AIR FORCE
O U R
W E B S I T E :
W W W . A I R F O R C E . M I L . N Z
NEWS
V I S I T
DEC05
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE
Seasons Greetings
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
1
CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES
AVM JOHN HAMILTON
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE
Summer, holidays, Christmas and time away from work and spent with our families are
rapidly approaching. It is the end of another working year and an opportunity to look back
on the year that has been. It is a year that has had its challenges and its successes.
Again you have toiled on with less than the number of personnel required to fully man units
and you have accepted uncomplainingly the additional burden that places on individuals. But
we have now been given the go ahead to recruit towards a new and higher strength which
will slowly improve the situation.
We have commenced two of the major upgrade programmes on the Orions and the Hercules
with those for the Boeing and helicopters just around the corner. This work has called for
energy, patience and focus and I have seen that in spades. We continue to enjoy the lowest
turn-over of personnel in decades and there is a buoyant and confident mood amongst
RNZAF personnel.
Flying activity has continued at a high pace in all units through conducting a wide variety of
training, tasks and support to New Zealand missions throughout the world. Nowhere is that
effort more poignant than the response made to the tsunami during Christmas holidays last
year, but it is also reflected in the searches conducted around our coasts, and in New Zealand
and the Pacific during the year, as well as the flights made to Afghanistan or the support
provided to the RNZN deployments. Your work has touched the lives of many.
That impact arises from the tremendous capacity and willingness that RNZAF personnel have
shown during 2005. I appreciate it and know that it also comes with some penalties that are
largely hidden from view by dint of your loyalty, dedication and pride. You can be proud that
your efforts produce our success as an Air Force and, if we are all honest, that also involves
considerable sacrifices made by our families. Once again I am pleased, proud and extremely
grateful for that support and the effort that underpins all that we do. I hope that effort can be
recompensed during the holiday break.
This Christmas I intend having time off with my family at home and in Hawkes Bay. It is
not going to be particularly energetic; I plan it to involve some aero club flying just for the
fun, but far more importantly, it is to involve time together and, I hope, free of stresses and
strains! No matter how you spend your Christmas, I urge you to pause and think about those
that cannot spend it in the way that you intend. In particular, I urge you to spare a thought for
those Air Force personnel who are deployed in some of the remote and less peaceful parts
of the world, or are on duty at home but nevertheless separated from family and friends, and
the traditions of Christmas at home.
I wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Enjoy your
holiday season. Be safe wherever you are and in whatever you do. We all need you! I hope
the majority of you can relax and regenerate to return to work invigorated and ready to tackle
the challenges of 2006.
2
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
WN 05-0225-15
DECEMBER 2005, ISSUE 66
OUR MISSION:
To carry out military air operations to advance New
Zealand’s security interests, with professionalism,
integrity and teamwork.
The official journal and forum of the Royal New
Zealand Air Force established for the information,
education and enjoyment of its personnel and other
people interested in RNZAF and associated matters.
Published by: NZDF Public Relations Unit
NZDF HQ
Wellington
New Zealand
Telephone: (04) 496 0289
Fax:(04) 496 0290
Editorial authority: Ian Brunton
Editor: Grant Carr
[email protected]
Design and Layout: Elisha Bunn
[email protected]
Proofreader: Katrina Randerson
Printed by: Keeling and Mundy Limited
PO Box 61
Palmerston North
Editorial contributions and letters to the editor are welcome.
Deployed personnel relax by playing some basketball at PRT camp in Afghanistan.
FEATURES
4 ROOM AT THE TOP
Senior Officers
32 NCO QUALIFICATIONS
Taking a step up
8 CO REPORTS
Highlights and prospects
34 RE-ENLISTMENTS
Signing on, again
10 BEING THE BOSS IN BAMIAN
GPCAPT Duxfield’s candid view
35 BLACKBIRD
Mountain flying
12 CHRISTMAS ON DEPLOYMENT
Home away from home
36 LIFE AT SCOTT BASE
I’ll have ice with that
17 STEEL TALON
Ex Silver Warrior support
37 JOB LESS ORDINARY
Harrier restoration
18 TACEX
Trouble in Taupostan
38 10,000 HOUR MAN
P-3 achievement
19 CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Operational Support Squadron
39 AN UNUSUAL PATROL
Norpat? SAR?
24 C-130 UPGRADE
Life Extension Programme
40 KIWI CAN-DO
MAROPS adds value
26 NEED A PHOTO?
Professional photographers
41 WONDERFUL WINGS
Wings graduates
All contributions may be sent direct to Air Force News and do
AIR FORCE
V I S I T
O U R
W E B S I T E :
W W W . A I R F O R C E . M I L . N Z
LAC Pethig at work on electrical componentry.
NEWS
not need to be forwarded through normal command chains.
Letters are to be signed with the writer’s name, rank and
unit although, unless requested otherwise, only the rank
DEC05
and geographical location of the writer will be published.
The editorial staff reserves the right to abridge letters.
MISS REBECCA KELLEHER WB 05-0158-02
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.
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE
Anonymous, offensive or abusive letters will not be published.
Opinions expressed in Air Force News are not necessarily
those of the RNZAF or NZDF. Nothing in NEWS should
be taken as overriding any Defence regulations. Readers
should refer to the relevant Service publication before acting
on any information given in this periodical. No item is to be
reproduced, in part or whole, without the specific permission
of the editor.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
REGULARS
NIKKI PAYNE
CHRISTMAS CHEER:
Seasons greetings and best wishes to all our
readers for a relaxing and safe Christmas and
New Year from the staff of the Defence Public
Relations Unit.
Seasons Greetings
42 SPORTS
Sports awards, softball, surfing, shooting
51 MUSEUM
‘Pip’ Piper
3
ROOM AT THE TOP
It is not known if AVM Hamilton or MAJ GEN Mataparae will be
seeking the CDF’s position but both are eligible for promotion.
AIRMSHL Ferguson took over as CDF four years ago at a time when the
NZDF was wracked with rivalry but under his leadership it has shrugged
off the past and developed a strong tri-Service commitment.
It has also been a busy time for the NZDF with major deployments
to Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and the Middle East stretching
its resources.
New Defence Minister Mr Phil Goff commended AIRMSHL Ferguson
for his contribution to the Defence Force.
THE SOUTHLAND TIMES
There’ll be room at the top of the NZDF when the contracts for three
top jobs end in February 2006. Contracts for Chief of Defence Force,
AIRMSHL Bruce Ferguson, Chief of Air Force AVM John Hamilton and
Chief of Army MAJ GEN Jerry Mateparae all expire in February.
The process of selecting successors will be overseen by the State
Services Commissioner and the Government. Appointment recommendations are expected to be put forward to the Governor General
early in the new year.
A number of high-ranking senior officers in all three Services are
expected to be invited to put their name forward for the vacancies.
COMMITMENT RECOGNISED
W/O BUZZ HARVEY
4
FLTLT Evan Madden (R) of No 12 (City of Invercargill) ATC Squadron is
presented his Cadet Forces Medal by friend and colleague SQNLDR
Shane Cole, Cadet Unit Commander of No 17 (City of Christchurch)
ATC Squadron.
The Cadet Forces Medal is presented to NZCF Officers who complete
12 years efficient and continuous service. During the past 12 years,
FLTLT Madden has completed the NZCF Officers Commissioning Course,
Training Management Course and Range Safety Officers Course. He
has also recently returned from the NZCF Command Course, on which
he performed very well, finishing in the top group of students.
In addition to this formal NZCF officer training FLTLT Madden has
completed a NZ Mountain Safety Council Risk Management Course
and a Rescue course with Civil Defence. He has also staffed numerous
NZCF Cadet Promotion and Bushcraft Courses, been a reliable and
dedicated NZCF officer and provided valuable support to the youth
of Invercargill. He has put in significant effort into the development
of a quality training programme for 12 Squadron and is active with
promoting inter-unit activities amongst the other cadet units of Southland, Otago and Canterbury.
PINNED ON
At a rank ‘pinning on ceremony’ on Monday 8 November F/S (now
W/O) Matthew Kerr of SAP Support Group (SSG), Porirua received
his new rank at a morning tea. Pinning on the new rank slides are
CDR Andrew Patterson (RNZN) and W/O Sean Strang. CDR Patterson
has now been posted to a UN position in Afghanistan.
NEW NZDF SPORTS STORE
The outgoing Chairperson of NZDF Sport GPCAPT Steve Moore officially opened the new NZDF Sports store in Trentham Camp on 15
November. Since January 2005, GPCAPT Moore has been a strong
advocate of NZDF Sport and has been instrumental in its ongoing
development and the acquisition of the new store that will house
all NZDF sports clothing and
equipment for issue to NZDF
teams.
GPCAPT Moore is posted
overseas in December 2005
and will be replaced by LT
CDR Ian Andrew as the Acting
Chairperson until a new Chairperson can be appointed.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
AK 05-0503-18
Whether or not you have insurance is a personal choice. Senior
leadership in the RNZAF recognises the benefit to the Service of its
personnel having some insurance. If you do not have a policy, look
at this plan and evaluate it against other insurance plans.
The existing exclusion clause relating to deaths, serious disablement and terminal illness that result from performing ‘Belligerent
Operations’ (armed combat operations) has been clarified and a clause
has been put in place covering deaths and serious disablements that
result from acts of terrorism involving nuclear weapons, chemical or
biological agents. The ‘Belligerent Operations’ exclusion does not
apply when Service members are undertaking peacekeeping, United
Nations and other observer duties, exchange posts, military and
humanitarian aid/reconstruction programmes.
These changes have been made necessary because of international
events over recent years, including the ‘War on Terrorism’, together
with the higher cost of catastrophe insurance cover has made it necessary for Sovereign to now make changes to the exclusions contained
in the Master Policy and increase premiums by a small amount.
The premium increase will also provide members with additional
benefits that include members being able to apply for a 100% payout
of their cover when diagnosed with a terminal illness and the 30%
serious disablement benefit will now be extended to cover a greater
range of critical illnesses.
From their first full pay period in December 2005, members will be
required to pay an additional $1 per pay if their life cover is $100,000,
$1.50 if their policy is for $150,000 and $2 extra for the maximum
individual cover under the plan of $200,000.
Members who accept the changes do not need to do anything as
NZDF payroll will be asked to make the premium changes for you.
Plan members will receive individual letters from Sovereign
confirming details of the premium changes.
If you have questions call Sovereign’s Helpline on 0800 104 964.
AK 05-0503-16
GROUP LIFE INSURANCE
NEW SQUADRON’S
MEDALS PARADE
Chief of Navy RAD David Ledson presents SGT G. Hitchcock with his
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. The presentation was one
of a number made on 31 October, the same day Naval Support Flight
stood up as No. 6 Squadron. The Maritime Component Commander,
CDR Jack Stear and the Air Component Commander AIRCDRE Dick
Newlands also attended the medal presentation. CN also presented
the Squadron with a painting, ‘Seasprite Sea spray’ painting by Colin
C. Wynn.
ATTRITION ‘STOP-LOSS’
BARRY ALLISON
TOP SHOT WEDDING
There was no shortage of professional photographers on hand when
former Air Force photographer, the effervescent Caroline ‘Daisy’
Mitchell married NZ Army CAPT Kevin Williams on Labour weekend
at Paekakariki. And aren’t they a lovely couple.
Former Air Force photog Colin McDiarmid was the ‘official’ photographer who took the image above. Eve Welch, Debs Erickson, Ben Allen
and John Williams were in the bridal party.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
The NZDF may have reached a ‘stop-loss’ state in its efforts to
reduce personnel turnover.
Despite a slight increase for Navy the NZDF Regular Force attrition
rate has stabilised with Army and Air Force recording decreases,
says the Directorate of Strategic Human Resource Requirements’
(DSHRR) Quarterly Personnel Report for the third quarter of 2005.
Assistant Chief (Personnel) Commodore Bruce Pepperell said the
Defence Force is gaining traction on its goals.
“We hope the trends will continue through to January-FebruaryMarch, when attrition is traditionally high - that will be the true
test of how well we are progressing.
The full report may be accessed on the NZDF Intranet via
HQNZDF – Pers Branch – Strategic HR – Reports –Personnel reports
– Quarterly. http://ilp/FrameTool.asp?Target=http://dcsbhost2/
pers/persbranch.htm
5
THE YEAR THAT WAS 2005
W/O OF THE AIR FORCE
KEITH GELL
6
The end of the year is always a time to contemplate what was
and what is to be. Here are some of my thoughts for the year
that was, 2005.
MANNING: At last the manning cap was lifted and we are now
seeing additional personnel being recruited. It will take a good six
months before we see some physical results. However, at least
the horses are out of the stables.
CORE MILITARY SKILLS TRAINING: Great initiative and well
executed.
OUR FLYING SQNS: What can I say, the scoreboard says it all,
and nothing stops, right up to Christmas. I salute you.
TRI-SERVICE DRILL: How easy was this? Now we have one.
AUCKLAND J/Rs BALL: Despite some minor altercations, after
I left, a great highlight, make sure you have another one.
OHAKEA J/Rs CLUB: Well done, this place has come alive, I
feel a sense of ownership in your club.
RNZAF MAORI CULTURE GROUP: Tumeke
AUCKLAND W/Os & SNCOs Mess: CMC suite. Unbelievable.
RECRUIT INSTRUCTORS: After viewing every passing out
parade, a great effort by our team of instructors. Very proud.
NZQA: Good to see some movement in this area. Well
done TDHQ.
SPORTS: My highlights. RNZAF Volleyball team for winning
inter-Services 16 years in a row, Hockey for re-inventing itself,
and the Base Auckland League team for 18 years of continuous
Saturday club football, plus a winners trophy.
No.6 SQUADRON: About time, talked about this when I was
there in the 80’s.
JEMS TEAM: One word for it, professionalism.
FITNESS: I passed my run test, as did the Chief, so something
is right in the mix. Do we really need to change it?
RECRUITERS: A very difficult job in today’s market of finding
talent. You are doing a great job for a small team.
TRAINEES: Some say you are different, you’re okay in my books,
and the future is bright for you.
BUREAUCRACY: Why does it have to be this way?
NCO TRAINING PROJECT: On time, on target, great effort
Mr Warren.
ARMED FORCES SUPERANNUATION SCHEME:
Finally producing double figure returns, well done the trustees.
OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. They are setting the pace in many
areas, lots of energy, lots of passion. Keep up
you older folk, get in tune with this generation.
What about 2006;
JEMS: Start planning for next year. There will be a hump to
go over, plan for it.
NCO TRAINING: Watch for a new concept.
COMMAND: Someone new in the driving seat,
watch this space.
PROJECTS: Watch the throttle go forward.
INSTRUCTING: Everyone has the potential, it is your duty.
SPORT: Make 2006 better than 2005.
OPERATIONS: Something that has to remain on everyone’s
radar screen.
DCM: It cops a lot of unjustified bagging, make an effort to
understand it.
NEW ID CARDS: Hopefully it won’t turn into a Tui ad.
BUREAUCRACY: Lets hope the DSI does not create a bigger
bureaucracy.
OUR PEOPLE: Our most important asset, keep it on your radar
screen. We have good people, keep it that way.
Have a good break, I’ll be on the beaches at the Mount.
Look us up if you’re in the area. God bless you all and God bless
our deployerd personnel.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
CAF VISITS JOINT SECURITY AREA/ PANMUNJOM
FGOFF DAN ABEL
During October Chief of Air Force, AVM Hamilton was in Seoul for the Seoul
Air Show. During the week he took the opportunity to visit the Joint Security
Area (JSA), also known as Panmunjom, up on the border between North
and South Korea. It is located within the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ.
The JSA is a unique and fascinating place. Many have described it as
the last of the Cold War type borders similar to those historically seen
between the East and West. In the JSA, security members from North and
South face off daily at distances of less than 10 meters.
A simple concrete strip no more than 20 cm in width and 5 cm high
delineates the border, or Military Demarcation Line. Up until 1976 the
forces in this area weren’t separated. The Armistice Agreement of 1953,
which stopped hostilities in the Korean War, was signed at Panmunjom.
Sides intermingled freely in this area until two United Nations Command
officers were axed to death in 1976. From that point the sides have been
separated and face each other daily under the watchful eye of the hundreds
of tourists, mostly foreigners, who visit the JSA on both sides each day.
The CAF was treated to a VIP tour, as is required for his status as a two
star general. Accompanied by Defence Attaché to South Korea, Colonel
T. Gall, who is also the Senior NZ Liaison Officer to the United Nations
Command, CAF was shown around the area’s many historic buildings and
locations.
Within the JSA CAF toured The Joint Duty Office, location of the newly
arrived junior New Zealand Officer. The primary role of this office is to
maintain a 24-hour hotline between North and South Korea. CAF visited
Conference Row and the T- buildings (‘T’ standing for Temporary) in which
were held Armistice-related talks for the past 53 years.
CAF, LTCDR Gill, and DA Col Gall in front of the UN monument to those
nations that fought in the Korean War. If one were to draw a line
immediately above their heads, the land above it is North Korea.
He was shown the location of the actual building where the Armistice
was signed (now located in North Korea), the site of the 1976 axe murders,
and the Bridge of No Return. The Bridge of No Return is named for its role
in the POW Repatriations following the end of hostilities in 1953. It is a
very important landmark to all those involved in the Korean War. At the
end of the tour CAF commented that the visit had been a highlight of his
visit to Korea, it really underlined the seriousness of the cold war legacy
on the Korean Peninsula.
If one wants to gain an appreciation of the Korean Conflict, the Armistice
Agreement, its legacy and the complicated South – North Korean situation
that remains today then the JSA is the place.
The New Zealand Defence Force is preparing as much as possible
for the role it may have following an outbreak of avian influenza in
New Zealand.
