeRviCe AWARd 2011

By FLTLT rick Mcnabb nZcFthiRteeN NeW ZeALANd Cadet Force officers arrived at

HMNZS PHILOMEL on 17 September for the annual NZCF Officers’

Command Course, having traveled from as far as Christchurch

and Whangarei. The course is a pre-cursor requirement for NZCF

Officers before being fully appointed as an NZCF Unit Commander.

Topics covered on the course included Strategic Planning,

Interviewing, Conflict Resolution right through to Leadership and

Command. Course Director was SQNLDR Bruce Sinclair NZCF,

supported by SQNLDRs Dave Edmeades and Robin Peacock, along

with s/sgt dave bennett as course Manager.

saturday afternoon we launched into it with three assignments

to tackle; sunday saw us attending the battle of britain parade at the

Auckland War Memorial Museum, where we experienced Auckland’s

famous ‘four seasons in one day’—hail, rain, a brief moment of sun

followed by wind and more rain!

With more assignments due, time management and prioritising

soon came to the fore!

On 22 September we took part in an off-base leadership exercise

involving hiking around Devonport, North Head and Mt. Victoria

for several hours—a welcome relief from the classroom! after

more time back in the class room, that day culminated with a very

informative tour of hMnZs canterbury. our thanks to lt nick

Foster, RNZAF, our tour guide.

That Friday the Commandant NZCF, CDR Glen Stokes RNZN,

visited and chaired several discussions in the afternoon. it was also

an opportunity for the Commandant to learn a little more being face

to face with his new unit commanders.

the demands of completing our assignments continued into

Saturday, when we gave our presentations. With the course

completed we were able to quietly celebrate before returning home

the next day. Overall it was a challenging but satisfying course

and our group of 13 now look forward to contributing more to our

respective units.

CAdet FoRCe oFFiCeRS tAKe CommANd!

Air Force news 31

NeW ZeALANd’S WoRLd WAR i CommANdeR mAjoR-geNeRAL SiR ANdReW RuSSeLL

By Jock VennellCrows Nest, N.S.W. Allen & Unwin, 2011

Reviewed by Gerald Hensley*

New Zealand can number its great combat generals on three fingers so it seems strange that Major-General Sir andrew russell should have disappeared from the national memory. this fine biography demonstrates that his abilities rank with those of Freyberg and Kippenberger and puts him back in the place he deserves as a great divisional commander.

few commanders emerged from WWI with reputations intact, let alone enhanced. yet russell led the new Zealand division with distinction for most of WWI and, like Freyberg, he declined higher command to stay with the troops he had trained [Russell was offered command of an army corps in 1918]. But there were no dramatic victories to celebrate, and the horrors of gallipoli and the western front washed away any wish to celebrate the

achievements of those, like Russell, who

could best adapt to a new kind of war.

At Gallipoli, as a Brigadier entirely

without combat experience, Russell

showed both moral and physical

courage, as the author illustrates, and

won the confidence of his men. he

was one of very few commanders to

distinguish himself in that badly-led

campaign and his management of the

withdrawal brought a well-deserved

knighthood.

he led the new Zealand division in

France through the third battle of the

Somme, the fighting around Ypres and

Passchendaele, and, though in failing

health, held on through the ‘Hundred

Days Campaign’ in late 1918 that took

the division to the armistice and then

into germany. russell was not one of

the despised ‘chateau generals’. he

was a constant visitor to the front line,

even getting a sniper’s bullet through

his helmet as he searched for the most

successful tactics.

The parallels with Freyberg are

striking. Like Freyberg he was a fanatic

for thorough preparation and he

devoted gruelling months in egypt to

training. And he placed considerable

stress on “the men’s comfort and

safety”. not surprisingly he produced a

division which was often described by

others as the best in the Western Front

after the war he led the new rsa for

twelve years, carrying his concern for

the troops into pressing for adequate

war pensions, jobs and resettlement on

the land. he was not much interested

in politics, but his horizons were much

wider than those of most military

leaders. he himself thought that

broader intellectual interests were an

asset to military command and as our

first citizen-general he perhaps proved

his point. Jock Vennell’s well-written

book shows New Zealand’s good fortune

in producing such an able and humane

general and should ensure that we will

not forget him again.

*Gerald Hensley is an author and former Secretary of Defence.

With thanks to Army News

Book reviews

the forgotten general

the age of air powerBy Martin Van Creveld

Public Affairs, New York 2011

Martin Van Creveld is a fresh and often

iconoclastic military thinker. in The Age

of Air Power he surveys aerial combat

from WWI until the present day, including

space, naval aviation and the use of

drones (unmanned aerial vehicles).

