BOMBING WEEK - Royal New Zealand Air Force
BOMBING WEEK - Royal New Zealand Air Force
BOMBING WEEK - Royal New Zealand Air Force
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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<br />
AIR FORCE<br />
S W E<br />
R O Y A L N E W Z E A L A N D A I R F O R C E N<br />
A P R 0 6<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
<strong>BOMBING</strong><br />
<strong>WEEK</strong><br />
NO. 6 SQUADRON<br />
MARCHES ON<br />
CAF SIGN OFF<br />
1
2<br />
THE LAST WORD<br />
AVM JOHN HAMILTON<br />
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE<br />
My early association with flying comes through my father,<br />
his service with No 2 Squadron, the local Central Hawkes<br />
Bay Aero Club and topdressing. When it came time to decide<br />
‘what you were going to do’, I told my father I was going to<br />
fly. His unequivocal response to this was that the only way<br />
I was going to learn to fly was through the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>. With<br />
advice from his friend, Ian Morrison, the CAS at the time,<br />
I was told to join the RNZAF through the university cadet<br />
scheme. In those days you did as your parents said, and<br />
in early 1971 at Wigram I was issued a new RNZAF khaki<br />
uniform and joined a boisterous bunch in No 2 Officers’<br />
Mess as a university officer cadet (pilot) under training.<br />
Thirty-five years later and on the eve of retiring from the<br />
RNZAF, I can honestly report that I have no regrets about<br />
either that wish to go flying or with complying with father’s<br />
suggestion. It has been thirty-five years of outstanding<br />
experiences, challenges and rewards, opportunities, friends<br />
and places. I would not hesitate to recommend it as a career<br />
option to anyone who meets our entry criteria.<br />
There are many things about this life that makes it so good<br />
and it would be difficult and wrong to try and single out<br />
any particular episode as special. Central to my career has<br />
been helicopter flying, first on the Sioux (at a time when we<br />
earnestly thought it still had an operational role!) and then<br />
on the Iroquois. This flying takes you to places to which<br />
few others have ever had the chance and has involved<br />
wide ranging challenges and some exciting parts. There<br />
have been bits which I would prefer not to repeat, including<br />
inadvertently parking Sioux 03 halfway down a gully up the<br />
Awatere River. But I hold many great memories and stories,<br />
tall and true, generated during my time flying helicopters<br />
and through being associated with flying operations.<br />
As I look back on my career I am mindful of the impact<br />
our service has on our families. The Service correctly has<br />
an expectation that personnel will respond when called<br />
on for duty. But it is difficult for us to explain to a partner<br />
just what that means and it puts real meaning into the<br />
term partnership, if only because it tends to be at least a<br />
three-way partnership. Susan has been unswerving in her<br />
support to me. We can now laugh at the number of houses<br />
occupied and household removals, although they were not<br />
all laughing-matters at the time! The others affected by the<br />
demands of Service life and who have little choice in much<br />
of it, are the children. Service life means they too take the<br />
rough with the smooth. In our case the smooth has included<br />
life overseas but that does not offset disrupted schooling<br />
and broken friendships. My two have endured these<br />
setbacks stoically and I appreciate that. But I really wish<br />
we had been able to provide them with better continuity<br />
during their critical high school years. Nevertheless, they<br />
have proven to be resilient and adaptable and have settled<br />
into their careers and are doing well.<br />
Perhaps the thing that enables us to endure the exigencies<br />
of the Service is the power of its culture and in particular,<br />
its emphasis on allegiance and service, and putting others<br />
before ourselves. While in the RNZAF we take much of the<br />
culture for granted and I suspect that soon I too will learn<br />
the real value of a strong organisational culture as I compare<br />
that of the RNZAF with others. Our culture makes us a close<br />
but not a closed group; it can be evocative, supportive and<br />
it can generate incredibly powerful atmospheres. I am sure<br />
I will miss it all.<br />
There is a special reward that comes from knowing that<br />
together we have done a myriad of things and the majority<br />
of them very well. Some recent examples will illustrate<br />
some of our success. The RNZAF has had the best retention<br />
of all three services during the last three years. We have<br />
had the best net gain in personnel strength since caps and<br />
restrictions were lifted in 2004. We have embarked on an<br />
ambitious investment programme totalling over $NZ1.2Bn<br />
which will be spent during the next ten years. It is the<br />
largest capital programme to be undertaken by Defence<br />
and any of the Services in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> during the last<br />
60 years. These successes do not just happen. They come<br />
from a long series of arguments, options, planning and<br />
plain hard work across almost all streams of the RNZAF.<br />
That requires personnel with horsepower and we have<br />
that in abundance.Their work has set the foundation for<br />
the future of our Service.<br />
I am proud of what we have achieved and I have enjoyed<br />
my time as the Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>. I thank you all for your<br />
camaraderie, your support and your cheerful willingness<br />
and commitment. It has been your collective effort that has<br />
brought the RNZAF to this point be that in technical skills,<br />
airmanship, attitude and just through that willingness to<br />
serve. Now I will take a place on the sideline, watching,<br />
supporting, encouraging and cheering you on. I wish you<br />
and the RNZAF every success in the future.<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
OUR MISSION:<br />
To carry out military air operations to advance <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>’s security interests, with professionalism,<br />
integrity and teamwork.<br />
OUR VISION:<br />
We will be an <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> that is the best in all we do.<br />
He Tauarangi matou ko te pai rawa atu i to matou<br />
mahi katoa.<br />
The official journal and forum of the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> established for the information,<br />
education and enjoyment of its personnel and other<br />
people interested in RNZAF and associated matters.<br />
Published by: NZDF Public Relations Unit<br />
NZDF HQ<br />
Wellington<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong><br />
Telephone: (04) 496 0289<br />
Fax:(04) 496 0290<br />
Editorial authority: Ian Brunton<br />
Editorial contributions and letters to the editor are welcome.<br />
All contributions may be sent direct to <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s and do<br />
not need to be forwarded through normal command chains.<br />
Letters are to be signed with the writer’s name, rank and<br />
unit although, unless requested otherwise, only the rank<br />
and geographical location of the writer will be published.<br />
The editorial staff reserves the right to abridge letters.<br />
Anonymous, offensive or abusive letters will not be published.<br />
Opinions expressed in <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s are not necessarily<br />
those of the RNZAF or NZDF. Nothing in NEWS should<br />
be taken as overriding any Defence regulations. Readers<br />
should refer to the relevant Service publication before acting<br />
on any information given in this periodical. No item is to be<br />
reproduced, in part or whole, without the specific permission<br />
of the editor.<br />
GOLD BRAID: In all the gold braided finery of their<br />
high office the Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>, <strong>Air</strong> Vice-Marshal<br />
John Hamilton and Chief of Defence <strong>Force</strong> <strong>Air</strong><br />
Marshal Bruce Ferguson at one of the highlights<br />
of their tenure – the return of the Unknown Warrior<br />
aboard a RNZAF C-130 Hercules at Wellington<br />
airport in November 2004. Both chiefs retire from<br />
office on 30 April.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
APRIL 2006, ISSUE 69<br />
Editor: Grant Carr<br />
grant.carr@nzdf.mil.nz<br />
Design and Layout: Elisha Bunn<br />
elisha.bunn@nzdf.mil.nz<br />
Proofreader: Katrina Randerson<br />
Printed by: Keeling and Mundy Limited<br />
PO Box 61<br />
Palmerston North<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
CDF AIRMSHL Bruce Ferguson walking with Simon Power, age 16yrs, and John Nichol age 16yrs.<br />
8<br />
10<br />
12<br />
16<br />
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21<br />
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CAROLING WILLIAMS WN 04-0229-72<br />
FEATURES<br />
No. 6 SQUADRON<br />
Re-formation Parade<br />
40th ANNIVERSARY<br />
Milestone Year for No. 5 Squadron<br />
ARMED AND READY<br />
Bombing Week<br />
THE NZ WAY<br />
Command and Staff College<br />
KOSOVO<br />
Military Liaison<br />
CONVENIENT AND COMPETITIVE<br />
AFCC in the Market<br />
ADAPTING TO CHANGE<br />
SQNLDR Chambers in Timor Leste<br />
A GREEK TRAGEDY<br />
<strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> Heroes Remembered<br />
CENTRAL BAND<br />
Whipping up a Storm on Tour<br />
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<br />
AIR FORCE<br />
S W E<br />
R O Y A L N E W Z E A L A N D A I R F O R C N<br />
E<br />
A P R 0 6<br />
<strong>BOMBING</strong><br />
<strong>WEEK</strong><br />
NO. 6 SQUADRON<br />
MARCHES ON<br />
CAF SIGN OFF<br />
26<br />
28<br />
29<br />
30<br />
31<br />
32<br />
35<br />
36<br />
38<br />
26<br />
39<br />
DRAGON BOATING<br />
A ‘Mixed’ Season<br />
PTI: AN INTRODUCTION<br />
Looking after your Health and Fitness<br />
50 MILE CHALLENGE<br />
Cadets Walk the Walk<br />
GREAT LAKE RUN<br />
Taupo Fun Run<br />
RAFT RACE<br />
Ohakea goes International<br />
A FEAST OF CRICKET<br />
Interbase and Interservice Cricket<br />
RELAY FOR LIFE<br />
Supporting the Cancer Society<br />
HERO’S FAMILY GET VC<br />
VC Handed Over<br />
OBITUARY<br />
‘Hawkeye’ Wells<br />
A special livery paint job on the Orion Tail.<br />
REGULARS<br />
SPORTS<br />
Dragon Boats, Running, Cricket, Raft Race<br />
MUSEUM<br />
Generous Bequest<br />
OH 06-0106-10<br />
AC RACHAEL MAIN AK 06-0087-08<br />
3
4<br />
OH 06-0093-01<br />
Three serving NZDF members, veterans of Timor Leste and<br />
Afghanistan, were presented with their commemorative lapel<br />
badges at the offi cial launch of the Year of the Veteran.<br />
L-R: CAPT Patrick Edmonds; WOAF, W/O Keith Gell and LTCDR<br />
Tania Koberstein with the lapel pins and certifi cates. In late February an <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> Iroquois and crew helped out in the search<br />
for a missing British tourist 55 year old Elizabeth Thompson. The lone<br />
2006: YEAR OF THE VET<br />
MS ANNA NORMAN<br />
Current and former Servicemen and women gathered on 6 March to<br />
offi cially launch the Year of the Veteran.<br />
The Government has made 2006 the Year of the Veteran so <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>ers can express appreciation for the service and sacrifi ce<br />
veterans have made to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>, said the Prime Minister, the<br />
Right Honourable Helen Clark.<br />
She presented commemorative lapel badges and Certifi cate of<br />
Appreciation for service to 15 veterans, each representing NZDF<br />
deployments ranging from WWII to Afghanistan. ‘These varied<br />
deployments, some of which are still in progress, attest to the<br />
ongoing impact and signifi cance of our veterans’ service,’ said the<br />
Rt Hon Helen Clark.<br />
The lapel badges will soon be worn by all NZDF personnel who are<br />
veterans. The badges symbolise the Army, Navy and <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>, with<br />
the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> fl ag as a background.<br />
AIR CDRE Peter Stockwell, posing with his Browning pistol on a<br />
recent CMS course, shows he’s a man not to be trifl ed with.<br />
EVERYBODY’S DOING IT<br />
Everyone in a blue uniform is required to annually attend a Core<br />
Military Skills (CMS) even if you’re Deputy Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>, AIR CDRE<br />
Peter Stockwell. The 5-day courses, run by <strong>Air</strong> Security, are held on<br />
Base and are designed to both refresh and test RNZAF personnel on<br />
their basic military skills and knowledge. The courses don’t replace<br />
PDT or any other training but are simply about maintaining RNZAF<br />
personnel’s skill levels. AIRCDRE Stockwell points out that the above<br />
photo was ‘posed’ and that <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> personnel are normally required<br />
to wear protective safety equipment during arms training.<br />
OH 06-0102-04<br />
OH 06-0109-12<br />
A No.3 Squadron Iroquois ferries searchers in and<br />
out of rough terrain near the Arthurs Pass area.<br />
IROQUOIS HELPS OUT IN SAR<br />
tramper had disappeared mysteriously from steep and rocky terrain<br />