While Defence has a ‘fair idea’ of what the Government may wish
it do in the event of an outbreak, firm decisions have not yet been
made, says the Director General of Defence Medical Services, BRIG
Anne Campbell.
The NZDF has been involved in all the Intercessional Planning Group
meetings called to discuss the possibility of an outbreak, and is also
involved in 15 other working groups, set up to look at a variety of other
issues, including border control, the law, and schools and education.
BRIG Campbell says Defence’s first priority is to preserve its full
strength as much as possible, so that it is ready and able to do whatever the Government requires of it.
Defence has a stockpile of the anti-viral medication Tamiflu that is
for Defence personnel who are deployed overseas.
Personal protection equipment packs have been prepared for those
personnel who may have to deal with significant risks.
‘The most important issue for Defence personnel – and for that
matter everyone – is personal hygiene. Hand-washing after sneezing,
coughing and bathroom use is vital, as is hand-washing before food
preparation. Sick people should stay at home. Air-conditioning systems
in offices need to be checked to ensure they are working properly.’
BRIG Campbell says she feels New Zealand, because of its
geographic isolation, as well as the planning that has been done
already, is in a relatively good position as far as a possible pandemic
is concerned.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
OH 05-0509-03
PANDEMIC PLANNING
TRIPLE SEVEN
The first of Air New Zealand’s eight new B777 made a brief stopover
at RNZAF Base Ohakea on 2 November. The aircraft’s crew familiarised themselves with Ohakea’s facilities which can be used as an
emergency and alternative airfield.
The 313-seat B777-200ER is well suited to long haul flights and
will be progressively introduced on Air New Zealand’s AucklandSingapore, Auckland-San Francisco and proposed new AucklandShanghai routes. They will gradually replace many of the airline’s
B767-300s. The B777s are all powered by Rolls Royce Trent 800
series engines.
7
8
AIR COMPONENT COMMANDER
AIRCDRE DICK NEWLANDS
CO NO.3 SQUADRON
WGCDR RON THACKER
CO NO.5 SQUADRON
WGCDR JOHN LOVATT
As 2005 dawned, quite a few of us were already
back at work providing support to the victims of
the Asian Tsunami. The year that followed proved
to be busy from an operational perspective,
requiring a solid effort from everyone to keep
our aircraft flying.
Next year will continue to present challenges
in meeting operational commitments with Orion,
Hercules and (later in the year) Boeing 757
aircraft out of service for upgrades. This will
require us to get the maximum possible utilisation
from the smaller pool of aircraft that we will have
available over the next few years until the various
upgrade programmes are completed. This will
require flexibility and innovation from all of us.
Thank you all for your efforts over this past year.
The one thing that never ceases to surprise me is
about our Air Force is the enthusiasm, initiative,
cheerfulness and high standards exhibited by all
our people. It is those traits that makes this such
a great organisation, and that makes it a pleasure
to go to work each day.
The Christmas period will allow many of us
to take a well-deserved break from our duties.
Make the most of this time, and enjoy the summer
– it looks like being a great one.
For the first time in almost a decade, No 3
Squadron has spent the entire calendar year
without any commitment to an overseas
operation. Nonetheless, we have been busy.
We have continued to train both for our core
roles and for the many additional tasks that come
our way. We have carried out training in tropical
operations in Fiji, Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
operations in Waiouru and Tekapo, mountain
flying in the Dip Flat area, and tactical operations
around the central plateau. We have also
expanded our capabilities over the past year:
• We have developed and exercised a ‘green’
role NVG capability (in addition to the counterterrorist role for which NVGs were acquired),
which is now complimented by all-through
NVG training.
• We have introduced the Portable Flight
Planning System (PFPS), a computer-based
mission planning/mission rehearsal system,
complimented by a comprehensive GIS
database.
• We have made great strides toward achieving
full certification of the Iroquois CUGR GPS.
In short, we have continued to meet our
outputs while keeping a watchful eye on the
future. We consider ourselves well on the path
to our vision: ‘to be a modern, flexible, combat
capable helicopter force which is the squadron
of choice’.
After the operational deployment highlights of
recent years, 2005 has been a year of consolidation on No.5 Squadron with capability development initiatives, training, exercises, operations
and, of course, ‘routine’ search and rescues, the
focus of attention throughout much of the year.
The highlight of 2005 was without doubt hosting
exercises Tasmanex and Fincastle at Whenuapai.
Other highlights include deployments to the UK,
South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Australia,
with MK-82 depth bombing conducted at home
and MK-46 torpedoes dropped in Australia. And
of course, the delivery of the first P-3K to L-3
Communications in the USA was a significant
step in the P-3K2 upgrade programme.
At home, major progress has been made
achieving the P-3K baseline configuration, and I
would like to formally thank the technicians and
engineers who have supported and implemented
ongoing P-3K systems development initiatives.
Most significant of these has been the fitment
of the MX-20 Electro Optic sensor to the P-3K.
This is an ‘early-fit’ initiative ahead of the major
P-3K2 upgrade and it will enable the RNZAF to
meet immediate Government Agency tasking
requirements until the P-3K2 enters service.
We do not know what significant events will
dictate our operational profile next year, but
based on our recent operational tempo, we know
it will be challenging, exciting and rewarding!
As the year draws to a close I wish to thank
the men and women of No.5 Squadron, and their
partners and families, for their commitment to
‘Team 5’ throughout the year, and to all those
in the wider RNZAF that support what we do at
‘the sharp end’.
Finally, as you all toast the New Year; spare
a moment to remember CPL Clinton Smith and
AC Kiel Nolly, both members of No. 5 Squadron
and both tragically killed on 3 April 2005. No.5
Squadron remembers them!
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
CO NO.40 SQUADRON
WGCDR TONY DAVIES
CO OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SQUADRON
WGCDR LEANNE WOON
CO GROUND TRAINING WING
WGCDR ANDREW ROBERTSON
It has been another very busy year for No.40
Squadron and the pace has been relentless since
the Boxing Day Tsunami Relief efforts onwards
including The Royal Tour of HRH The Prince of
Wales, Solomon Islands Support, Middle East
(x3), FANC Exchange, Avalon Airshow, Omaka
Airshow, MFAT Pacific Tour, PM of Malaysia,
cyclone relief efforts in Rarotonga, SAR efforts
in Fiji, Gallipoli Commemorations, Maple Flag,
Tropic Twilight, JRTC, JMC Support, RAF Cosford
Air Display, VJ Day Commemorations, Longlook
Redeployment, Suman Warrior, CSC Support,
Pacific Forum, OP CRIB, Ex Crossed Swords,
Ex Tropic Astra, Ex Kakadu, Bersama Lima, the
Whenuapai Airshow, the PM of Bahrain Tour, and
hundreds of other flying tasks and training sorties.
Right now the unit is engaged with ICECUBE and
another CRIB changeover deployment.
The men and women of No.40 Squadron can
be proud of this year’s efforts and their important
contributions to the collective NZDF outputs.
They deserve a well earned break and can look
forward to an exciting and challenging 2006. A
special thanks also goes out to all the units that
work with and support No.40 Squadron. On
behalf of all of us here at 40, have a safe, happy
and well-earned Christmas break.
2005 began busily for OSS with the deployment
of three Air Loading Teams (ALT) to Indonesia,
while continuing to support Antarctica. Personnel
with previous Air Movements experience were
loaned from Base Logistic Units. The prime focus
for OSS this year has been in the development of
the RNZAF’s expeditionary capability from both a
personnel and deployment perspective.
The personnel side has seen the introduction
of Core Military Skills (CMS) training. CMS is
being run alternate weeks at Bases Auckland
and Ohakea with 25 percent of RNZAF personnel
now trained. Base Woodbourne CMS is planned
to start in early 2006. From a pure deployment
perspective OSS acted as the Mounting Unit for
Exercises TROPIC ASTRA and TUNEX ASTRA.
This involved the planning and deployment of
250 NZDF personnel to Nadi Air Field. This task
has allowed the OSS to start developing the
CONOPS for future deployments. As part of this
process the RNZAF Expeditionary Pack-up Project
has begun, which is investigating not only how
the RNZAF manages its Expeditionary Pack-up,
but also the identification of both current and
future capabilities. Next year will, no doubt, be
another challenging and rewarding year for the
OSS. Bring it on!
Ground Training Wing (GTW) has faced a
challenging 2005 as the full impact of reduced
recruiting, trade training and staff numbers
were clearly felt. Notwithstanding this, GTW
continued to meet its key training outputs as
well as contributing to significant SG2 events by
organising RNZAF Trade Displays at community
events, Career Expos and the Omaka Classic
Air Show.
Noting the positive impact of Defence
Sustainability Initiative funding on personnel
strength, 2006 will prove to be an exciting and
busy year.
We look forward to seeing a significant
increase in the number of Recruits, Officer Cadets
and Primary Trade Trainees graduating from GTW.
Bring it on!
Again its been a busy year for the Air Force. But honestly most of
us wouldn’t have it any other way. It certainly started off with a
bang with the tragic Asian Tsunami pulling in the efforts of many
personnel. Here our Squadron Commanding Officers give a brief
roundup of the highlights of the year and the outlook for 2006.
CO REPORTS
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
9
WB 05-0104-04
BEING THE BOSS IN BAMYAN
WB 05-0252-11
WB 05-0252-13
‘It is very difficult for me to separate a particular memory from a six-month
kaleidoscope,’ GPCAPT Duxfield said. ‘My mind has captured a movie of
images. The landscape, the people, the activities, the sheer range of people
and places – from Kabul palaces to lonely places in blizzards, the camaraderie
of a forward patrol base to the hustle of Bagram, they’re all in there.’
‘Undoubtedly the most enjoyable aspect of my job was the immense
privilege of commanding a great team doing a real job in a tough situation.
At the other end of the scale was dealing firmly but politely with unsavoury
characters in the provincial administration, who thought nothing of deliberately and callously undermining the reconstruction effort to benefit their
own pocket.
‘I had some absolutely stand-out young men and women, people who made
a huge contribution. They provided the glue to hold it all together right down
at the working level, where it really counted, and the energy to keep at it
when everyone had had enough. They really characterised what the NZDF
is all about, in terms of our culture and values. I enjoyed just giving them
the nod and watching them go for it.
‘We are fostering change. Bamyan has a relatively permissive security
environment, which allows reconstruction to continue. It’s easy to pick on
the obvious successes of schools, wells, roads and buildings, but I want
to highlight the less tangible areas of the stability that the people enjoy.
Stability brought about through thousands of kilometres and hours of
night and day patrolling, much over almost impassable tracks. Thousands
of meetings and cups of choi (the local tea) and endless hours of firm
persuasion and debate going into building relationships. In many cases
the only evidence of change is a quiet wave or a group of children playing
with a Frisbee, but the change is there.
‘We can always do better, as a matter of principle. There are plenty of
things I would like to do better – the best ideas I hope we managed to hand
over to the new team so that they could be better than we were.
‘In general terms peace is winning in Bamyan. But Bamyan has always
suffered from external influences, inside and outside of Afghanistan, and
that will continue. Arms dumps/caches are still being found because it takes
time to win the trust of the people who know where the caches are. Many
will not be surrendered until their ‘owners’ are really convinced that they
will not be required. Some caches are controlled by major power-brokers
in the Afghan scene and potentially may not come to light until those
individuals are no longer ‘players’.
‘Given the major ethnic, cultural, and historical rifts that characterise
Afghanistan it is risky to generalise that peace is winning throughout the
country. Different approaches are required at different times in different
situations and it is that level of sophistication that is the real challenge for
WB 05-0252-16
This was the NZDF’s fifth Provincial Reconstruction
Team deployment to Bamyan Province, Afghanistan.
GPCAPT John Duxfield commanded from February
to August 2005. Here he shares his memories of
being ‘the boss in Bamyan’ with Wellington journalist
Barry Allison.
10
AFN66 DECEMBER
DECEMBER 05
05
AFN66
www.airforce.mil.nz
www.airforce.mil.nz
WB 05-0252-25
WB 05-0252-21
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP FAR LEFT:
• Meeting between Governor Habiba Sorabi and Group Captain Duxfield.
• A Toyota Hilux going through a tight road surrounded by snow.
• Crib 5 personnel standing at the top of a mountain in Afghanistan.
• The locals playing a horse sport.
• Local women line up outside a hall.
• Two Afghani children drink from water bottles through a wire fence near
PRT in Afghanistan.
• Crib 5 personnel lay down a Hangi in Afghanistan.
• Local villagers eagerly pose for a photo.
• A busy local street.
HQ. During my weekly visit it was always cold/clammy or hot/stuffy and
the Director alternatively smoked and spat – noisily!
‘Going into an essentially land-oriented military environment I found
the real test of my leadership/management skills was getting to a place
mentally where I was confident enough in my own understanding of the
environment/situation to feel comfortable amongst professional soldiers,
who, quite rightly, from time to time had a different view. My experience at
HQ JFNZ was invaluable here. I think it is the mixing of all the professional
competencies and skill sets that brings out the best in the joint team – even
in the somewhat unique environment of the PRT.
‘This also involves being able to demonstrate the basics in terms of
underlying military skills although I continue to be unable to get an MRE
[meal ready to eat] to a uniformly hot temperature!
‘We were all very happy to leave – six months without a break and away
from home and family is long enough. There was a sense that we had done
‘our bit’ and it was time to hand over to the new team. That said, we had
all made many friends amongst the local people, NGOs and officials that
we worked with, so there were more than a few tears at times through our
final few days in Bamyan.
‘Just how long a military presence could be required in Bamyan is the $64M
question. If it’s steady as she goes with no major changes or problems then
it could be just two to three years. But it’s unpredictable and depends on
what goes on elsewhere. We must also recognise that if the PRT goes, not
the NZPRT but any national PRT, it will leave a vacuum. The next question
is who will fill it,’ he said.
WB 05-0252-10
WB 05-0252-01
WB 05-0252-22
the international community - the counter-narcotic issue is a classic case in
point. The success of recent elections was a real watershed, and the next
challenge is to bring together and build a functional and representative
‘House of the People’ – despite the absence of any real infrastructure to
do so.
‘Walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan
imparts a huge sense of history. It was all too easy from time to time to
forget what you were there for and revert to being a military tourist. The
flip side of this is the sense of futility at thousands of years of history and
conflict resulting in a population still living at a very basic subsistence level.
The climate and scenery are a constant wonder: no surprises that one of the
world’s ancient religions chose to make Bamyan one of their holy places.
‘The locals know very little about NZ - basically just what we have told
them and the few tourist pictures we pass around. I think the most important
thing we show them is the sort of people we are in our dealings directly
with them. At best they are culturally very genuine, warm and hospitable
but 25 years of war have ‘knocked the guts’ out of many to the extent that
they have become aid-dependent and, in many cases, refuse to do even
the basics to help themselves.
‘My favourite local food was the sweet, fragrant and slightly sticky spicy
rice with some well-cooked mutton and bread. My least favourite was
great lumps of semi-raw mutton fat served in the broth served with the
above dish.
‘I managed to avoid going to any really strange places but the most
regular strange place I visited was the local National Security Department
11
www.airforce.mil.nz
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER
DECEMBER 05
05
AFN66,
At this time of the year most of us
are looking forward to time with
our family, strolls on the beach,
cooking on the barbie and relaxing
with a well-deserved can or glass
of our favourite beverage.
But for some of our people, in faroff places, Christmas can be just
another work day. As the Chief of
Air Force AVM Hamilton says in
his first word column: ‘I urge you
to spare a thought for those Air
Force personnel who are deployed
in some of the remote and less
peaceful parts of the world.’
With that in mind Air Force News
contacted some of our furthest flung
people to find just what they are
doing for the ‘Festive’ season.
CHRISTMAS
IN SINAI
There are currently five Air Force personnel
deployed to Sinai. For most of us this is the first
Christmas away from our family, so what are we
going to do on this festive day.
SQN LDR SEVERN SMITH:
(GD PARA) – LIAISON OFFICER
Another Christmas away from the family and
this year Christmas for me will be just another
working day as I will be Duty Liaison Officer at
the Taba - Eilat Border crossing between Israel
and Egypt. Hopefully it will be a quiet one. I
will be looking forward to getting back to North
Camp so I can catch up with the rest of the Kiwi
contingent and at least celebrate the New Year
with them. I will miss my family and friends
back in NZ and look forward to the return home
in November 2006. Have a good one.
FLT LT TREMAIN LUCAS (SEC):
AIDE DE CAMP
12
I will be spending Christmas here in the Sinai,
where I will be on duty over most of the festive
period bar Christmas and New Years day, which
are recognized as official days off for MFO
personnel. I will celebrate both Christmas and
New Years day with my fellow NZ Contingent
members. At this stage we intend to buy small
gifts for each other on Christmas Day and have
a Hangi. For New Years we will indulge in a
traditional BBQ/spit roast to celebrate and usher
in the new year. No doubt we will make the most
of our situation (as Kiwis do) and enjoy ourselves,
but I know that collectively and personally we
will miss spending this special time of year with
our families, especially those with children like
myself. But to everyone back home in NZ – I hope
you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
– Have fun and stay safe.
W/O TASH MANA (SADMCLK):
ADMIN W/O
I envision Christmas to be a day of mixed
emotions. This is my first Christmas away from
my darling husband and children, so it will be
interesting for me here in Sinai – as well as back
home at the Mana whare. It won’t be the same
waking up in the early hours of the morning and
not watching the kids unwrap their hoards of
presents – but I am hoping to still wake up early
to unwrap MY hundreds of presents!! I can’t see
us in Sinai enjoying a huge leg of ham on the
bone, or crate loads of paua and kina, but imagine
us instead enjoying the contingent’s company
around a BBQ or spit roast at the CO’s house,
indulging in plenty of food and fizzy drinks!!