The first half of the book is a lively

survey of air power in the two world

wars (including the often overlooked

german and soviet air campaigns over

russia) and the cold war. the second

half is more analytical of contemporary

trends, with section headings of ‘Little

Wars 1945-2010’ and ‘War Amongst

the People 1898-2010’ illustrating Van

creveld’s focus.

His thesis is bold—air power has

been in decline since the peak of the

cold war. air power today is no more

responsive to ground troops, Van

Creveld states, than it was in 1944.

Instead, guerrilla war and terrorism

have become the norm for conflict while

drones, cruise missiles and satellites

are increasingly taking the place of

expensive manned combat aircraft.

This is a challenging book and one

that is should be widely read within the

rnZaf and across the nZdf.

32 Air Force news

sport

With a team including nine debutants and a ‘fresh-off-recruit course’ player, the 2011 Air Force team ventured to Auckland with the aim of handing the tournament wooden spoon back to the Navy. Training camp at whenuapai oval included a surprise training session by ex-captain and RNZAF Rugby stalwart Jason Price, and a ‘rehab’ session at Waitakere West Wave before our first game.

captain craig Moore led the team on against the defending champions, Army. the start of the game saw mistakes from the Army back three; the Air Force started strongly matching the army up front, often gaining the ascendency of the much bigger Army side. Both teams traded penalties then Marcus speck kicked two further penalties to give us a 9-3 lead into the break.

The Army scored 10 quick points early in the second half, but we took a penalty to trail 12-13 with 12 minutes to go. Substitutions enabled a wave of fresh Air Force attacks but Army scored a run away try. then right on full time tom Staunton went over for a try and the final

score was Air Force 19, Army 20. disappointed with our loss to the

Army, the team knew if we beat Navy we had a chance of claiming the king george Cup. Our boys started slowly, giving Navy an 8 point lead before Marcus speck kicked two penalties—only 2 points adrift at halftime! an early second half penalty had the Air Force leading 9-8 but two late tries by the Navy gave them the flattering score line of 20–9.

the final day of the tournament saw the final between Navy and Army. The army dominated from the opening whistle and won 38-8.

our standout performers for the tournament were loose forwards Jimmy Peters, Poly Tavave and Josh White, while captain craig Moore was tireless and led from the front. Fullback Bryce hesselin always looked dangerous as did the midfield pairing of Anthony Stiebel and Gabriel Taylor. With many senior players unavailable and all our debutants the Air Force rugby team can be proud of their achievements. And, a big thank you goes to our sponsors Marops.

INTER-SERVICES RUGBY 2011

the RNZAF SquAd At the 2011 iNteR-SeRviCeS Rugby touRNAmeNt:

F/S Tom Kelly (Coach), F/S Tony Lucas (Manager), CPL Andrew Page (Manager) LAC Carolyn Russell (Medic), LAC Tim Ander, AC Teokotai Benedito, AC Sam Cadman, AC Chris Hawke, LAC Bryce Hesselin, CPL Brad Hughson, FGOFF Shane Huisman, CPL Blair Kennelly, SGT Damien Marr, LAC Matatunoa Mata, LAC Craig Moore, AC Joe Morris, AC Stuart Nairn, LAC Blair Paterson, FGOFF Jimmy Peters, CPL Andrew Robinson, AC Marcus Speck, LAC Ritchie Staunton, AC Tom Staunton, AC Anthony Stiebel, AC Gabriel Taylor, CPL Adam Tavave, LAC Josh White, CPL Greg Wratt and AC Benjamin Wyness.

softballThe NZ Army, RNZN and RNZAF were invited to participate in the australian Defence Force Softball Association’s 25th Anniversary Tournament in Melbourne, Australia during period 30 October– 04 November. The tournament was hosted by RAAF Base Williams, Laverton, Victoria.

As a tri-Service tour, the NZDF also held the 2011/12 Softball Inter-Services tournament while in australia and as part of the ADSA’s 25th Anniversary tournament.

idRC ReSuLtS

28 September: NZDF 18 vs

Randwick RFC 10 (warm up match)

5 October: NZDF 58 vs RAF 0

9 October: NZDF 56 vs PNG 11

Quarter Finals: Tonga 27 vs

NZDF 26

Bronze Final: Samoa Police 23 vs

Tonga Defence Service 17

idrc final: British Army 62 vs

Australian Service Rugby Union 17

Inter-Services: Air vs Navy.

IDRC action: Samoa vs ADF.