near Arthurs Pass. The search concentrated on the Mount Aicken<br />
area where two backpackers found Mrs Thompson’s day pack on 26<br />
February. The bag contained empty food wrappers, a water bottle<br />
and car keys.<br />
The search and rescue (SAR) helicopter, piloted by FLTLT Antony<br />
Budd, had fl own especially from its No.3 Squadron Ohakea Base<br />
to look for clues to the disappearance from the air and to ferry SAR<br />
teams, including two dog teams, around the rugged terrain. On board<br />
the helicopter were co-pilot FGOFF Paul Aitken, HCM F/S Hec Heke<br />
and SAR Medic F/S Diane McNoe.<br />
Sadly Mrs Thompson’s body was eventually found. It appeared she<br />
had fallen from a bluff.<br />
FIRST SHOT<br />
RNZAF Base Ohakea Commander WGCDR Johan Bosch takes the<br />
fi rst shot with a Styr rifl e at the Base’s new 25-metre rifl e range. The<br />
range had been closed for a few years due to HAZNO regulations says<br />
Armaments Stock Manager SGT Aaron Jeffries. But its refurbishment<br />
over the last six months has delivered a range that has a multitude<br />
of uses and will be a template for other NZDF arms ranges he says.<br />
Combined Military Skills (CMS) courses will use the range for the<br />
shooting skills part of training and it will be used by the base’s small<br />
arms club as well as for <strong>Air</strong> Security training. Previously courses<br />
had to move to a private range at Wanganui but the new range will<br />
alleviate a lot of transport problems says SGT Jeffries.<br />
WGCDR Johan Bosch takes fi rst shots at the new range.<br />
THE PRESS WN 06-0095-02<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
In last month’s <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s we reported that <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>’s<br />
contribution of 26 Defence <strong>Force</strong> personnel to the Sinai Multinational<br />
<strong>Force</strong> and Observers (MFO) has been extended for two years until<br />
April 2008.<br />
We asked SQNLDR Severn Smith, currently on deployment in<br />
Sinai, to briefl y describe his job, his responsibilities and his working<br />
conditions.<br />
SQNLDR Smith says his job as a Field <strong>Force</strong> Liaison offi cer ‘is to liaise<br />
between the MFO and Egyptian and Israeli organisations to ensure<br />
disputes and problems are settled. At times it can be frustrating but<br />
overall we have an excellent relationship with both countries and<br />
Kiwis have a good reputation.’<br />
At present the weather is similar to a typical <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> summer<br />
day although it can get as cold as 6-80 GOOD WORK IN SINAI<br />
C at night. The food, he says, is<br />
excellent with many choices including fi sh, meat, salads and desserts.<br />
He lives in a small house with the CO and another offi cer. The Base<br />
is called North Camp and is in the Northern Sinai, Egypt, about 20<br />
kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea coast and a similar distance<br />
from the Israeli/Gaza border. As a Liaison Offi cer he works with other<br />
Eight <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> personnel were presented with parchments and medals by<br />
the Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> AVM John Hamilton at a ceremony at Wellington’s<br />
<strong>Air</strong> Staff on 1 March.<br />
FLTLT P.W. Smillie was appointed an Offi cer of the RNZAF on 24<br />
June 2005 and was awarded his commissioning parchment effective<br />
from that date.<br />
W/O D.B. Bosher was presented with his Warrant Offi cer parchment<br />
with effect from 18 July 2005.<br />
SQNLDR D.J. Forrest was presented with the Clasp to the <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> Armed <strong>Force</strong>s Award with effect from January 2005.<br />
The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Armed <strong>Force</strong>s Award was presented to WGCDR D.J.<br />
Yorkston for his completion of 15 years service in the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Armed<br />
<strong>Force</strong>s. WGCDR Yorkston was also presented with the NZ General<br />
Service Medal (Afghanistan) Secondary* for his deployment as SNO.<br />
SQNLDR G.J. Burroughs received his NZGSM (Afghanistan)<br />
Secondary for his deployment as Detachment Commander between June<br />
to December 2005.<br />
F/S R.S. Dawson received his NZGSM (Afghanistan) Secondary for<br />
his deployment as 2 I/C Detachment Commander between June to<br />
December 2005.<br />
SQNLDR R.G. Chambers received his NZGSM (East Timor) for his<br />
deployment as G4 Offi cer over June to December 2005.<br />
* The ‘primary’ operational area is within the borders of Afghanistan.<br />
The ‘secondary’ operational area includes countries in which forces<br />
participated in the operation.<br />
‘WORKING FOR FAMILIES’<br />
Defence families are amongst the many <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> families that are set to benefi t from<br />
the latest changes under Working for Families,<br />
which will increase income levels for Family<br />
Assistance tax credits. This means up to<br />
85,000 more families in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> will<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
Offi cers from France, Norway, USA, Canada, Hungary, Columbia and Fiji.<br />
SQNLDR Smith says he gets to travel around the immediate area of<br />
Northern Sinai, especially in the Border Guard Area of operations near<br />
the Gaza Strip. The Rafah area near the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous<br />
and interesting place he visits.<br />
The MFO chief has a high regard for Kiwis and says they ‘are outstanding<br />
ambassadors for their country, their people and their culture. No other<br />
country provides the same cultural performance on national days and<br />
social events as well as parades which are well attended by most<br />
other nations.’<br />
become eligible from 1 April 2006.<br />
Almost all working families earning under<br />
$70,000, many families earning up to $100,000,<br />
and some larger families earning more will qualify<br />
for Family Assistance tax credits from April.<br />
Further information is available on<br />
www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz where<br />
SQNLDR Severn Smith working with locals in North Sinai.<br />
WELLINGTON MEDALS PARADE<br />
GP CAPT John Duxfi eld after receiving a medal for<br />
service in Afghanistan from CDF AM Bruce Ferguson.<br />
At a separate ceremony on 13 March Chief of Defence <strong>Force</strong> AM<br />
Bruce Ferguson presented GPCAPT John Duxfi eld with a medal for<br />
his service in Afghanistan and GPCAPT Atholl Forrest with a medal<br />
for his service in Bougainville.<br />
F/S Reg Dawson with his sons<br />
Severn (L) and Ashton.<br />
OH 06-0074-28<br />
SQNLDR Robin Chambers<br />
and his wife Marva.<br />
you can also apply online, or you can call<br />
0800 257 477 to fi nd out if you may qualify and<br />
to request an application pack. It helps to have<br />
your IRD number handy when you call.<br />
Working for Families also includes changes<br />
to Childcare Assistance and Accommodation<br />
Supplement. For information: 0800 774 004<br />
WN 06-0116-01<br />
WN 06-0111-02<br />
OH 06-0074-21<br />
5
6<br />
OH 06-0071-16<br />
Chief of Defence <strong>Force</strong> AM Ferguson welcomes<br />
GEN Abizaid on his arrival at Wellington.<br />
COMMANDER CENTCOM<br />
PRAISES OUR CONTRIBUTION<br />
GEN John Abizaid, Commander US Central Command and the topranking<br />
commander of United States forces in the Middle East visited<br />
HQNZDF on 24 February as a guest of the Chief of Defence <strong>Force</strong>.<br />
At a press conference held in Defence HQ, he praised <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>’s contribution in Afghanistan, saying ‘I can tell you that <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>’s role in Afghanistan has been very helpful to the coalition.<br />
The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> contributions have been very professional, very<br />
straightforward and very effective and we appreciate them.’ He<br />
indicated that the NZPRT was setting an example as one of the<br />
best PRTs in Afghanistan. He also spoke warmly of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>’s<br />
previous contribution in Iraq when an NZDF Engineer detachment<br />
worked in the Basrah area.<br />
While in Wellington the General gave a briefi ng about CentCom<br />
and the military situation across his command, to a group of<br />
HQNZDF and HQJFNZ staff. GEN Abizaid said he was ‘optimistic<br />
but realistic’ about military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He<br />
described the War on Terror as a long war, which would require a<br />
network of initiatives by government agencies across many countries<br />
for moderation to prevail and to prevent extremism ‘entering the<br />
mainstream’ of societies in the region. As an example, he pointed<br />
to a change in tactics, techniques and procedures by the remnants<br />
of the Taliban and Al Qaida supporters in Afghanistan, with an<br />
apparent increase in suicide bombings and assassination attempts<br />
on people co-operating with the elected Afghan Government. He said<br />
this change was a result of the effective military pressure achieved<br />
by the Coalition forces.<br />
The General also met Prime Minister Helen Clark. A spokesman<br />
for Miss Clark said the pair discussed the military operations <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> was involved with, in Afghanistan and Iraq.<br />
SENIOR ADVISOR<br />
SGT Shayne Harris was promoted<br />
to Flight Sergeant and moves to<br />
the position of Senior Advisor for<br />
Southern Area, NZ Cadet <strong>Force</strong>s,<br />
based at Burnham. He is taking<br />
over from F/S Vince Binding,<br />
who is returning to the Auckland PROUD FAMILY: Mum, Mrs Dale<br />
NZCF Offi ce after 3 1/2 years in<br />
Harris (left) and wife Mrs Ros<br />
Harris attach F/S Shayne Harris’s<br />
the Mainland.<br />
new rank slides.<br />
WN 06-0121-01<br />
NIGHT MOVES<br />
Up to six <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> Iroquois and nearly one hundred personnel took<br />
part in a fortnight of night fl ying exercises in March.<br />
Exercise Pekapeka - the Maori name for a native <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong><br />
bat, a nocturnal mammal that operates in the dark - was held from<br />
13-26 March.<br />
Using Night Vision Goggles (NVG) the crew fl ew several missions<br />
each night.<br />
The exercise was designed to train the aircrew in NVG operations<br />
and maintenance personnel in aircraft maintenance at night.<br />
The aircraft operated out of RNZAF Base Ohakea and around<br />
Waiouru during 13-18 March, before deploying to the South Island<br />
for the second week of the exercise.<br />
THAT DEVON CRASH<br />
Paul Jones, one of the owners of the Devon that crashed at Ohakea<br />
on February 3 says: ‘I am gutted to say the least about the crash as<br />
I have had 8 years of enjoyment in a great aircraft and to see her<br />
on the runway at Ohakea in that state will be a memory I would<br />
rather forget.’<br />
‘One point I’d like to clear up for your readers is that we all exited<br />
the aircraft under our own steam and as far as I know the only cutting<br />
equipment that may have been used was to open the battery box to<br />
secure the aircraft (life will carry on).<br />
What really needs to be said now is a great big thank you to ALL<br />
the staff and crews at Ohakea…we were looked after in a way that<br />
makes you proud of our <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> and I personally can not say enough<br />
about the way in which everything was handled,’ he says.<br />
‘I understand there may be some issues we still need to tidy up in<br />
relation to costs incurred but that should not detract from the way<br />
the “guys on the ground” feel.’<br />
OH 05-0218-18M<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
AK 06-0065-11<br />
TRAINING FOR AFGHANISTAN<br />
Urban Patroling Training: responding to an ambush.<br />
JUDITH MARTIN<br />
In a dusty, sun-baked fi eld seven Afghani men are deep in conversation<br />
with a group of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> soldiers, awaiting the delivery of a pile of<br />
blankets to help them survive the coming winter freeze.<br />
Suddenly there are raised voices and a fi ght breaks out. The soldiers move<br />
quickly and effi ciently to quell the fracas, moving the perpetrator to one side<br />
and negotiating a resolution to the issue at the centre of the dispute.<br />
The argument, and the threat of a riot that ensues, is a training scenario<br />
that is preparing the latest contingent of Provincial Reconstruction Team<br />
personnel for what they are likely to encounter in Afghanistan during their<br />
forthcoming six-month deployment.<br />
The scene is being played out at Tekapo Military Camp which, with a<br />
backdrop of the Southern Alps, bears remarkable similarities to the central<br />
highlands of Afghanistan where the NZ PRT team is based.<br />
The pre-deployment training for the next rotation of NZDF personnel<br />
bound for Afghanistan ended on 24 March.<br />
On Tuesday, 14 March the contingent took part in Exercise Afghan Step,<br />
a scenario-based exercise to which the media, and a number of senior<br />
defence personnel, were invited.<br />