Whatever we will be doing, it will still be a great
day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to
my family and friends and to everyone, may you
all have an enjoyable and safe one.
CPL GARY CLYMA (SADMCLK):
PASSPORT CLERK
Having only just recently arrived in the Sinai I
haven’t really thought ahead as to how I will
be spending my first Christmas away from New
Zealand. I imagine I will be celebrating Christmas
with anyone and everyone that recognizes
Christmas as a holiday over here with some
ancient desert ritual steeped in tradition. More
than likely I will end up getting sauced at one
(or all) of the bars.
Whatever or wherever I end up celebrating, I
will still think about enjoying a BBQ and a beer
on a hot summer day back in New Zealand.
Merry Christmas to all those celebrating a kiwi
Christmas back home and take care over the
festive season.
CPL JAMES OPIE (AVRFLR):
DRIVER 2I/C
This Christmas I will be abandoning the NZ
Contingent here in the north to relax on a beach
in front of the Marriot hotel Sharm-el-sheik with
my partner Amy, who is flying out with another
one of the guy’s partners at the end of December
for a few weeks holiday. New Years will be spent
in Eilat, Israel, drinking ‘Singapore Slings’ and get
on the smoke (banana flavour probably).
It will be a shame to miss out on the festivities
back at North Camp, I only hope they can handle
themselves responsibly without myself the self
proclaimed ‘voice of reason’ there to guide
and restrain.
To everyone back home in NZ have a neato
Christmas and launch straight into the power
zone for New Years.
A PRESENT
FOR MUM
FGOFF DAN ABEL:
UNITED NATIONS JOINT DUTY OFFICER,
KOREA
What will I be doing for Christmas in Korea?
Well I won’t be cooking on the BBQ, and I won’t
be wearing jandals.
Most of the Republic of Korea and American
soldiers based here are on one and two year
tours. I’m only here for 6 months. I figure
it’s fair to give them the time off. I’ll be
wearing my warmest clothing and working
through Christmas.
It’ll be nice to experience a white Christmas
although I think one will be enough. I have to be
honest; my mum is the best in the world. I already
have a couple of Xmas presents from her right
now. They arrived 1 November! And no I haven’t
opened them. Between now and Xmas I’ll have
to find some time to get to Seoul and try and get
a present or two sent home.
Christmas Day I’ll visit the office and be on
call. I’ll phone home and probably eat too much,
although that’s most days anyhow. Otherwise it’ll
be like most other days and as a Kiwi serviceman
overseas I’ll be putting my best foot forward and
getting on with the job.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
CHRISTMAS – WHEREVER YOU ARE
IT’S NOT BBQ
A GUARANTEED
WHITE CHRISTMAS WEATHER
SQNLDR JOHN CASSIDY:
SENIOR OFFICER AT SCOTT BASE,
ANTARCTICA
SQNLDR GWYNN JENNINGS:
UNITED NATIONS MILITARY OBSERVER,
THE MIDDLE EAST
WHERE’S THE
BEACH?
It is pretty much business as usual but traditionally we have a Christmas brunch. We will deck
out the dining room in the appropriate theme and
await Santa’s long trek from the North Pole! We
normally exchange small gifts - name drawn out
of a hat - some make things, others buy something from the local store (normally liquid beverages) and others get really organised and arrange
to have something flown down from home.
One of the Base staff will don the traditional
Santa suit (just to get all the girls to sit on his
knee I suspect) and hand out the gifts. A few
festive ales are partaken and the rest of the day
is spent sittting around groaning about how much
food was eaten - just like home really. We will
be very well fed and the chefs down here do an
AMAZING job. The food is superb. We want for
nothing - except fresh milk!!
Christmas in UNTSO is an eclectic mix of local
Muslim culture and the different cultures of
the UNMOs from the countries that make up
the mission.
For some, Christmas will be no different from
any other day, with UNMO’s manning OPs and
patrolling the local area just as they would
any other day.
My family and I plan on attending the
Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity
in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, and then
celebrating a Kiwi Christmas in Jerusalem,
mixing the traditional fare of roast beef with
some of the local food.
The plan also includes catching up with some
of the other Kiwis in Jerusalem, although
Christmas in the Middle East is not really
BBQ weather!
Dear Santa, how can I describe Christmas
in Sudan - like Oktoberfest at Alcoholics
Anonymous?
I’m based in an area that’s half Christian,
half Muslim, living in a camp of Zambian
troops who are devout church-goers, working
with a team of Mil Observers from 14
different countries… Christmas will certainly
be interesting.
Muslims recognise it as a religious occasion,
but I expect the Zambians will have a big
Christmas dinner so we’re hoping for an invite
to their Mess. Also I expect a care package
from NZ with some goodies – and we’re
stockpiling a few refreshments to accompany
a good old Kiwi BBQ. The weather is certainly
like a New Zealand summer. The only problem
is the nearest beach is 1200km away!
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
FLTLT NEIL MCGARVEY:
UNITED NATIONS MILITARY OBSERVER,
SUDAN
13
AN URGENT DELIVERY
The Air Force’s social historian, Mrs Bee Dawson, has again
been digging into our past for stories about ‘ordinary blokes
doing extraordinary things, bloody well.’ The following Christmas
story is an excerpt from her interview with Pacific War Lockheed
Hudson pilot George Gutsell.
‘When I got back to the New Hebrides [before Christmas], the CO said to me: “I know that
you’re back for air tests and that this is your rest time, but we have got some Christmas beer in
the ship out in the harbour and we can’t get it out by Christmas Day because it’s in the bottom
of the hold. And we’ve got an aircraft here – would you fly it down to New Caledonia and get
some beer for Christmas?”
‘So I said I’d fly it down. We stripped the aircraft of everything that wasn’t needed – we even
took out the parachutes. I took the radio op and the navigator - just the three of us. And off we
went in an aircraft with nothing in it except us, heading for New Caledonia. We didn’t have a
map and none of us had been to New Caledonia before. So, when we got to New Caledonia we
flew down the coast.
‘We couldn’t see anything that looked Kiwi and landed on the American aerodrome. A jeep
rolled out beside us and an American said: “Hi, welcome! What can I do for you?”
‘And I said: “Can you tell us where we are? We’re looking for the New Zealanders.”
‘And he said; “That’s 50 miles down the coast. Do you need any petrol?”
‘And I replied; “No, and I don’t want anybody to know I landed here!”.
‘So, off we went and we got to this place. We loaded the aircraft with liquor – I had a roll of
notes that the CO had collected. I’d also done another collection among the officers. So I had
two rolls.
‘So we went to de Gaiac. The CO had signalled and when we got there, a wagon was waiting
for us. We parked the aircraft and went to the New Zealand Army store and spent the money. We
took it back and packed it onto the aircraft - 90 dozen beer and three cases of whiskey. We put a
guard on the aircraft and had a lovely Christmas Eve and the following day we flew back.
‘I’ve pencilled into my logbook: one and three quarter tons of grog – that was my estimate of
the load. That was more than we ever carried in a bomb load.
‘I remember that landing. It was Christmas Day and the whole squadron was gathered at the
side of the runway, and I took her down and gently landed her – if I’d broken even one bottle I’d
have been in trouble. They were all watching.
‘The flight even kept the beer cool so a good Christmas Day was had by all.
The following day I went back to Guadalcanal and Buttons went to Cactus.’
*WGCDR Gudsell was the first member of the RNZAF to be decorated for service in the South Pacific.
1414
• If you have an interesting or amusing story about the RNZAF you can contact Mrs Dawson
on Ph: 04 47907565 or email: [email protected]
OUR MAN IN
WASHINGTON
PAUL HARRISON
WGCDR Steve Wright’s jobs on the NZDF
Staff at the New Zealand Embassy in
Washington DC comprises his duties as
the senior Air Force advisor, and as one
of the two Assistant Defence Attaches.
Around 80% of his tasks involve
liaising with US Defence contractors
who provide support to the RNZAF fleet,
which is primarily based on US manufactured aircraft.
This often entails negotiating access to
those contractors through the appropriate
military channels within the US Department of Defence, the US Navy, Army and
Air Force staffs in the Pentagon. This is
one of the prime reasons why there has
been an RNZAF Engineer in this appointment over the years.
He is the New Zealand representative
on several international military bodies
that deal with aviation matters, and
these provide an essential platform to
ensure that the RNZAF keeps abreast of
developments in the worldwide arena.
The duties as Assistant Defence
Attache often result in exchanges of
ideas between military attaches working
at the other national embassies in
Washington.
While not directly responsible for their
welfare; WGCDR Wright also maintains
an overview on the disposition of RNZAF
personnel in the United States, attending
courses or on lengthy tours such as the
Orion upgrade project.
WGCDR Wright and his wife Kathy
are enjoying their tour of Washington
that is due to be completed towards the
end of 2006.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 05-0624-05
WHAT WAS SILVER
WARRIOR?
With over 800 soldiers operating 24
hours a day and 251 military vehicles
- 51 NZ LAVs and 200 support vehicles
including the Pinzgauer LOV – the NZ
Army’s Exercise Silver Warrior was the
NZ Army’s biggest exercise in years and
certainly the biggest in the memory of
most of those involved.
The Ohakea-based exercise held
over 22-26 November was aimed at
putting the Army’s Motorised Battalion
Group through its paces, alongside
infantry and armoured combat soldiers
working together with engineers,
artillery, logistics and health support
personnel. A realistic scenario had
Army units operating in a complex threat
environment assisting with the delivery
of humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and
combat operations.
In a nutshell the scenario involved a
small sovereign state made up of four
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
regions in conflict over resources. A
failed election and on-going political
divide had spawned the growth of
various militia groups prepared to
employ terrorist and insurgent tactics
to ferment conflict.
UN sponsored efforts to mediate
a solution had failed and in July a
multi-national group comprising forces
from Fiji, Nepal, Ghana and Australia
intervened to impose a safe and secure
environment and neutralise the militias.
Australia subsequently decided to
pull out and on November 20 a New
Zealand force replaced them under a
UN umbrella.
New Defence Minister Phil Goff made
his first official visit to the NZ Army in
the field when he flew into the exercise.
Mr Goff said he liked what he saw and
was impressed by the Army’s level
of professionalism.
15
EXERCISE
STEEL TALON
16
Up to seven Iroquois helicopters from the Air Force’s No.3 Squadron held
their annual Steel Talon exercise last month.
The exercise saw 160 of the squadron’s personnel, including medical
supply, armourers and administration base personnel, involved in
conducting and supporting tactical flying operations in the central North
Island from 21 November to 2 December.
During the exercise pilots practised flying in formation in a hostile
environment. It also provided experience for door gunners and helicopter
crewmen.
The first week of the fortnight exercise was run from RNZAF Base Ohakea
with the squadron’s helicopters taking part in the Army’s major exercise
Silver Warrior (see page 15 – What was Silver Warrior?).
Exercising alongside the NZ Army benefits the squadron by having realtime taskings such as resupply and tactical transport. The NZ Army gets
to learn how to operate in and around helicopters in a field situation.
The second week saw the squadron move to a tented camp near Rangitaiki Airfield. From there the squadron’s helicopters carried out night flying
operations during 29-30 November operating from the Port of Tauranga.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 05-0640-19
OH 05-0640-18
ABOVE AND RIGHT: No.3 Squadron
Iroquois helicopters drop off underslung
resupply loads to the Army’s Motorised
Battalin Group at Kaipokanui Camp.
17
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
TROUBLE IN
TAUPOSTAN
FLTLT GRANT RHIND
18
Political unrest in the country ‘Taupostan’ leads to a revolt, splitting a
small nation in two as a civil war ensues. Hercules aircraft from the
RNZAF’s No. 40 Squadron are tasked to help support the re-supply of
ground troops of the internationally recognized Government’s defence
forces. The scenario is set for No. 40 Squadron’s Tactical Exercise
(TACEX) 05/2.
Conducted biannually by No. 40 Squadron, TACEX is aimed at training
and qualifying junior crews in tactical operations. The exercise also
provides currency training for existing crews and qualifies Mobile Air
Operations Teams (MAOTs) to coordinate drop zones during air-drop
operations.
Based on a real time conflict TACEX 05/2 was conducted over 1728 October. Crews were not only exposed to the planning and flying
aspects of tactical operations, but also the decoding of mission tasking
and coordination with the relevant units – all under purposely imposed
time pressures.
The first few flights were primarily designed to introduce and train the
new crews in low level flying, threat evasion, load dropping and short
field operations. Units from the NZ Army played an integral part of the
airdrop operations, both preparing the drop loads and then recovering
them from the drop zone.
Movements by ‘rebel forces’ during the second week forced the redeployment of the aircraft back to Whenuapai. Missions now focused on
personnel drops, ensuring crew qualifications in all types of parachute
delivery. Advanced tactical flying including formation sorties and night
flights were also flown.
This year TACEX was expanded from No. 40 Squadron’s previous
exercises to include Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). This simulated
the downing of a C-130 in hostile territory. Crews airlifted to Kaipara
(30nm NW of Auckland) by a 3 SQN Iroquois, were required to reach
designated areas of recovery while evading enemy forces made up of
the NZSAS and Police dog handlers.
Overall TACEX 05/2 was an overwhelming success. This was largely
due to the support No. 40 Squadron received from all units. The flying
was demanding and extremely rewarding, however after committing
long hours to ensure mission success, we all enjoyed a well deserved
sleep-in on the weekend.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
The Operational Support Squadron (OSS) has come a long way since it was
first stood up as an independent squadron on 1 July 2001, but its original
intent – to be a centre of excellence for operational deployed support to
Air Force elements – remains at the heart of all it does.
The squadron grew out of the Air Force’s Refocus project in 2000.
It’s success as an integral part of Air Force deployments is clear when one
considers a short history of OSS’s involvements. They include supporting
operations in Afghanistan, Timor Leste, the Solomon Islands, Bougainville,
the Middle East, Antarctica, South East Asia, the Pacific, Australia and
exercises in New Zealand. Indeed, if the Air Force is deployed in NZ or
overseas, the OSS is most likely to be supporting it.
Geographically and structurally diverse, the squadron is made up of four
distinct sections – Deployable Bulk Fuel, Air Movements, Communications
and Information and Air Security.
Current CO WGCDR Leanne Woon is keen to ensure the Squadron is
acknowledged for the part it plays but she is equally enthusiastic about
seeing it move forward, not resting on its laurels. ‘We’ve come a long way
and built a strong foundation but we need to evolve in the future,’ she
says. By ‘evolving’ she means continually streamlining and improving the
squadron’s services, adapting to the Air Force’s changing role and focus,
and increasing the OSS capabilities to ensure the squadron can meet the
challenges in the chase for the ever-elusive ‘excellent’ tag.
WGCDR Leanne Woon’s list of current challenges are both logical
and achievable:
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
• Expeditionary Pack Up Project. The OSS is looking to play an increasingly central role in managing the Air Force’s ability to pack up and deploy
as a group in a minimum of time. This requires careful consideration of
what needs to be taken, how it can be transported and in what order. The
project envisions the OSS centralising much of the pre-existing institutional knowledge from regular New Zealand and overseas exercises. The
intent is to increase the OSS HQ establishment by two posts for a Supply
Officer and SNCO to manage the Expeditionary capability. The recent
Tropic Astra exercise in Fiji was a great opportunity for the squadron to
begin assimilating these skills says WGCDR Woon.
• OSS as the RNZAF Mounting Unit. In this plan the OSS will become
the squadron responsible for providing the logistic element to be the
mounting unit providing deployed support to the Force.
• OSS Training. The OSS is looking at identifying training opportunities
within existing RNZAF exercises to develop squadron personnel to the
highest level.
• Establishment Review. This proposes transferring some units outside
of OSS but part of the overall ‘support’ structure under the command of
OSS. In particular this may apply to Medical and Environmental units.
• ASY Dog Review. A dispassionate and open-minded review of Air
Security’s Dog Section, its training needs, its focus and its capabilities.
Over the next four pages we will look at some of the activities or
taskings carried out by the OSS’s diverse sections as examples of their
excellence at work.
19
LOUD AND CLEAR!
20
The Air Operations Communication Centre
(AOCC), known also to its aviating customers
as callsign ‘AirForce Auckland’, is one of three
Operational Communication and Information
Systems Flight (OCISF) sections currently operating under OSS at Base Auckland. Despite its
diminutive staff of just eleven CIS personnel,
the AOCC plays a pivotal role in providing
high frequency (HF) radio service for military
aircraft operating in both northern and southern
hemispheres, often beyond its nominal 5000km
operating range.
The services provided by the AOCC become
especially critical during Search and Rescue
(SAR) operations such as the dramatic sea
rescue in October of a New Zealand couple in
high seas. Its CIS staff provide a vital conduit
between Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue
Co-ordination Centre (RCC) in Wellington, and
Air Electronics Operators communicating from
RNZAF P-3K Orion aircraft. The AOCC staff
have a range of voice and data options at their
disposal which are used to receive, transmit or
relay mission information. Telephone patching
is but one example, used during the October
rescue to directly connect RCC staff to the
aircraft carrying out the search.
In addition to the more routine communications tasks directed by HQ JFNZ to support air
transport and maritime missions, support to SAR
or other humanitarian missions provides the CIS
staff of the AOCC a significant challenge.
Their contribution to the SAR role had its
beginnings well before the introduction into
service of the Orion aircraft in the mid sixties,
and they are justifiably proud of the thousands
of hours of service they have provided to RNZAF
Maritime (and sometimes Transport!) aircraft on
the hundreds of SAR missions flown since.
