Air Force News Issue 122 February 2011 - Royal New Zealand Air ...

air force 

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE // IssuE #122 // FEbRuARY 2011 

Freefall Simulator 

Training proves its worth 

World Fire-fighters 

Combat Challenge 

Quake Assistance 

A history of response 

www.airforce.mil.nz | afn122 february 2011 

news 

Number 3 

Squadron 

New Commanding Officer for 

the Air Force's rotary wing 

1

contents 

OH 10-0770-027 

Our mission 

To carry out military air operations to advance 

New Zealand’s security interests with 

professionalism, integrity and teamwork. 

Our vision 

We will be an Air Force that is the best in all we do. 

He Tauarangi matou ko te pai rawa atu i to matou 

mahi katoa. 

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 by 

Defence Communications Group 

HQ NZ Defence Force 

Wellington, New Zealand 

Acting Editor 

Anna Sussmilch 

Phone: (04) 496 0286 

Fax: (04) 496 0290 

Email: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz 

Design and Layout 

Amy Trlin, Defence Communications Group 

Printed by 

Keeling and Mundy Limited 

PO Box 61, Palmerston North 

Distribution 

Marianna Robati, Defence Communication Group 

Email: 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 March Issue: 

Friday 11 February 2011 – 5PM 

Contribution deadline for the April Issue: 

Friday 11 March 2011 – 5PM 

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 

COvER IMAgE: The new CO of No. 3 Squadron, 

RNZAF, WGCDR Shaun Clark reviews the ranks 

of 3 Squadron personnel. 

no.3 sqn 

Change of CO 

2 www.airforce.mil.nz | afn122 february 2011 

6 

6 

contents FebruarY 2011 

03 pm letter 

Letter from the Prime Minister 

04 New Year’s HoNours 

Warrant Officer Donald Napier 

07 recruit parade 

10/02 recruits Step Up 

12 New raNk slides 

Making Chaplains more visible 

16 New air Force trade 

Force Protection 

10 fire-fighter 14 

World Combat Challenge 

10 14 

freefall 

Simulator Training 

17 kiwi cHaNgeover 

Command change in Timor-Leste 

20 quake assistaNce 

Air Force’s history of response 

23 squadroN leader 

Jim Sheddan – Obituary 

26 iNterbase Harriers 

And Mountain Biking 

30 Notices 

Welcomes, Farewells, Promotions

Pm 

letter 

Letter from the Prime Minister 

In a letter to former Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant general Jerry 

Mateparae, the Prime Minister praised the Defence Force’s contribution 

following the Canterbury earthquake in september. 

Dear Lt Gen Mateparae 

On behalf of the Government, and 

all New Zealanders, I would like to 

thank everyone from the NZ Defence 

Force who pitched in and helped in 

the aftermath of the devastating 

Canterbury earthquake on 4 September, 

and continue to assist in the on-going 

recovery. 

Your team responded quickly and 

decisively on the ground, providing 

certainty to the people of Canterbury 

during an extremely difficult time. 

Thank you especially for providing 

the support and reinforcements for 

Canterbury in the days and weeks after 

the earthquake. 

This disaster has proven that in the 

worst of times, we see the best of New 

Zealand. Many people were faced with 

very trying circumstances and often put 

the needs of others ahead of their own. 

Emergency services workers, 

volunteers, government and 

local government agencies, and 

non-government organisations 

mobilised within hours of the 

earthquake to help the people, make 

buildings safe, and minimise the impact 

on the regional economy. 

The Government is 100 percent 

committed to rebuilding the Canterbury 

region, alongside the community and 

its leaders. This will take time, but by 

working together I am confident we will 

get the region back on its feet. 

Thank you again for your hard work. As 

Canterbury rebuilds I'd like to wish you 

and your team all the best. 

Yours sincerely 

Rt Hon John Key 

PRIME MINISTER 


first word 

MC 10-0370-001 

3

ief news 

first 

word 

Getting on the 

front foot for 2011 

BY W/O KEITH GELL, WARRANT OFFICER AIR FORCE 

What matters the most? This is something 

that we need to consider for 2011 and beyond. 

The Defence White paper has 

certainly set the direction 

for the next 20 years and will, 

over time, impact on us all as 

individuals. The value for Money 

(vfM) report is no different. 

In fact this report appears to have a 

higher profile and more relevance to us 

as it targets areas where the Defence 

Force could improve. 

Add key leadership changes at the top 

level, and yes, 2011 will certainly be a 

year of challenge, but more importantly 

it will be a year of opportunity. 

In light of this, we must ensure that our 

sights are focused on ‘what matters the 

most’. I have no doubt that in different 

In this year’s New Years Honours 

list, Warrant Officer Donald Napier 

was awarded the New Zealand 

Distinguished service Decoration 

(DsD). His citation is as follows: 

Warrant Officer Napier is the first 

Flight Commander of the New Zealand 

Defence Force Information Technology 

Academy (NZDFITA). The academy was 

set up to train and provide personnel on 

operational deployments with the skills 

and capabilities of building, maintaining 

and enhancing large-scale serverbased 

networks and to standardise 

training for such capability across the 

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). 

His close association with Information 

Technology began when he developed 

the training which changed the RNZAF 


parts of the Defence Force people will 

come up with different responses. 

For me what matters the most is our 

people, and in particular, who we are 

and what we are. Our effectiveness and 

viability as a Defence force relies on the 

quality of our people. It is this ingredient 

that we have control over through sound 

recruiting, quality training and targeted 

development even when the 'fiscal stuff' 

is challenging us. 

Having reserves of knowledge, 

experience, and ability are the basic 

fundamentals that make us great 

people, which in turn makes a great 

organisation, even in times of adversity 

and major change. Leading and 

developing our people is not something 

new Years Honours 

Telecommunications trade to the 

Communication and Information 

Systems (CIS) trade; he also developed 

a generic computer training curriculum 

to provide CIS personnel with the 

skills to establish full office computer 

desktop functions on deployable 

domain-based networks. 

This experience made him a natural 

choice to be tasked with establishing 

and running an academy to deliver 

a commercially sourced training 

and certification system for NZDF 

personnel. The first course graduated 

in February 2008 and since then, the 

NZDFITA has trained personnel at 

a fraction of the cost of an external 

agency, achieving an almost 100 per 

cent success rate. 

we should risk. We are the ancestors 

of those to come, and for this we need 

wisdom. It is this experience and skill 

that ensure the Air Force will always have 

a future and a role to play in the security 

of our country and the world. 

Never underestimate what we, as a 

Defence Force, contribute to global 

security, in particular with the capability 

of our people. 

So take stock and ask yourself the 

question: "What matters the most in 

these times of change and ambiguity?" 

Be honest and open about it. We know 

what is sincere, what is right and what 

needs to be done. We need to value each 

other. Work hard and be great - that’s 

my motto for 2011. 

Such personnel are providing enhanced 

capability for the NZDF. They are also 

essential for the provision of deployed 

secure advanced domain-based networks, 

which play an increasingly important part 

in exercises and operations. 

ABOVE: Warrant Officer Donald Napier.

OH 10-0699-001 

caf commendations 

ACHIEvEMENTs RECOgNIsED WITH ARMED FORCEs AWARD 

Flight Lieutenant grant Horn 

from 37 squadron, Air Training 

Corps and sergeant Pete 

Jones, a senior fire fighter from 

Northern Area Cadet Office 

recently received Chief of Air 

Force Commendations from Air 

vice-Marshal graham Lintott for 

their actions following a glider 

incident in 2009. 

The incident occurred during the 

New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) 

National Gliding Course held at 

Matamata airfield when a glider 

crashed shortly after take off and 

release from the tow plane causing 

life-threatening injuries to the cadet 

pilot and moderate injuries to the 

instructor. 

FLTLT Horn and SGT Jones 

were first on to the scene 

and together they quickly 

reviewed the injuries of the 

cadet and instructor before 

administering first aid. Once 

help arrived, 

SGT Jones and 

During a visit to Command and 

Staff College, Chief of Air Force, 

Air vice-Marshal graham Lintott 

presented the New Zealand 

Armed Forces Award (NZAFA) to 

squadron Leader Richard beaton 

in recognition of 15 years service 

in the RNZAF. 

SQNLDR Beaton enlisted into 

the RNZAF on 27 June 1995 as a 

Pilot under Training. Since then he 

has served with 40 Squadron, 42 

Squadron and Pilot Training Squadron 

(PTS). His notable achievements 

include gaining captaincy on the 

C-130 Hercules at the age of 22 while 

holding the rank of Flying Officer and 

FLTLT Horn partially removed the front 

of the glider with limited tools to allow 

for the extraction of the occupants. 

SGT Jones informed the necessary 

NZCF personnel and continued 

on with the management of 

the remaining course, staff and 

students. FLTLT Horn arranged 

with the local police to have Victim 

Support visit the cadets back at 

the main camp before assisting 

the police in cordoning off the 

accident scene. He later drove to 

Waikato Hospital to meet the injured 

cadet's parent who had arrived from 

Christchurch around 

midnight that evening. 

being the lead project pilot on the 

Boeing 757 modification project. 

Additionally, SQNLDR Beaton has 

had his contributions to operational 

deployments recognised through 

the awarding of the East Timor 

Medal, the New Zealand General 

Service Medal (Afghanistan – 

Primary Area of Operation), the New 

Zealand Operational Service Medal, 

the New Zealand General Service 

Medal (Timor-Leste) and the New 

Zealand General Service Medal 

(Solomon Islands). 

CHIEF OF AIR FORCE COMMENDATIONs FOR CADET FORCEs 

RIGHT: (L to R) FLTLT 

Grant Horn, AVM Graham 

Lintott and SGT Pete Jones. 

RIGHT: SQNLDR Richard Beaton receives his New 

Zealand Armed Forces Award (NZAFA) from Chief 

of Air Force, AVM Graham Lintott. 