The pre-deployment training began with a series of lectures about what<br />
the PRT members will fi nd when they reach Afghanistan; the cultural and<br />
political situations they will encounter, and the types of operations they<br />
will undertake.<br />
It also included weapons familiarisation and training, both individually<br />
and collectively, and Rules of Engagement training and awareness.<br />
The contingent practised dealing with a road ambush - a worst-case<br />
scenario- explained Senior (Navy) National Offi cer, Captain Ross Smith.<br />
‘We are not going to war, but there are risks. I aim to bring everyone home<br />
safely,’ he said.<br />
While much of the pre-deployment training is similar to that undertaken<br />
by previous rotations, the experience and expertise of those who have<br />
already served in Afghanistan is being used.<br />
ANZAC EXCHANGE<br />
Australian Defence <strong>Force</strong> (ADF) personnel<br />
arriving at Base Ohakea on 2 March were<br />
treated to a very traditional Maori greeting<br />
including a rousing haka and hongis all round.<br />
A total of thirty ADF personnel came over for<br />
the 2006 ANZAC Exchange and will stay till<br />
the end of May. The RAAF have sent over 6<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
A BRACE OF BLUE<br />
Eleven <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> personnel will be part of the main body of 122 NZDF<br />
personnel due to depart from RNZAF Base Ohakea on 21 April aboard<br />
an <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> Boeing 757 aircraft. The group are bound for the Kiwi<br />
base in Afghanistan’s Bamyan province where the Defence <strong>Force</strong> has<br />
been operating its Provincial Reconstruction Team for the last three<br />
years. The group will be the eighth contingent to spend six months<br />
in the remote region.<br />
Among the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> contingent is SQNLDR Shane Meighan, who will<br />
taking up a newly-created position as S5 Planning Offi cer. SQNLDR<br />
Meighan, who has a background in engineering, says that in that<br />
position he will be working closely with NZAID and the Bamiyan<br />
local government to prioritise and plan reconstruction projects. ‘Our<br />
patrols regularly visit villages, and report back on what is needed for<br />
reconstruction. I will be using that information plus other information<br />
to look at funding, time lines, and coordination of resources,’ he says.<br />
He is looking forward to the challenge of the new position which has<br />
a signifi cant project management component. He sees it as a great<br />
opportunity to put into practise the theory he learnt on his Batchelor<br />
of Business Studies course. ‘It’s a chance to use those skills in a<br />
real-time situation,’ he says.<br />
Also part of the contingent is Auckland-based <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> photographer<br />
SGT Carl Booty who will be deployed for about six weeks. No doubt<br />
SGT Booty’s photographic skills will be put to good use documenting<br />
and recording the eighth rotation’s activities.<br />
SGT Roys<br />
SGT Booty<br />
CPL Johns LAC Houben SQNLDR Cato<br />
WGCDR Johan Bosch welcomes Australian ANZAC exchangee<br />
FGOFF David Stary to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>, with a Maori hongi.<br />
personnel, 5 of whom are being hosted at RNZAF<br />
Auckland and one at RNZAF Woodbourne. No.3<br />
Squadron is also hosting an AS Army Helicopter<br />
Crewman. This year the RNZAF sent over 9<br />
personnel aboard a RAAF Hercules on 1 March<br />
and they are being hosted at RAAF Bases Tindall,<br />
Townsville and Edinburgh.<br />
LAC Thompson SQNLDR Meighan LAC Moore<br />
SQNLDR Cockroft SGT Ware CPL Lamb<br />
OH 06-0077-01<br />
7
8<br />
L-R: Alec Brook ex 3 Sqn, Neil Morgan ex many AF squadrons, Cliff Cashmore ex 3<br />
Sqn and WT and CTY Flights, Dave Hobman ex 3 Sqn & WT fl ight current 6 Sqn civvy<br />
MR RICHARD JACKSON<br />
NAVY TODAY EDITOR<br />
On a hot, calm Auckland morning, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF marched onto<br />
the tarmac in front of their Whenuapai hangar and before a crowd of VIPs<br />
veterans and Defence <strong>Force</strong> colleagues. Two of the Squadron’s Seasprite<br />
helicopters formed the back drop; the Squadron marched on in two fl ights.<br />
But the ranks and fi les of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> blue were broken by the stark white of<br />
naval summer uniform – No. 6 Squadron is a joint Service unit combining<br />
naval and <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> personnel under the command of LTCDR Keith Gilchrist<br />
RNZN [see <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s, February 2006].<br />
The 16 March parade marked the formal re-formation of the Squadron,<br />
which has evolved from the Naval Support Flight, formerly a sub-unit of<br />
No. 3 Squadron. The Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> explained that it is because of the<br />
RNZAF’s strong maritime heritage that he wanted the new Squadron to<br />
carry a number from a squadron that had seen active service and was part<br />
of that heritage. <strong>Air</strong> Vice-marshal Hamilton commented, ‘It is not often<br />
that we get the pleasure of establishing squadrons, and this occasion is<br />
important to both the Navy and the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>.’<br />
Rear Admiral Ledson (CN) also spoke during the ceremony, emphasizing<br />
that the former Naval Support Flight and now No 6 Squadron have set the<br />
benchmark for ‘the joint effect’ and he hopes that No 6 Squadron’s future<br />
will be as illustrious as its past.<br />
The privilege of inspecting the Flights on parade was given to Dr G Hitchcock,<br />
who is the last surviving pilot from the original No 6 Squadron. Dr<br />
Hitchcock trained on Catalinas in 1942 with the USN, then fl ew six delivery<br />
fl ights across the Pacifi c to bring Catalinas to the RNZAF. He remains proud<br />
of No 6 Squadron’s record which, he pointed out, includes rescuing 80<br />
fl iers by open water landings. (Dr Hitchcock is also a veteran of Bomber<br />
Command, fl ying Lancasters of No.635 Sqn RAF in 1944-45.)<br />
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LTCDR K Gilchrist with Arthur Strother, Iain Hill & Norman Atkins.<br />
PROUDLY<br />
In the crowd, a number of other maritime veterans watched with personal<br />
interest. Some had also fl own in No 6 Squadron, some in P-3 Orions and<br />
others had crewed ships’ fl ights in the Leander-class frigates. Among them<br />
was Arthur Strother, who served as a fl ight engineer in No 6 Squadron<br />
during the war. In fact, Arthur said - after some prompting - that he was<br />
one of those who collected and crewed the biplane Short Singapore fl ying<br />
boats that they delivered to the RNZAF Base in Fiji in 1941, as the Pacifi c<br />
War began.<br />
‘One day we attacked a Japanese sub off Tonga,’ he commented. ‘We<br />
saw black smoke in the distance [from the sub’s diesel engines] on the<br />
horizon, and pushed the throttles through the gate. We almost reached<br />
100 miles an hour,’ he said with a grin, recalling the old fl ying boat’s<br />
inherent low speed. ‘I was in the front turret; we reached the spot where<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
REFORMED NO. 6 SQUADRON<br />
MARCHES ON<br />
there was a large swirl still visible on the water [the submarine had dived<br />
after sighting the approaching fl ying boat] and we dropped a bomb with<br />
a 3 second delay. After we passed over, the bomb went off and the rear<br />
gunner saw the submarine heave onto the surface and then submerge<br />
again. He fi red a whole tray of ammo at the sub, but all he did was to<br />
shoot off our trailing aerial! But they must have got a fright though,’ he<br />
said with evident pride.<br />
The veterans enjoyed mixing with today’s <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> and naval personnel<br />
over a cup of tea; they shared memories and learned something of today’s<br />
Defence <strong>Force</strong>. But for most it was soon back to work. As the CAF said,<br />
‘Seasprite tasks are among the most diffi cult of any of our units; the environment<br />
for ship-borne fl ying is demanding and unforgiving. You [the new<br />
squadron] have the skill and the ability to carry out these tasks.’<br />
SQNLDR Owen Rodger and family.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
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9
10<br />
A special Livery paint job on the Orion Tail.<br />
A MILESTONE<br />
YEAR FOR ORIONS<br />
No.5 Squadron is planning a parade, dining in, a<br />
family day, a formal black tie dinner and a book<br />
on the history of its venerable Orion aircraft.<br />
FGOFF Brendan Zwannikan charts the Squadron’s<br />
upcoming celebratory schedule.<br />
In 1966 No.5 Squadron’s venerable Sunderland Flying Boats were<br />
replaced with fi ve brand new Lockheed P3-B Orions.<br />
Forty years since the acquisition plenty has changed. An extra P3<br />
was added to the fl eet and in the mid 1980s Project Rigel updated<br />
parts of the tactical system and changed P3-B to P3-K. More recently<br />
wing replacement under Project Kestrel further extended the life of the<br />
airframe. Today we look toward the P3-K2, advancing our role beyond<br />
that of traditional maritime patrol.<br />
It is time to celebrate forty years of fl ying deployments to the Gulf,<br />
various exercises, patrols, NORPATs and of course the thousands of<br />
hours of search and rescue.<br />
No.5 Squadron marked this milestone by painting the tail of NZ4201<br />
with a commemorative design (see page 11), and with a series of functions<br />
in late September. These will involve squadron events such as<br />
an all ranks dining-in, parading of the squadron colours, and a family<br />
day and BBQ.<br />
The No.5 Squadron Association has commissioned Mr Paul Harrison<br />
to write a book on the past forty years. Paul Harrison is an experienced<br />
historian and has worked closely with the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> in the past. The book<br />
looks to be a promising read, covering all aspects of No.5 Squadron<br />
throughout its history, from political policy to the personal experiences<br />
of air and ground crews.<br />
A formal black tie dinner is planned in late September for past and<br />
present members with Lockheed representatives and numerous other<br />
VIPs attending. This will also be the venue for Paul Harrison to launch<br />
his book.<br />
More details will be released over the next few months as events<br />
and venues are confi rmed. But for now, please register your interest to<br />
attend any of the events and join our email list.<br />
Contact SQNLDR Mark Waldin mark.waldin@nzdf.mil.nz 4177000<br />
ext 7472 or Mrs Maryanne Hetaraka maryanne.hetaraka@nzdf.mil.nz<br />
ext 7835<br />
A special livery paint job on the Orion tail. SQNLDR<br />
Jenson shaking hands with LAC Nick Rolston, the artist.<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AK 06-0087-07<br />
AK 06-0087-17 AK 06-0087-12
AK 06-0087-01<br />
FORTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR<br />
P-3 ORION<br />
OPERATIONS<br />
SQNLDR SIMON JENSEN<br />
MAINTENANCE FLIGHT COMMANDER<br />
The idea of painting an aircraft in a commemorative paint scheme<br />
is common in <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>s around the world. As the Orion has been in<br />
continuous service since 1966, I thought it would be a good opportunity<br />
to design an aircraft paint fi nish that would celebrate 40 years of RNZAF<br />
P3 operations.<br />
In November last year LAC Nick Rolston mentioned that 2006 will be<br />
the 40-year anniversary for the fl eet. He suggested that we should design<br />
an anniversary tail graphic to mark this anniversary so he was asked to<br />
come up with a design. Nick provided a picture of the albatross/silver fern<br />
concept much as you see it here and the text as well. Graphic artist, Ms<br />
Tamasin Day, helped put his ideas into print. The CAF was presented with<br />
the design in two colour options, from which he selected the white/black<br />
and suggested we include the Lockheed Martin logo in recognition of their<br />
achievement as well.<br />
Base Photographic and OCDT Alec Hutchings worked with S&S section<br />
to prepare the detailed layout, while the painting team of CPL Carl Porter<br />
and CPL Richie Cullen (5 SQN) toiled long and hard over a weekend (plus<br />
some) along with some willing S&S helpers. The painters learnt a few<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
A special Livery paint job on the Orion Tail.<br />
lessons on big painting jobs along the way but can be justifi ably proud<br />
of the great result!<br />
Painting a fi n fl ash over the vertical stabiliser was seen as the most appropriate<br />
method of changing the aircraft paint scheme, this would allow the<br />
aircraft to keep overall low-visibility grey colour for day to day operations.<br />
After consultation it was decided to try and incorporate an albatross in the<br />
design, as it is the emblem within No.5 Squadron’s crest.<br />
After many concepts, the fi nal design was developed and submitted.<br />
Using stylised imagery the fi nal design combines elements of <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> represented through a fern on a black background. Black is synonymous<br />