Asked to describe the art of HF communication in layman’s terms, Sgt Stuart Middendorf, currently SNCO in charge of the AOCC,
answers:
‘.. directing an HF radio wave over thousands
of kilometres via the Earth’s ionosphere onto
a tiny moving dot above the Pacific Ocean
requires technical skill, training, experience,
and of course, the right mix of equipment and
specialist technical support from some of our
Avionics staff.’
His claim that the AOCC is ‘world class’ at
providing military HF communications is no idle
boast. One example of the enhanced technology
is the AOCC’s antenna systems, located 1000
kms apart in Christchurch and Auckland. This
spatial diversity provides a degree of choice
which enables staff to optimise their communications links when operating conditions deteriorate. They can effectively listen, or speak, from
either of the two cities at any one time, and the
recent completion of the Joint Remote Control
Communication (JRCC) project [undertaken by
RNZAF and RNZN] gives AOCC so much flexibility that it is now able to remotely change
antenna settings at the click of a mouse.
Although other Force Elements are also in
regular contact with the AOCC, the remote and
often mountainous areas in which 3 Squadron’s
helicopters frequently operate are well beyond
the range of air traffic services, leaving the
AOCC HF flight watch their sole point of contact
whilst on task. At times such as this, the AOCC
not only relay information between HQ Joint
Forces NZ and the helo crews, they also take on
the responsibility for monitoring the progress of
the flight and must take appropriate actions (to
enable HQ Joint Forces to carry out correct and
timely initiation of SAR) if radio contact with a
helo is lost for any reason.
So, what does it take to be an AOCC operator?
With so much computer and specialist equipment at your finger tips, a technical bent sure
helps, but the job also demands high standards
CPL Kate Staunton - proof enough that radio
signals aren’t the only thing beaming from
the AOCC
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
in terms of accuracy, self-discipline, good
interpersonal communication skills and above
all else, reliability.
The CIS Trade was established just two years
ago, and its staff are committed to developing
much-needed capacity to satisfy growing
demands in both Single Service and Joint
environments. While delivery of primary and
advanced trade training developed by RNZAF
Trg HQ is now well under way at Ground Training
Wing at Woodbourne, CIS staff at all levels are
having to upskill, mentor others, and master the
operation of new technologies. The trade is
developing a ‘culture’ of pride in its readiness
to deploy and serve, and in the technical and
personal development of its people.
The AOCC itself is not at all transportable,
being firmly set in concrete at Whenuapai,
at least for the time being. It is OCISF’s
Maintenance Section, and Operational Planning & Training Cell, which share the huge
responsibility of deploying the RNZAF’s tactical
communications inventory, training its own
staff, and those of Force Elements, as well as
developing and generating capability to meet
the RNZAF’s relentless demand for deployed
data/communication networks. But this is quite
another story…
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
THE GOOD OIL
Australia’s Army Aviation No.171 Squadron, who
fly Iroquois helicopters, were so impressed by
the work of our specialist Deployable Bulk Fuel
(DBF) section in East Timor and Bougainville
they specifically asked for them when they
were deployed to the Solomon Islands as part of
RAMSI in 2004. The section has a solid reputation for not only giving efficient, safe service but
for also setting a high standard for fuel quality
says Staff Officer Deployable Bulk Fuel (SO DBF)
W/O Lynette ‘Huggie’ Lowe.
The section’s laboratory routinely tests fuel
quality before a drop reaches the engines of
the aircraft, with plans to add three new fuel
labs next year. Testing fuel quality is critical at
all times, but specifically in the Pacific Island
areas, explains W/O Lowe, because of the risk
of contamination, mainly from water, when fuel
is offloaded from ships.
Many of us will have seen the Aviation
Refueller (AVRFLR) teams out on exercises with
No.3 Squadron, their main customer, doing ‘hot’
refuelling with the Iroquois engines still running.
Each team consists of five Aviation Refuellers
and two GSETECHs. The seven-person Aviation
Refueller (AVRFLR) teams are recognisable in
their all-over fire-proof clothing. The main danger
is a fire occurring when hot refuelling, says W/O
Lowe. It hasn’t happened yet but there’s always
the possibility, she says.
While No.3 Squadron’s Iroquois helicopters
are DBF’s main customer, and a ‘must have’ on
its deployments, the section can also cold refuel
other squadrons as required and can ‘hot’ refuel
No.6 Squadron (formerly Naval Support Flight)
when they are on exercise on land or at sea. The
advent of the NH90 helicopter will have minimal
impact on the DBF role, says W/O Lowe.
August’s Tropic Astra Exercise in Fiji was
an opportunity for the DBF team to test their
performance on an overseas exercise, including
sending a 45,000L tanker, to the test. The teams
performed very well, says W/O Lowe. ‘Obviously
there are lessons to be learnt but that’s what
exercises are all about. We were refuelling one
to two choppers at a time without a hitch.’
To become a member of the DBF team means a
five-week course at Base Auckland that includes
theory, safety, establishing a fuel installation, fire
safety, unpacking (and repacking) equipment,
safety zones and fuel tank cleaning.
Senior NCOs also attend a RAAF Fuel Quality
Control course and the section is looking at the
addition of courses on environmental control
and supervision.
21
SAFE & SECURE
Air Security OC SQNLDR Pete Rowe admits his
section has a huge commitment to training on
its plate. August’s introduction of a full Core
Military Skills programme combined with the
section’s on-going provision of high quality
Pre-deployment Training (PDT) courses means
a heavy workload for its personnel. ‘It’s sometimes a bit like skimming a stone across the
water,’ he says of the training commitment.
But the SQNLDR is positive about his section.
Despite the heavy training programme and
operating at 50% manning he says morale is
very high and the section is building a strong
base for the future. ‘There are many young
faces in Air Security spread among the three
bases. Most of our instructors, even at the
experienced LAC level, are doing a great job
and I’m very proud of the professional way they
conduct themselves,’ he says.
And, he says, the feedback from CMS courses
is that ‘we have got it just about right.’
The section’s PDT courses, provided for all Air
Force personnel deploying to overseas (bases)
missions, are tailored according to where the
personnel are going and to Joint Force HQ’s
direction.
Air Security itself provides modules on
weapons training and personal protection
from biological, nuclear and chemical attack.
For example, each deployed personnel has a
weapon specifically set up for their individual
needs. ‘Everyone’s capability is a little different
so we take the time to set up a weapon to suit
them,’ he says. Doing so satisfies legal obligations in terms of Rules of Engagement and the
concept of graduated response.
Other essential training and information,
such as awareness of environmental risks,
rules of engagement, welfare issues and
coping with stress before and after deploy-
22
ment are provided by experts from legal or
psychology branches brought in specifically
for the task.
‘We are a collection point for skills,’ he
says and the section’s location at Auckland’s
former Command and Staff College with its
theaterette, large grounds and a rifle range
within three kilometres makes it ideal for
specialist PDT training.
The biggest customer for the three to four
day intensive courses is No.40 Squadron.
‘Usually they are small groups but we also
do one-on-one training as required,’ he says.
‘We’ve set up a process to pass back personnel’s thoughts on the training and whether it
was relevant or changed in any way. That’s
how we can confidently say we’ve got
things pretty well right,’ he says. There is a
juggling process between units, individuals
and ourselves to deliver PDT within a month
of their planned deployment.
Air Security personnel may sometimes
deploy with a crew, particularly if there’s a
need for ground security or when the aircraft
is carrying explosives, arms or other sensitive
loads or VIP personnel.
Training isn’t the only job that Air Security does. The Air Base Wing sections still
carries out investigations of various criminal
allegations such as theft, wilful damage,
even some sexual offences but also has a
very good working relationship with the NZ
Police. ‘They readily pass offending RNZAF
personnel back to us to deal with rather than
process them through the civil courts,’ says
SQNLDR Rowe.
And the section is the acknowledged expert
when it comes to protocol for ceremonial
affairs - parades, VIP visits and the like. The
parade may be the responsibility of the Base
W/O or Adjutant but Air Security carries a lot
of institutional knowledge about the details
that can be tapped into.
So what sort of person makes a good Air
Security member? Someone who enjoys
variety and can multi-skill is ideal says
SQNLDR Rowe.
‘There’s plenty of outdoors work but you’ve
got to be happy ranging between operating
an observation post to investigating a theft.
There’s also scope for development and
upskilling our people. We’ve got a good base
of dedicated people with skills ready to be
passed on to newcomers who are keen to
learn,’ says SQNLDR Rowe.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
ICE SUPPORT
A key part of the NZDF’s support for New
Zealand’s on-going Base at Antarctica is the
personnel at Christchurch who provide the
air movements terminal operations, stores,
fresh food and equipment ready for transport
to the ice. This year’s operations started on
the 19 September and will finish up on the 28
February 2006.
There are 22 augmented NZDF staff and eight
specialist Christchurch-based members of
Operational Support Squadron’s Air Movements
staff who make up the Harewood Terminal
Team (HTT) as part of the NZDF contribution to
Operation Antarctica.
The HTT is responsible for the handling of
all passengers and cargo required to fly to
Antarctica from Christchurch. ‘We also receipt
load and unload a range of multinational
aircraft,’ says second in charge of the team,
MACR Warren Tindall.
The Harwood Terminal storage facility at
Christchurch Airport is about the size of two
football fields. Everything that is or may be
needed in Antarctica comes via the terminal
so the freight they deal is varied and includes,
or has included: personal baggage, fresh food,
construction materials, science equipment,
general stores, vehicles, helicopters, air
traffic control equipment, specialist project
equipment, and mail.
A special project this year has been the
transportation of a 10 metre telescope to
McMurdo and on-shipping to the South Pole,
says MACR Tindall. The telescope is a very
large piece of specialist equipment with some
of the support assemblies weighing as much
as 15000 lbs each. The telescope’s massive
size challenged the HTT with many of its
components being oversized and requiring the
Kiwis ‘can do’ attitude and lateral thinking to
get the job done.
‘We transport everything you could think
of that a small town could need. McMurdo
accommodates around 1500 people through the
main season with Scott Base accommodating
around 300 people, says MACR Tindall.
One C17 flies 21 to 23 missions from October
to mid-November then returns to the USA. The
C17 returns late December and flies another
21 missions through to late February. They can
carry up to 120 000 lbs of passengers, baggage
and cargo. Most flights generally end up
carrying around 90,000lbs payload.
The C17 has the capacity to carry 17 463L
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
pallets (C-130 pallets) and requires large
capacity loaders to perform this task.
The sheer size of the C17’s cargo compartment
enables a huge variation in the types of
cargo that can be transported. Loading a
75000lb Bulldozer presents completely different
challenges compared with a palletised load or
a passenger flight.
An RNZAF C130 is deployed to Christchurch
on Operation Ice Cube to fly 12 missions
to Antarctica. They fulfill the transport role
transporting passengers and cargo to Antarctica
during the time when the C17 has finished it first
evolution of flights. The C130 typically carries
between 24000lbs and 28500lbs each flight
depending on the weather.
MACR Tindall says some discussion of the Air
Force’s B757 carrying out operations to and from
Antarctica has been carried out but nothing is
set and would need to wait at least until the
B757 has had its new cargo door installed before
being considered as a serious option.
Some equipment and supplies also get sent
by ship to Antarctica. A container ship The Tern
sails to McMurdo each year but the Harwood
Team has very little to do with the ship other
than loading some freight into containers. The
NZ Army’s Ship Offload team specialises in this
operation and they fly to McMurdo to assist with
the ship offload operations.
The Air Movements team of eight at
Christchurch is part of a wider Air Movements
team of 56 personnel who provide air terminal
services at Auckland, Ohakea, Wellington and
Christchurch including freight and passenger
handling at RNZAF and major civilian airfields.
All Air Movement Sections facilitate the
processing of guests of Government, guests
of CDF, and other VIPs on commercial
flights. Air Movements also provides Air
Liaison officers at regional civilian airfields
where they are responsible for aircraft and
passenger reception.
The Air Movements teams were used
extensively during Operation Sumatra (Tsunami
Relief) when 14 Air Movements personnel were
deployed for the task of loading and unloading
emergency supplies. The personnel from Air
Movements Sections (AMS) are from the Supply
and Air Loadmaster trade. If you enjoy physical
work, have the ability to achieve tight deadlines,
can remain flexible while working in different
locations around the world then the OSS AMS
is the place to work.
23
C-130 LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAMME
FLTLT SIMON WILLIAMS
On Sunday 2 October Hercules NZ7003, the
first RNZAF C130H to be inducted into the C130
Life Extension Programme (C130 LEP), touched
down at Edmonton International Airport, Alberta,
Canada. Over the following five weeks L-3 Spar,
the C130 LEP Prime Contractor, had programmed
an induction schedule that included everything
from test flying to outer wing removal.
Given the extent of the LEP L-3 Spar planned to
carry out a significant amount of induction testing
on NZ7003. The purpose of the testing was to
confirm the performance of the baseline aircraft
and its associated systems.
TEST FLIGHT AND INDUCTION
The testing comprised two phases; flight test
and ground test.
Flight testing was to be carried out by a No.40
Squadron crew with Spar observers and the
ground testing was carried out in its entirety by
L-3 Spar personnel.
The Baseline Test Flight was planned for
Tuesday 3 October. The flight was based around
a Group servicing test flight and the aircraft was
crewed by a No.40 Squadron test flight crew.
Also on board was Spar Flight Test Engineer, Mr
George Roth and test pilot, Mr Dennis Walters
(see photo).
Unlike a post group test flight, where the crew
carry out the mission and then report defects to
the contractor, all LEP test flying is coordinated
by the flight test engineer, though the aircraft
captain remains in command of the aircraft. The
flight went well with only a few minor discrepancies and provided Spar with the required
baseline data.
Following the flight, an aircraft inventory and
an external inspection, the aircraft was ready to
24
NZ7003 in its permanent position.
be accepted by L-3 Spar. Ministry of Defence
Project Manager Mr Ian Gibson, officially
handed over the aircraft to L-3 Spar’s President,
Monsieur Patrice Pelletier at a ceremony on 6
October, Mr Andrew Needs, the Deputy High
Commissioner from Ottawa addressed the
attendees.
GROUND TESTING
Extensive ground testing - consisting of engine
performance, acoustic, air conditioning performance, Electro Magnetic Interference /Electro
Magnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) and thermal
testing - was carried out entirely by Spar
personnel prior to the aircraft’s induction into
the hangar.
Most of this was done with engines running by
Spar personnel. While other RNZAF platforms
are regularly run by contractors, it is uncommon
on the C130.
For this reason a full audit of Spar’s engine run
procedures and personnel was carried out by the
Resident Project Team’s (RPT) Engineers. The
engine run team has extensive running experience across a wide variety of C130s and most
of the team are ex Canadian Forces C130 Flight
Engineers with many hours of flying experience
on various makes of C130. They have developed
a procedure which, over time, takes into account
the slight differences between different models
of the C130.
The review of this procedure and of the run
team provided the engineers with the necessary
confidence to authorise Spar to carry out high
power and low power engine runs. This was
reinforced during ground testing when both
members of the team were able to observe the
run team in action.
ACOUSTIC TESTING
Following routine engine performance runs
designed to provide an agreed baseline performance, acoustic testing was carried out during low
and high power ground runs. The purpose was
to establish an agreed acoustic baseline. Spar’s
Occupational Health specialist Mr Greg McInnes
carried out the testing in various locations on the
aircraft (see photo).
EMI/EMC TESTING
The majority of the baseline aircraft’s avionics
equipment will be replaced. At this stage the
only systems that will be retained are the aircraft
generators, the self protection system and the
automatic direction finder system. The testing
was therefore relatively simple and was designed
to confirm that the legacy systems functioned
correctly and did not have any electro-magnetic
compatibility or interference problems.
AIR-CONDITIONING
This is always a hot topic with C130 passengers
and crews. The air-conditioning system will be
upgraded to improve reliability and to restore
performance. Part of this improvement will
include a redesigned distribution system. In
order to provide Spar’s design team with an
accurate snapshot of the baseline aircraft’s airconditioning system, temperature and pressure
sensors were positioned at various points in
NZ7003’s air-conditioning system distribution
ducts. The data was collected and will be used
to confirm design assumptions made by Spar’s
C130 LEP design team.
THERMAL
The thermal test was probably one of the
longer tests carried out on the baseline aircraft.
Thermal sensors were placed in known areas of
heat build up throughout the baseline aircraft.
The hangar doors were closed and the hangar
was heated up overnight to 21°C. Given how
far north Spar’s facility is this was no mean feat.
Once the hangar temperature had stabilised, the
aircraft avionics were powered and temperature
was taken over a six hour period. This data will
be used along with manufacturer’s thermal
data to map out equipment locations on the
Modified Aircraft.
AIRCRAFT REMOVALS
Given the extent of the C130 LEP, there is obviously a significant amount of removal work that
needs to be carried out to transform a fully operational C130 into a shell ready for modification.
To enable sufficient access the aircraft needs to
be stripped down to a level rarely seen outside
of the aircraft’s Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM), Lockheed Martin. The task of planning
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
and executing this task has been given to Spar’s
C130 LEP Planning Team. The Planning Team
consists of around a dozen permanent personnel
who coordinate the engineering, personnel and
logistical effort and, being situated below the
RPT office, have built up a close working relationship with the RPT.
After a full weight and balance and symmetry
and alignment check the aircraft was moved to
Spar’s purpose built paint facility to have its
surface coat removed.
The stripped aircraft was then moved into
Spar’s number one hangar and over the next two
weeks underwent a transformation from operational platform into a shell ready for upgrade.
Loose equipment was first removed then outer
wings removed and the aircraft was moved to the
back of the hangar, directly outside the RPT, its
home for the next 18 months. Once in position
the landing gear was removed and the aircraft
was trestled. The removals will continue up until
Christmas and at the time of writing this article
the flight deck and cargo compartment had
been completely stripped, the vertical stabiliser
removed and the main landing gear blisters were
close to be being removed.