It was considered that SGT Jones' 

conduct during the incident was 

composed, decisive and resulted 

in the best possible outcome for all 

personnel involved. His response 

far exceeded any requirement that 

was outlined in his responsibilities as 

course manager and his behaviour 

truly reflected the values of the 

RNZAF as he led by example 

throughout the incident. FLTLT Horn’s 

conduct during the incident reflected 

the strength and selflessness of his 

character and demonstrated his 

commitment to the cadets in his care 

and reflected the values of both the 

NZCF and the NZDF. 

brief news 

5

ief news 

NeW coMMANdiNG 

oFFicer for Air Force’s rotary wing 

With over 5000 flying hours under 

his belt, 10 years flying Sioux 

and Iroquois helicopters and five 

years flying fixed wing training 

aircraft, Wing Commander shaun 

Clark stepped into his new role 

as Commanding Officer (CO) of 

Number 3 squadron with a change 

of command parade at Royal New 

Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) base 

Ohakea on 8 December. 

The former student of Central Southland 

College is now in charge of the Air Force’s 

rotary wing fleet, together with the 

personnel who fly and maintain them. No. 

3 Squadron RNZAF provides operational 

support and training for the NZ Defence 

Force. It also undertakes search and 

rescue missions, medical evacuation, and 

support to other government agencies 

such as the New Zealand Police and 

Department of Conservation. 

A former leader of the Red Checkers 

aerobatics team, during their 2008 

season, and more recently the CO of 

the Helicopter Transition Unit - which 

is responsible for introducing the new 

A109LUH and NH90 helicopters into 

service - 37-year-old WGCDR Clark says 

he is looking forward to returning to 

No. 3 Squadron. 


“The role 3 Squadron performs is an 

important one and the flying is often 

exciting and challenging. Best of all, the 

Squadron is manned by a great team of 

professional aviators, maintenance and 

support personnel who are passionate 

about the Squadron and work hard to 

deliver military air operations for New 

Zealand. I’m very much looking forward 

to being a part of 3 Squadron again, and 

leading such a great team of people!” 

said WGCDR Clark. 

As the Squadron prepares to gradually 

phase out the Sioux and Iroquois the 

new CO, who has previously deployed 

to Antarctica, Bougainville, Timor-Leste 

and the Solomon Islands, is ready for his 

latest challenge. 

ABOVE: The new CO of No. 3 Squadron, RNZAF, 

WGCDR Shaun Clark reviews the ranks of 3 Squadron 

personnel. 

BELOW: Outgoing CO WGCDR Russell Mardon 

(left) hands over the Wing Commander’s Pennant to 

incoming CO WGCDR Shaun Clark. 

OH 10-0770-027 

OH 10-0770-023

air force recruits marcH out 

After 13 weeks of training, 39 Air 

Force recruits recently stepped 

up to a career in the Royal New 

Zealand Air Force. 

In front of family and friends, the 

graduates from Command and Recruit 

Training Squadron marched out onto 

the parade ground at Air Force Base 

Woodbourne. Reviewing Officer for the 

parade was the Chief of Defence Force, 

Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae. 

The parade included a drill display, 

a physical training display and a 

performance of the RNZAF Haka, Ko Te 

Taua-A-Rangi. Taua-A-Rangi means ‘war 

party of the sky’. 

Commanding Officer RNZAF Training 

Group, Group Captain Stephen Davies 

Howard said the training the recruits 

receive is challenging and is designed to 

prepare new enlistees for service in the 

RNZAF. “Those who graduate from the 

Command and Recruit Training Squadron 

are well prepared to serve the RNZAF 

and the wider community. The course 

is not easy; it demands a lot from those 

who go through it. “ 

The course is not easy; 

It demands a lot from 

those who go though it. 

During the ceremony LT GEN Mateparae 

presented trophies to the following 

recruits: 

Air Force Cadet Adult (AFCDTA) Gabriel 

Taylor received the Lawson Cup and 

Warrant Officer of the Air Force coin for 

the best all round cadet. He was also 

presented with the R.I Simpson Trophy 

as the cadet who achieves the highest 

overall standard in active defence and 

range practices. Together with AFCDTA 

WB 10-0251-052 

Andrew Stern, AFCDTA Taylor also 

received the Chris Black Memorial 

Trophy for best displaying the qualities 

of determination, enthusiasm and 

morale building for others, particularly 

in the practical areas of training. The Pat 

Goddard Memorial Trophy was awarded 

to AFCDTA Gillian Carr as the best 

female cadet in Physical Education and 

Recreational Training. The Hawea Shield 

was presented to AFCDTA James Jansen 

as the best male recruit in Physical 

Education and Recreational Training. 

The 39 new graduates can now look 

forward to further specialist training 

in any one of the Air Force’s diverse 

technical trades or as aircrew. 

CLOCKWISE (FROM TOP LEFT): LT GEN Jerry 

Mateparae presents AFCDTAs Gabriel Taylor and 

Andrew Stern with the Chris Black Memorial Trophy. 

Recruits during the physical fitness display. 

Recruits perform the RNZAF Haka. 


brief news 

WB 10-0251-090 WB 10-0251-120 

7

obituary 

A/CPL TIM PORTER 

1978-2011 

BY NO. 6 SQUADRON 

No. 6 squadron is a relatively small unit and we all know each other very well, so 

the loss of one of our people is a huge blow to all of us. 29 November 2010 was a 

hard day for the squadron when we were informed of the death of Acting Corporal 

Tim Porter in a motorcycle accident at Hampton Downs racetrack. 

When we remember Tim, several 

characteristics come through as 

common themes - his sense of humour, 

positive outlook on life and passion 

for everything he did. Whatever he 

was doing at the time, and the list is 

long, Tim put 100% into it. As well as 

lots of great memories, Tim has left a 

permanent reminder of his presence. 

One of the features of Tim’s enthusiasm 

was a tendency to rush into doing 

things. As a result, on several occasions 

he hit his head on the sharp trailing 

edge of the rotor blades. If you come to 


the Squadron now, you will see aircraft 

under maintenance have a bright yellow 

protective rubber strip fitted on the 

blades. These are known as Porter Pads. 

Tim, we miss your sense of humour, we 

miss your enthusiasm and we miss your 

passion for everything you did. 

We even miss your tatty cars leaking 

oil in the hanger while you tried to fix 

them! Your name lives on with the 

Porter Pads and your memory lives on 

in the hearts of those who served with 

you at No. 6 Squadron. 

AC NICHOLAs (NICK) 

DONALD MCCuTCHEON 

Nick was a popular and valued member 

of the team. He was a friend to all and 

was known for his willingness to always 

lend a hand to others. With a good 

sense of humour, a charming smile and 

amicable nature, Nick was popular not 

only within the unit but the wider RNZAF. 

Nick joined the Royal New Zealand Air 

Force (RNZAF) in 2008 after graduating 

from Recruit Course. He was posted 

to RNZAF Base Auckland where he 

commenced on-the-job training in 

the Communication and Information 

Systems Flight. 

He went onto complete his Primary 

Trade Training at Ground Training Wing, 

RNZAF Base Woodbourne in December 

2009, and after graduating as a CIS 

Mechanic, Nick was posted to the 

Air Communication and Information 

1990-2011 

BY SQUADRON LEADER BRENT BRYERS 

On 6 January 2011 AC Nick McCutcheon was involved in a fatal scooter 

accident while on holiday in Thailand. 

Systems Flight, part of the RNZAF 

Expeditionary Support Squadron at 

RNZAF Base Auckland. During this 

time, Nick participated in a number 

of RNZAF activities including a New 

Zealand Cadet Forces Camp in January 

2010 and several Readiness Training 

Activities to train and test personnel on 

core military skills. 

In October 2010, Nick was deployed 

with the RNZAF to Townsville, Australia 

where he participated in Exercise HAMEL 

10, an Australian Defence Force (ADF) 

activity to test the war fighting skills of 

the Townville-based 3rd Brigade. This 

exercise included approximately 7000 

personnel from the ADF, New Zealand 

Defence Force and US Marine Corps. 

Nick’s role was to facilitate voice and data 

services to number 3 Squadron RNZAF 

deployed there in support of the exercise.

WB 10-0257-001 

Band 

on tHe 

run 

50 YEARs OF CONTINuOus sERvICE CELEbRATED 

BY SQUADRON LEADER PETE CAIN, 

Assistant Director Security (Policy and Plans) 

squadron Leader Jim Jennings 

achieved 50 years of continuous, 

uniformed service in the RNZAF 

on Monday 17 January 2011. The 

day was marked by a flight in a 

Harvard aircraft followed by a 

surprise lunch attended by CAF, 

DCAF, colleagues, family, friends 

and former associates. 

Jim's RNZAF career has included flying 

Vampire, Skyhawk and Strikemaster 

aircraft with 14 and 75 Squadrons and 

service as a Flying Instructor on Pilot 

Training Squadron. Notable events 

included implementing a ministerial 

order to fire live cannon from his A4 

across the bows of a foreign vessel 

fishing illegally, and receiving an Air 

Officer Commanding Commendation 

for averting a potentially disastrous 

situation during a Skyhawk formation 

take off. Jim has completed overseas 

tours in Malaysia and commanded the 

RNZAF transport detachment for the 

United Nations in Iran. He is currently 

employed as the Operations Service 

Manager at Ohakea. SQNLDR Jennings 

has been awarded the United Nationals 

Medal - Iran/Iraq Military Observer 

Group, the New Zealand Armed 

Forces Award and two clasps and has 

been appointed a member of the New 

Zealand Order of Merit. 

At the beginning of each year the Central 

band of the RNZAF carries out full time 

training and induction of new members, 

culminating in a concert tour in a different 

part of the country very year. 