with <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>’s international sporting representation. The fern<br />
fronds made up of six albatross. The number of birds is symbolic of the<br />
number of aircraft in the fl eet. The albatross is renowned for its endurance,<br />
survivability and ocean-roaming ability. These are characteristics the<br />
albatross shares with the Orion.<br />
The initial reaction to the completed fi n design has been positive.<br />
Some people have commented the entire aircraft should be painted black.<br />
Who knows… maybe for the 50th anniversary?<br />
11
12<br />
OH 06-0098-04<br />
OH 05-0568-04<br />
AC Tamati Anaru makes some last-minute<br />
adjustments to the trigger mounting.<br />
LAC Tristan Lohmuller makes<br />
sure the MK82 is secure.<br />
ARMED<br />
AND READY<br />
Grant Carr hitches a ride with the fighting fifth for<br />
an explosive encounter at sea.<br />
No.5 Squadron’s Bombing Week, the fi rst of two planned for this year<br />
and held over 6-10 March, was as much about the Squadron’s Armourers<br />
brushing up their skills in bomb preparation and loading as it was<br />
about the Orion crew who actually dropped the bombs, says pilot FLTLT<br />
Keith Bartlett.<br />
Long before any bombs were dropped a team of No.5 Squadron Armourers,<br />
under the watchful eye of self-proclaimed ‘grumpy old man’ SGT Derek<br />
Tidswell, made its way to Ohakea’s Bomb Store from the Squadron’s Auckland<br />
base. Their job, along with the team at the store was to prepare, assemble<br />
and load the bombs onto incoming Orion aircraft.<br />
The bombs are temporarily stored at Ohakea’s bunker-like restricted-entry<br />
Bomb Store, well away from most personnel.<br />
The aircraft fl ying out of Auckland has a dual role - it is the designated<br />
SAR aircraft, and carries aboard the deployable SAR equipment so it is ready<br />
to change tasking and head out to sea on a life and death mission. And, in<br />
keeping with the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>’s commitment to maximising the use of fl ying time<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
OH 06-0098-05
- the Squadron also uses the leg for yet more bombing practice.<br />
Before the aircraft depart Whenuapai they are loaded with small dummy<br />
bombs (BDU48s) that are dropped at sea in the Western Sector 40nm west<br />
of Whenuapai. The BDU48s have a small explosive charge that explodes<br />
on impact with the sea’s surface. And how do they know if the BDU48s<br />
are on target? The Ordnanceman lies on the fl oor in the Orion’s rear galley<br />
and observes through the fl oor window. He judges the impact visually<br />
from the smoke.<br />
Meanwhile, at Ohakea’s Bomb Store, NCOIC Explosives, Storage and<br />
Preparation SGT Karl Brown and a six-man team take the individual MK82<br />
bombs (see information box) and add their spring-loaded aluminium tails,<br />
booster components and timing mechanisms. It’s meticulous work, but given<br />
the material they are handling, so it must be. Safety is a key word.<br />
With each weighing in at 500lbs the general purpose bombs are ‘pretty<br />
grunty’ and will ‘make a decent hole’ says SGT Brown. If there’s any<br />
question of the mechanism being compromised the bomb is taken out and<br />
returned he says. That’s not to say failures don’t happen, there’s nearly<br />
always one. There are many variables that can affect a bomb’s performance<br />
he says – including atmospheric conditions, speed of the aircraft<br />
and angle of descent.<br />
The Orion P-3K can take up to 18 x 500lb bombs at a time but for this<br />
exercise they’ll be carrying only four – two on the outer wings and two in<br />
the bomb bay. Once ‘prepped’ and checked, the bombs, on special racks,<br />
are slowly and smoothly towed to where the aircraft, due to arrive from<br />
Base Auckland, will be ‘bombed up’. Again this is done at a remote part<br />
of the airfi eld. The aircraft arrived, taxied into position facing the wind (so<br />
the cooling engines get a good airfl ow) and a red fl ag was placed ahead of<br />
it indicating that the armourers are at work. A safety zone in force around<br />
the Orion meant other aircraft and personnel give it a wide berth as the<br />
crew of a Base fi re tender kept watch from a respectable distance.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
NCOIC SGT Karl Brown installs the MK82 bomb’s trigger mechanism.<br />
No.5 Squadron Armourers LAC Tristan Lohmuller (Left) and AC Ed<br />
Garvey survey their work ‘bombing’ up the P-3 Orion at Ohakea.<br />
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13
14<br />
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BDU48 practise bombs under the Orion’s wing at<br />
Whenuapai. The bombs are dropped at sea on the<br />
way to pick up the MK82 500lb bombs at Ohakea.<br />
<strong>Air</strong> Ordnanceman SGT Darren Gillard gets ready<br />
to drop the target - a MK58 long burner.<br />
The aircrew either leave the aircraft and visit the Base or stay aboard<br />
during the hour it usually takes to ‘bomb’ up the Orion. ‘The less people<br />
we have milling about the tarmac the better,’ says Armourer LAC Tristan<br />
Lohmuller. The bombs were hoisted into place using a combination of the<br />
SATS bomb loader and brute strength, either on the wing mounts or in<br />
the Orion’s bomb bay.<br />
The aircrew returned and the Orion taxied onto the main runway. It lifted<br />
off, seemingly without effort, the bombs making little difference to the<br />
aircraft’s performance.<br />
The aircraft headed east, well out to sea beyond the nearest town Napier,<br />
and well away from any fi shing vessels. The bombing zone is to the east<br />
of Cape Kidnappers, out of sight of land.<br />
<strong>Air</strong> Ordnanceman SGT Darren Gillard dropped a smoke marker to denote<br />
the target. It’s a MK58 long burner and continues to give off smoke for up to<br />
an hour, allowing plenty of time for bombing runs. The aircraft circled and<br />
came in low for a practise run. In the next run two bombs were dropped.<br />
The aim was to straddle the target. The Orion came in for its bombing run<br />
at less than 1000 ft. Everyone aboard had donned his or her Mae West<br />
survival vest, compulsory at this altitude (each contains an emergency<br />
locator beacon).<br />
The aircraft came in low and slow over the wave tops. As it reached the<br />
drop zone the engines change pitch and the Orion increased speed to over<br />
325 knots. The speed is a trade-off. At speeds below 325 knots the aircraft<br />
runs the risk of bomb shrapnel damage. The fl ying pilot released two bombs<br />
and their spring-loaded tail fi ns slowed their descent. Usually the bombs<br />
explode under the sea with the use of a delayed fuse, but this time there<br />
was no delay set on the fuse and it exploded on impact with the sea.<br />
The Orion climbed away to safety. It was a successful drop, the target<br />
was straddled and ‘destroyed’.<br />
SGT Gillard dropped another smoke target and the aircrew repeated<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
OH 06-0098-06
the process before returning to Whenuapai. From takeoff from Ohakea to<br />
landing at Whenuapai took just under two hours.<br />
Normally the bombs are dropped at the Kaipara Bombing Range, an<br />
uninhabited coastal strip north of Auckland. Due to unusually low rainfall<br />
the range was considered a fi re risk and couldn’t be used.<br />
It was a successful and productive week for Armourers and <strong>Air</strong>crew alike<br />
with six sorties fl own and 16 Mk82 bombs and 72 BDU48s dropped.<br />
MK82 GENERAL<br />
PURPOSE BOMB<br />
The MK82 is a free-fall, non-guided general purpose [GP] 500pound<br />
bomb. The bomb used by No.5 Squadron is equipped with<br />
a mechanical M904E3 (nose) fuse. While general purpose bombs<br />
may use both nose and tail fuses and conical or retarded tail fi ns,<br />
the MK80 series bombs used by No.5 squadron are high drag with<br />
a high drag tail allowing time for the aircraft to get out of the<br />
fragmentation envelope.<br />
The MK80 series was developed in the 1950s in response to the<br />
need for bombs producing less aerodynamic drag. All MK80 series<br />
bombs are similar in construction. MK-80 series bombs are cylindrical<br />
in shape and are equipped with conical fi ns or retarders for external<br />
high-speed carriage. The RNZAF’s MK82s are fi tted for nose fuses to<br />
ensure reliability and to simulate depth charges.<br />
They always have a fuse and delay element but for the purposes<br />
of the recent exercise the delay was set to zero seconds to explode<br />
on the sea surface.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
Armourer AC Ed Garvey makes fi nal adjustments<br />
to a bomb in the Orion’s bomb bay.<br />
A MK82 general purpose bomb opens its springloaded<br />
fi ns as it drops from the Orion’s wing.<br />
A red fl ag on the runway indicates the Orion is being ‘bombed’ up.<br />
OH 06-0098-10<br />
OH 06-0098-12<br />
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15
16<br />
Command and Staff College, Trentham.<br />
THE NEW ZEALAND<br />
WAY OF LEARNING<br />
With an accent on how to learn rather than what<br />
to learn, the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Defence <strong>Force</strong>’s (NZDF)<br />
Command and Staff College (CSC) approaches<br />
Professional Military Education (PME) in a uniquely<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> way. Grant Carr investigates.<br />
The College’s emphasis is on learner-centric rather than information<br />
driven education. Learner-centric education is an evolutionary change<br />
refl ecting the College’s pride in being at the leading edge of educational<br />
standards and methods since its early days as an <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> College based<br />
at Whenuapai. Today’s students may well be tomorrow’s leaders, and many<br />
of the RNZAF’s current leaders and strategic thinkers were educated at<br />
the College.<br />
Based at Trentham since 2004, it continues the strong tradition of<br />
educational excellence and now includes students from all branches of<br />
the NZDF, Government Departments, and military personnel from Australia,<br />
the South Pacifi c, Southeast Asia and North Asia.<br />
CSC students are expected to discover facts and concepts by<br />
themselves so they can comprehend the knowledge in a way that<br />
suits their own experiences. As College Director LTCOL David Strong<br />
observes: ‘We want students to develop their ability to be creative, to<br />
critically analyse situations, to understand equipment, doctrine etc and<br />
how to employ it in any given situation, and to explore new ideas and<br />
challenge assumptions.’<br />
Director, LTCOL Strong says the CSC’s educational approach has its basis<br />
in the RNZAF CSC and one of its founding offi cers, WGCDR Mitchell.<br />
‘For <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>’s unique circumstances and the NZDF’s small size and<br />
outlook, the approach is both smarter and more effective in developing<br />
the kind of offi cers we require. ‘The CSC’s strategic goals are to be the<br />
premier Staff College for NZDF MAJ(E) and LTCOL(E), and also to contribute<br />
to the NZDF’s standing. We are improving how we operate all the time,<br />
but still have a way to go.’<br />
The approach refl ects on-going developments in teaching methods aimed<br />
at preparing participants for the complexities of the modern era of volatile,<br />
uncertain, and ambiguous confl icts. The importance of developing adaptive<br />
lateral-thinking personnel<br />
is particularly relevant in Director: LTCOL Dave Strong.<br />
the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> context<br />
says Directing Staff member<br />
SQNLDR Murray Simons. ‘We often don’t know where the NZDF will<br />
be deployed next, the nature of the operational environment, and who<br />
our partners will be. Our offi cers need to be imaginative and responsive<br />
to change. In <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>’s case, world-class trained and educated<br />
personnel are arguably our best contribution to global security.’<br />
The modern asymmetrical threat environment demands a deep<br />
understanding of political, social, economic, international and religious<br />
contexts. A case in point is the 9/11 attack on the United States:<br />
[Deputy Secretary of Defence, Dr Paul Wolfowitz] wondered why so little<br />
thought had been devoted to the danger of suicide pilots, seeing a ‘failure<br />
of imagination and a mind-set that dismissed possibilities.’<br />
The 9/11 Commission Report, 2004<br />
Thus ‘failure of imagination’ is no longer tolerable in military planning.<br />
The College runs a number of courses for NZDF offi cers including an<br />
introduction to Joint Warfare, a Junior Staff Course for <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> FLTLTs<br />
(see box opposite). Its main effort, however, is a tri-Service staff course for<br />
MAJ and LTCOL equivalent offi cers and civilian equivalents. Up to a third of<br />
the positions may be taken by offi cers from regional friends and allies.<br />
The seven-month live-in course takes up to 30 offi cers and is aimed at<br />
developing effective and effi cient leaders who can command, manage, and<br />
plan at their rank level within a joint operational and strategic environment.<br />
For some, getting into the College’s self-learning education mode is a<br />