WHAT NEXT?
So the prototype aircraft has been well and truly
inducted by L-3 Spar into the C130 Life Extension
Programme. The phenomenal transformation
that has taken place over the past three weeks
has taken the aircraft from an operational RNZAF
C130 and prepared it for the most extensive
upgrade ever carried out on a C130. There are
a number of challenges ahead of Spar and the
RPT before NZ7003 is returned to operational
service. These include centre wing removal and
refurbishment, scheduled to start, at this stage,
in June 2006; a full rewire; and the installation
of a full electronic flight instrumentation system.
Given the interest shown in the upgrade of the
RNZAF’s premier platform, the team intends to
post updates of this progress in the Air Force
News at regular intervals. Watch this space...
NZ7003’s Vertical Stabiliser removal.
NZ7003 in its permanent position in number one hangar. Note the US Coast Guard and Canadian
Forces C130s in the background.
RNZAF and Spar flight test team following NZ7003’s induction test flight.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
25
FS PAUL STEIN
26
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
AC LOREN MEHAFFEY OH 05-0610-36
NEED A PHOTO?
GO TO THE EXPERTS
GRANT CARR
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
In a world where inexpensive, fully automatic
digital cameras are the norm anyone can be a
photographer, can’t they? Wrong! That’s a bit like
saying you’d trust a car mechanic to work on your
aircraft engine - they may know something about
engines but would you really fly in an aircraft
serviced by them?
Like most things in life – if you want the best
product you go to the experts. Sure, sometimes
amateur photographers get lucky and come up
with an interesting shot but there’s too much at
stake in consistently producing timely, accurate,
attractive professional imagery to leave it to
pushing the button and hoping for the best.
What’s more, the plethora of photographic ‘extras’
(lights, filters, meters, computer software) means
that if you really want high quality images you
have to have the best training.
That’s where the Air Force’s Photography Trade
comes in. The trade’s personnel go through
exacting, intensive training to ensure that when
they go on assignment they can capture the
moment. “Our training is based on technique
and technical expertise to ensure that what
is seen can be captured, and that it can be
accurately repeated. This is especially important
for technical or transient events. Of course a
photographic eye is also required, they are yet to
create a camera that can compose great photos,”
says FS Paul Stein
As a ‘user’ of the trade’s services I can vouch for
their professional approach and their keenness
to consult on what you want to portray. I have
every confidence in their ability to capture an
event (exercise, operation or individual) that
helps illustrate the story and, as you can see by
the quality images reproduced on the following
pages, to a standard every bit as good as the
photos you see in our daily news media.
But public relations is just one of the services
the trade offers. On operations, photographers
can provide aerial, ground and maritime
surveillance intelligence and keep an historic
record of deployments.
Technically they provide photographic evidence
for Police and Air Security investigations and
aircraft incidents, record defects and repairs and
provide the basis of modification reports.
In administration they provide a wide range
of services including group photos, reprints of
new and historic images, passport and visa
photographs, unit history photos, CD and DVD
collations, VIP visits, parades, portraits, and
sporting events.
What you may see is the photographer
taking the image and disappearing, but that
is just the start of the photographers work.
The photographers ensure all images are fully
captioned, classified and registered and archived
for later retrieval. A photo that cannot be found
for later use was a waste of time taking.
The trade was reshaped back in 1968 when it
became the single service sponsor for all Defence
Force photography. The trade accepted the
challenge and today has ten uniformed and three
civilian photographers at facilities in Devonport,
Whenuapai, Ohakea and Woodbourne serving all
of the Defence Force’s photographic needs.
If you have a photographic need or even just
an idea go and talk to the experts first – our
Photographic Trade personnel are there to give
you the best advice and service.
27
28
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
AC LOUISA GRANT OH 05-0343-62
FS PAUL STEIN
AC LOREN MEHAFFEY
29
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
MISS REBECCA KELLEHER WB 05-0123-59
AC BRAD HANSON OH 05-0260-40
30
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
AC RACHAEL MAIN AK 05-0520-01
SGT CARL BOOTY AK 05-0238-12
CPL TIM JORDAN OH 05-0394-03
31
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
MS JANE REILLY MC 05-0328-39
AC SAM SHEPHERD OH 05-0005-28
WB 05-0172-12
WB 05-0172-35
W/O Graham Chard, the current Flight Commander of
the NCO Training Flight, discusses recent changes
in expectations and requirements for NCO Promotion qualification courses.
WB 05-0172-40
WB 05-0172-07
STANDARDS, VALUES, TRADITIONS AND DISCIPLINE
These are simple words in themselves that mean a range of things to
different people. They are much more than that however, being the large
part of what sets military people apart from the general populous. They
are the keystone principles of who we are and how we do what we do;
what gives us our culture and what makes us unique.
They are principles that are planted as seeds in our recruits on enlistment;
however they do need to be cultivated and nurtured over an individual’s
entire career if they are to be expected to flourish in our organisation.
These principles are cultivated through leadership, which sets high
ethical standards in personal behaviour, and reflects the values and ethos
of the RNZAF.
Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) at every rank level play an important
leadership role. And if you hold, or have aspirations of holding NCO rank
then you:
• are responsible for the training of subordinate airmen and airwomen
and for preparing them to be trained.
• must explain to airmen and airwomen what is required of them and
how well it must be accomplished.
• are responsible for the safety and welfare of ALL subordinate
airmen and airwomen
As an NCO you must provide the necessary time when a question
or problem arises. You must be able to relate to people, and work to
understand their needs and wants, whether during duty hours or during
non-duty hours.
As an NCO you must build character, responsibility, confidence, spirit, and
trust, in ALL subordinate personnel, instilling in them an understanding of
their importance to the RNZAF, NZDF and to the country as a whole.
As an NCO you must provide the means and guidance to your subordinates
for them to attain their goals.
As an organisation the RNZAF has been through some hard times in the
past few years with increasing workload, falling manning and experience
levels, aging fleets and equipment etc., and it has gotten by with having
its Non Commissioned Officers pick up the skills required to achieve all
these responsibilities through osmosis and blind good luck, rather than by
intent via sound preparation and training.
We had become so job task focused that military expectation of rank
had diminished.
NCO Promotion Courses also developed the reputation of being “attendance only” prerequisite hoops that had to be turned up for, and tolerated,
in order to get a Promotion Incentive Payment and a pay rise.
Personnel were arriving on the courses with little to no prerequisite
preparation for the next rank level, and even worse, were leaving promotion
32
AFN66
AFN66 DECEMBER
DECEMBER 05
05
www.airforce.mil.nz
www.airforce.mil.nz
NCO QUALIFICATION COURSES
qualifying courses without the skills, knowledge and mindset to enable
them to fulfil the responsibilities and expectations of the next rank level.
The NCO Training Project has recognised the deficiencies and has introduced a number of changes in recent times.
• Sergeant Qualifying Course attendees are appointed to Acting rank
for the course so that the students are looked at, and assessed as
Sergeants. After all –
’You cannot live up to being something you are not’
• The teaching and living environment and facilities have been
improved to reflect the importance that the RNZAF places on its NCOs.
As a result student effort and results have also improved.
• Personal Qualities and Leadership Attributes are assessed and
enforced to ensure that these leaders project the required character
and set the appropriate standards. It is based on the philosophy that
– ’You cannot not influence’
• Everything delivered on the course is done as much as possible from
a workplace focus, answering the, ’What’s in it for me?’ question.
• The majority of the elements of the courses are now assessed. If
you want someone to meet an expectation then check that they are
up to it.
While these initiatives, along with a number of others besides, have
resulted in a number of failures of personnel on the courses, those who
have graduated recently have done so with more confidence in their ability
to live up to and grow into their prospective rank.
WB 05-0172-10
WB 05-0172-16
We recognise that it is the responsibility of NCOs to ensure that ALL
subordinates; adhere to, and live up to, the required standards, values,
traditions and discipline, and, are properly prepared so that missions can
be accomplished, therefore it is the responsibility of the NCO Training
Flightl to ensure that all its graduates are appropriately prepared to do
that, and more besides.
While the changes that have been introduced to NCO Training have
ensured that the RNZAF is on the path to producing leaders capable of
retaining our place as an Air Force that is the best in all that we do, they are
just the start of the journey to leadership excellence. There is a lot more
to come that are intended to eventually provide a world-class professional
development continuum that will benefit subordinates, commanders and
those in the rank alike.
When you come to attend your NCO Promotion Course you need to be
aware that things have changed. Make sure you bring with you an open
mind, a desire to learn, and an understanding that it’s your military rank
responsibilities that will be trained and tested.
You need to be prepared to be extended and challenged, both physically
and mentally, as we will probably take you out of your comfort zone in an
effort to allow you to learn something about yourself.
In return you will experience enthusiasm, passion and innovation, in an
ever improving environment, while attaining the knowledge and skills to
assist you in your new rank, and in your workplace.
A pretty good deal really (if I do say so myself).
33
www.airforce.mil.nz
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66,
AFN66, DECEMBER
DECEMBER 05
05
GPCAPT PETER PORT
RNZAF Recruiting is advertising on TV and in the
papers for ex-RNZAF members to re-enlist in certain
trades. While this advertising has been successful
in attracting applicants, I believe there is an even
more effective way that you can help.
We all have friends and associates who we enlistedwith, worked-with or socialised-with in the RNZAF
that have since left for greener pastures. Next time
you talk with these acquaintances I encourage
you to take a moment and remind them what an
exciting and vibrant organisation the RNZAF is.
Let them know the Air Force is growing and that
the door is open, subject to vacancies, for them
to re-start their RNZAF career.
And just to show that re-enlistment is the right
option we present below the honest view of
two personnel who recently returned to the
RNZAF fold.
SGT Wyatt on the steps of the Boeing 757 which has taken him on more than a few overseas
deployments since being re-enlisted.
SGT JULES WYATT
I left the Air Force because of the DJ2 thing; at
the time no extensions of service were being
considered. I had the option to keep my super
and volunteered to take DJ2.
I was a civilian for about three and a half
years working for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts driving
and maintaining a fleet of Kasshboher Snow
Groomers at both Whakapapa, and Turoa ski
fields and generally living the high life.
I decided I missed the constant challenge
and the varied nature of work that a place
like 40SQN/Air Force offers. I also missed the
espirt de corps, the extended family nature
that only seems to exist in the Air Force. How
many companies out there pay you to stay fit,
play sport, and partake in adventures all over
the world?
The re-enlistment process was quite easy.
I appeared at recruiting and asked what was
involved with re-enlisting. I had two interviews
and completed the paperwork three weeks later.
I sat my Med board and three weeks later I was
back on the tarmac.
My job at present is supervising Operational
Level Maintenance on the 40 Sqn flight line
within a shift of about 23 pers. The Air Force
this time around is very fast moving with very
little fat. I highly recommend re-enlistment for
those looking for colour in life and an everchanging challenge.
SGT BRAD PATRICK
I jumped ship in 2001with the DJ2 crowd and
got back in February this year.
During my time out I lived for a year in my
own home in Nelson, my wife and I moved
there thinking there would be plenty of work for
me.... there was not, so I contracted to Qantas in
Sydney fixing Australian Hercs. After a while we
got sick of this arrangement because I spent too
much time away so we moved to London.
WB 05-0197-
AK 05-0509-01
YOU CAN HELP RE-BUILD THE RNZAF!
SGT Brad Patrick at work in 5 hangar.
We both got great paying jobs in the U.K and
travelled the world extensively and in fine style,
however after 18 months we got home-sick and
headed back home.
My wife applied for and got a good job in
Blenheim so naturally it was RNZAF or SAFE
for me, I applied for the Air Force and was right
pleased to be accepted.
I can honestly say it is good to be back, I can
see how people get disillusioned with it but I
have a whole new perspective now and truly
believe that the RNZAF is a good place to be.
To re-enlist I contacted the recruiters first in
Wales and then in Blenheim, went through a
medical and viola!
I am now instructing basic engineering, which
is actually pretty cool. I am enjoying the challenge and the contact with the trainees; they
are quite a laugh at times!
Overall I am pleased with my situation, pay’s
good and I am enjoying the Blenheim lifestyle,
re-enlisting was one of the best decisions I have
made in a long time.
IF YOU OR YOUR FRIENDS WANT TO KNOW MORE
34 CALL RECRUITING HQ ON 04 498 6800 OR VISIT WWW.AIRFORCE.MIL.NZ.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
WB 05-0189-11
WB 05-0189-19
BLACKBIRD
Practicing Winching with Search and Rescue Team.
SGT PHILIP BLAKEMAN
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
Practicing Mountain Flying.
WB 05-0189-02
Blackbird is No.3 Squadron’s annual mountain flying exercise. Normally a
two-week full Squadron deployment to the South Island, this year it was
carried out as four weeklong ‘mini Blackbirds’. For each week several crews
and maintenance personnel deployed with four Iroquois to Woodbourne
to fly in the inland Kaikouras and Rainbow ski field area.
The Iroquois was primarily developed for operations in a low level environment but with certain operating limitations (engine performance, tail
rotor control, main rotor control) it can fly in high altitude regions.
The exercise is designed primarily to train and refine the skill of operating
the Iroquois in mountainous terrain, a large part of which is learning the
limitations imposed by the weather and helicopter performance.
A typical sortie may involve approaches to pinnacles, ridges and flying
in valleys. The objective of the approach may be to get just one skid on
to hover load, it may to conduct a winch or even drop off an under slung
load. There are always the added environmental factors of strong winds,
cloud, turbulence and snow to contend with.
The weather has a big part to play in the success of Blackbird Exercises
and it is typical to lose a day or two due to poor weather. However, this
year the good weather allowed all training requirements to be meet.
The end objective is to enable crews to have the experience and confidence in the conditions for when we have to operate in the mountains or
high density altitude conditions. This may be to conduct troop movements in
the tropics, carry out search and rescue (SAR) or to support the Department
of Conservation (DOC). DOC jobs can range from building materials for
huts to inserting personnel in mountainous terrain for various reasons.
Practicing Load Flying.
35
LIFE AT SCOTT BASE
CPL James Bulford with Mount Erebus in the background.
F/S KAREN MIDDLEMISS
36
There are currently four RNZAF staff employed at Scott Base. SQNLDR
John Cassidy and I work as Base Services Manager and Cargo Handler
respectively. CPL Bruce Nolan looks after stores, passenger services,
postie and assistant cargo duties and CPL James Bulford works in the
communications room. Karen, John and Bruce are down for the whole
summer until February 2006 while James will return to New Zealand in
December. There are also Army and Navy personnel serving at Scott Base
over the summer months.
Although Defence staff are working in a non-operational environment
in support of Antarctic New Zealand, life at Scott Base is similar to
military deployments.
Scott Base is self sufficient with chefs, domestics, first aid, carpenters,
stores, cargo, electrician, mechanics, plant operators, communications,
science technicians, engineers, telecom technician, AFCC and the base
and programme support managers, forming a core of 35 people.
All are employed to keep the base operational during the summer season
in support of numerous science events, flown in from New Zealand. During
winter months a skeleton crew of around 12 keep things ticking over until
the following season.
Staff work six days a week with Saturday afternoons being reserved for
‘base tasks’ such as snow shovelling.
The RNZAF is providing 12 C-130 Hercules flights to Antarctica this
season. With the retirement of the StarLifters from service, the C-17 Globe
Masters have been carrying out the trans-continental flights.
The sun never sets during summer months, so there is plenty of time for
outdoor recreation after work hours with many local walks both on the
sea-ice and surrounding hills.
McMurdo and Scott Base have active social clubs and there are events
planned every night of the week between the two. These vary from
science lectures to open mic night at McMurdo where musicians get 20
minutes on stage to perform to a live audience and American night at
Scott Base on Thursdays.
Typical annual events at Scott Base during the season are the ‘P’ Party,
Beach Party, Quiz Nights, Christmas and New Years.
McMurdo is a 5-minute drive over the hill and the Americans run a
shuttle service to ferry staff between the two bases.
There are opportunities for staff to participate in familiarisation (FAM)
trips to various historic huts on Ross Island. The only wildlife here
is penguins, seals, and skuas (similar to seagulls), but seeing them
CPL Bruce Nolan climbing Castle Rock.
in the Antarctic environment is a unique experience. FAM trips also
include helicopter flights and hagglund rides out to Adelie and Emperor
penguin colonies.
Staff are encouraged to take time getting to know the scientists and take
the opportunity to learn about their research projects. Affectionately known
as ‘beakers’ and holding a wide range of degrees, you can be informed on
large spectrum of scientific topics over the summer months.
Presently there are two events working on the sea-ice close to Scott Base.
Because they are working locally this has given all staff the opportunity to
spend an afternoon sitting in a hut or ‘wannagin’ over the sea-ice fishing
for Borke or to watch divers collect water samples and invertebrates in
–1.5 degree sea water.
This season has seen the first summer crew to use the new Hillary Field
Centre (HFC) opened by Sir Edmund Hillary in November 2004. The new
facility replaces the ‘Hanger’, which is set to become a storage area for
recyclables. The HFC provides a much-improved and warmer working
space for cargo, stores, field trainers and field support staff. The gym and
food freezers have also been re-located in the HFC.
The NZDF provides valuable support to the NZ Antarctic Programme and
in doing so personnel get the opportunity to experience something both
unique and unforgettable.
There is a web cam taking photos every 15 minutes at Scott Base and
you can view it at www.antarcitanz.govt.nz along with other interesting
information on the NZ Antarctic Programme.