In 2011 the band will be on the road touring Whanganui, 

New Plymouth and Taupo, with street marches or 

workshops at smaller towns in between. "The week of 

activity for the band forms an important foundation 

for the year's work. We have a number of new 

enlistees so it certainly brings them up to speed with 

performing in a military band," says Director of Music 

for the Air Force, Squadron Leader Owen Clarke. The 

band's performances are very popular with sold out 

theatres for the public and school concerts. 

WANgANuI, Royal Whanganui Opera House, Monday 

21 February, Front of House Ticketing 06 3495011 

NEW PLYMOuTH, TSB Theatre, Wednesday 23 

February, Ticketmaster 0800 111 999 

TAuPO, The Great Lake Centre, Thursday 24 

February, Friday 25 February, Ticketek 0800Ticketek 

ABOVE: SQNLDR Jim Jennings 

before a Harvard flight marking his 

50th year of service. 

PICTURED: Chief of Air Force AVM 

Graham Lintott congratulates 

SQNLDR Jim Jennings. 

brief news 

9

our PeoPle 

sergeant Caleb McCarthy and 

Corporal Hayden Kinzett have just 

returned from a successful trip to 

the US for the World Fire-fighter 

Combat Challenge held in Myrtle 

beach, south Carolina. 

10 www.airforce.mil.nz | afn122 february 2011

BY CORPORAL HAYDEN KINZETT, 

Fire Flight, Base Auckland 

This year Caleb and I were the only 

New Zealanders to compete at the 

Challenge, unlike previous years 

where there was up to 20 competitors. 

Prior to the ‘Worlds’ we were hosted by 

the United States Air Force Academy 

(USAFA) and 10th Air Base Wing in 

Colorado Springs. This gave us a chance 

to train with the USAFA team at an 

altitude of 6950 ft ASL. It was a huge 

shock to the system, but after a few 

days of acclimatisation we cracked 

straight into pushing ourselves and fine 

tuning our technique on the course. 

At the ‘Worlds’ we competed in the initial 

wildcard races and attacked the course 

hard. Caleb ran a good opening time of 1 

minute 50.36 seconds, just two seconds 

off his personal record. Shortly after I 

ran a time of 1 minute 32.86 seconds 

which saw me shave five seconds off 

my personal best. From approximately 

680 competitors, the draw for finals was 

whittled down to 140. This put us both 

in very good stead leading into the finals 

four days later, and up against some very 

tough competition. 

Caleb gave the course his all and ran 

a very fast 1 minute 41.66 seconds, 

seven seconds faster than his personal 

record set in 2009, placing him 73rd and 

only 1.66 seconds off qualifying for the 

"Lion's Den" which is the challenge hall 

of fame. After my race in the wildcard 

I competed against a very tough 

opponent, and came out on top, running 

1minute 30.46 seconds, dropping two 

seconds off my personal record and 

placing me 19th in the world. 

This year I was inducted into the "Lion's 

Den", and being the first New Zealander 

in the open male category and the first 

to run under 100 seconds this was a 

huge honour. Overall it was a successful 

year, with all the hours of training 

paying off. Training starts again at the 

beginning of this year in preparation for 

the New Zealand competitions in March 

and April followed by the Nationals 

in October. 

We would like to thank everyone for 

their continued support and hope to see 

anyone interested to come out and give 

it a go this season. 

TOP ROW OF PHOTOS (L-R): SGT Caleb McCarthy 

conducting a hoist evolution. 

CPL Hayden Kinzett going up the tower with the 

riser pack. 

SGT Caleb McCarthy doing a hose drag. 

Another hoist evolution in progress. 

SGT Caleb McCarthy doing a hose drag. 

LEFT: CPL Hayden Kinzett doing the dummy drag. 


our PeoPle 

This year I was inducted 

into the "Lion's Den", the 

challenge hall of fame, it 

was a huge honour. 

11

oPerational caPability 

Air Force Chaplains rank slide. 

Principal Air Force Chaplains rank slide. 

The full range of Air Force Chaplains 

rank slides. 

Navy Chaplains rank slides. 

Army Chaplains rank slides. 

BY SUZY KILPATRICK 


NEW RANK sLIDEs 

FOR CHAPLAINs 

Chaplains will soon be more 

identifiable with the introduction 

of new rank slides for all chaplains 

in the Defence Force. 

A new chaplaincy structure has been 

in place since 1 April 2010, when NZDF 

Chaplaincy was established within 

the Defence Personnel Executive, 

(previously Personnel Branch). This 

means all chaplains now report 

directly to the Principal Defence 

Chaplain rather than to the camp or 

base commander. 

The changes, introduced through the 

Defence Transformation Programme 

have brought flexibility to the way 

Chaplaincy support is provided, 

making it easier to provide support 

where it is needed most. 

Currently chaplains have different 

identification across the three 

Services - the cross and anchor rank 

slides in Navy, and for Army and Air 

Force, ‘equivalent rank’ slides. When 

operating outside of their ‘home 

Service’ it is important that Chaplains 

are recognisable where ever they are 

working. 

This is even more important in the 

operational environment, where NZDF 

Chaplaincy now provides support in 

Afghanistan, Timor Leste and the 

Solomons. 

Approved by the Service Chiefs, the 

new rank slide for all NZDF Chaplains 

is a simple and unmistakable cross 

(based on the Naval Chaplaincy cross). 

The new rank slides will be worn by all 

chaplains from early this year. 

The status of chaplains in NZDF 

doesn’t change: they remain officers 

who do not exercise executive 

command. 

Principal Air Force Chaplain Anthony 

Hawes is happy with the changes. 

"There's a lot more flexibility now in 

the chaplaincy structure which is great 

and the new rank slide will make us 

more recognisable in each Service. 

But the most important thing about 

what is happening is that chaplains 

continue to support and care for 

people in the Bases - after all that's 

what we are here for." 

Visit http://org/hr-toolkit/LP/ 

environment/workplace-support/ 

chaplaincy.aspx for more information 

on Chaplaincy Services in NZDF. 

Principal Air Force 

Chaplain Anthony 

Hawes with the new 

rank slides.

BY JENNY BRIDGEN, DTP Communications 

The set-up of the Training 

and Education Directorate 

(TED) signals a new Defencewide 

approach to training and 

education. TED starts recruitment 

for roles in the new structure later 

this month and key leadership 

appointments have just been 

announced, with squadron Leader 

Michael salvador taking one of 

the top jobs on promotion to 

Wing Commander. 

TED Director Colonel Al McCone says 

the new structure will give Air Force 

personnel access to the best training 

practices and processes from right 

across the Defence Force. 

“Ultimately, this approach will 

improve military capability and save 

money through smarter and simpler 

services,” COL McCone says. “Instead 

of duplicating training and education 

across each of the Services, we will have 

a one-stop shop approach,” he says. 

TED is made up of three key parts 

A centralised Training and Education 

Services (TES) team will provide 

strategy and policy direction, audit and 

evaluation, planning and scheduling, 

and external relationships and 

qualifications. 

It will also have training and education 

support staff on camps and bases. 

Lieutenant Commander Gordon 

Robinson from Navy’s Fleet Personnel 

and Training is posted as Director of 

Training and Education Services on 

promotion to Commander. 

The Defence Training Institute (DTI) 

will be the home of Defence’s common 

training schools. SQNLDR Michael 

Salvador has been appointed the new 

Commanding Officer Defence Training 

Institute on promotion to WGCDR. 

Michael is currently the Assistant 

Director of Training at Woodbourne. 

Initially the DTI will include the 

Joint Services Physical Education 

and Recreational Training School at 

Woodbourne, the Burnham Joint 

Services Health School, a new 

Ammunition and Explosives School at 

Trentham and a Joint Training Systems 

School in the Manawatu - both due to 

stand up in February. 

As more common training is identified 

it will become part of the Defence 

Training Institute. Environmental 

training – training specific to the Air 

Force - will continue to be delivered 

by the Air Force. The third part of 

TED is the New Zealand Defence 

ABOVE: CPO McKeich, SQNLDR McMullan, 

WO2 Daniels, F/S Hamilton, FLTLT Irving and 

LTCDR Dooley worked together to determine 

common electronics training requirements for 

Defence personnel. Common training will be part 

of the Defence Training Institute, led by 

SQNLDR Michael Salvador. 


our PeoPle 

AIR FORCE TRAINERS AND EDUCATORS 

DELIvER IN NEW sTRuCTuRE 

A detailed picture of how Air Force training and education 

will be delivered is now available following the end of consultation 

on the new Training and Education Directorate structure. 

College which will continue to offer 

a wide range of education and 

higher professional development, 

from literacy and numeracy to 

organisational management skills. 

All Air Force education structures 

became part of the Defence College in 

December 2010. Army Colonel John 

McLeod will lead the Defence College. 

TED goes live progressively from the 

end of February with full operations 

beginning on 1 July 2011. 

13

our PeoPle 

Ptsu advanced freefall 

simulator training 

14 www.airforce.mil.nz | afn122 february 2011

BY CORPORAL KINGSTON BRANDS, 

Parachute Jump Instructor 

The facility provided 

a realistic freefall 

environment to practice 

and develop individual and group 

skills without the requirement for 

parachutes or aircraft. 

Unlike facilities in New Zealand or the 

southern hemisphere, Skyventure 

Arizona is powerful and large enough 

to allow students to perform most 

aspects of military freefall training 

with an instructor observing and 

correcting as required. This includes 

freefall with various patrol equipment 

(i.e. weapon, webbing and pack). 

Without this training, regular 

freefall training is limited to ground 

based training with the student’s 

performance being monitored in 

freefall during a live descent. Due 

to safety, communication and time 

constraints, normal freefall descents 

are limited to between 40 and 60 

seconds. The simulator allowed for 

extended periods of freefall in excess 

of two minutes in a safe learning 

environment where instructors can 

demonstrate, instruct and monitor 

new skills in real-time. 

After introductions from the 

Skyventure coaches and a safety 

briefing, individuals were given the first 

session to familiarise themselves with 

a simulated freefall environment and 

demonstrate or hone their individual 

skills. This gave the coaches an 

understanding of individual capabilities 

and a basis for our training plan. 