challenge. ‘In the fi rst week we put the course members through what we<br />
call ‘mental boot camp’ which is, in a sense, the opposite of traditional<br />
boot camps. Here we encourage the course members to debate, challenge,<br />
argue and express their views.<br />
The course does not focus on either grades or peer ranking—the greatest<br />
emphasis is on collaborative learning. Unlike most university courses,<br />
the staff course encourages sharing of ideas and peer support. This not<br />
only improves real-world staff skills and teamwork but also increases the<br />
cross-pollination and networking aspect of international courses. Instead<br />
WN 06-0075-01 WN 06-0011-49<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
WN 06-0088-02<br />
WN 06-0088-01<br />
FLTLT Jennifer Atkinson raises a<br />
point in the syndicate discussion.<br />
FLTLTs Nick Cree, Michael Kilham, and Dicko Beaton:<br />
FLTLT Mike Kilham has since withdrawn from the<br />
course and resigned from the RNZAF.<br />
of competing for rankings, the emphasis is on students helping each other,<br />
contributing to discussion, and extending themselves. Despite that, it<br />
is no push-over. At times the workload can be demanding and includes<br />
essay writing, research, debating, and syndicate discussions on subjects<br />
as diverse as leadership development, contemporary military operations,<br />
media trends, project management, and international relations. The<br />
College also relies on external subject matter experts, often from Massey<br />
University. In the middle of the course, the student group goes on an<br />
overseas study tour (in 2005 to Vietnam, see report Pg 16, October 2005<br />
<strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s). In 2006 it is going to <strong>New</strong> Caledonia and China.<br />
So, just how successful is the course? We asked some former students.<br />
SQNLDR Peter Sutherland, who did the staff course last year, says the<br />
course is tough and is ‘quite a burden when you are doing it. But it is the<br />
sort of course where the benefi ts aren’t immediately obvious. For some it<br />
may take years or up to a decade before the skills learnt are put to use.<br />
In my case my job in the Directorate of Logistics Capability was enhanced<br />
by the exposure the course gave me to HQNZDF and a wide-ranging<br />
understanding of how the NZDF, MoD and the single Services relate to<br />
each other. Understanding those relationships is a key part of my job,<br />
particularly with regard to the proposed NH90 purchase.’<br />
SQNLDR Charlie Morris, an Engineer with Systems Development Unit<br />
tasked with making design modifi cations for RNZAF aircraft, agrees the<br />
course was ‘busy’ but says the opportunity to ‘delve deeply into bigger<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
A STIMULATING COURSE<br />
GRANT CARR<br />
Seventeen <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> FLTLTs, two A/SQNLDRs and a CAPT from the<br />
Phillipines <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> are on the roll for the No.70 Junior Staff Course<br />
(JSC) at the NZDF’s Command and Staff College from 6 February to<br />
24 March 2006.<br />
The live-in course is a compulsory element for <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> FLTLTs in line<br />
for promotion to SQNLDR rank.<br />
The JSC is described as an enjoyable time away from work and offers a<br />
unique opportunity to mix with a FLTLT peer group and consider aspects of<br />
the military beyond the day-to-day routine. It is a demanding programme<br />
where the saying ‘you get out of it what you put in’ holds true. Despite<br />
the demands of essays and presentations the course is both mentally<br />
and socially stimulating and professionally rewarding.<br />
At the time of my brief attendance the students were half way through<br />
their second week of the course. During the fi rst week the students are<br />
joined by personnel from the RNZN and NZ Army for the NZ Introduction<br />
to Joint Warfare Course.<br />
In the second week it was very much down to business. ‘The workload<br />
has really started to come on this week,’ says Auckland Engineer FLTLT<br />
Alex Cox. ‘It involves a lot of reading and research and I’ve been up till<br />
midnight twice this week working on essays. There’s an extensive library<br />
at the college and we also extensively use the Internet for research.’<br />
Despite the workload he’s pleased to be on the course and found the<br />
hardest part initially is just getting away from work. ‘Work commitment<br />
have a habit of following you,’ he says.<br />
The course splits into two syndicate groups for discussions and I’m<br />
treated to a discussion/debate by one on the concept of pre-emption<br />
– launching an attack on a nation that is perceived as offering an<br />
imminent threat to your security. The United States adopted this as a<br />
policy in 2002. It was a lively and apposite discussion where the level<br />
of participation by all course members indicated to me that debating an<br />
issue is an important and stimulating part of the course. Fascinating.<br />
picture issues and to meet and discuss these with regional colleagues<br />
on the course was a welcome change from the day-to-day routine of<br />
engineering work.’ And he has started bringing the wider political and<br />
social context into informal discussions with his troops. He is about to be<br />
seconded to project work with MoD and believes the knowledge he has<br />
of how the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> and MoD work together and the relationship with<br />
single Services will be most helpful.<br />
WGCDR Logan Cudby who did the course in 2003 before his posting<br />
to Afghanistan working for UNAMA says the course was ‘essential to<br />
making a critical contribution at the strategic level of international and<br />
inter-agency nation building. It’s a bit like a higher tertiary qualifi cation<br />
because it gives you the language and tools to work with people who<br />
have similar training.’<br />
The College’s modern, comfortable environment provides excellent<br />
facilities for study and group discussion. Live-in accommodation includes a<br />
separate study room for each course member and they have ample access<br />
to recreational facilities.<br />
They are provided with their own laptop and tablet PC which is linked<br />
wirelessly to the CSC’s internal network and the internet. By the end of<br />
their course, students have also developed a strong and supportive bond<br />
of friendship that remains throughout their career. CSC’s aspiration to be<br />
the premier Staff College is moving ahead in 2006 with their intention to<br />
develop a website on par with peer Staff Colleges around the world.<br />
17
18<br />
WN 06-0089-01<br />
The Balkans has become a byword for chaos<br />
and trouble. WGCDR Bo Palmer reports on<br />
his work alongside UN forces in the fledgling<br />
state of Kosovo.<br />
I am currently nearly half way through a six month deployment as a Military<br />
Liaison Observer in the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Within<br />
the UNMIK structure there is a 37 person Military Liaison Component<br />
(MLC). Our mission is to conduct liaison between UNMIK and the Kosovo<br />
<strong>Force</strong> (KFOR), a NATO Security <strong>Force</strong> ensuring the security of Kosovo, and<br />
provide the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG)<br />
with military advice based on situation awareness from a Security and<br />
Military perspective. The UNMIK MLC is certainly a true reflection of the<br />
UN with 27 nations contributing personnel to the MLC.<br />
The MLC has 5 teams based in the regions to liaise at a local level with<br />
KFOR and regional UNMIK and local representatives. We also have a team<br />
in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as well as a team at KFOR<br />
HQ. I am part of the MLC HQ based in the main city of Pristina, where I<br />
am part of a three man team that looks after operations and information<br />
on behalf of the MLC.<br />
My role includes the compilation and distribution of all necessary reports.<br />
This can range from the routine daily situation reports from the regions,<br />
to special report requests for the SRSG or to the UNHQ in <strong>New</strong> York. I<br />
also gather information concerning IDPs, Reconstruction Works, serious<br />
incidents and criminality levels to enhance further security. While my<br />
position is predominantly staff work I have had the opportunity to visit the<br />
regions and engage with the local staff and people.<br />
In the last few years there have been some huge improvements in the<br />
security situation, civil administration and political processes. However,<br />
Kosovo’s fragile economy, its attitude toward minorities, and law and<br />
order still have some way to go if it wishes to reach its long term goal of<br />
becoming a member of the European Union. For example there is a gun<br />
culture in Kosovo that means virtually every household that is searched<br />
reveals semi automatic or automatic weapons for which there is no license<br />
or valid reason for having the weapons.<br />
Kosovo is currently experiencing one of its harshest winters for some years<br />
WN 06-0089-02<br />
UNMIK’S MILITARY<br />
LIAISON COMPONENT<br />
with daytime temperatures rarely getting above zero and night-time<br />
regularly seeing the mercury fall below minus twenty. With insufficient<br />
electricity power supply power cuts are a regular occurrence throughout<br />
the region with some areas receiving only one to two hours power a<br />
day. The upside to a cold winter is that the region remains relatively<br />
safe and secure as everyone marks time until spring arrives.<br />
My time in Kosovo has certainly opened my eyes to the history of<br />
conflict in the Balkans. While I certainly miss the long lazy days of NZ<br />
summers I am looking forward to seeing first hand how both Albanian<br />
majority and Serbian minority approach and negotiate the up coming<br />
status talks. They have the opportunity to bring to an end a history of<br />
conflict and violence and prove to the world that there can be a lasting<br />
peace in Kosovo.<br />
TOP LEFT: WGCDR Bo Palmer (UNMIK HQ) overlooking the ‘Three<br />
Towers’ apartment complex on North Mitrovica which is a Serbian<br />
enclave and is the scene of regular inter-ethnic incidents.<br />
ABOVE RIGHT: WGCDR Bo Palmer, RNZAF (UNMIK HQ) checking<br />
under his vehicle before going on a visit to Mitrovica.<br />
RIGHT: WGCDR Bo Palmer, RNZAF (UNMIK HQ) conducting an intheatre<br />
Ops brief for new MLOs from Pakistan and Zambia.<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
WN 06-0089-03<br />
A BRIEF HISTORY OF<br />
THE KOSOVO ISSUE<br />
2006 is expected to be a big year for<br />
the Province of Kosovo. Finally, after<br />
5 years of administration by the United<br />
Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK),<br />
negotiations will take place, led by UN<br />
Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, between<br />
Kosovo and Serbia in order to decide the<br />
final status of the Province.<br />
Kosovo, a province of Serbia and<br />
part of the former Yugoslavia has been<br />
attempting to gain independence for the<br />
past 30 years. In 1974, under President Tito, Kosovo was granted<br />
full autonomy but the large Albanian population (90%) of the<br />
region fought hard for republic status. In 1989 Slobodan Miloševic<br />
brought an end to Kosovo’s autonomy, placing it under ‘de facto’<br />
military occupation.<br />
The focus within the region shifted away from Kosovo in the early<br />
1990s so in 1996, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) was formed and<br />
conflicts between the KLA and the Serb police in Kosovo emerged.<br />
The KLA began to gain popularity and the Serb police responded by<br />
beginning to crack down on the KLA and suspected sympathisers.<br />
In March 1998, the Serb police murdered 53 members of a family<br />
called Jashari, which they claimed were a terrorist organisation.<br />
Their leader, Adem Jeshari was among the dead, and the KLA used<br />
the attack to their advantage and made Jeshari a martyr.<br />
By the beginning of 1999 reports of massive ethnic cleansing in<br />
Kosovo began to surface. After the discoveries of the violence, the<br />
USA and other allies threatened a NATO led military operation to<br />
ensure peace in the region. Milosevic responded by strategically<br />
placing Serbian forces in Kosovo and starting a massive deportation<br />
campaign.<br />
NATO launched Operation Allied <strong>Force</strong> on March 24 in an attempt<br />
to destroy the military forces that Miloševic was using to destroy<br />
the Albanian population in Kosovo. The bombing lasted until June<br />
10. NATO ground forces entered Kosovo and began to ensure the<br />
safe return of the refugees who’d fled Kosovo. It was estimated<br />
that 850,000 people were forcibly expelled from Kosovo and up to<br />
10,000 people had been killed.<br />
At the completion of the bombing campaign, the UN formed UNMIK<br />
which was mandated by the UN Security Council (under resolution<br />
1244) to; perform basic civilian administrative functions; promote<br />
the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government in<br />
Kosovo; facilitate a political process to determine Kosovo’s future<br />
