ANNIVeRSARY AIR SHow! - Royal New Zealand Air Force

First word
First Word
By Air Vice-Marshal
Peter stockwell,
Chief of Air Force
on 1 April 2012 we officially turned 75. our 75th
Anniversary has been an opportunity to celebrate
our proud heritage and showcase the work we do in
New Zealand, the region and around the world.
This quarter has been busy with all the activities and events planned for this year’s
celebrations in addition to our current work schedules. A number of events—too
many to mention here—have provided the opportunity for everyone to celebrate
and reflect on 75 years. by everyone I mean serving and retired Air Force personnel,
the wider defence Force, supporters, friends and allies from overseas, as well as
businesses and supporting organisations.
exercise kIwIFlAG provided the opportunity for our international defence
partners to share in the celebrations and participate in our Air Show. It was a privilege
to host military officials from major international Air Forces including the French
Armed Forces, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air
Force, United States Air Force and United States Marine corps.
I have been impressed by the way our airmen and airwomen have continued to take
on additional work and make our Air Show and the many other events something we
can all be proud of. The Air Show was spectacular and it was a very appropriate way
to celebrate our Air Force’s anniversary—it was wonderful to see so many visitors
to ohakea. we estimate 60,000 to 70,000 people came to the Air Show; a fantastic
turnout. I was disappointed that some people caught up in traffic congestion missed
out on a great show.
The Red checkers delighted audiences across the country as they performed their
aerial displays during their national tour and, for the first time in many years, a RNZAF
Guard of Honour marched through the wellington cbd to the Parliament Forecourt,
for our Anniversary Parade.
There have been a number of special events. A book covering the RNZAF’s history
was commissioned; Fighting Spirit, 75 years of the RNZAF, by Margaret Mcclure
chronicles our past and leads into our future in a very colourful and descriptive
way. The author has done a great job of capturing not only the deeds of the RNZAF,
but more importantly, our spirit. The author has detailed the birth, growth and
transformation of the RNZAF into the force it is today.
New Zealand Post has produced an outstanding stamp issue portraying our range
of activities and aircraft throughout the years, from the early Tiger Moth aircraft to
the modern NH90, and so illustrates our past, present and immediate future. They
also produced a commemorative pure silver 1oz coin, the only New Zealand legal
tender coin officially authorised to commemorate our 75 years.
These events have all helped showcase the RNZAF and reminded New Zealanders
that we have a very professional and capable Air Force. Thank you to all those men
and women who helped to make our 75th Anniversary a great success. I am very
proud of what we have achieved on this very important year.
celebrating 75 Years of service to new Zealand
FRoM lTGeN
RHYS JoNeS,
cHIeF oF deFeNce FoRce
congratulations to the RNZAF on
your 75th Anniversary. A highlight of
the celebrations was the Air Show at
RNZAF base ohakea ; it captured the
imagination of the many who attended.
In 1937 New Zealand created an
independent air service that was
co-equal with our Army and Navy. back
then, as the world was engulfed in war,
the need for effective and up to date air
power was quickly proven, not only in
the battle of britain but in other theatres
of war such as crete and Singapore
The courageous deeds of our airmen
are still recognised, not only with the
three Vcs won over europe and the
Atlantic, but also with the forthcoming
unveiling of the bomber command
Memorial in london.
Since wwII, New Zealand has, with
its allies and partners, played a full and
respected part in world events, and the
RNZAF has provided New Zealand’s
contribution in response to many
crises. The RNZAF has played a key role
in peacekeeping operations around
the world and today its aircraft and
personnel continue to deploy in support
of peace and stability.
our Air Force also plays an important
role protecting and assisting New
Zealanders and our Pacific neighbours.
The achievements of our maritime
squadrons, first with flying boats and
now with P-3 orions in searching for
vessels in distress, or responding to
distant medical emergencies, are
legend.
The RNZAF today is an essential
part of the NZdF and, through the
capabilities of its new and modernised
aircraft , will play a vital part in our
future Joint Amphibious Task Force.
Underlying our capabilities are the
talents and commitment of our people
and I salute the men and women of the
RNZAF who not only continue a proud
tradition, but are building the Air Force
of today as a key part of our future
defence Force.
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