The subsequent three days saw 

an increase in the duration of time 

spent in the tunnel to three hours per 

day and focused on improving and 

developing individual skills. Examples 

of skills that were taught included 

learning to fly in the wake of another 

parachutist where the air is extremely 

turbulent, and adapting body positions 

to counter forces exerted by others in 

freefall, such as a student spinning 

out of control. 

The next part of the programme saw 

the introduction of flying in pairs 

while others had the chance to fly 

with a military parachute and pack 

configured for use in the simulator. 

As the additional equipment weighs 

over 50 kilograms, this changes the 

parachutist’s centre of gravity and 

presents a new set of challenges. 

The training culminated in an intense 

final day of group flying which provided 

a way of confirming newfound skills 

and develop teamwork. 

Overall, the exercise was a huge 

success, as the 14 hours of flying in 

the simulator saw Parachute Jump 

Instructors accumulate on average 

181 minutes each, which equates to 

180+ freefall descents or, for aircrew 

appreciation, approximately 136 hours 

on a C-130 Hercules. 

The benefits of this economical 

method of training have been evident 

since our return to New Zealand 

with new skills allowing individuals 

to progress and gain military 

qualifications sooner. 


our PeoPle 

Late last year seven Parachute Jump Instructors (PJI’s) from the 

Parachute Training and support unit deployed to Eloy, Arizona in the 

us to carry out Advanced Freefall simulator Training using a civilian 

vertical wind tunnel operated by skyventure Arizona. 

OPPOSITE PAGE (FROM TOP): PTSU Staff “Calm 

under pressure”. PTSU Staff practicing essential 

relative flying skills. 

THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): SGT Will Williams. 

CPL Harry Harrison demonstrating stability 

control. CPL Kingston Brands performing“Tracking”. 

A method used to gain separation between 

parachutists before parachute deployment. 

15

our caPability 

Force Protection TEMPORARY 

BY FLIGHT SERGEANT ANDY 

ARMSTRONG, Physical Training Coordinator, 

Expeditionary Support Squadron 

The RNZAF support Trade 

Rationalisation Project (sTRP) 

began in september 2009. It 

was established to review the 

synergies and functions performed 

by support trades. The outcomes 

of sTRP were announced by CAF 

during road-shows delivered 

around the bases in mid 2010. 

One of the changes being implemented 

is the amalgamation of Physical 

Training (PT) deployable functions 

and the Air Security (ASY) branch. The 

amalgamation has brought about a new 

Air Force trade – Force Protection (FP). 

The FP Trade will provide the Air Force 

with an enhanced range of deployable 

versatility under command of the 

Expeditionary Support Squadron. 

Up-skilling members within the new 

Force Protection Trade is identified as an 

integral part to the transition process. 

That training has already begun, and was 

witnessed recently with personnel from 

the former ASY branch learning new 

skills in PT. 

The inaugural Basic Physical Training 

(B/PT) course was successfully carried 

out at Woodbourne over a 4.5 week 

period, graduating on 14 December 

2010. No10/01 B/PT Course, consisted 

of 10 ex-ASY personnel, was conducted 

using experienced PT Directing Staff. 

The course content included training in 

Class taking, Physiology, Conditioning, 

Principles of training, Physical fitness, 


Training systems, Fitness testing, and 

Event management. According to one of 

the students who attended the course, 

Leading Aircraftman Shane Hoare, 

“The 10/1 BPT course has been one 

of the most enjoyable and interesting 

experiences that I have been a part of 

in my career”. LAC Hoare adds; "The 

course was both enjoyable and difficult 

at the same time, and I can confidently 

say that we are all much fitter after 

completing this course and everyone 

would have learned something about 

themselves. I am looking forward to 

helping out the gym staff any time”. 

Importantly, the Basic PT skills that are 

cultivated within a significantly larger 

trade ensures more of our workforce 

have PT proficiencies. In future, the B/ 

PT course will be undertaken annually 

as part of the new FP advanced trade 

training. Successful completion of the 

course will be a necessary pre-requisite 

for all FP personnel to attain LAC 

classification and will also provide a 

valuable selection tool to help select 

candidates for streaming into the PT 

specialisation as a FP Physical Trainer. 

Of course it is not just the ex ASY 

personnel that are gaining extra skills. 

On 10 January 2011, the first batch 

of PTIs will undergo their 10 week FP 

conversion training at Woodbourne. 

This will be the first of three courses 

designed to provide PT staff with a solid 

grounding in all elements of the old ASY 

trade - which in turn will equip them to 

operate effectively under the new FP 

trade supporting Military Air Operations. 

LEFT: Back Row L-R: AC Sam McKenna. LAC 

Shane Hoare. AC Sam Fulton. CPL Blake 

Northover. CPL Richard Gulliford. AC Sam 

Gill. AC Zac Robert. 

Front Row L-R: AC Sarah Morrison. A/SGT 

Leo Wiapo. F/S Gav Kotua. SGT Sam Marra. 

AC Jess Lindsay. AC Ruby Little. 

CHANGES 

TO PHYSICAL 

TRAINING 

SERVICES 

This is to advise Air Force 

personnel that until around mid 

2011 there will be some reduced 

Physical Training (PT) services 

available on the bases. In the 

interim, Physical Training work 

areas will maintain essential 

services for bases, such as; 

survival training, recruit and 

officer induction training, 

fitness testing and return 

to readiness activities. This 

situation arises after the support 

Trade Rationalisation Project 

announced the establishment of 

the Force Protection (FP) Trade. 

This is an amalgamation of the 

AsY roles and the deployable PT 

roles. Consequently, Air Force 

Physical Training is currently in 

transition. 

We apologise for any 

inconvenience for the temporary 

reduction in our services and 

thank you for your cooperation 

and understanding as we work 

through the transition process. 

should you have any 

concerns or enquiries please 

contact PT Coordinator, 

F/s Andy Armstrong. 

WB 10-02550-002

Kiwi cHangeover 

in timor-leste 

BY CAPTAIN CAMERON JAMIESON, 

Australian Defence Force 

A traditional Maori Powhiri marked 

the changing of commanders for 

New Zealand’s military commitment 

to the International stabilisation 

Force (IsF) in Timor-Leste. 

Held at Kiwi Lines in Dili, the deployed 

New Zealand soldiers, sailors and air 

force personnel gave the traditional 

welcoming ceremony as a mark of 

respect for both the outgoing chief, 

Commander Tony Millar, RNZN and 

incoming boss Wing Commander Sam 

Leske, RNZAF. 

CDR Millar, who served six months as 

both the Deputy Commander – ISF and 

as the Senior National Officer of the 

New Zealand forces assigned to ISF, 

said he will remember with pride the 

contribution New Zealand military men 

and women have made to improving the 

security and stability of Timor-Leste. 

“I’m also proud to see Timor-Leste 

moving forwards,” he said. 

While CDR Millar said he would be glad 

to see his wife again and settle back into 

domestic life, it was still difficult to leave 

his team behind. 

“It is never easy to hand over the reigns 

of something that is so positive,” he 

said. “We have a great bunch of people, 

so it is sad to leave.” 

CDR Millar said the standout moment of 

his deployment was the teamwork that 

existed between the Australian and New 

Zealand forces that make up the ISF. 

“The shared abilities and the spirit 

of Anzac bring out so many things,” 

he said. 

CDR Millar said he 

will remember with 

pride the contribution 

New Zealand military 

men and women have 

made to improving the 

security and stability 

of East Timor. 

“It is a force multiplier, and makes us 

proud to be members of the South 

Pacific community.” 

WGCDR Leske said he was honoured 

to become the latest New Zealand 

commander for the 70-strong force. 

“A Powhiri is quite a spiritual service, and 

to hold one for this event is a special 

moment for commanders and troops 

alike,” he said. 

“I look forward to continuing the work of 

developing a safe and stable Timor-Leste 

leading up to the 2012 elections,” he said. 

ABOVE: WGCDR Sam Leske (left) is welcomed by 

CDR Tony Millar (right). 

RARE vIsIT TO 

wHite 

island 

On 12 and 13 January, two 

Iroquois from No. 3 squadron 

worked with the university 

of Canterbury vulcanology 

department, ferrying 

scientists out to White 

Island. 

This partnership between No. 3 

Squadron and the University of 

Canterbury was established in 

1967 and has been ongoing. 

This expedition was the first in 

a number of years due to No. 

3 Squadron being involved in a 

number of other commitments. 

The crews enjoyed their time on 

White Island, operating in a very 

inhospitable environment and 

learning almost everything there 

is to know about volcanoes from 

the subject matter experts. 

TOP (L-R): W/O Darren Smith, 

CAPT Lars Hilgert, FGOFF George McInnes, 

SGT Dave Tauai, SLT Barry Melville and 

FLTLT Gareth Kemeys. 


our PeoPle 

17


No. 40 Squadron Hercules Flight 

By FGOFF Matt Nanda, Air Warfare Officer, 

No. 40 Squadron 

This is the second of a regular 

series of articles that aims to 

give a better idea of what No. 

40 squadron Hercules Flight is 

doing and to show how we are 

contributing to the RNZAF Mission. 

Often, the first impressions of Herc 

Flight begins with seeing the aircraft 

at boarding, then sitting on the comfy 

red webbing seats to be briefed by the 

essential crewmembers the Air Load 

Masters (ALMs). During the flight you are 

left to your own devices (in a very loud, 

uncomfortable environment) and finally 

you arrive at your destination. This, and 

future articles will introduce you to the 

people behind the scenes of Herc Flight; 

that get you and your freight safely from 

A to B. 

HERC FLIgHT AND 40 squADRON 

OPERATIONs 

No. 40 Squadron is based at RNZAF 

Base Auckland at Whenuapai, with 

headquarters/operation buildings and 

hangar/Maintenance Flight located in easy 

walking distance. 