F/S Karen Middlemiss, Acting W/O Tony Wills (McMurdo ‘Kiwi Cargo’)
and SQNLDR John Cassidy taking a break on the Pressure Ridge Walk,
with Scott Base in the background.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
AK 05-0319-38
A JOB LESS ORDINARY
FLYING SOUTH
The first Air Force flight for the 2005/06
Antarctic Summer, an Air Force C130
Hercules, departed for the Antarctic on
the 14 November 2005 at 10am from
Christchurch International Airport. The Air
Force will provide up to 12 return flights
between Christchurch and McMurdo
Station carrying passengers and cargo
in support of Antarctica New Zealand
activities. Detachment Commander,
SQNLDR Nathan McDonald says flying to
Antarctica is challenging.
‘The extreme weather makes the flight
incredibly tricky. We have to constantly
monitor the changeable conditions,’ said
SQNLDR McDonald. ‘But it’s worth it; the
scenery is spectacular as the continent
appears on the horizon,’ he said. The
planned completion date for the 12 Air
Force flights is 16 December 2005.
THE BACKGROUND
In July 1996 ‘Antarctica New Zealand’
assumed responsibility for managing New
Zealand’s Antarctic activities. Since then
the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
has provided air transport, logistics and
personnel support to official New Zealand
activities during the Antarctic summer
season. This year the NZDF are providing
support to both Antarctica NZ and to the
United States Antarctica Programme.
The mission operates from August
- February annually and involves teams
of personnel supporting Antarctic New
Zealand and the US Antarctic Programmed
activities in NZ and on the Antarctic
continent. 24 personnel (incl. the McMurdo
Terminal Team and Scott Base support staff)
deploy to Antarctica for about five months
from October-February (austral Summer
Season) annually.
Some 30 personnel also augment the
permanent staff at the Christchurch Air
Movements Terminal and Cargo Yard
for the season. Short-term attachments
to the Antarctic throughout the season
include Ship Off-Load Team, Op White
Safari personnel; NZDF visitors, and
aircrew. The annual total of personnel
supporting Op Antarctica is approximately
82 NZDF personnel.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
Removal of the MDC.
SGT CRAIG HARNETT
display in the Museum.
An initial inspection of the aircraft by W/O
Recently the RNZAF received a request from
the Ashburton Aviation Museum for Arma- John Phillips found that the Canberra and
ment personnel to examine a Harrier G3, and Harrier fuselages and ejection seats were
a Canberra cockpit to confirm that they did not free of explosive components, but the canopy
of the Harrier was still fitted with Miniature
contain any explosive components.
The Harrier spent its flying life in service with Detonating Cord (MDC). MDC is initiated in
the RAF. When it was retired from service it the first stage of an ejection and its purpose
was re-painted in Sea-Harrier colours and used is to shatter the canopy allowing the ejection
as a maintenance trainer at the Royal Navy seat to exit the aircraft. An additional request
was made to the RNZAF to remove the MDC
Engineering School at Yeovilton.
Recently the Harrier was marked for disposal and fortunately I was on Explosive Ordnance
and the Ashburton Aviation Museum submitted Disposal (EOD) duty at Glentunnel Ammunition
the successful tender. The Harrier has a couple Depot and able to carry out this tasking. It’s not
of ‘Kiwi’ connections. The Commanding Officer every day you are given the opportunity to work
of the very first RAF Harrier Squadron was on a Harrier Jump-Jet.
As an RNZAF Armourer you could never
a New Zealander, the late Sir Kenneth Hayr,
and RNZAF SQNLDR Sean Perret has logged a complain that your duties lack diversity, espenumber of hours flying this particular aircraft. cially when those duties are as an EOD Operator.
Work is underway to have the Harrier on public From clearing munitions in Afghanistan and
the Solomon Islands, to the safe disposal of
display in 2006.
The Canberra cockpit was also purchased military munitions within New Zealand, RNZAF
from the UK after it was scrapped at Llanbder, Armourers are doing the job and loving every
Wales. It will serve as a travelling ambassador minute of it.
for the Ashburton Aviation
Museum and will be on
display at ‘Warbirds Over
Wanaka 2006’.
Ashburton Airport was
opened on the 17 May 1930.
From 1942 – 1944 it was the
home of the RNZAF No.2
Elementary Flying School. In
its brief history it had an establishment of 1000 personnel,
fifty DH-82A Tiger Moths, and
of the Ashburton Aviation Museum Society with me
trained 1192 pilots. A diorama Members
in the cockpit.
and ‘lay-out’ of the camp is on
37
On Monday 7 November MACR ‘Pierre’ Hilliard set a record that’s unlikely to
be matched in the near future – 10,000 flying hours in 1775 sorties aboard
a single aircraft type, the P-3 Orion.
Tacked together that’s a year and 51 days of continuous flying. It’s ‘worth
a few pies,’ says MACR Hilliard modestly. The achievement is both testament to MACR Hilliard’s long and distinguished career and to the Orion’s
resilience as a surveillance platform. MACR Hilliard joined the Air Force
in 1973, graduated off the basic AEOP course in 1974 and completed the
first of four P-3 conversion courses in 1975. He completed an Advanced
AEOP Course and qualified as an Air Electronics Instructor in 1979. In 1999
he completed the No.5 squadron Executive Upgrade Course and flew as
a line AEO.
But, with a home and wife Sue in Feilding, he’s now looking at coming
down to earth at Base Ohakea, although he admits he’d ‘love to get back into
it’ aboard the mooted inshore patrol aircraft, perhaps ‘as an instructor.’
In his three decades with the Air Force he’s served under 12 different
Commanding Officers and flown with over 120 captains. ‘In fact I first flew
with some captains as FGOFF/FLTLT, then did a later tour with them as
SQNLDR/WGCDR,’ he says. A highlight of his travels was a 1999 exercise
in the UK during which the crew became known as the Crew 2 Pirates.
He also served as an instructor at Wigram and set up the Air Electronics
Operator training programme in Sale, Australia.
He’s seen significant changes to the Orion. ‘I was selected for the Project
Rigel test and training crew in 1984, spending four months in Seattle, USA
test flying and helping develop the software and HMI when the RNZAF
upgraded the P3B to the P3K. I also helped draft the Project Sirius functional specification in 99/2000 and its great to see so many of our ideas
come to fruition in the current P3K2 Update project.’ But it’s the people he
has worked with he remembers most. Working in the specialist role of Air
Electronics Operator (AEOP) with the tight-knit Orion crews has been an
ongoing highlight in his career. He likens the opportunity to be part of the
team effort to ‘playing top class competitive sport at the age 50, which is
coming up in February. It’s a great life and it’s the people you remember the
most,’ he says. ‘I’m a team player so being part of a crew suits me.’
He details some of his other firsts from his three-decade career aboard
the venerable P-3 Orion.
Longest Flight. Flew 12.7 hours twice, once on a SAR with SQNLDR
‘Buck’ Bulger in Jun 79; then investigating an unidentified submarine off
Rarotonga with SQNLDR John Cotton on my 30th birthday – Feb 86. That
was pretty interesting.
Shortest Flight. Crewed on a F-27 Friendship maintenance delivery flight
Wigram to Christchurch. The aim was to do it in less than 6 mins for a 0.0
flight but it didn’t work out and we did 0.2.
Longest day. SAR with FLTLT Bruce Clark off the Kaikoura coast. We
found the missing vessel, then returned to Wellington for more fuel and
a rest, then went out again to effect the rendezvous with the rescue ship.
Flew 8.2 day plus 8.9 night for a total of 17.1 flying hours.
Biggest month. February 1988, flew 93.7 day plus 16.7 night for a total
of 110.4. Pretty tame compared to what the P3K crews flew up in the
Persian Gulf during Op Troy and I understand, what C130 crews have done
regularly over the years.
AK 05-0512-06
10,000 HOUR MAN
Most and least flying hours: 10,000 hour man MACR Hillard with one
of No.5 Squadron’s junior crew, CPL Grace Urlich.
MAKE THE SWITCH TO 406
On Wednesday 16 November, at Wellington’s Boat Shed, boating,
tramping and maritime safety representatives helped launch the
Government’s $1million public education campaign to encourage New
Zealanders to switch off their 30,000 old 121.5Mhz beacons and buy
new 406Mhz beacons. In February 2009 the old beacons will become
fully obsolete as safety monitors like the RCC will no longer respond
to beacons broadcasting on the 121.5Mhz wavelength.
The 121.5s have served us well so why the change? With 95 to
98 percent of 121.5 beacons set off as false alarms the truth is they
weren’t doing their job as they should, and costing a lot of money in
wasted resources and search time. The newer 406Mhz beacons are
much easier to zero in on, reducing search time, and because they
are registered authorities are able to check the owners details before
launching a search. Ultimately it comes down to the number of lives
saved and the 406Mhz beacons have a track record of getting rescuers
to you with a minimum of delay. Guest speaker Peter Hillary said he will
be taking one when he again ventures to Antarctica next month and
Associate Minister of Transport Judith Tizard said the Prime Minister
Helen Clark will carry one on her tramping trips.
So, if you’re worried about the safety of your boating, tramping,
adventuring partner or family member and want peace of mind you
might like to consider slipping a 406MHz beacon into their Christmas
stocking. They’re not cheap – ranging in price from several hundred
dollars for a basic trampers beacon right up to several thousand for a
top-of-the-line maritime model – but what price is safety?
38
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
WN 05-0258-01
(L-R) SGT Boots Medcalfe; FLTLT Glenn Donaldson; FGOFF Brendan Zwanniken; FLTLT Dave Bacon;
SGT Mike Kennedy; FLTLT Cam Hardy; SGT Brett Preston; CPL John Drummond; Miss Haidi Wilmot
(AC SCI branch); (Slightly obscured) MACR Pierre Hilliard; VCDF; LTCOL Jeremy Ramsden (DA
Suva); FLTLT Roger Williams; CPL Cat Lawrie; FLTLT Pete Gibson; FLTLT Cath Pollock; FLTLT Nick
Cooper; FLTLT Brooke Macdonald.
NOTHING ROUTINE ABOUT THIS PATROL
A ‘routine’ patrol of the waters
north of New Zealand by a No.5
Squadron P-3K Orion crew
(NORPAT) turned into a journey
full of surprises. FLTLT Glen
Donaldson tells the story.
There we were at 200ft skimming the waves and
hurtling towards a merchant vessel for the 3rd
rig of the day on the first leg out of Whenuapai Kiwi 983 patrolling and protecting New Zealand’s
resources. What happened next was the beginning of a unique and eventful week.
The task was simple: conduct a routine
South West Pacific surveillance operation while
transporting the VCDF (AVM David Bamfield)
to numerous Pacific islands to meet with local
officials.
Also along for the trip was Miss Haidi Willmot
(an Analyst in SCI branch), FLTLT Brooke
MacDonald (Air Liaison Officer) and we were to
pick up LTCOL Jeremy Ramsden (DA Fiji - accredited to Tonga and Samoa) from Tonga.
En route and in between times the crew would
carry out standard NORPAT patrol tasking, on the
look out for rogue fishermen. It was a case of two
birds with one stone some may say. All simple
enough really, but this is where the fun begins!
The first event happened 1.5 hours into the
flight on the first day. We had just completed
a rig and things were looking rosey. That was
when the ever-vigilant Flight Engineer caught
a flash of the prop pump oil light. Not wanting
to end up stuck in Tonga with a broken prop
the captain wisely returned to Whenuapai to
correct the fault prior to continuing on our merry
way with a straight transit to Tonga. Change 1
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
to the plan!
Change 2 came not long after. About 50nm prior
to Tonga a call was heard on marine radio CH16 for
all vessels to check their beacons. Five minutes
later a MAYDAY call was heard and a beacon
picked up. A sailing vessel had lost its mast and
engine and was at the mercy of old King Neptune.
Being good Samaritans we diverted immediately
to the area on the lookout for the stricken vessel.
Soon after locating and establishing communications with the vessel in distress, the sailing yacht
Tandem, we held overhead awaiting the departure
of the rescue vessel, Sunook, that was departing
Tonga 30nm to the south. Sunook was a small
sailing vessel with some very competent people
on board and was due to RV in five hours.
On minimum fuel we returned to Tonga for refuel,
to drop off the VCDF and to get further direction on
tasking from the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)
back in NZ. An hour prior to the RV we launched
again to re-locate both vessels and effect the RV
safely in very trying sea conditions. Once both
vessels were in sight of each other and talking to
one another we departed back to Tonga landing
just after midnight.
The next day we got the good news that a
safe rescue had been conducted and the yacht
was being towed back into port. This left us very
happy in the knowledge that we had been part of
effecting a safe and successful search and rescue.
Day three was semi normal again with the task
going according to plan for the first leg into Niue
to drop off the VCDF and DA. In flight however, we
heard there was another RNZAF P-3K conducting a
search in Tonga and we were re-tasked to locate
a stricken fishing vessel wrecked on a reef to the
south of Niue. Change 3! Well we located him
very quickly, and there was a second vessel there
helping them. We took pictures for the Niuean
Police who we had on board. Once happy they
were all safe and well we continued with our
patrol of the Niuean EEZ prior to picking up the
VCDF and company for the transit up to Faleolo
in Samoa.
Standby for change 4. Patrol,…no way, yet
another SAR. The crew from the other P-3K
were unsuccessful in their attempts to locate the
lost dinghy the previous day. We were tasked
with continuing the search by surveying all the
islands and reefs around the Ha’apai group to
see if the men in the dinghy had washed ashore.
As always you found what you’re looking for in
the last place you look, and sure enough on Kao
Island, the last one we searched, the eagle eyes
of our Ordnanceman spied a wrecked dinghy
on the rocks. On closer inspection it appeared
to be what we were looking for, but around the
islands there are hundreds of little white dinghies.
Further searching of the island revealed two men
waving frantically. This information was passed
to RCC who were liaising with Tongan officials
for further clarification. They were confident that
these were the men we were looking for and they
would send out a rescue vessel to pick them up
off the island.
Change 5! Well the final straw for the week
came when the aircraft had to have a hydraulic
pump change. So the final days patrolling
was changed into a straight transit back to
Base Whenuapai.
It was a unique NORPAT, and a very successful
and satisfying week. So the simple task turned
out to be not so simple after all; however the
main aim was achieved. So the trip was not so
much Operation NORPAT (Northern Patrol) but
more Operation NORSAR!
39
KIWI CAN-DO COMPANY
40
A small but innovative kiwi company with a ‘can-do’ attitude,
MAROPS Ltd, has provided the Air Force with high quality software training packages and instructors at an affordable price.
The quality provided by MAROPS was recognised in the annual
Defence Industry Awards in October when the company won the
category B Award of Excellence. OC No. 485 Wing GPCAPT Kevin
Short nominated MAROPS for the award.
MAROPS made an initial approach to the Air Force to provide
conversion course training after a successful period of instruction
and flight trial assistance for a new Orion autopilot.
On 21 September the company was contracted to provide the Air
Force with the technical ground phase of the conversion course.
The on-going contract involves the provision of courseware material and instructors as well as documentation including instructor
guides and lesson plans.
The company’s superior level of training allowed the Orion’s
busy aircrew to continue with their primary roles rather than being
released from their crews to provide such training.
The company rewrote the outdated training material thereby
saving time and improving efficiency.
Company director Tony Gainsford says MAROPS’ expertise
‘comes largely from previous experience with the RNZAF and from
the visual media industry. We employ a number of people with
previous experience on the P-3K and others with backgrounds
with the C-130 and Boeing. Most have operational expertise
(Pilot, Navigator, AEO, Flt Eng etc) backed up by individuals
with engineering backgrounds. Our civilian staff comprises a
specialist in media design including 3D and 2D animation and
undergraduate students.’
Mr Gainsford says that knowledge of Air Force culture and
procedures helped the company develop a good product in reasonable timeframes. Indeed, the company’s insider’s knowledge of
the Air Force meant they could deliver a superior product much
faster and less expensively than other civilian contractors.
And the company continues to go from success to success with
a string of other projects on the drawing board including:
• Development of training modules for the RAAF AP-3C
simulator – contracted by Raytheon Australia.
• Operational Evaluation and Reporting on the prototype
P-3K Replacement Autopilot.
• 3D and 2D CBT animations for Flying Training Wing RNZAF.
• Distance Learning Course for the RNZN.
• Design of a digitised instrument panel for BAE Systems to
display at the 2003 P3 International Operators Support
Conference.
• 3D maintenance training package for BAE Systems USA.
• Publications development and formatting for Safe Air
Limited in support of the P-3K2 update.
• Maintenance training on ATE and avionics systems for 92
Wing RAAF – Raytheon Australia.
The company is looking to build business within the defence
and commercial sectors says Mr Gainsford. ‘There is a growing
awareness of the potential to outsource this type of work to
New Zealand companies with the right mix of experience and
knowledge. As members of the NZ Defence Industry Association we are encouraging the NZDF to support the growth of
domestic industry.’
C.B.T. tool for RNZAF P3-K Orion conversion training.
Simulator for the BAE Systems P-3 Orion Digital Autopilot System (DAS).
Courseware for RNZAF P3-K Orion conversion training.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 05-0619-01
WONDERFUL
WINGS
OH 05-0619-02
Newly qualified pilots in the RNZAF – PLTOFF Matt Ferris (L) and PLTOFF
Michael Garrett.
L-R: PLTOFF’s Kane Sanson, Mike Garrett, Matt Ferris and Joel Bradley in front of the King Air aircraft.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
In a day of dignity, celebration and recognition of their step up into the world of military
aviation four newly-qualified pilots – PLTOFFs
Matt Ferris, Michael Garrett, Joel Bradley and
Kane Sanson – were presented with their
‘Wings’ at a Base Ohakea graduation parade
on 17 November.
The parade, attended by Associate Minister
of Defence Annette King, signaled the
successful completion of 14 months on the
RNZAF’s Wings course, accumulation of 200
hours flying and many hours of intensive study
for each of the graduates.