status; co-ordinate humanitarian and disaster relief of all international<br />
agencies; support the reconstruction of key infrastructure;<br />
maintain civil law and order; promote human rights; and assure the<br />
safe and unimpeded return of all refugees and displaced persons to<br />
their homes in Kosovo.<br />
And now, after 6 years of rebuilding infrastructure and making<br />
progress towards achieving a series of international standards<br />
regarding economy, political process, justice and law systems and<br />
improving on their human rights, the population of Kosovo hope<br />
that 2006 will finally bring a resolution to the question of the status<br />
of Kosovo.<br />
19
20<br />
CONVENIENT AND<br />
COMPETITIVE<br />
Convenience and a range of<br />
products at competitive prices is<br />
at the heart of the merchandising<br />
service provided by the Armed<br />
<strong>Force</strong>s Canteen Council’s (AFCC)<br />
on-base ‘Hot Shot’ stores. The<br />
stores carry a mammoth range of<br />
products - 30,000 different product<br />
lines from over 1000 different<br />
suppliers - from everyday items like<br />
toothpaste and cleaning products<br />
right through to luxury items such<br />
as Ipods, home entertainment<br />
centres, bicycles and everything<br />
in between. And because they<br />
are effectively owned by you,<br />
the AFCC’s nett profits are fed<br />
straight back into base welfare<br />
organisations (see box). It’s a winwin<br />
situation. The better Hot Shots<br />
does, the more money goes to your<br />
base welfare needs.<br />
Chief Executive Mr Rick Ottaway<br />
is quick to dispel the myth that the<br />
stores can give you a cheaper price<br />
on every item. While the AFCC<br />
does belong to the Foodstuffs<br />
conglomerate of stores and gets<br />
considerable reductions through<br />
membership it can never hope<br />
to compete with the likes of<br />
Pak’n’Save for everyday goods or<br />
Dick Smith’s for electrical goods.<br />
‘We try to buy our goods at the<br />
best price available so that we<br />
can match Four Square prices for<br />
our general grocery goods. Our<br />
convenient location on base is<br />
our competitive edge, at prices<br />
less than your local dairy,’ says<br />
Mr Ottaway.<br />
When you consider the time and<br />
money spent on driving down to<br />
the, in most cases not-so-near<br />
shopping mall it often makes good<br />
sense to purchase the items you’ve<br />
left off the weekly shopping list<br />
from a Hot Shots store. Likewise<br />
the on-base stores provide some<br />
great deals on luxury items without<br />
the hidden costs. The AFCC’s ‘six<br />
pay’ deal is effectively a layby<br />
system that allows you to take<br />
the product home with you right<br />
away. And Hot Shots offers its<br />
own hire purchase fund at a very<br />
competitive 18.5% interest, a<br />
rate generally lower than offered<br />
by its competitors. Special deals,<br />
available right throughout the<br />
month, are advertised on the<br />
AFCC’s regular fl yers and are also<br />
on Service Intranet sites. Take<br />
home the fl yer, discuss it with your<br />
partner, compare the deals and see<br />
the savings.<br />
The AFCC is currently looking<br />
to further improve its service<br />
by adopting some of the key<br />
finding of last year’s AFCC Hot<br />
Shots Customer Survey. ‘The<br />
survey, which attracted a record<br />
980 responses, provided us with<br />
a vast amount of information<br />
about our operations and the way<br />
we need to develop in order to<br />
provide a high quality canteen<br />
service to the NZDF,’ says Mr<br />
Ottaway. ‘For example, a review<br />
of opening hours, and more healthy<br />
food alternatives are a couple of<br />
initiatives that we will be making<br />
in response to comments in the<br />
survey,’ he says. ‘In particular the<br />
provision of a range of healthy food<br />
choices at Hot Shots cafes is being<br />
introduced now.’<br />
Mr Ottaway says the AFCC has<br />
a good outlook for the future<br />
and ‘the slogan ‘service for the<br />
Services’ is just as relevant<br />
today as it was when the AFCC<br />
was first established.’ I firmly<br />
believe the AFCC will continue to<br />
provide a quality service as long<br />
as its members are prepared to<br />
support it.’<br />
So, if you haven’t been into a<br />
Hot Shots store recently, and<br />
the survey suggests a signifi cant<br />
minority are passing it by, check<br />
it out and compare the prices and<br />
deals. You may well be surprised.<br />
<br />
L-R: Delwyn (manager), Pat (Salesperson), Kim (Cafe), Tracey<br />
(Cafe) and Ryan (Salesperson).<br />
IT’S YOUR MONEY:<br />
HOW IT GETS SPENT<br />
Like most companies the profi ts from the AFCC are distributed<br />
to its shareholders as a dividend. So who are the shareholders?<br />
They are you - current members of the NZDF, serving military and<br />
civilian. Wellington <strong>Air</strong> Staff’s Mr Patrick Stevens explains where<br />
the money returned to the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> gets spent.<br />
The current policy of the RNZAF Central Fund is to distribute<br />
all monies received from the AFCC to Base Welfare Funds. The<br />
income received is distributed on the basis of Base strength<br />
(both military and civilian personnel). As such the AFCC dividend<br />
makes a signifi cant contribution to the income of a Base Welfare<br />
Fund and directly affects the level of service that a Base Welfare<br />
Fund can provide.<br />
Money received from the AFCC goes to assist Base Welfare<br />
Funds providing a range of goods and services to personnel that<br />
could not be provided at their current levels otherwise. Services<br />
such as Base Hire Equipment (including boats and camper vans),<br />
books for the Base Library, Base Village Greens, Children’s<br />
Christmas Parties, Hardship Loans, Child Care Assistance,<br />
Welfare Homes, Holiday Homes, Sports Person of Year Functions,<br />
Children’s Playgrounds and the various welfare grants made by<br />
the Base Welfare Funds.<br />
For the fi nancial year ended 30 September the AFCC paid to the<br />
RNZAF $48,488 as a dividend. The distribution to Bases was:<br />
RNZAF Base Auckland $19,818<br />
RNZAF Base Ohakea $12,291<br />
RNZAF Wellington $6,490<br />
RNZAF Base Woodbourne $9,889<br />
OH 06-0091-02<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
WN 06-0114-01<br />
Adapting to change is something NZDF Offi cers assigned to work with the<br />
UN have come to anticipate – expecting the unexpected is part of their<br />
training. So, when SQNLDR Robin Chambers fi rst arrived in Timor Leste<br />
on 22 June 2005 for a 6-month posting with the UN he wasn’t too fazed<br />
to fi nd that his assumed tasking had changed. He had expected to follow<br />
in the footsteps of his predecessor, SQNLDR Karen Mead, with a posting<br />
to one of Timor Leste’s three border sectors - Bobonaro, Covalima and<br />
Oecussi - as a Military Training Advisor (MTA). Instead, due to an internal<br />
reorganization he was selected by the Chief Military Training Offi cer (CMTA)<br />
to fi ll the Dili-based position of G4-Logistics.<br />
The G4’s primary role is to provide logistical support to the newly-created<br />
Military Training Advisor’s Group (MTAG) HQ and to support MTAs in<br />
the Sectors in the absence of support from the Regional Support Offi cer<br />
(RSO) level. When the RSOs were disestablished in July central control<br />
passed to Dili and increased the G4’s liaison with Sectors to meet their<br />
logistics needs.<br />
Although Logistics is not his background SQNLDR Chambers says ‘it was a<br />
relatively straight-forward process to work with the UN Civilian Staff. They<br />
were very professional and most had an excellent grasp of English.’<br />
SQNLDR Chambers says the G4 position gave him ‘the best of both worlds<br />
– with the relative ‘comforts’ of living in Dili and the chance to get out to<br />
one of the three border Sectors twice a month. He worked alongside two<br />
other NZDF personnel – two NZ Army Majors (MAJ Pomana, MAJ Gray)<br />
acting as advisors to the Timor Leste Army and WO2 Shaw who worked<br />
as a small arms instructor at Metenaro.<br />
SQNLDR Chambers says the Timor Leste economy is in a downturn with<br />
the decreasing number of restaurants from the downsizing of UN activity<br />
a clear indicator that the business sector is hurting. While he has high<br />
hopes the fl edgling economy will recover ‘everything is downsizing right<br />
now,’ he says. ‘The country’s offshore energy reserves (estimated to be<br />
worth $50billion) and its potential as a tourist destination paint a more<br />
rosy picture for the future,’ he said.<br />
The primary goal of UN Police and the 15 MTAs is building the capacity<br />
and confi dence of Timor Leste’s 280-strong Border Protection Unit. Within<br />
12 months it is hoped the BPU will be fi rmly established as a viable agency.<br />
Specifi cally the MTAs/Un Police are instructing BPU members in border<br />
policing skills; investigation of border-related crimes; day-to-day management<br />
skills; and cross border management issues.<br />
SQNLDR Chambers says that smuggling is one of the biggest border<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
Members of Indonesian Defence <strong>Force</strong> (IDF) and Timor Leste’s Border<br />
Protection Unit (BPU) come together for a photo opportunity on the Oecussi<br />
border sector. SQNLDR Chambers is in the middle (blue cap, dark DPMs).<br />
ADAPTING TO CHANGE IN TIMOR LESTE<br />
issues and the fact that up to 4 percent of the border is still undelineated<br />
makes its control very diffi cult.<br />
A pilgrimage to mark the 5th anniversary of the death of PTE Leonard<br />
Manning was a highlight of the deployment, he says (see story). Other<br />
highlights included accompanying the CMTA to Oecussi to help sort out a<br />
violent dispute between two villages; an invitation to the Australian UN<br />
Police for their medal parade; and working alongside fellow ANZACs.<br />
SQNLDR Chambers says working for the UN was a personal ambition<br />
and he ‘gained invaluable experience from working in a multi-national<br />
environment, and as the Logistics Offi cer I was exposed to the UN’s<br />
various functions.’<br />
He returned to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> on 23 December with a glowing Performance<br />
Evaluation Report and a CMTA Commendation. SQNLDR Chambers<br />
received his NZGSM (East Timor) at a ceremony on 1 March.<br />
PTE MANNING<br />
REMEMBERED<br />
An emotional pilgrimage to the site of PTE Leonard Manning’s<br />
death on the fi fth anniversary of his killing on 24 July was a highlight<br />
of SQNLDR Chamber’s Timor Leste deployment. The UN provided<br />
transport for four personnel - 3 NZDF staff and an Australian Federal<br />
policeman – to the site. The group, also accompanied by a local<br />
interpreter and Brazilian MTA LT COL Santos, walked the rugged<br />
ground PTE Manning had traversed and came to the site of the small<br />
memorial. A Tiki hung from the cross and worn poppies littered the<br />
ground, says SQNLDR Chambers.<br />
SNO MAJ Vernon Pomana led a moving ceremony; SQNLDR Chambers<br />
recited the Ode and MAJ Kelly Gray placed fl owers on the memorial.<br />
The ceremony ended with a waiata from the NZDF personnel.<br />
SQNLDR Chambers says PTE Manning’s family and comrades should<br />
rest assured that he will continue to be remembered both in Timor<br />
Leste and at home.<br />
21
22<br />
24<br />
April 2006 marks the 65th anniversary<br />
of the Second World War military<br />
evacuation of Greece and is followed<br />
closely a month later by the 65th anniversary of<br />
the Battle of Crete. For the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Army<br />
these two campaigns resulted in the tragedy of<br />
932 <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>ers killed, 1,354 wounded, and<br />
4,036 taken prisoner. For a month this is second<br />
only to the Battle of the Somme in the scale of<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> casualties.<br />
Operational failures have long been attributed to<br />
a lack of allied air support. Yet eight Kiwi airmen<br />
lost their lives during the two campaigns, and<br />
the efforts of many others have been largely<br />
forgotten. Fittingly however, the valiant efforts<br />
of two <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> aircrew were recognised<br />
by the King of the Hellenes with the award of the<br />
Greek Distinguished Flying Cross. FGOFF Mark<br />
Brewer charts the intriguing wartime exploits of<br />
two RNZAF heroes.<br />
Flight Lieutenant H.W. Lamond<br />
FLTLT Henry William Lamond was a member<br />
of No. 228 Squadron, fl ying Sunderland fl ying<br />
boats on reconnaissance, escort and antisubmarine<br />
patrols in the Mediterranean. Henry<br />
Lamond had joined the RNZAF on 4 January 1938<br />
and completed Pilots course No. 3 at Wigram,<br />
before transferring to the RAF on 15 March 1939.<br />
With the evacuation of Greece well underway on<br />
ANZAC Day 1941, FLTLT Lamond’s Squadron deviated<br />
from their normal duties and he and his crew<br />
made numerous passenger trips from the coast<br />
of Greece to Suda Bay in Crete, including one<br />
fl ight carrying 52 offi cers and men from an RAF<br />
Fighter Squadron. He then returned to Kalamata<br />
in Greece and took aboard 72 men waiting in the<br />
harbour area. This was the greatest number of<br />