Our Commanding Officer (CO40) is Wing 

Commander Chris “Sammy” Clark, based 

at 40 Squadron. The Hercules Flight 

Commander (HFC) is Squadron Leader 

Andy “Scotty” Scott. SQNLDR Scott is 

a recognisable character as he is almost 

always taking calls on his mobile ball and 

chain – his Blackberry. 

One of the first things you will notice on 

Squadron is that most of the Executive 

Officers wear multiple “hats”. These can 

include leadership roles such as Flight 

Commander, training roles as Qualified 

Flying Instructors (QFIs), and on occasion, 

command as Captain onboard and/or as 

Detachment Commanders for exercises/ 

operations. 

Many hard decisions that complicate 

C-130 operations fall on the HFC’s desk, 

while nuts and bolts issues are the domain 

of 40 Sqn Maintenance Flight Commander 

SQNLDR Simon Williams. You will see 

in later issues how these decisions are 

dynamically handled – flexibility is the key 

to Air Power. 


HERC FLIgHT AND ITs PEOPLE 

The variety of trades that come together 

to get the C-130 Hercules into the air 

also distinguish the offices that we live 

out of as aircrew. The Executive Officers 

(HFC and Hercules Training Officer - HTO) 

work from the 40 Squadron Headquarters 

building, which also houses our Ops Room 

- the heart of 40 Squadron Operations 

(40OPS). Our Operations Officer (OPSO) 

is F/S Bruce “Bruiser” Melvin whose 

job is to bring all the parts of the puzzle 

together, and translate it into harmonious 

day-to-day Herc tasking. Other important 

people work at HQ, and will be described in 

future articles. 

Each respective trade operates from their 

own office that is collectively grouped 

around the Joe Room – a meeting place 

where all the real decisions seem to be 

made. Colloquially the Co Pilots and AWOs 

(Co’s and Navs) office is known as the 

“Lost Children’s Office”, inaccurately/ 

accurately referring to the younger 

aircrew that are a part of the Squadron. 

HERC FLIgHT TAsKINgs 

Herc Flight taskings cover a range of 

situations, including the rotation of 

personnel in and out of Afghanistan. 

The C-130H crew from Herc Flight and 

maintenance staff deploy for a short 

period to provide this air transport. They 

are enabled by five NZDF personnel within 

the Middle East who facilitate the rotation, 

along with the help of coalition partners 

based there. 

Deployments like these bring many 

challenges, most of which are overcome 

with weeks of planning at the tactical 

level. The crew work hard before their 

departure from Whenuapai to minimise 

the probability of having any issues down 

the track. 

FuTuRE ARTICLEs 

In future Air Force News articles I will 

discuss the role of Air Warfare Officers 

on the Herc. Thanks again for having a 

read. Drop me a line at matthew.nanda@ 

nzdf.mil.nz if you have any Hercules 

Flight related questions that you want 

answered. Talk soon, Matt Nanda. 

ABOVE: Our window into the world of Herc Flight, 

FGOFF Matt Nanda. 

BELOW A Hercules from No. 40 Squadron arrives at 

its destination. 

AK 10-0667-003 

WN 06-0160-06

learning more aBout air Power 

BY WING COMMANDER RORY PADDOCK, 

Director Air Power Development Centre 

Staff at the Air Power Development 

Centre (APDC) need to remain 

current with latest developments 

in air power doctrine and strategy. 

RNZAF Directing Staff also play 

an important role as educators 

in air power and as mentors of 

‘airmindedness’. 

To increase air power knowledge for 

these groups, RAAF APDC recently 

1. 04/11 OASB is scheduled for 06 - 21 Apr 11. Minor 

date variations may occur. Nominations are called 

for in the following branches to attend 04/11 OASB: 

a. Commissioned Branches: PILOT, AWO (SEM), 

FPO, ENGR, CISO, AIRENGO (1370C). 

b. University Officer Scheme (UOS): ENGR (1370C) 

c. NCO Aircrew: AOM, PJI, AIRENG, HCM (1370A). 

2. Details of the UOS can be found at http://org/apers/DCMPages/DCMHome.aspx 

3. Applicants and Flight Commanders are to ensure 

that OFT grades will be current at the time of 

raising the 1370 and that all aircrew applicants 

have sat and passed the aircrew swim test prior to 

1370s being forwarded to Staff Officer Recruiting 

(SO REC); also that the required educational 

qualifications for respective specialisations have 

been met. RNZAF 1370s should reach SO REC, 

NLT 18 Mar 11. The cut-off has been set to allow 

maximum possible time for bases to process 

1370s. Late applications may not be accepted. 

delivered a Train the Trainer course in air 

power at Ohakea. Headed by the Deputy 

Director Doctrine, Wing Commander 

Greg Weller, the visiting RAAF APDC 

party also included the Deputy Director 

Development, WGCDR Andrew Loch 

(whom some may recall from earlier 

days when he was the Exchange Officer 

on the Directing Staff at the then RNZAF 

Command and Staff College), the RAAF 

Historian, Dr Chris Clark, and Air Power 

Strategist, Dr Sanu Kainikara. Dr Clark 

is a published historian of considerable 

note and Dr Kainikara, an ex-Indian Air 

Force fighter pilot is well respected as a 

writer on air power matters. The course 

was highly beneficial and enlightening, 

and attendees gained a better 

understanding of air power as well as 

getting exposure to current thinking on 

air power doctrine and strategy in our 

region of the world. 

ABOVE: Personnel who attended the ‘Train the 

Trainer’ course delivered by the RAAF APDC. 

aPPlications for 04/11 officer aircrew 

selection Board 06 >> 21 aPril 2011 



OH 10-0696-002 

19

our history 

eartHquaKe relief 

aNd tHe roYal New zealaNd air Force 

THIS PAGE (FROM TOP): Refugee tents in Nelson 

Park, Napier, photographed from a New Zealand 

Permanent Air Force aircraft, 1931. 

One of the two No.3 Squadron Iroquois helicopters, 

hosted by the Museum begin operations after the 4 

September 2010 Canterbury earthquake. 

OPPOSITE PAGE (FROM TOP): Two No.3 Squadron 

Iroquois and their crews during a pause in the 1968 

quake operations at Reefton. 

Publications toppled from their shelves at the Air 

Froce Museum of New Zealand archive during the 4 

September 2010 quake in Canterbury. 

BY SIMON MOODY, 

Research Officer, Air Force Museum 


Our long history of playing a 

key role in the relief effort 

of New Zealand’s biggest 

earthquakes was highlighted 

following the magnitude 7.1 

quake that shook the people of 

Canterbury in september last year. 

It got staff thinking about how we’ve 

reacted to other major New Zealand 

earthquakes. 

In 1929 the small New Zealand 

Permanent Air Force (NZPAF) had only 

existed for six years when a magnitude 

7.8 earthquake struck near Murchison 

on the West Coast in June. The fledgling 

force was quick to respond, sending two 

DH.60 Moth biplanes from Sockburn 

(Wigram) to Westport, carrying mail and 

two emergency wireless operators. This, 

and subsequent mercy flights, were able 

to restore communications to the rest 

of the country. They also helped survey 

the damage and transported medicine 

to Karamea. 

An even greater test came in February 

1931 with the devastating magnitude 

7.8 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Both 

military and civilian pilots flew medical 

professionals, supplies and mail to 

Napier and its surrounding areas. That 

week 172 flights were made by the 

NZPAF to and from the region. Future 

Chief of Air Staff Squadron Leader 

Leonard Isitt directed these operations, 

and his log book (now held at the 

Museum archives), records several 

flights carrying mail from Hobsonville to 

Hastings over that time. 

And on the receiving end of seismic 

activity, the Ohakea Unit History 

records the following after the 

Wairarapa earthquake in June 1942,

which rocked the lower North Island: 

“Severe earthquake at 23.15 hours – no 

damage at Station except minor cracks 

in some buildings. Building at Kakariki 

occupied by patrolmen was damaged 

and evacuated for the night”. 

Both military and civilian 

pilots flew medical 

professionals, supplies 

and mail to Napier and its 

surrounding areas. That 

week 172 flights were 

made by the NZPAF to 

and from the region. 

The arrival of the helicopter into service 

in the 1960s greatly improved our ability 

to assist in disasters. When the West 

Coast was shaken again in May 1968 

with a magnitude 7.0 quake, 3 Squadron 

Detachment was quickly on the scene. 

Arriving close to darkness, an Iroquois 

undertook hazardous rescues until 

thick fog closed in. Joined by another 

helicopter, they continued to evacuate 

families, survey damage, and move Civil 

Defence personnel around the area. 

a call to servicewomen Past and Present 

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand 

is currently preparing a new exhibition 

celebrating the story of women in the 

RNZAF 1941-present. This is planned to 

coincide with the 70th anniversary of the 

formation of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force 

(WAAF), and is due to open in May. 

We are on the look-out for personal stories, 

particularly from the more recent past 

(1970-present), to bring this exhibition to 

life. If you are a current serving or former 

RNZAF servicewoman and would like to 

contribute your stories and experiences 

to this project, the Museum exhibition 

team would love to hear from you. We are 

equally keen to hear from any current or 

ex-servicemen who would like to share their 

experiences and reflections on Air Force life 

both before and after the gender integration 

policy (1977). 

Please contact Michelle sim or simon 

Moody prior to 31 March, on (03) 343-9532 

or email info@airforcemuseum.co.nz 

our history 


21

our history 

recognising tHe new Zealand and 

Royal aiR FoRce appRentice Scheme 

BY SQUADRON LEADER LORENA 

THOMAS 

As part of a visit to the RAF 

Halton recently, Air Commodore 

gavin Howse, Wing Commander 

glenn gowthorpe, Wing 

Commander Ian MacPherson, and 

squadron Leader Lorena Thomas 

dedicated a commemorative 

window to former students of 

the New Zealand – RAF Aircraft 

Apprentices Association. 