Air Force news 33

sport

The NZDF rugby team, comprised of players selected from the RNZAF, NZ Army and the RNZN, entered the inaugural International Defence Rugby competition (idrc) last month. four RNZAF players were in the squad: LAC Craig Moore, LAC Bryce Hesselin, AC Gabriel Taylor and AC Marcus Speck.

the idrc is an initiative of the Australian Services Rugby Union and both the ADF and NZDF jointly hosted

the tournament, which aimed to bring international rugby-playing defence forces together and complement the festival of rugby being celebrated in NZ during Rugby World Cup 2011.

the twelve teams’ pool matches were hosted by the ADF in Sydney and Canberra from 1–15 October. The Quarter Final games were in Sydney before the top four teams travelled to NZ for the semi-finals at the North

Shore RFC (18 October) and the finals

at the Auckland Universities Club,

22 October.

VCDF, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, said

"the idrc is a fantastic adf initiative

to bring together international rugby

playing defence forces; team work is

one of the corner stones of any defence

force and team sports such as rugby

enhance that foundation skill.”

international defence rugby coMpetition

The NZDF team perform the haka.

NZDF practice session.NZDF vs RAF.

34 Air Force news

community support

CPL SAmARA ‘SAm’ read at ohakea is raising money for child

cancer and saw an opportunity to boost her fund-raising by

attempting to win a ZMfM radio competition. the competition

involved making a human pyramid, with the pyramid receiving the

most votes taking the $2,000 prize.

Sam explained, “I have been to the funeral of a teenager who had

suffered for a number of years with leukaemia. Her bravery through

that time went far beyond what I could ever achieve, and I realised

it would be nice to give a little to the families with children who are

going through that. i also have three children of my own so i know

how helpless, as a parent, you feel when one of your children is ill.

“i decided that if we at the base could create the ‘ultimate

human pyramid’ then we would donate the $2,000 prize to the Child

Cancer Foundation. A quick phone call to a couple of commanders

saw a great turnout for a spectacular pyramid. The combination of

Force Protection, Armourers, Firemen, Medics, Pilots, Logistics,

S&S, Aircraft and Avionics Techs showed the great team spirit that

epitomises ohakea.

“Our pyramid had 21 people in it and the photo shows me

standing next to it to give an appreciation of how high it actually

is. Once the photo of our pyramid was online, we quickly made

the top 20 Ultimate Pyramids in ZM's Competition. The voting

closed at midnight on 20 October so we really appreciated all the

support we got.

“On Friday 21st we learned that our pyramid won! A huge thanks

to you all for being part of this. So many people in the RNZAF, their

family and friends, all got behind us for this worthy cause and nobody

came close to beating us!”.

Sam and others will continue the fund raising this month, with a

FUN-Razor event on 11 November at the Ohakea Junior Ranks Club.

At least three ‘shavees’ have volunteered, including Sam.

huMan pyraMid supports child cancer

Base AucklandAC D.S. WALKER, Communications and Information Systems Mechanic, 7-Oct-11SGT J.A. FITCH, Air Warfare Specialist, 9-Oct-11SQNLDR R.E. TRAVERS, Pilot, 14-Oct-11F/S C.A. HINE, Senior Air Security Specialist, 14-Oct-11W/O R.A. JOHNS, Flight Steward, 14-Oct-11SQNLDR I.G. BRAuSCH, Pilot, 14-Oct-11CPL L.J. GRANT, Photographer Specialist, 14-Oct-11F/S F.R. MCKAY, Logistics Specialist, 14-Oct-11SQNLDR P.F. WOOTTON, Human Resource Officer, 14-Oct-11LAC D.A. MOZEL, Logistics Specialist, 14-Oct-11LAC D.P. MCDOWALL, Safety and Surface Technician, 14-Oct-11W/O N.I. BERNEY, Air Engineer, 14-Oct-11SGT P.E.J. WRIGHT, Aviation Refueller, 14-Oct-11SGT WADMORE, Parachute Jump Instructor, 14-Oct-11SQNLDR A.W. COLLINS, Pilot, 14-Oct-11SGT J.M. HOuLDSWORTH, Avionics Technician, 17-Oct-11CPL S.G. MACDONALD, Armament Technician, 17-Oct-11FGOFF L.L. WHEELER, Intelligence Officer, 21-Oct-11LAC C. TAYLOR, Aviation Refueller, 24-Oct-11CPL S.K. HETA, Flight Steward, 26-Oct-11AC S.K. BRADLEY, Aircraft Mechanic, 3-Nov-11F/S J.J. BOYLAN, Logistics Specialist, 4-Nov-11CPL K.F. KIRK, Avionics Technician, 4-Nov-11LAC D.R. NESBIT, Senior Firefighter, 5-Nov-11CPL K.S. JONES, Aircraft Technician, 6-Nov-11LAC S.D. TuRNER, Composites Technician, 6-Nov-11LAC D.M. ALDWORTH, Composites Technician, 7-Nov-11