passengers ever carried by a Sunderland, and an<br />
incredible record-setting feat of airmanship.<br />
Later that night FLTLT Lamond and his crew<br />
returned to Greece to deliver a message and<br />
evacuate additional personnel. But when<br />
attempting to land without light on a deceptive<br />
harbour surface the aircraft crashed and turned<br />
over, resulting in the death of six of the crew<br />
including the second pilot, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> FGOFF<br />
John Lylian. Lamond and the three remaining<br />
survivors remained afl oat on part of the wing<br />
until rescued by a Greek fishing boat. On<br />
reaching Greece three of the crew, including<br />
Flight Lieutenant Lamond, were admitted to<br />
hospital, where they later fell into the hands of<br />
the advancing Germans. Lamond’s efforts during<br />
the evacuation were recognised by the King and<br />
people of Greece with the award of the Greek<br />
Distinguished Flying Cross, announced in the<br />
London Gazette on 29 December 1942.<br />
After recovering FLTLT Lamond was transferred<br />
to Stalag Luft I near Barth in Northern Germany<br />
and again in the spring of 1942 to Stalag Luft<br />
III near Sagan, now part of Poland. In his book<br />
‘The Great Escape’ Paul Brickhill describes FLTLT<br />
Henry ‘Piglet’ Lamond as a slight, toothy little<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>er who was constantly involved<br />
in escape attempts. Soon after arrival at the<br />
new camp he and two other prisoners tunnelled<br />
from a soak pit towards the wire by burying<br />
themselves alive and tunnelling like moles. A<br />
metre underground they tunnelled naked with<br />
their clothes in bundles, pushing up sticks to<br />
make breathing holes. Unable to make the<br />
required distance by morning they remained<br />
underground for the entire daytime period until<br />
British Crown Copyright, RAF Museum*<br />
* Her Britannic Majesty’s<br />
Crown Copyright material is<br />
reproduced with the permission<br />
of the Controller of the<br />
Stationary Offi ce.<br />
breaking out three hours after dark the next night.<br />
Their reward was a few short days of freedom<br />
in wartime Germany, before being captured in a<br />
stolen rowboat travelling down the River Oder.<br />
Lamond was returned to the ‘cooler’ at Stalag<br />
Luft III and his companions were both transferred<br />
to Castle Colditz.<br />
FLTLT Lamond continued to participate in<br />
escape attempts. He assisted with the digging<br />
of tunnels ‘Tom’, ‘Dick’ and ‘Harry’ but was not<br />
in the 200 selected to escape by way of ballot.<br />
Regardless, he helped co-ordinate the escapers<br />
at the tunnel entrance for ‘The Great Escape’ and<br />
dispersed them when prisoners including <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>ers FLTLT Michael Shand and SQNLDR<br />
Leonard Trent VC were compromised at the exit<br />
point. Sadly <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>ers FGOFF Arnold<br />
Christensen, FGOFF Porokoru Patapu John Pohe<br />
and FLTLT John Williams were captured whilst<br />
on the run and executed.<br />
FLTLT Lamond remained a prisoner of war until<br />
the Victory in Europe. He retained his commission<br />
with the RAF after repatriation and later rose<br />
to the rank of Wing Commander. He retired in the<br />
mid 1960’s, remaining in the United Kingdom and<br />
is now resident in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
British Cr
own Copyright, RAF Museum*<br />
Flight Lieutenant S.W.R. Hughes<br />
At the time of the evacuation from Greece,<br />
FLTLT Sidney Weetman Rochford Hughes<br />
was fl ying Sunderland fl ying boats with No. 230<br />
Squadron. He had joined the RNZAF in 1937 and<br />
after completing No. 1 Pilots course transferred to<br />
the RAF in June 1938, where he fi rst fl ew Hawker<br />
Hind and Fairey Battle aircraft before completing<br />
a fl ying boat course. Like Henry Lamond, FLTLT<br />
Hughes and his crew made a number of evacuation<br />
fl ights from Greece in April 1941. He was<br />
also involved in the evacuation of Crete a month<br />
later and was subsequently awarded the Greek<br />
Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during<br />
the two campaigns.<br />
He is more notably remembered however, for<br />
his actions when shot down in December 1941.<br />
During a shuttle flight from Egypt to Malta,<br />
FLTLT Hughes’ Sunderland was attacked by two<br />
German Messerschmitt 110 fi ghters. In a brief<br />
encounter the Sunderland’s gunners appear to<br />
have destroyed one fi ghter and the other retired.<br />
However, two air gunners were wounded, one<br />
passenger was killed and the aircraft suffered<br />
extensive damage. With both starboard engines<br />
out of action and the starboard aileron shot away<br />
the aircraft lost height rapidly. Rochford Hughes<br />
succeeded in bringing the aircraft into the wind,<br />
made a forced landing in heavy seas and fi ghting<br />
capsize lodged the Sunderland rearwards on to<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
Acknowledgements:<br />
Brickhill, P., (1951). The Great Escape. Faber and Faber Ltd.:<br />
London, pp 24 – 29 and 155 – 195.<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
British Crown Copyright, RAF Museum<br />
a reef in enemy territory. As they evacuated the promoted to <strong>Air</strong> Marshal in 1967. Sir Rochford<br />
aircraft the second pilot was carried away by Hughes returned to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> in 1972 after<br />
an undertow and FLTLT Hughes dived in to the serving as <strong>Air</strong> Adviser to the Singapore Govern-<br />
water and dragged him ashore after a 30 minute ment. He sat on a number of company boards,<br />
struggle.<br />
including Mazda Motors, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Steel,<br />
Once on dry land the 20 survivors were surprised and the Reserve Bank before retiring in the late<br />
by a small group of Italian soldiers, who holding 1980’s. Sir Rochford Hughes died at Taupo in<br />
their rifles above their heads surrendered to September 1996.<br />
the RAF party. When 80 more Italian soldiers These two awards are notable as they were<br />
arrived, Hughes and his group were instead the only Greek decorations awarded to <strong>New</strong><br />
taken prisoner and marched towards Benghazi. <strong>Zealand</strong> aircrew during the Second World<br />
Later a group of Italian offi cers and a hundred War, and directly recognise service during<br />
more soldiers joined the group, and after one of the Greece and Crete campaigns. Only three<br />
the wounded air gunners died the RAF party was other <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> airmen have worn Greek<br />
abandoned at an Arab village in exchange for the awards; CAPT Louis Stringer received the<br />
Italians receiving favourable treatment should Greek Medal of Military Merit while a Doctor<br />
they later be captured. The Arabs directed the with the <strong>Royal</strong> Flying Corps for services with the<br />
group towards British lines, where after attracting <strong>Royal</strong> Navy in World War One; LTCOL Francis<br />
numerous Italian soldiers hoping to surrender, Hewlett, an RAF Pilot was made a Commander<br />
FLTLT Hughes lead his party to allied territory of the Greek Order of St Saveur in 1920, before<br />
with approximately 130 prisoners in tow. He was serving as an <strong>Air</strong> Commodore with the RNZAF<br />
subsequently awarded an OBE for his courage during World War Two; and GPCAPT Walter<br />
and leadership.<br />
Merton, a British RAF Offi cer was made an<br />
SQNLDR Hughes served out the war as Offi cer Offi cer of the Greek Order of George I in 1942<br />
Commanding the Middle East <strong>Air</strong> Sea Rescue Unit prior to being appointed Chief of <strong>Air</strong> Staff for<br />
and was appointed to a permanent commission in the RNZAF in 1954. He later received the Grand<br />
1946. He rose through the ranks to command RAF Cross of the Greek Order of the Phoenix in 1963<br />
Farnborough, RAF Jever, and serve as Commander as an <strong>Air</strong> Chief Marshal and <strong>Air</strong> Aide-de-Camp<br />
in Chief Far East <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>. He was knighted and to the Queen.<br />
Whelan, J.A., (1951). Malta <strong>Air</strong>men. War History Branch, Department<br />
of Internal Affairs: Wellington, pp 7 – 10.<br />
23
24<br />
The Drum Corp (l-r SGT Tony Nicholas, CPL Stu Reynolds, CPL<br />
Jonno Alve, LAC Mike Edwards and LAC Dayle Jellyman).<br />
WHIPS UP A STORM<br />
The North Island’s beautiful East Coast was the backdrop for the<br />
Central Band of the RNZAF’s Annual Tour. From Tauranga to Tolaga<br />
Bay the band played to appreciative audiences as they entertained<br />
school students and adults alike.<br />
The Central Band’s Annual Tour entertains its provincial supporters and<br />
gives its territorial members a taste of whole time Service. The 60-member<br />
band, comprised entirely of Territorial <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> (TAF), has three regular<br />
force personnel responsible for the tour’s planning and operation and the<br />
band’s annual schedule. Director of Music (DMUS), FLTLT Owen Clarke,<br />
Deputy Director of Music (DDMUS), F/S Grant Pitcher and Operations<br />
Co-ordinator, Mr Michael McGowan are the three wise men in charge<br />
in front and behind the scenes. This year was Grant’s fi rst tour with the<br />
band. Grant has just moved to Wellington from Base Woodbourne where<br />
he was the bandmaster for the Base band. It was also Michael’s last tour<br />
with the band as he is about to take up trumpet playing with the <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> Bands in the UK.<br />
The tour started with intensive rehearsals over the weekend of 10<br />
-12 February at Base Ohakea. A little levity was introduced with each<br />
announcement of the ‘Daily Wally’ which was awarded to DMUS (for<br />
the curious incident of the van door in the day time), DDMUS (and his<br />
A new conductor for the band?<br />
Our appreciative young fans.<br />
ON THE EAST COAST<br />
WN 06-0107-13<br />
stolen hat, later found hanging on a peg by the mess where he left it for<br />
breakfast) and a former DMUS (mysteriously locked out of his room with<br />
nothing but a towel and a bar of soap for company). Obviously absolute<br />
power does corrupt absolutely!<br />
A C-130 fl ight to Tauranga saw the tour kick off with an afternoon street<br />
march. The following day was an early pack-in to the Holy Trinity Church<br />
by the loading team. Early morning pack-ins and late night pack-outs were<br />
much the order of the day for the loading team, who did an amazing job<br />
getting the venues set up for the band. Most days we performed two<br />
school concerts and then in the evening a more formal public concert. It<br />
was obvious from the start that this was going to be a series of concerts<br />
enjoyed as much by the public as by the band.<br />
In Whakatane on Wednesday the band performed two concerts at Trident<br />
High School, as well as an evening concert in sweltering conditions. Thanks<br />
go to the local Beacon newspaper, thanks for their pictorial coverage.<br />
On Thursday we travelled around the cape to Ruatoria and performed a<br />
lunchtime concert in the hall at Ngata Memorial College. It is the fi rst time<br />
in its history that the Central Band had reached this part of the country<br />
and it was a huge local occasion made even more special by the spirited<br />
Powhiri the students from Ngata College gave the band. The passion of<br />
Alan and Matt in the<br />
thick of the action.<br />
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FLTLT Owen Clarke,<br />
conducts in his sleep.<br />
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this welcome, and the enthusiasm of the kids and public for the concert<br />
made it a highlight for the tour. That night they stayed at Iritekura Marae<br />
in Waipiro Bay. Again, the warmth and hospitality of those on the Marae<br />
was very special indeed.<br />
The next day they were off to Gisborne for more school concerts.<br />
Hundreds of kids of all ages packed into the huge gym at Ilminster Intermediate.<br />
They were soon on their feet bopping away to ‘Beyonce’s’ (aka<br />
LAC Ina Patisolo) Crazy in Love which led to a near riot when the audience<br />
swarmed over the band. Fortunately disaster was averted with a bit of<br />
crowd control and the concert came to a rousing end.<br />
A quick change of venue for the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre concert<br />
and the tour’s penultimate performance was underway. This concert was<br />
CPL Al Isdale, the power<br />
house of the band.<br />
Old Man Time of the band, SGT Ian Peters.<br />
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raising money for the O-Kuri Marae in Tolaga Bay whose historic meeting<br />
house was damaged in the fl oods at the end of last year.<br />
On Saturday morning the band ran music workshops for local musicians.<br />
In the afternoon they returned to Tolaga Bay for their last evening concert.<br />
With a mixture of music from formal and school concerts the performance<br />
was a brilliant fi nale for the tour. Being able to give something back to a<br />
community that is often overlooked was a hugely satisfying reward for<br />
all the musicians.<br />
The Central Band has a busy schedule of performances coming up this<br />