The window was an initiative by 

the Ex New Zealand - RAF Aircraft 

Apprentices Association. Students were 

affectionately known as ‘Trenchard’s 

Brats’ and attended RAF Halton and 

Locking during the 1950s. Between 

1951 and 1958 the RAF sponsored men 

between the ages of 16 and 17 for the 

RAF Apprentice training scheme at RAF 

Halton (and later at RAF Locking). A total 

of 64 New Zealand men were selected 

for training, and despite enduring an 

extremely harsh training system, many 

went on to serve full careers in the 

RNZAF. The window will remain as a 

permanent reminder of the enduring 

association between RAF Halton and 

the New Zealand Aircraft Apprentice 

Association. 

AbOuT ‘TRENCHARD’s bRATs’ 

No. 1 School of Technical Training at 

Halton, founded by Sir Hugh Trenchard, 

is one of the cornerstones of RAF history 

and tradition. The first New Zealand 

‘Brat’ to train is believed to have been 

Frederick Cramp who entered Halton 

in August 1929, long before the formal 

scheme started. He was followed by at 

least 16 others during the 1930s. This 


figure is all the more remarkable given 

the relatively small size of New Zealand’s 

military air element at the time. Those 

who successfully completed training 

went on to serve with the RAF, although 

some were posted to serve with the 

RNZAF during the war and subsequently 

joined the RNZAF. 

THE WINDOW 

The window depicts an active volcano 

above mist shrouded foothills from 

which a river flows under a stylised kiwi 

and the red, white, and blue flashes 

representing the RNZAF. The river 

continues flowing through the verdant 

rolling hills and plains to the sea. The 

rugby football (separating the years 

that New Zealand apprentices trained 

at Halton and Locking) reflects New 

Zealander’s passion for, and excellence 

at, the 15 man code. Unlike the 

majority of the other windows in the 

Chapel, the New Zealand window is in a 

contemporary style, intended to stand 

out and be immediately identified as 

from New Zealand. 

WORDs OF THANKs 

The NZ Ex-RAF Aircraft Apprentice 

Association would like to express its 

thanks for the assistance that the 

RNZAF gave with the recent RAF Halton 

commemorative window project. The 

period spent at Halton or Locking 

is looked back on, by most, as a life 

changing experience which stood 

them in good stead for the future. The 

leadlight window commemorating New 

Zealand’s association with the scheme 

is distinctive and we are proud as an 

Association to have commissioned 

it. Also, a big thank you to the Deputy 

Chief of Air Force, London-based 

staff and the other members of the 

party who represented us at the 

dedication ceremony and made it such a 

memorable day. 

In closing the association also wishes to 

record a special thanks to Gus Smart for 

driving the project from start to finish. 

MONTy FIRMIN 

VICE PRESIDENT 

NZ Ex-RAF APPRENTICE ASSOCIATION 

PICTURED: WGCDR MacPherson, AIRCDRE Howse, 

SQNLDR Thomas, WGCDR Gowthorpe with 

the New Zealand commemorative window in St 

George’s Chapel, RAF Halton. 

The New Zealand window.

squadroN leader 

Jim sHeddaN 1918-2010 

One of the Air Force’s most 

celebrated combat pilots of the 

second World War was squadron 

Leader Jim sheddan. 

Dispatched to England by ship in 1941, 

Jim’s first operational posting was to 

the New Zealand Spitfire unit, No. 485 

Squadron, as a Sergeant pilot in October 

1942. Shortly after, he was transferred 

to delivery duties where he learned 

to fly a number of aircraft including 

the Hawker Typhoon. Later he joined 

No.486 Squadron, and flew the Typhoon. 

In October 1943, Jim had a lucky escape. 

Recently promoted to Flight Sergeant, 

he was shot down by flak off the French 

Coast. After spending the night in a 

dinghy in the Channel, he was spotted 

the following day by his Squadron. 

After a further failed rescue attempt 

by a Walrus patrol aircraft he was finally 

picked up by an air-sea rescue launch 

and returned to England. He had been in 

the dinghy for 19 hours. 

By Spring 1944, the more powerful 

Hawker Tempest had been delivered 

to No. 486 Squadron and it was on this 

aircraft that Jim would really make his 

name. During the summer of 1944, even 

as the Allies set foot on the Normandy 

beaches, V-1 flying bombs rained down 

on London and southern England. The 

Tempest, with Jim at the controls, 

proved to be a potent counter-weapon 

and between 22 June and 24 August 

1944, Jim accounted for seven of these 

terror weapons with one more shared. 

Jim considered himself a lucky pilot 

but that luck nearly ran out when, on 5 

July 1944 a shell from another aircraft 

entered his engine resulting in a crashed 

landing and a spell in hospital. Happily, 

this enforced hospital stay had a silver 

lining as it led to a meeting between 

Jim and his future wife Joan, who was 

serving as a nurse there. In September 

1944, Jim was commissioned to the rank 

of Flying Officer as the Squadron moved 

to be based in Holland. 

On 1 January 1945, Jim opened the 

New Year by shooting down his first 

German fighter. He would go on to 

destroy another three enemy aircraft 

PICTURED: SQNLDR Jim Sheddan 1918-2010. 

with three others shared with fellow 

pilots. In May 1945 Jim took over 

command of No. 486 Squadron and after 

his squadron’s contribution to the final 

defeat of Germany, Jim was awarded 

the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 

that year. 

His citation comments read “This officer 

has displayed the highest standard of 

devotion to duty. He has participated 

in a very large number of varied sorties 

during which much damage has been 

inflicted on such enemy targets as 

locomotives, barges, industrial buildings 

and mechanical transport.” 

In 1993, along with aviation author 

Norman Franks, Jim wrote an 

autobiography, appropriately titled 

Tempest Pilot. 

Jim epitomised the attitude of the 

New Zealand fighter pilot in terms of 

understated bravery, fine leadership 

and high accomplishment. This subtle 

bravery is perhaps best summarised by 

a remark he made in his autobiography, 

“I had many close calls during the years 

I spent as an operational pilot, but was 

never unduly disturbed”. 

our history 

2011 anZac 

cHallenge coin 

A New ANZAC Challenge 

coin will be available in 2011. 

It is 45mm in diameter, gold 

plated, easy to pack and carry 

overseas. Challenge coins can 

be presented in several ways-on 

their own, in a velvet coin bag or 

in a wooden rimu box. 

Challenge Coins are an old American 

tradition instituted into the Defence 

Force in 2005 as an alternative gift 

for dignitaries and others. Challenge 

coins are also known as military 

coins, unit coins, memorial coins, 

unit challenge coins or commander’s 

coins. The coin expresses the 

holder’s affiliation to or patronage 

by the organization who minted the 

coin. Legend has it that challenge 

coins originated during World War 

1 among American volunteers 

forming the newly-formed flying 

squadrons. 

Item 131-Challenge Coin $15.00 

Item 132-Velvet Coin Pouch $2.00 

(coin not included) 

Item 133-Velvet Coin Box $10.00 (coin 

not included) 

Item 135-Wooden Coin Box $45.00 

(coin not included) 

Order forms for ANZAC challenge 

coins can be obtained through Hq 

Defence shared service: 

Email: dssservice.hqnzdf@nzdf.mil.nz 

Or from the online gift catalogue 

http://org/jlso/LP/Publication/ 

CUSG/SDC-HQ/GiftCatalogue/ 

ANZAC.aspx 

Any requirement to have coins 

before ANZAC Day must be ordered 

before 18 March 2011 

For the purpose of NZDF 

presentations etc these can be 

charged to appropriate cost centres 

if approved. 

For personal orders, GST must be 

added to all items. 


23

ook review 

Kiwis do flY 

REVIEWED BY PETER MCQUAID, 

EDITOR RNZAFA NEWS 

Many books have been written 

about World War II, and many 

books have been written by 

veterans about their experiences 

in that war, now Peter Wheeler 

- the Administrator of the New 

Zealand bomber Command 

Association - has combined 

both, with an interesting and 

thoroughly absorbing collection 

of reminiscences from New 

Zealanders who served in RAF 

bomber Command. 

In Kiwis Do Fly some 40 veterans have 

contributed 120-plus stories, some just 

a paragraph or two, others a page or 

two, all of them providing yet another 

glimpse into the lives of the young 

men who went to war so willingly. And 

always apparent to the reader are the 

downplayed heroics, the matter-of-fact 

realisation and acceptance that life 

could end any day or night. 

More than 30 Bomber 

Command veterans, 

plus families and friends, 

attended the book launch 

at MOTAT’s Sir Keith Park 

Memorial Hangar. 

The stories encompass so much – from 

training days in New Zealand to service 

on operational squadrons, from good 

luck to misfortune, notable operations, 

near misses, crashes, favourite aircraft, 

special people, touches of humour and, 

never forgotten, the girlfriends who 

became the wives. 

There are stories of courage (always 

the other guy’s, never the writer’s!), 

there are tragedies; there are quirky 

stories such as when a court martial was 

abandoned and a DFM awarded instead; 

there are what can probably be best 

described as ghost stories; and the list 

goes on… 

The 268 pages of the book seem to 

include almost as many photographs, 

which accentuate the written word, 

and then there is an extremely good 


appendix which details the RNZAF at 

war, its aircrew training scheme, its 

squadrons in the RAF, its squadrons in 

the Pacific, the aircraft it flew, a map of 

RAF bases in the UK, a map of Bomber 

Command targets in Europe… 

But the book also lists the casualties 

of Bomber Command – 55,000 aircrew, 

including some 2200 of the 6000-plus 

New Zealanders who had volunteered, 

the highest percentage of any 

Commonwealth country. A further 1560 

men and women ground crew also died. 

More than 30 Bomber Command 

veterans, plus families and friends, 

attended the book launch at The 

Museum of Transport and Technology 

(MOTAT) Sir Keith Park Memorial 

Hangar and proceeds from a book 

signing, with a premium for the limited 

edition copies, raised $2000 on the day. 