Base ohakeaCPL J.J. PHILLIPS, Logistics Specialist, 14-Oct-11LAC J.T. MuNRO, Logistics Specialist, 14-Oct-11LAC J.N. BRADLEY, Avionics Technician, 16-Oct-11F/S P.B. DARKE, Logistics Specialist, 16-Oct-11CPL C.L.W. MILLS, Logistics Specialist, 19-Oct-11FLTLT M.A. HARRINGTON, Works Officer, 29-Oct-11SGT B.C. MORGAN, Logistics Specialist, 30-Oct-11CPL B.D. HuGHSON, Senior Air Security Specialist, 31-Oct-11FLTLT R.A. COCKBuRN, Works Officer, 31-Oct-11SGT S.C. WALTERS, Helicopter Crewman, 31-Oct-11SGT B.R. CASSIDY, Force Protection Specialist, 9-Nov-11

Base woodbourneCPL R.C.R. LuND, Force Protection Operator, 30-Oct-11SGT R.K. CRAMPTON, Aircraft Technician, 31-Oct-11CPL C.A.R. WATTS, Logistics Specialist, 6-Nov-11W/O N.A. BAIGENT, Logistics Specialist, 10-Nov-11

wellingtonSQNLDR B.T. HOuLIHAN, Supply Officer, 29-Sep-11WGCDR W.T. BLAIKIE, General Service Officer, 1-Oct-11SQNLDR D.J. TOSE, Engineer, 14-Oct-11CPL C.T.J. COOMER, Aviation Refueller, 14-Oct-11W/O R.M. SERVICE, Aviation Refueller, 14-Oct-11WGCDR C.D. ELLIS, Air Loadmaster Officer, 7-Nov-11LAC K.M. TuFFEY, Logistics Specialist, 10-Nov-11

farewellThe RNZAF bids a fond farewell to the following.

Air Force news 35

ceLeBrATinG 75 YeArs OF SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND

A/GPCAPT I.J. MOWER, ENGR, 14/11/2011

WGCDR A.G. HAWES, CHAP, 17/10/2011

WGCDR D.G. COCKROFT, CISO, 17/10/2011

WGCDR N.W. DWIGHT, INTELO, 17/10/2011

WGCDR S.A. JOHNSON, ENGR, 17/10/2011

WGCDR P.M. KING, SUP, 17/10/2011

WGCDR C.T. MORRIS, ENGR, 17/10/2011

A/WGCDR G. BuRROuGHS, SUP, 31/10/2011

A/WGCDR P.J. BEDFORD, AIRENGO, 01/11/2011

A/WGCDR L.D. THOMAS, TDO, 3/10/2011

SQNLDR M.A. THOMSON, ENG, 19/12/2011

SQNLDR N.J. MCMASTER, PILOT, 16/10/2011

A/SQNLDR M.B. HOGAN, PILOT, 17/10/2011

A/SQNLDR I. FOWLER, INTELO, 03/10/2011

FLTLT K.R. COTTER, AWO, 14/11/2011

FLTLT J.A. DAVIDSON, PILOT, 16/10/2011

FLTLT E.M. KHRAPKO, AWO, 16/10/2011

FLTLT B.J. SMITH, AWO, 01/10/2011

FLTLT P.E.W. ZEISLER, ENGR, 1/10/2011

FGOFF N. LuTHER, ENGR, 14/11/2011

FGOFF N.R. SHAW, ENGR, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF N.S. BROOKE, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF E.A. DRANE, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF S.M. MANN, AWOUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF T.E. MCDOWELL, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF R.M. MCRAE, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF N.J. MILNE, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF A.J. QuINN, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF S.G. RANKIN, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF R.A. RAVEN, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF S.J. VAN DER GuLIK, ENGR, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF B.L. VIJCICH, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF D.B. WALKER, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF B.A. WOOLER, PILOTUT, 14/11/2011

PLTOFF A.J. BuDEL, ENGRUTQ, 14/11/2011

SGT G.K. WRATT, ACFTTECH, 11/11/2011

SGT A.H. COLLIER, LOGSPEC, 07/11/2011

SGT C.J. PuRVIS, SASYSPEC, 07/11/2011

A/SGT N.P. HAWKE, SFIREF, 25/10/2011

A/SGT, M.M. WILLIAMS, FPSPEC, 25/10/2011

A/SGT J.G. JELLYMAN, ARMTECH, 10/10/2011

CPL D.H. COOK, SASYSPEC, 31/10/2011

A/CPL C.J. CLARKE, AVTECH, 14/11/2011

A/CPL S.I. TuRNER, AVTECH, 14/11/2011

A/CPL J.M. WATTS, SPHOTO, 07/11/2011

A/CPL H.B. MCALPINE, ARMTECH, 17/10/2011

A/CPL A.W.T. SMITH, AVTECH, 07/10/2011

notices

proMotionsCongratulations to the following personnel for their well-deserved promotions.

farewellThe RNZAF bids a fond farewell to the following.

36 Air Force news

visit defencecareers.mil.nz