‘Wings has been an awesome experience,
said PLTOFF Joel Bradey from Timaru. ‘The low
point is losing so many mates along the way
but the highlight is the day you’re trusted to
take the aircraft away by yourself.’
Dunedin’s PLTOFF Matt Ferris said: ‘Flying
into Taieri aerodrome during a navigation
exercise was a highlight of the course. It was
great to be able to fly into my home town’.
And for fellow Dunedin man PLTOFF Michael
Garrett navigating the Mainland was also
a highlight.
Waikato’s PLTOFF Kane Sanson had a hat
trick of achievements, winning the De Lange
Trophy for gaining the highest final flying
mark and the Wigram Trophy for the highest
academic mark on the course.
From here the young pilots will learn the
specifics of helicopter flying or enter the world
of multi-engine aircraft training.
41
OUR SPORTING
HIGH ACHIEVERS
On a sunny Wellington Friday 18 November at the
Brewery Bar overlooking a calm harbour RNZAF
senior officers and sports officials gathered to
celebrate the Air Force’s sporting high achievers
for 2005 at the annual Sportsperson of the
Year Awards.
Chief of Air Force AVM John Hamilton was
there to personally hand over the badges, and
trophys and say a few words of encouragement for what he regards as ‘an important part
of RNZAF life and culture for its promotion of
camaraderie and teamwork.’
Master of Ceremonies SGT George Mana read
the citations.
First up was the presentation of RNZAF Gold
Sports Badges in recognition of consistent
outstanding sporting achievement and longstanding service to RNZAF sports. The recipients
were:
42
F/S Steve Leach: Ever since his enlistment in
85, F/S Steve Leech has been involved in Services
sport and he has excelled himself as a premier
golfer. He has represented the various bases he
has served at, 16 times in Interbase competition,
the RNZAF 14 times and the Combined Services
seven times. F/S Leech has also represented his
province on three occasions. He is without doubt
one of the most talented golfers ever to serve in
the RNZAF.
SQNLDR Mike Salvador: Since enlisting in
1977 he has been an avid supporter of Services
sport in general and soccer in particular. Mike
has played, in soccer, 23 Interbases, RNZAF
nine seasons, Combined Services once, Marlborough for 11 seasons and is also a member of
the Marlborough Masters provincial team.
Mike’s commitment extends from Base
Soccer committees to selector and coach, at
both base and RNZAF level. In addition to his
outstanding service to soccer Mike has also
supported all RNZAF Base Woodbourne sporting
codes, serving as Base Sports Officer for
four years.
FLTLT Hans Van Leeuwen: FLTLT Hans Van
Leeuwen enlisted in 1989. Throughout his
service he has proven himself as a dedicated
and talented sportsman reaching the highest
levels of Service representation as well
as provincial representation in his primary
sports, golf.
His sporting career as a player has so
far involved 11 InterBase tournaments,
10 playing Golf and one playing Softball.
He has represented the RNZAF nine times,
Combined Services three times and his
Province (Manawatu/Wanganui) three times.
(absent on day of presentation)
Mr Kingsley Taylor: Mr Kingsley Taylor
has been involved with three official RNZAF
sports codes as an airman from early 70s till
1990 and since then as a civilian employee.
An avid sportsman, he has been a dedicated
and committed participant in RNZAF Bowls
and Soccer as well as having been a player at
InterBase Cricket. During his career Kinsley has
attended 23 InterBase tournaments and has
represented the RNZAF on 19 occasions as either
a player and/or a selector, and on one occasion
as an RNZAF Coach for Women’s Soccer.
Next came the RNZAF Cup awarded annually
to the base, which, by its overall performance
in InterBase competition throughout the year,
is adjudged by the RNZAF Sports Committee
to have promoted best the objectives of
RNZAF sport.
The RNZAF Cup for 2005 was awarded to
Base Ohakea.
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
SGT Tracey Sims, Woodbourne. SGT Tracey
Sims has been a major contributor to the success
of Base Woodbourne, RNZAF and Marlborough
Badminton and Harriers during the past 12
months, as a player, but more importantly an
administrator.
The recipient of the RNZAF FLAG Trophy
was Erica Tipene.
The USAF Cup was presented as a token of
comradeship and esteem on Air Force Day. The
cup is awarded annually to the RNZAF Base
that gains the highest aggregate of points in all
InterBase competition and was awarded this year
to Base Auckland.
The Flag Trophy was originally presented to
the RNZAF Base Wigram Sportsperson of the
Year award. The trophy was reallocated in 1995
for award to the RNZAF Administrator of the Year
to recognise outstanding effort by non-playing
sports officials. The nominees were:
F/S Kathy Nikau, Auckland has greatly
contributed to the RNZAF Base Auckland
Netball in the organising and administration of
Interbase Netball.
CPL Erica Tipene, Ohakea. In the 04/05
sporting year, CPL Erica Tipene has excelled
in her participation and dedication to various
sporting codes.
Erica has completed multiple duties this year
from Ohakea touch executive committee to
sports medic / strapper for the NZDF Touch and
League teams.
Erica then organised and ran, at provincial level,
the Mana Wahine Manawatu Woman’s Rugby
League (Nines) Tournament, held at Ohakea,
and was the key administrator for the hosting of
InterBase and InterService League.
SGT Dale Forsythe, Wellington. During the
year SGT Dale Forsyth was Secretary for the
RNZAF Wellington Netball Club and later the Club
Captain, during which she organised a Corporate
Netball team. This competition is held all year
round so her services were crucial to Wellington
over the past 12 months.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
The 141 Flight RNZAF Trophy was donated by
141 Flight RNZAF on 30 July 1989. The trophy will
be awarded annually for the most outstanding
achievement in sport by an RNZAF sportsperson.
The nominees were:
SGT Garner Gulliver, Auckland. SGT Gulliver
represented the NZDF at the NZ Touch National
Championships 2004 with distinction and earned
selection in the NZ Men’s Over Thirty’s Touch
Squad. The National squad was selected from
the 19 provincial unions along with invited teams
such as the NZDF and NZ Police.
CPL Paul Dalzell, Ohakea represented the
lower North Island representative squad, the
Wellington Storm in Grid Iron (American Football), who played against other regional sides.
Solid performances for the Storm led to NZ
trials and ultimate selection in the New Zealand
Ironblacks to play Australia – an amazing feat in
his first season of Grid Iron.
LAC Michael Hickman, Woodbourne become
the New Zealand Pro-Elite Champion in the sport
of Bike Trials.
In May Michael competed in the New Zealand
BIU Bike Trials Championships in Palmerston
North. His performance in this challenging
category was outstanding and he won the
competition, being crowned the 2005 New
Zealand Pro-Elite Champion.
The recipient of the RNZAF 141 Flight
Trophy was SGT Garner Gulliver. (absent on
day of presentation)
The Les Smith Memorial Trophy was
donated by RNZAF Bases for award to the RNZAF
sportsperson of the year. Flight Sergeant Les
Smith was drowned whilst participating in an
RNZAF Adventure Training exercise. During his
service, Les Smith established a fine sporting
record and was held in high esteem as a true
sportsperson. The trophy will be awarded annually to the member making the most outstanding
contribution to sport during the year. Cognisance
will be taken not only of outstanding performance
but of administrative effort and contribution to
RNZAF Sport. The nominees were:
CPL Kim Bevins has been an exceptional
sportsperson across an array of sports for the
RNZAF and NZDF during the year.
Kim captained the Saturday Base Rugby Team.
As well as performing exceptionally well himself,
he also contributed ‘off the field’ assuming
administration tasks and assisting with the
coaching/mentoring role. Kim also captained
the Inter-Base Rugby Team, and represented the
RNZAF and NZDF.
CPL Paul Dalzell has shown commitment and
dedication to a number of sporting codes over
the past 12 months, his devotion to training and
playing has been rewarded by representative
honours.
Paul has been heavily involved with the Base
Ohakea Soccer club, as a player, captain and this
year a selector and coach. Unfortunately, he was
unavailable for Services. In October of last year
he represented the NZDF in a two match series
against New Zealand Marist.
In the past 12 months CPL Larry Boyd has
achieved RNZAF representative status in Volleyball, taken on the position of OIC Wellington
Volleyball for a period and organised an Air Staff
team participation in business house volleyball
competitions over the past year.
Larry is a keen sports person who has achieved
in both participation and organising, so that
others may participate and maintain interest in
sport. He has taken the time to enter the volleyball club into a lunchtime competition, and has
managed the team on a weekly basis.
SQNLDR Kelvin Read continues to defy the
laws of ageing and keeps on setting for himself
tougher new challenges. This year he has
achieved an amazing list of accomplishments and
achievements in both Hockey and Harriers
Kelvin continues to be one of the driving forces
at all levels of hockey, from club, InterBase and
RNZAF player, RNZAF and NZDF selector, OIC
of the Base Club, member of Emcee Hockey
Club committee, umpire at Club and InterBase
tournaments and has also found time to coach
five different Hockey teams. Also Kelvin is heavily
involved in Athletics and Harriers where he is
now regarded as the top Senior and Veteran
performer within the Tasman region.
The recipient of the Les Smith Memorial
Trophy was CPL Kim Bevins.
43
OH 05-0578-70
GONE WAS
THE WIND
A swing and a miss from WB vs. OH.
SGT LYNNE HILL
44
Ohakea hosted InterBase Softball this year from the 29 – 30 October. The
typical Manawatu windy weather was noticeably absent, and so was the
predicted rain. A few thunder rumbles and lightning bolts arrived late
Saturday afternoon, but came to nothing. Lots of sun (and sunscreen) was
the call for the weekend. Players from Auckland, Woodbourne, Wellington
and Ohakea enjoyed two days of excellent competition.
Day 1 began Saturday morning at 0700 hrs, as pre-game nerves got me
out of bed to ensure I didn’t forget anything. Our first game was at 1000
hrs. The captain, CPL Tanz Daly, took us all for a warm up run and stretch
to ensure we could last through our double header. The coach, SGT Mike
‘Thommo’ Thomas, put us through our paces to make sure we were awake.
‘This is our year to win,’ he said but he reckons we stopped listening to
him after that.
First up was Woodbourne, and as we were fielding first, I took up my
place in the pitcher’s circle. It took a few innings to settle in, but my
catcher, F/S Tracey Buchanan, kept encouraging me until I eventually got
it right. The team put in a great batting and fielding effort and we finally
came out on top 19 – 10.
Next up for us was Auckland, and as we were warm from the last game,
we came out firing, eventually winning 20 – 0. With two wins under our
belt, we automatically qualified for the final on Sunday, something the
Ohakea’s women team had not done for a few years.
The last women’s game saw the lead change several times between
Auckland and Woodbourne, before Woodbourne finally came out on
top 25 – 18.
The men’s competition began with Woodbourne taking on Auckland.
Woodbourne came out on top 8 – 3. The second men’s game had Ohakea
play Auckland. Ohakea was too strong for Auckland, winning 15 – 4.
The last men’s game of the day had Woodbourne up against Ohakea. It
was a close fought game, with Woodbourne just edging out Ohakea 8 – 6.
With two wins to their name, Woodbourne advanced to the final. It was a
great first day of softball, with the players meeting in the Sports Bar later
for the daily prizegiving and a few quiet cokes and orange juices.
Day 2 games began at 0930 hrs on Sunday, with the 2nd and 3rd seed
teams (both men and women) playing for a spot in the final. Ohakea men
took on Auckland, winning 12 – 2, to play Woodbourne in the final. The
women’s semi-final between Auckland and Woodbourne was another high
scoring game, with Woodbourne winning 30 – 21.
The women’s final was up first at high noon. A few stiff bodies from the
day before, saw the massage team run off their feet. The team met at 1030
hrs and it’s a good thing we did, as Captain Daly (who was kind enough to
wash all the uniforms the day before) brought everybody’s uniform except
her own. A good thing the assistant coach was nice enough to go and
get it for her. We started warming up an hour before kick-off. My catcher
wanted to make sure my arm was nice and warm before the start of the
game. It must have worked because I was a little less nervous when I took
to the pitching circle this time.
Ohakea started strong and just kept building. An unfortunate accident
in the 1st inning saw the Woodbourne pitcher, F/S Karen Chard, taken
to hospital with a ruptured Achilles. SGT CJ Whittaker took up the challenge of pitching. As the game continued, the excitement was building
for Ohakea, that yes, we could win Interbase this year.
The team had fantastic discipline in the batter’s box, with the number of
runs increasing with each turn at bat. AC Tash Sharp was so excited about
her three base hit that she celebrated (and entertained us on the sideline)
with a little dance. The fielding effort was excellent and when the final out
was taken, the excitement was just too much to contain.
We had won with a score 20 – 0, and as we found out later in the
evening, it was the first time Ohakea women had won the trophy since
1973. Being one of the ‘mature’ players (SGT Glenda Peri being the other),
I felt proud to finally lift the trophy for Ohakea. My thanks to the entire
team for their mammoth effort, support and encouragement for me in the
pitcher’s circle.
A big thanks to LAC Dave Orum (Manager) and CPL Mel Gill (A/Coach)
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 05-0578-52
Ohakea
Woodbourne
Auckland
Ohakea
CPL Tanz Daly (OH)
CPL Aaron Collier (AK)
F/S Karen Chard (WB)
CPL Darren Grant (OH)
SGT Brent Collier (WB)
F/S Tracey Buchanan (OH)
Mr Glen Meltcalf (WB)
CPL Tracy Harrison (OH)
SGT Fabian McQueen (AK)
SGT Lynne Hill (OH)
W/O Graham Chard (WB)
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
OH 05-0578-19
F/S Twiggy Marshall chucks one
down for Auckland.
RESULTS
WINNERS WOMEN
WINNERS MEN
SPORTSMANSHIP WOMEN
SPORTSMANSHIP MEN
TOP BATTER WOMEN
TOP BATTER MEN
TOP RBIS WOMEN
TOP RBIS MEN
MOST HOMERUNS
MVP WOMEN
MVP MEN
ROOKIE WOMEN
ROOKIE MEN
TOP PITCHER WOMEN
TOP PITCHER MEN
F/S Tracey Buchanan going for
the hit in the final.
OH 05-0578-30
for all the running around you did for us. The biggest thanks to our great
(and awesome) coach, Thommo, for all the training you put us through,
to enhance our skills and confidence, to win the trophy. It was celebration time with a little fruit punch, made with ingredients kindly donated
by some of the team. Let’s hope it’s not another 32 years before Ohakea
women win the trophy again!
The men’s final began at 1430 hrs, with hosts Ohakea taking on
Woodbourne. Ohakea kept the game close for the first couple of innings,
but then Woodbourne had a strong innings with the bat, eventually
winning 6 – 2.
Sunday night was the final prizegiving and the naming of the RNZAF
teams. A huge thanks to all those who organised InterBase. A big thanks
also to the umpires and scorers, who took time out of their weekend to
help InterBase run smoother.
OH 05-0578-30
The Ohakea women’s team celebrate winning the trophy.
Ohakea Womens Team
45
TARANAKI TUBES
PLTOFF RHYS EVANS & LAC BEN SMITH
46
After several months of planning by the Auckland Boardriders Club, the
second Board Riders Interbase competition was held in Taranaki over
November 4-6. Conditions were less than ideal but in true kiwi style
everyone gritted their teeth and got on with the job at hand.
The weekend didn’t get off to the best start when SGT Conrad Ware’s
house bus (aka competition controller’s HQ) broke down on the Auckland
motorway on the way down. This, combined with a wheel shearing off a
boat trailer, had many people wondering what else could go wrong!
The long drive saw people arrive in dribs and drabs into the Fitzroy Beach
camping ground from 7pm onwards on the Thursday night, with the last
people arriving at around 1am. The wind and rain came all night and the
morning saw a few people drying out kit.
It was straight into it on the Friday morning, with the long boarding Surf
competition. Ahu Ahu Road down Taranaki’s infamous ‘Surf Highway’
provided clean 2ft waves in what was a less than ideal westerly wind. It was
great to see everyone keen to get into the cold water early in the morning.
A few brave souls were even seen to be going out in ‘spring suits’.
The heats progressed with some great waves being caught. All the ‘old
school’ manoeuvres were displayed, including a few ‘hang fives’, ‘soul
arches’ and the good old headstand! CPL Andrew Fisher (OH), FGOFF Matt
Raffills (AK) and SGT Duane Morrison (AK) progressed through to the final.
The tide came in and the number and quality of waves decreased. This didn’t
slow CPL Fisher whose schoolboy like stature enabled him to make the most
of the small waves that did come through and win the long boarding.
As the weather deteriorated and the wave quality decreased it was time
to move on for lunch and another spot for the short boarding competition.
The westerly wind had picked up and if there is one wind that destroys
Taranaki’s great waves, it’s a westerly. Back beach was the call for the short
boarding competition. In what could only be described as testing conditions
the keen surfers paddled out for an expression session, in which the rider’s
two best waves would combine to give them their overall score. SGT Conrad
Ware came to grief in the dumping shore break and picked up the “Best
Bail” award for his efforts. CPL Andrew Fisher, LAC Nic Hale and FGOFF
Matt Raffills made the most of each and every wave that came through but
it was LAC Nic Hale’s ability to complete 360’s in the onshore conditions
that saw him prevail, taking out the short boarding and over-all surfing title,
ending the competitive surfing in less than desirable conditions.
A warm shower ensured everyone was well thawed once back at the
campsite, leaving everybody ready to get wet again in an afternoon session
behind the boat. The boat was loaded up and taken down to Lake Rotomaru,
located only 5 minutes away from the campsite. All of the wake boarding
competitors (along with the odd undie clad surfer) got geared up for what
was essentially a warm up for the wake boarding competition to be held
the next day. The hard-core wake boarders put on a display that had the
public parking up and watching their aerials and inverts. The rest of the
boardriders sat on the lakes edge and gave inspiration to those riding to
perform bigger, faster and harder than they may have otherwise gone.