Adding private donations, some $5000 

will be forwarded to the RAF Bomber 

Command Association to assist with the 

proposed memorial in London. 

– P.J.M. 

'Kiwis Do Fly’ by Peter Wheeler, printed by 

Longley Printing Co. Ltd., Auckland and 

published by New Zealand Bomber Command 

Association; priced at $52 and available from 

most booksellers

50tH No. 30 aircrew course rNzaF wigram 

anniversarY reunion 

BY HUGH FRANCIS, 

GRADUATE OF NO. 30 AIRCREW COURSE 

Fifteen members of the 1960 

No. 30 Aircrew Course recently 

gathered in Palmerston North 

for a weekend of festivities to 

celebrate their 50th anniversary. 

Former members of the class came 

from around the country including 

one from Australia for a weekend of 

festivities including a visit to RNZAF 

Base Ohakea, Massey Aviation, Heli Pro, 

the wind farm; and Dr Dave Baldwin’s 

hangar which is a fascinating treasure 

trove of aviation memorabilia. Members’ 

combined service in the RNZAF and 

other air forces totalled 309 years and 

165,310 flying hours, including time with 

commercial airlines. 

The course commenced at Wigram in 

1959 with flight training on Harvard 

and Devon aircraft. After graduation 

postings were to Vampires, Canberras, 

Bristol Freighters, Hastings, DC-3 

and Sunderlands. And later - Austers, 

Skyhawks, Strikemasters, Hercules, 

Orions, Andovers, B727s, Friendships, 

Macchis, Iroquois and Sioux Helicopters. 

Members of the course went on to 

a variety of flying careers including 

careers as senior officers in the RNZAF 

and commercial pilots for Air New 

Zealand, QANTAS, Air Pacific, Air Lingus, 

Jet-Connect. Others went to the RAF, the 

Sultan of Oman’s Air Force, the Saudi Air 

Force and to various helicopter companies 

in Australia, Indonesia, and Dubai. 

Postscript: Peter Amodeo better known as 

‘Dad’ (being the oldest and already in the ranks 

as ground-crew) was our course leader for the 

first few months until we were commissioned. 

He graduated as a A/Sgt Air Signaller; was 

credited with 7,500 hours of flying; served 40 

years in uniform; and, retired a SQNLDR to 

settle in Auckland. Sadly, Peter was unable to 

attend the reunion; he passed away on the 14th 

Jan after a long illness. Peter is 4th from the left 

- back row in the 1959 image. 

ABOVE: No.30 Aircrew Cadet Course at Wigram in 

Jan 1959. 

BELOW: Members of the No. 30 Aircrew Course in 

front of a Massey Aviation DA-40 aircraft at Milson, 

Palmerston North during their reunion celebrations. 

Back row (L-R): Mike Palairet, Ross Irvine, Hugh 

Whitehead, Dick Ingham, Larry Olsen, Bob 

Davidson, Peter McEwen, Mike Parke, Ian Wright. 

Front row (L-R): Hugh Francis, John Day, Gavin 

Trethewey, John Wood, Steve Lambert. 

Absent: Ken Gayfer, Rick Oxenham, Allen Bunn, 

Peter Amodeo, Rufus Dawson, Ron Wilson, Des 

Cranston, Mike Gough, Rocky Hudson. 


reunions 

25

sPort 

interBase Harriers 

and mountain BiKing 

BY WING COMMANDER KELVIN READ, 

OIC RNZAF Harriers 

The 2010 Interbase Harriers 

and unofficial Interbase 

Mountain biking was held 

at Trentham Memorial Park on 

Thursday 25 November. Holding 

the events later in the year (the 

event is usually held in June), 

resulted in better weather – 

and as they say, ‘you can’t beat 

Wellington on a good day’! 

HARRIERs WOMEN’s EvENT 

The Women’s race, over 6 km, was first 

with 11 first time runners participating. 

AC Laura Smidt from Ohakea and 

FGOFF Liana Costello from Wellington 

immediately led the field. They ran side 

by side for most of the race, with Laura 

Smidt making the decisive break as they 

entered the final water crossing 150 

metres from the finish to take victory. 

Laura’s time of 25:41 for the 6 km was 

the envy of many of the men’s runners 

as they lined up for their race. Liana 

came second and CPL Sandi Cooper 

from Auckland came third. 

The Auckland team pulled through to 

win the Teams championship from 

Ohakea by just one point. 

HARRIERs MEN’s EvENT 

The Men’s race, over 9 km, saw a battle 

between first time Interbase runner 

LAC Nic Johnston from Ohakea and 

Veteran Harrier F/S Grant Winwood 

from Auckland. This turned out to 

be quite a tactical race with the lead 

changing often as the runners tried to 

find the weaknesses of the other. Grant 

eventually made the break half way 

through the final lap, and although Nic 

sprinted down the final straight, Grant’s 

win was not in jeopardy. Grant has 

been a regular competitor at Interbase 

Harriers for over 20 years and has always 

been near the front of the field. SGT 

Phil Souster from Auckland who had 

trailed the leaders finished third. The 

Ohakea team took out the Men’s team 

championship by two points and the 


combined Teams championship was won 

by Ohakea with a slim one point margin. 

MOuNTAIN bIKINg EvENT 

The mountain biking event was held 

in the afternoon on a purpose-built 

mountain biking course at Mt Victoria 

in Wellington central. Special thanks to 

F/S Bob Willis and Army cycling’s LTCOL 

Mike Beale and MAJ Chris Fitzwater 

who set-up a challenging and exciting 

course. The course was 5.6 km with a 

total change in altitude of 155 m, the 

men completing three laps, and the 

women two laps. 

WN 10-0246-023 

The race commenced with a quick spin 

round the Velodrome before venturing 

off into the bush tracks of Mt Victoria. 

The undulating course provided great 

harbour and city views from the summit 

before descending down through pine 

forest to the lowest point of the track at 

the south end of Mt Victoria. 

Wellington’s OCDT Dan Kirkman proving 

he could ride as well as run (he came 

fourth in the mornings Men’s Harriers’ 

event) came first in 57:11. Ohakea’s 

LAC Swampy Marshall was just over a 

minute down for second place followed 

by Woodbourne’s SGT Graham Russell a 

further 58 seconds behind for third. 

The women’s field had just three 

competitors, two novice Mountain 

bikers, Ohakea’s AC Laura Smidt and 

Pip Bedlington who completed one lap, 

and Wellingtons SQN LDR Jo Beale 

completing her two laps to take out the 

women’s title in 1:07:29. 

The day ended successfully with only 

minor scrapes sustained to some 

competitors. Overall this was an 

extremely successful Interbase event 

made all the more enjoyable with 

outstanding weather, great Harriers 

and Mountain biking courses, excellent 

competition and great company. 

HARRIERs TROPHY WINNERs: 

Pilot Officer Magee Cup (Overall Men’s 

Champion) – F/S Grant Winwood, 

Auckland 

Zap Harding Trophy (Senior Men’s 

Champion) – LAC Nicholas Johnston, 

Ohakea 

Woodbourne Walking Stick (Veterans’ 

Champion) – F/S Grant Winwood, 

Auckland 

Woodbourne Novice Trophy (Men’s 

Novice) – LAC Nicholas Johnston, 

Ohakea 

Earnslaw Trophy (Overall Women’s 

Champion) – AC Laura Smidt, Ohakea 

RNZAF Harriers Cup (Senior Women’s 

Champion) - AC Laura Smidt, Ohakea 

Stephenson Trophy (Veterans’ 

Champion) – MS Sue Van der Jagt, 

Wellington 

Woodbourne Novice Trophy (Women’s 

Novice) – AC Laura Smidt, Ohakea 

RAAF Goblet for Athletics (Women’s 

Teams Championship) – Auckland 

RNZAF Marathon Trophy (Combined 

Teams Championship) – Ohakea

WN 10-0247-007 

WN 10-0246-009 

OPPOSITE PAGE: 

LAC Nic Johnston tries to break away from 

the eventual winner F/S Grant Winwood. 

THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): 

Action early on in the Mountain bike race. 

Start of the Men's race. 

Eventual Women's winner AC Laura Smidt 

leads second place FGOFF Liana Costello. 

Winner of the Men's Mountain Bike race, 

OCDT Dan Kirkman. 


sPort 

WN 10-0247-001 

WN 10-0246-022 

27

sPort 

ice HocKeY 

BY GROUP CAPTAIN SHAW JAMES, 

Defence Adviser to NZ High Commission, Canada 

Every New Zealand Embassy and 

High Commission is in some way 

affected by the culture of its host 

nation. It is important to get the 

flavour of the culture to begin to 

understand the national context 

and build strong relationships. And 

so it is with Canada. 

A few years ago a very perceptive 

Dean of the Ottawa Service Attaches 

Association (OSAA) decided it would be 

a good idea to challenge the Canadian 

top brass to a friendly game of hockey; 

that first game raised $CAD 18,000 for 

charity, which was donated to the Military 

Families Fund of the Canadian Forces. 

Since then the ‘big game’ between the 

Lame Ducks (Attachés) and the General 

Officers and Flag Officers (GOFOs) has 

become something of a fixture. 

I was invited by the Canadians to be 

the OSAA Dean fairly early in my tour 

as NZ Defence Adviser and I may not 

have accepted had I known that it 

would involve leading the Lame Ducks 

against a group of individuals who 

were practically born on skates! But 

it’s the asymmetry that’s valuable; the 

Canadians are, frankly, astonished and 

gratified that the Attachés are willing 

to form a team from complete novices 

and, within a fairly short time, have them 


skating like Canadian five-year-olds. 

Not all Attachés skate, but the Ducks 

form the core of the Corps and are well 

supported by the entire Association 

– the result is a very tight-knit 

association that benefits from excellent 

comradeship and contact with the top 

echelon of the Canadian Forces. 

The Lame Ducks are 

supported by a very 

tight-knit association 

that benefits from 

excellent comradeship 

and contact with the 

top echelon of the 

Canadian Forces. 

The big game occurred on 1 December 

and proved to be the toughest yet! The 

Ducks (made up of representatives from 

New Zealand, United States, Russia, 

Australia, China, United Kingdom, 

Poland, France, Germany, Argentina, 

Netherlands, Mexico, Turkey, and 

Chile), went hard at the GOFOs for two 

20-minute periods. 

Spurred on by deafening crowd support, 

including a strong contingent from 

the NZ High Commission, the Ducks 

managed a respectable 4-8 loss, the 

smallest margin in the history of the big 

game. In the end, it was not hockey that 

was the winner, but the bonds we forged 

in taking up the challenge. 

GPCAPT Shaw James is Defence Adviser to 

the New Zealand High Commission in Ottawa, 

Canada. His main focus is on direct defence to 

defence contacts including a number of New 

Zealand military personnel in training or on 

secondment in Canada. Shaw also forms part of 

the High Commission team when it’s working on 

policy and operational aspects of our security 

relationship with Canada. 

ABOVE: The two teams. The Lame Ducks are in the 

black and GPCAPT James is fifth from the left in the 

front row.

in-flight 

Quiz 

1. What is a major obstruction 

on the runway at San Diego’s 

Lindbergh Field? 

2. Funchal Airport can be found on 

the island of Madeira. Of which 

country is Madeira a part? 

3. What mountain range is near 

Eagle County Airport at the ski 

resort of Vail? 

4. At Courchevel Airport the 

runway is straight and flat like 

normal. True or False? 

5. At the old Kai Tak Airport, what 

symbol was used to help the 

pilots know where to land? 

6. At Gibralter Airport there is 

a highway going through the 

centre of the runway. True or 

False? 

7. What name is given to the area 

for plane spotting at Princess 

Juliana Airport? 

8. To land at Gustaf III Airport 

(known as St Barth’s) on 

the Carribean island of St 

Bathelemy, pilots must check in 

and out with a special license. 

True or False? 

9. At Tegucigalpa Airport in 

Honduras, the runway is fairly 

short for commercial aviation 

traffic. How do pilots know 

where to land? 

10. How does the Tenzing-Hillary 

Airport “Lukla” in Nepal warn 

locals to get off the runway? 

ANsWERs: 

1. A parking garage, 2. Portugal, 3. Rocky 

Mountains, 4. False, 5. A Checkerboard, 

6. True, 7. Sunset Bar Area, 8. True, 

9. Between two stripes, 10. A siren. 

crossword #14 

Crossword # 14 

BY By FLTLT Kelli KELLI Williams WILLIAMS, AIR POWER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE 

1 2 

3 4 5 6 

11 

13 

7 8 

9 10 

12 

15 16 

ACROss �� 

20 

3. �� 

Aircraft housing 

4. �� 

Capital of Switzerland 

9. �� 

Self Protection systems seek 

�� 

to overcome this air power 

characteristic 

�� 

12. Marching practice 

�� 

13. 3 Sqn’s first aircraft, 1938 

�� 

15. �� 

Distance that can be covered by 

an aircraft without a refuel 

�� 

18. Location of Operation INTERFET 

�� 

(4,5) 

�� 

20. First RNZAF CAS 

21. �� A Private in the Artillery 

�� 

DOWN �� 

1. �� 

Aircraft used as pilot trainer 

before CT-4 

�� 

2. �� 

4 star US Army rank 

3. �� 

Other than the Spitfire, the main 

aircraft type was used in the Battle 

of Britain (6,9) 

17 

brain fitness 


14 

18 19 

21 

5. The RNZAF aircraft retired in 

1977 known as ‘Ugly’ was the ____ 

Freighter 

6. Air force rank equivalent to Navy 

Sub Lieutenant (6,7) 

7. Air power characteristic which 

allows quick diversion 

8. Air force rank equivalent to Army 

Lieutenant Colonel (4,7) 

10. Type of warfare where strengths 

are used against weaknesses 

11. An operation where the forces 

of 2 or more allied nations act 

together 

14. In 1993 flying training moved from 

which ex RNZAF base to Ohakea 

16. F-15 

17. Name of old 75 Squadron mascot, 

FLTLT Henry ____ 

19. P-3 

sOLuTION—CROssWORD #13 

ACROss 1. Tactics 3. Reach 7. Moorhouse 8. NGOs 9. Woodbourne 10. Rhodes 11. Training 13. Coalition 

16. Piston 17. Radar 18. Victoria 19. Skyhawk 20. Seamless 

DOWN 2. Cross 4. Air Training 5. Vulnerability 6. Sunderland 12. Colonel 13. Coral Sea 14. ISR 15. Nowra 

29

notices 

Farewells 

Base Auckland 

sgT J.A. Taylor 

Terminate: 28/01/11 

Specialisation: Armament Technician 

CPL E.R. McDougall 


Specialisation: Senior Medic 

AC M.T bourke 


Specialisation: Avionics Mechanic 

AC Y.v. Kovalchuk 


Specialisation: Administrative Specialist 

LAC A.F Alipate 

Terminate 21/01/11 

Specialisation: Senior Fire-fighter 

Base ohakea 

W/O J.W. spence 


Specialisation: Armament Technician 

sgT C. beauvais 


Specialisation: Senior Medic 

sgT D.J gilmour 


Specialisation: Avionics Technician 

CPL C. Almeida 


Specialisation: Senior Supply Specialist 

CPL D.E. Hurndell 


Specialisation: Physical Fitness 

Instructor 

CPL s.J. Roberts 



CPL C.A. Thompson 



30 www.airforce.mil.nz | afn119 october 2010 

rNzaF promotioNs 

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

Rank Initials Surname Trade Effective 

CPL P.R. COMBE SASYSPEC 31/01/2011 

SGT R. GULLIFORD SASYSPEC 31/01/2011 

WGCDR M.F. SALVADOR TDO 31/01/2011 

FLTLT J.A. ARNOTT-STEEL PILOT 31/01/2011 

FLTLT N.J. BARRACK PILOT 31/01/2011 

FLTLT J.B. WALLACE ENGR 30/01/2011 

FLTLT J.A. YOUNG ENGR 30/01/2011 

FLTLT I.A. PETERS INTELO 30/01/2011 

FGOFF K.T. DOOLEY PILOT 29/01/2011 

FGOFF T.J. CORKERY PILOT 29/01/2011 

FGOFF B.E. MANN PILOT 29/01/2011 

A/CPL A.C. FIELDES AVTECH 28/01/2011 

F/S J.N. STOWELL ENG 24/01/2011 

A/SGT O.S. DOWTHWAITE SSUPSPEC 24/01/2011 

A/SGT R.R. GREGORY LOGSPEC 17/01/2011 

LAC D.s. Lee 


Specialisation: Senior Fire-fighter 

LAC H.g. Low 



LAC K.s.R. Moses 



LAC K.J. varu 



AC b.H. Holly 


Specialisation: Supply Specialist 

AC s.s. Perrett 


Specialisation: Assistance Aviation 

Refueller 

Wellington 

WgCDR C.R. Falconer 


Specialisation: Chaplain 

WgCDR A.W. Robertson 


Specialisation: Supply Officer 

FLTLT J.P. bradley 


Specialisation: Pilot 

W/O s.M. Millar 



CPL A. Morgan 


Specialisation: Senior Administrative 

Specialist 

Woodbourne 

PLTOFF P.T.N stiles 


Specialisation: Pilot Under Training 

F/s A.s. Lyster 


Specialisation: Aircraft Technician 

sgT N.K. Mills 


Specialisation: Senior Supply Specialist

AC J.I. Elder 


Specialisation: Fire-fighter 

AC A.J. gray 


Specialisation: Communications and 

Information Systems Mechanic Under 

Training 

AC R.C.C. Kidd 


Specialisation: Aircraft Mechanic 

AC L.W. Peake 


Specialisation: Aircraft Mechanic Under 

Training 

AC g.C. Rientjes 


Speicalisation: Aircraft Mechanic Under 

Training 

Maori TV seeks 

ANZAC 

STORIES 

Maori Television is looking for 

personal stories related to WWI, 

WWII, or other conflicts involving New 

Zealanders that can be made into 

short articles as part of their 2011 

Anzac Day broadcast. 

Producer, Carmel Jennings is looking 

for personal stories about people’s 

experiences during wartime that may 

have happened to you, someone in 

your family, or to friends. 

All stories will be pre-recorded and 

told as the owner would like. 

If you have a funny, sad, heroic, 

different, or unusual wartime story, 

please email: 

carmel.jennings@maoritelevision.com 

reuNioNs 

55th rNZAF 

Boy entrant School 

reunion 1956 intake 

18–20 February 2011, blenheim 

Ex ‘Boys’ from the 1956 Royal New 

Zealand Air Force Boy Entrant intake are 

invited to celebrate our 55th Reunion. 

For more information, contact: 

Gray Adams (Reunion Secretary) 

Phone: (03) 578–5335 

Email: graya@slingshot.co.nz 

Airwomen’s reunion 

WAAF—WrNZAF—rNZAF 

17–18 March 2011, Auckland 

Do you have, or know of, a mother, 

grandmother or family member who 

served with the WAAF, WRNZAF or 

RNZAF? Encourage them to attend our 

upcoming reunion. 


Billie Biel, Reunion Convener 

Phone: (09) 533–1593 

Email: billie@heliharvest.co.nz 

41 Squadron rNZAF 

Association reunion 

1-3 April 2011, Mt Maunganui 

All former members of 41 Squadron, 

RNZAF are invited to attend. 


Des Budd Sec/Tres 

Phone/Fax: (09) 431 5433 

Email: des.glen@xtra.co.nz. 

In the March issue of 

Air Force News … 

Wings over Wairarapa 


notices 

31

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