Packing up at 8pm to head back for well-earned Fush & Chups, ended
what turned out to be a great day.
Saturday morning and the weather was still the same - westerlies and
rain. There were some waves to be had in front of the campground and
some time to use before the wake boarding competition in the afternoon.
Most of the riders decided to head out and enjoy an hour or so in the water.
The presence of an underwater cameraperson in the line-up inspired some
people to go a little harder than perhaps their ability allowed!
The wake boarding was held on Lake Ratapiko, located inland of Inglewood, about 20 minutes drive from New Plymouth. Riders were given two
runs of the lake to perform their most radical manoeuvres. The competition
was fast and fierce, with those able to stick the inverts quickly stamping
their authority on the competition. The relatively short run pressured riders
to perform big, which led to some spectacular bails. CPL Andrew Fisher
took the ‘Best Bail’ award for catching a front edge from a jump and giving
himself an all over ‘pinkie’. LAC Blair Robertson’s ability to take all his
tricks huge and way into the flats gave him a winning edge and he took
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
AK 05-0478-16
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
FGOFF KATE HENRY
out the wake boarding competition.
The New Plymouth RSA was the location for the final night dinner and
prize giving. Thanks to the sterling support of some very helpful sponsors,
we had a decent swag of prizes to give out. After the ceremonies were
over, the mood turned to celebration and led to the riders talking most of
the night away with the locals, before heading into New Plymouth showing
the locals how to stick it to the dance floor.
The next morning, with sore heads rolling out of tents we were treated
to the best weather of the weekend, in usual fashion, when it was time to
head home on the Sunday. A quick surf before finally getting away was on
the cards and polished off what was yet another highly successful Board
Riders Interbase competition.
We would like to thank the following companies for their generous sponsorship of the competition; Ballistics, Windscene, Seventh Wave, WSP and
Back Door Surf. If you need to buy stuff, buy it from these guys.
The Base Board Riders Clubs are always looking for more members so
if this sounds like your cup of tea, don’t hesitate to contact one of the
following people who will be more than happy to get you involved; PLTOFF
Tim Pevreal (OH), LAC Greg Allen (OH), FGOFF Matt Raffills (AK), SGT Conrad
Ware (AK) or LAC Nic Hale (AK).
Waterpolo Interbase 2005, hosted by Base Auckland over 8 - 9 October,
was held at the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health in Mairangi
Bay - the training ground for several of New Zealand’s top athletes.
The pool is almost twice the width of the base pool and there was no
shallow end to amble your way around. The tournament became the
survival of the fittest.
Woodbourne’s team was strong as usual with several familiar faces.
They had experience on their side as well as some new talent. Despite
the distance and difficulties to travel to Auckland, 10 Woodbourne
players and 1 tournament referee made the voyage.
The Navy team grow stronger every year and it was great to have them
involved in the tournament as their competitiveness in the pool turned
to great sportsmanship in the Sports Bar and they entertained us all.
Auckland provided the lean mean masses; with 20 players they were
divided into 2 teams. One team being the Auckland team and, with the
addition of two Air Staff players, the other became the Central team.
The tournament was played 6-a-side with mixed teams. The outcome
of each game was difficult to predict and the close results are testimony
to this. In the round robin on Saturday, Woodbourne beat Auckland to
take the lead on the point’s table, and Central beat Navy to be placed
third after the first day. But tables turned on Sunday, with the competitive spirit heightened in the finals. Auckland came out victorious with
a narrow win 9 – 7 against Woodbourne. Navy came in third beating
Central 14 - 7.
The Swimming competition on the Sunday was equally heated, but the
Auckland team took the win with Woodbourne coming second.
Male Player of the tournament went to F/S Wizza Davidson. Female
Player of the tournament was FGOFF Kate Henry. Sportsperson of the
tournament, for the player or official who best promotes Waterpolo
throughout the tournament, went to FGOFF Nick Larson.
Special thanks go to the tournament officials; the Moohan Family who
once again journeyed from around the country; and Mr Robin Allison
from Woodbourne, for looking after all the refereeing, secretary work
and timekeeping.
It was great to see all the new players this year. If you are keen
on getting involved talk to your Base OIC about involvement in
civilian leagues.
Auckland
FGOFF Kate Henry
Ohakea
FGOFF Adam Housten
Woodbourne
FLTLT Pete Franken
Wellington
FGOFF Arna Barnao
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
47
OH 05-0605-02
OH 05-0635-03
Action from the first day of shooting.
GUNNING FOR VICTORY
The 2005 RNZAF Clay target Interbase Competition was hosted by Ohakea
over 8-10 November. The 24th Interbase competition was held at the
Wanganui Gun Club in almost ideal weather. It was run jointly with the
18th Police Champs and the 2nd Army Champs. The results of the Interbase
are as follows.
The Interbase Competition (Wareham Trophy) was won by the Ohakea
Team with a score of 483. Wellington was a close second with 482 points,
then Woodbourne with 454 and Auckland with 434.
The Shell Trophy, for highest individual aggregrate score, was won by Mr
Paul ‘Burnsie Burns of Woodbourne. ‘Burnsie’, a Woodbourne MT driver,
uses his trusty Baretta 303 semi-automatic shotgun. He served as a Police
Officer for 30 years before retiring and says he never had to fire a shot in
anger although at one stage he had the unnerving experience of someone
pointing a shotgun at him. The guy wasn’t too keyed up on weapons because
he pulled the wrong trigger and the gun ‘misfired’ so Burnsie is still with us
winning shooting competitions. He still keeps in touch with the Police and
for 21 years has been their trap and skeet team’s co-ordinator.
Burnsie says the bad luck story of the competition must go to former Air
Force W/O and now sole charge constable Dave Kirk. Not only did he not
put a restricted air space on his place; meaning a top dressing pilot, the
day before the champs started, very conveniently, decided to do a fly past
and left his undercarriage stuck in the fence at the top of the hill and belly
landed safely shortly after. The next day, managing to escape to the champs,
he forgot to tarseal the driveway from the road to the farm house, albeit
a couple of kms. Arriving home near dark and here is his dear wife in the
middle of the road, halfway along, who had walked to get the mail, slipped
on the rocky driveway and broken her ankle. She was waiting patiently for
an hour for our Dave to come home.
48
The following were selected for the RNZAF Team to attend the
Nationals Competition at Christchurch 18th - 24th March 2006:
W/O Blue Freeman ( Wellington, Team manager)
F/S Snow Playle (Ohakea, Assistant manager)
F/O Tim Pevreal (Ohakea)
CPL Craig Brain (Ohakea)
Mr Paul Burns (Woodbourne)
Reserves: CPL Leon Poyzer (Ohakea)
LAC Stephen Booker (Auckland)
Winner of the the Wareham Trophy, Mr Paul
(Burnsie) Burns.
WINNERS OF THE EVENTS WERE:
Skeet:
W/O Blue Freeman (Auckland)
Police:
Gunner Cameron
Army:
Brent Quin
Double Rise:
Police:
Army:
WGCDR Peter Neilson (Wellington)
Gunner Cameron
James Mabin
Sparrows:
Police:
Army:
WGCDR Barry Nelson (Wellington)
Roger Bright
Brent Quin
Single Rise:
Police:
Army:
F/S Michael (Snow) Playle (Ohakea)
Kevin Terry-ocock
Nick Hill
Single Barrell:
Police:
Army:
FGOFF Tim Pevreal (Ohakea)
Darrel Cowan
James Mabin
Points Score:
Police:
Army:
CPL Leon Poyzer (Ohakea)
Brent Rissman
James Mabin
Skeet Doubles: Individual - F/S Michael (Snow) Playle (Ohakea)
Police:
Roger Bright
Army:
James Mabin
Team
Ohakea
HIGH GUNS
HOA:
RNZAF:
Police:
Army:
Paul Schmidt
Paul Burns
Roger Bright
James Mabin
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
TO DETERMINE THE FATE OF AN EMPIRE,
YOU MUST CONQUER THE WORLD
REVIEWER: CPL MIKE LONG
AGE OF EMPIRES
Set in the age of the New World (circa 1500 – 1850) this Real Time
Strategy (RTS) game provides you the chance to play as one of eight
empires of that time (such as British, French, Dutch, Russian etc), each
with strengths and weaknesses that make for challenging tactical
decisions on the battlefield, knowing your opponent becomes very
important and thanks to a decent manual that comes with the game this
is not too hard for the first time player.
The first thing that most people notice are the outstanding graphics,
which do an amazing job of drawing you into the world you’re attempting
to conquer. With trees falling down as villagers collect wood, waves
crashing on the beaches and of course impressive battle animation with
both individual units fighting it out, to bits of enemy buildings flying
through the air when you unleash a barrage of cannon fire.
Working your way through the single player missions has you taking
part in an evolving storyline, which while loosely following historical
events is geared more towards once again making the player feel more
involved in the game. The range of missions are designed to continually
challenge the mind of the player, with strategies having to be developed
on the fly to combat each new mission and with 24 missions covering
the single player aspect of the game, you can be assured that this won’t
be a game that will be finished in a weekend, especially on the harder
skill settings.
If you do manage to conquer the single player game, then there is always
the multiplayer option with both online and LAN offerings keeping the
challenges fresh. After having the opportunity to try this out in a co-operative 3 v 3 game I can honestly say that game AI still has a long way to go
to reach the unpredictable actions of another human opponent.
Ensemble studios have once again managed to produce a well
polished and balanced game. In the age of fast paced games that
require little thought to play, this game stands out as being able to capture
the attention of gamers both young and old who feel the need to have
their gaming fix as well as challenging themselves mentally.
Thanks to Microsoft NZ for providing a copy’s of Age of Empires III for
review and www.gamerhq.co.nz for the launch event where I had the
chance to try the multi-player out first hand.
GAME REVIEW
FAR FROM ARTY-FARTY
REVIEWER: GRANT CARR
BALLADS FOR BLOKES
DAVE SHARP
Zenith Publishing 2005
www.zenithpublishing.co.nz
ISBN: 1-877365-63-7
124 pages.
RRP: $19.99
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
Like many journalists I’m not too fussy about poets. We spend most of
our working lives trying to make text clearer and poets come along and
deliberately muddy the water.
But there’s something about Ballads for Blokes that appeals (or at least
fails to offend) in a Barry Crump meets Sam Hunt sort of way. It doesn’t
take much to get into the message in his poems – the 60 or so on offer
here are blunt, raunchy, brief and to the point and very New Zealand. As
such it’s an antidote to the arty-farty whimsical stuff that often passes
for poetry. The line notes say its ‘For the bloke who has everything…For
the bloke who’s hard to buy for.’ And I guess if I had to ‘read’ poetry this
honest, sometimes humorous and easily digestible would fit the bill. The
Legend of the Pig with Style and the raunchy Viagra are a couple of my
favourites. If you’re after a Christmas stocking filler for a bloke with an
outdoors and literary bent this could be just the thing.
BOOK REVIEW
49
1976 AIRMEN CADET
SCHOOL INTAKE
30th Anniversary
12 January 2006
RNZAF Base Woodbourne
No.33 Airmen Cadets and No.15
NZCT’s
Contact: W/O Robbo Robertson
(06) 351 5529 robbo.
[email protected] or
W/O Pete Wilson
[email protected]
SATURDAY 24 JUNE 2006
We have been advised of the
following departures from
RNZAF Service. To all of you
we wish you well and the best
of luck in your new endeavours.
Perhaps we will see you again
in the future.
1956 INTAKE OF BOY
ENTRANTS
50th Reunion
12 - 15 January 2006
RNZAF Base Woodbourne
Contact: Graham Adams
[email protected]
BASE AUCKLAND
TE RAPA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Centenary Celebrations
March 2006
For those who attended the
school to recognise our Air
Force connection with the
School’s past.
Te Rapa Air Force Base,
Hamilton
Contact: (07) 84902232
[email protected]
BASE OHAKEA
U P C O M I N G
REUNIONS
NO. 9 SQUADRON REUNION
3-4 June 2006
For those who served with No.9
Squadron during WWII and in
Vietnam and post Vietnam.
Canberra, Australia
Contact:
check website for updates www.
no9squadronassociation.org
or email emweller@ozemail.
com.au for more information
and a registration form
50
DEPARTURES
AC M.O. BEALS
16-9-03 – 11-12-05
AESF
AC M.E. SMITH
17-5-05 – 27-11-05
Operational Support Squadron
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
OF IROQUOIS OPERATIONS
Parade for the presentation of a new No. 3 Squadron standard at Ohakea followed in
the evening by the annual ‘Huey Old Boys’ at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.
To register interest email [email protected]
SGT G.J. STONE
Terminate: 4-12-05
LOGWING (NDT Bay)
WELLINGTON
F/S R.J. SCOTT (AERODTS)
29-3-83 – 10-12-05
Pub Info and Drawing Support
RAF BENTLEY PRIORY
The Battle of Britain Fighter Association (BBFA)
is planning to safeguard the historic Priory
Building as a permanent memorial to all those
who fought in the Battle of Britain. The Surrey
building was the HQ of Fighter Command and
was established in 1936 by Air Chief Marshal
Sir Hugh Dowding and it was from there that
the Battle was directed.
The Association has set up a trust to be
called the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust
and is asking for founder donors to support its
establishment. The Trust envisions the creation
of Priory rooms named after great fighter pilots
such as Douglas Bader, New Zealand’s Al Deere
and others. Ultimately the Trust foresees the
creation of centre of information and education
for young people where they can study details
of the battle, the pilots, and the national and
international implications thereof.
To celebrate and mark the occasion – 14 July
1936 – when ACM Dowding moved into the
Priory a special commemorative dinner will be
held at the Mess at Bentley Priory. BBFA patron
Prince Charles will attend along with CAS RAF
and the Chiefs of other Air Forces.
If you want more information on supporting
the establishment of the Trust or the commemorative dinner contact Alan Curtis, OBE Ph: 01252
793370 Email: [email protected]
JOIN THE MAILING LIST
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz
HAROLD ‘PIP’
PIPER ARTEFACTS
DONATED TO MUSEUM
DAVID WATMUFF
AIR FORCE MUSEUM RESEARCHER
On 10 November Don Matson and
his sister Fay Wellwood, relatives
of New Zealander Harold ‘Pip’ Piper,
presented to the Museum two RAF
ceremonial dress items that had
belonged to Pip. He is probably not
well known in New Zealand aviation
circles, as he spent much of his
working life overseas, mostly in the
United Kingdom. But he does have
a connection with Wigram and the
NZPAF, and this makes the donation
very significant.
Piper was born in 1899 and lived
on the family farm on Banks Peninsula. He learnt to fly in a Caudron
aircraft at the Canterbury Aviation
Company’s site at Sockburn, going
solo around October 1918 after five
hours and thirty minutes of tutoring.
Sadly for Piper, World War One
ended before he could enlist for
service.
After a gap of several years, Piper
joined the NZPAF in 1926 and was
commissioned as a second lieutenant. In 1927 he decided that he
would join the RAF and did so later
that year. After gaining considerable
flying experience he sought leave
from the RAF to undertake a flight
from England to Australia in 1930
with a fellow Kiwi who also was in
the RAF. Piper bought a Desoutter
aircraft which he called ‘Aorangi’,
and the pair flew on what was to be
an epic adventure across the world
via the Middle East, India and South
East Asia. They reached Darwin six
weeks and two days after leaving
England, and completed the eighth
successful flight between England
and Australia in the process.
Piper had the Desoutter shipped to
Auckland on 11 April 1930 on board
the Ulimaroa. He assembled the
aircraft and flew south on 18 April.
North of Christchurch two Canterbury Aero Club aircraft and two
NZPAF Moths met the Desoutter
and escorted it to Wigram. After
some time at home Piper returned to
England to rejoin his squadron. His
career with the RAF ended in 1933,
A youthful Pip at Sockburn.
and he worked at Gravesend Aviation training students and providing
joyrides. A year later he became a
pilot with Short Brothers, staying
with the company until 1948, having
been its Chief Test Pilot for almost
10 years. Pip had an extensive
involvement with the flying boats
produced by Shorts, especially
flight testing 166 Sunderlands. In
1946 he test flew the four Shorts
Sandringham flying boats that had
been ordered by TEAL (Tasman
Empire Airways Ltd), before leaving
Shorts in 1948 and returning to New
Zealand.
It was about this time that the
RNZAF was conducting aerial
topdressing trials, initially with
Grumman Avenger NZ2504 (on
display at the museum as NZ2521).
Pip in RAF ceremonial uniform.
In 1954 Pip joined Aerial Sowing in
Christchurch as a topdressing pilot
flying Tiger Moths at the age of 56.
He retired from flying aged 61, and
died in 1965 aged 66 after a career
of some 41 years as a pilot. He
had completed 6372 hours on 91
aircraft types.
Some years ago the Museum
was offered Pip’s RAF ceremonial
uniform but, for reasons unknown,
declined it. It is now part of the
RAF Museum’s collection. What
was missing was Pip’s dress helmet
and ceremonial sword. His stepdaughter, Mrs Dianne Burtenshaw,
very generously agreed to donate
these two items to the Museum’s
collection, and they will be placed
on display over the Christmas and
New Year period.
The Desoutter at Wigram, 1930.
Fay Wellwood and Don Matson with Pip’s dress helmet
and sword.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN66, DECEMBER 05
Acknowledgement:
Best, J.W. ‘Harold Piper’, Journal of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand,
Wellington, Part 1 April 1996 pp 4-13, Part 2 August 1996 pp 18-30, and Part 3 June
1997 pp 15-21.
51
52
AFN66 DECEMBER 05
www.airforce.mil.nz