year. If you want to fi nd out what all the fuss is about, make sure you get<br />
along to one. Details appear in the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s and on the RNZAF<br />
web page.<br />
Compere LAC Kevin Keys, a<br />
picture of innocent fun.<br />
Displaying a variety of ‘style’, AC Matt Stenbo,<br />
CPL Alan Wright, Michael McGowan.<br />
Are you having fun? Yes we are, Mike and Dayle work the crowd “I think it shrank in the wash!”<br />
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LAC Emma Richards, head and<br />
shoulders above the rest.<br />
25 25
26<br />
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The RNZAF Dragon boat paddling out of the lagoon.<br />
RNZAF dragon boat team 2006.<br />
The RNZAF dragon boat team paddling furiously.<br />
CPL WILL TAYLOR<br />
In our fourth year of fielding a Dragon Boat Team,<br />
the Nga Waka Hoe Club of RNZAF Base Auckland<br />
once again took their skills to the National arena,<br />
and with great success.<br />
Perhaps not as straight forward as previous years,<br />
paying a visit to the ‘school of hard knocks’ but<br />
learning valuable lessons along the way, the <strong>Air</strong><br />
<strong>Force</strong> once again came out on top.<br />
THE WELLINGTON NATIONAL REGATTA:<br />
The RNZAF Corporate Dragon Boating Team were one of nearly 100 teams<br />
competing in the National Dragon Boat Festival in Wellington, on Saturday<br />
11 March.<br />
Teams were made up of men and women in the Open and Corporate<br />
categories and were fi elded from all corners of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>.<br />
We had high hopes for ourselves this year, given that in 2005 the <strong>Air</strong><br />
<strong>Force</strong> team had taken out the Corporate Auckland Regional and National<br />
Titles. What this really meant was that we had a lot to learn and a heck<br />
of a lot to live up to!<br />
Corporate teams are allowed only 14 hrs training time prior to race day<br />
with the majority of our training based in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin.<br />
Due to last minute cancellations of preliminary sprint races throughout<br />
the season, the standard work commitments required of a number of team<br />
members and an initial lack of team cohesion, we didn’t quite hit our straps<br />
MIXED<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
Heading to the start block in Auckland.<br />
the way we’d have liked for this level of competition.<br />
There was a high proportion of new members this year, so naturally<br />
everyone felt the nerves arriving in Wellington to gale force winds. A<br />
hearty breakfast was prepared on race day to settle our stomachs and,<br />
refreshed from an early night at the Olphert Navy Reserve building we<br />
set out to take on the nation.<br />
Following a brief calm patch in the horrendous storm from the night<br />
before, winds picked up to 25 knots by mid afternoon developing a<br />
1m swell in the harbour. To top it off, television helicopters launched<br />
from the platform beside the start blocks to cover the Off-shore<br />
Powerboat Series.<br />
Unfortunately, even with CAF <strong>Air</strong> Vice Marshal John Hamilton and his<br />
family in support and in spite of a huge effort from all involved, we didn’t<br />
deliver the goods as we’d hoped.<br />
The fi nal honours were taken by the Wellington City Council ‘Conquerors’<br />
crossing the line ahead of a determined and powerful <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Army<br />
Team (only one second behind the leaders). Other competition of the day<br />
came from the Department of Corrections team, “Screw Loose” who<br />
were taken out of contention with a collision in the last round. In the<br />
end the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> team had to be content with a third place in the petite<br />
corporate fi nal.<br />
At least the dip in the harbour calmed the nerves - we just do not fi nd<br />
25-knot winds and 1m swells in the viaduct. That’s windy Wellington for<br />
you I guess.<br />
THE AUCKLAND REGIONAL REGATTA:<br />
The following Saturday saw us return home for the Auckland regatta and<br />
a chance at redemption.<br />
For those of us who haven’t paddled before this was defi nitely a memorable<br />
experience. As I’ve said, we had a lot to live up to given the immense<br />
success of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> crews in the past. With a majority of us new to the<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
sport, we arrived back in Auckland with most of us having never won a<br />
race and unsure of our own potential.<br />
Taking out the fi rst couple of warm up races gave rise to a fundamental<br />
change in the crews thinking and set us up well for the rest of the day.<br />
Our technique was still messy, and much encouragement was needed<br />
from our exasperated coach Ben Finau, but we fi nally hit our sweet spot<br />
near the end of the day. Gradually the team gelled as we were fi lled<br />
with newfound confi dence in ourselves, or more importantly, new found<br />
confi dence in each other.<br />
Gentle reminders of what was at stake from the old salts caused us to<br />
all face in the same direction for the fi rst time this season and develop<br />
a thirst for the win…<br />
And win we did!<br />
The tension, focus and anxiety in the boat prior to starting the fi nal race<br />
could have been cut with a knife. Even the other boats (I’m sure), were<br />
affected by us chomping at the bit to get out of the blocks.<br />
The loss of the National title in Wellington was in the back of our minds<br />
but was put aside for the moment as all any of us could think of was the<br />
fi nish line.<br />
I do not remember much of the 1min 20seconds of churning water, yelling<br />
and reach calls, but I do remember that awesome feeling of winning. Our<br />
muscles screamed for oxygen as we crossed the fi nish line ahead of the<br />
four other boats, all less than 1second behind us in the Grand Final!<br />
Too exhausted to speak we patted each other on the back and sat in<br />
relative silence as it all soaked in – Auckland Regatta Champions 2004,<br />
2005 and 2006!<br />
This was my fi rst season paddling the Dragon Boat and I can honestly say<br />
that from the second I stepped on board, I was hooked. If you are looking<br />
for a physical, competitive sport and enjoy being on the water I urge you<br />
to come along next year and get amongst it.<br />
We have a National Title to retrieve in Christchurch.<br />
FOR RNZAF DRAGON BOATERS<br />
SEASON<br />
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LAC Chris Cooms Coomer high fi ves with<br />
CPL John Hautler and LCPL Lladira Estay.<br />
Etched for posterity on the winners<br />
cup marks their 2004 victory.<br />
27
28<br />
PHYSICAL EDUCATION<br />
& RECREATIONAL<br />
TRAINING TRADE<br />
FLTLT Craig Searle introduces the first in a series<br />
of articles in the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s about fitness and<br />
recreational training.<br />
The Physical Education & Recreational Training (PE & RT) trade has been<br />
part of our <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> for many years. The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> Services fi rst<br />
combined in 1949 to run a Physical Instructors Course in PHILOMEL after<br />
the benefi ts of fi t personnel were seen in earlier years.<br />
An extract from the NZ <strong>Air</strong> Dept Report for 1944 says:<br />
‘In 1943 trained personnel were appointed to bring into operation a<br />
scientifi cally-planned programme of physical training. The improvement<br />
in the physique and mental outlook of personnel has been a tribute to the<br />
work of the instructors.’<br />
Now, as they were then, the Physical Training Instructors (PTI) of the<br />
RNZAF, and NZDF, remain a small number of focused and motivated<br />
personnel that strive to be the best fi tness operators in the country. The<br />
PTI trade has developed over the years in order to meet the needs of the<br />
NZDF and its personnel. Although each Base has a different focus, the<br />
current aim of PE & RT in the RNZAF is:<br />
‘..to assist in the establishment and maintenance of a high standard of<br />
health and physical ability, through planned exercises and activities, to<br />
enable personnel to perform their duties more effi ciently, with minimal<br />
stress and fatigue.’<br />
PE & RT trade training involves 48 weeks of learning (both Primary<br />
and Advanced courses) consisting of anatomy, physiology, class taking,<br />
biomechanics, qualitative analysis, sport/event management, programme<br />
design, and many other areas. We do not profess to be physiotherapists<br />
or doctors, but our knowledge and skills in physical prescription and<br />
BIG LOSERS ARE ALL WINNERS<br />
In a practical but fun application of their commitment to increasing <strong>Air</strong><br />
<strong>Force</strong> personnel’s fi tness Base Auckland and Ohakea PE and RT staff<br />
organised a ‘Biggest Loser’ competition. Despite the use of the term<br />
‘Loser’ in the competition title everyone who took part was a winner.<br />
The overall weight loss during the 6-week competition for the people<br />
who weighed in at the start and the end was 139.8kgs. This was an<br />
average weight loss per person of 4.8 kg. A total of 44 people weighed<br />
in originally, and 29 weighed in at the end.<br />
The prizes and categories for the Ohakea part of the competition<br />
highlight the fact that losing weight and getting fi tter is both fun<br />
and rewarding:<br />
Best attitude female - Mrs Adrianne Atwood - Exel hat and tape measure<br />
Best attitude male - LAC Andy Laing - Exel hat and tape measure<br />
Most consistent female performer - Mrs Bridgett Jenkins - Umbrella<br />
Most consistent male performer - SGT Karl Brown - Umbrella<br />
Person who cursed the PTIs the most in the last 8 weeks - MACR<br />
Greg Backhouse - Umbrella<br />
Biggest sweater - SGT Karl Gush - Umbrella<br />
Person who lost the least amount of weight - CPL Anj Ball, CPL<br />
Deborah Smith, SGT John Moser - Subway vouchers x 2 each<br />
Under 35 Women - AC Sarah Blakey - Umbrella<br />
development, enable us to assist with<br />
training goals and complete the gap in any<br />
rehabilitation process. In addition, PTI’s are<br />
trained in 16 sporting codes, have a high<br />
level of experience in adventure training<br />
activities, and an excellent knowledge in risk<br />
management and programme design. Not to<br />
mention how good we are at refereeing when<br />
playing sport – apologies to all those referees<br />
out there!!<br />
In the civilian sector PTIs are a sought after SGT Dusty Miller.<br />
trade. We are seen as being at the epitome of<br />
team building and fi tness management. This is why there are a number of<br />
ex PTI’s that are current or past head trainers throughout the NPC / Super<br />
14 rugby teams (KELVIN MCDOWELL – Southland, GREG THOMPSON<br />
– Canterbury, HERB MULLER – Auckland, ERIC KNEEPKINS – Taranaki). If<br />
you have had a PTI take you for a coaching or training session and compare<br />
that to a civilian equivalent, the results are obvious.<br />
During this year the PTI Trade will dispel some of the myths about<br />
nutrition, training, and general well being. This information will appear in<br />
the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> <strong>New</strong>s throughout the year. Additionally, we ask you to look<br />
out for your Base Recreation Programme and to get your Squadrons/units<br />
involved in the events. If you have any questions with regard to fi tness and<br />
recreation, please approach any PT staff for advice and assistance.<br />
Under 35 Men - LAC Dan<br />
Roberts - National Bank<br />
bag (beat AC James Keer<br />
Keer and SGT Robert Crisp<br />
by 0.1kg)<br />
Over 35 Women - Mrs Sue<br />
Harris - National Bank bag<br />
Over 35 Men - Second<br />
in this category - SGT Baz<br />
Bennett - National bank bag<br />
PTI Cpl Brad Cassidy and<br />
photographer UT Sam Shepherd.<br />
WGCDR Bosch presents<br />
SGT Harris with his prize.<br />
Overall Winner - SGT Dave Harris - $270 Shoe Clinic voucher<br />
One prize remains on the table - a jacket, valued at $300, will be<br />
given to the person who loses the most weight in the next 6 weeks.<br />
This extended competition is open to anyone who comes forward and<br />
registers now. Contact CPL Mant for details.<br />
‘Our intention was to get some regular exercise habits going and to<br />
give some basic nutrition guidelines. This is just the very fi rst step in a<br />
healthier life which may take years to become natural. By keeping an<br />
eye on your progress, whether its on the scales, your run test time, how<br />
your clothes fi t or just hour you feel within yourself the result will be well<br />
worth it,’ said Ohakea competition organiser CPL Warren Mant.<br />
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THE 50 MILE<br />
CHALLENGE<br />
On 11 March, 62 <strong>Air</strong> Training Corps Cadets, inspired<br />
by former United States President John F. Kennedy’s<br />
challenge to walk 50 miles, embarked on a 50 mile<br />
(80.4kms) walk from Woodville to Masterton.<br />
This was the 30th annual event, organised and run by<br />
No 21 (District of Masterton) Squadron and supported<br />
by participants from No. 2 (Hutt City) Sqn , No. 9 (City<br />
of Wanganui) Sqn, No.10 (City of Palmerston North)<br />
Sqn, and No. 22 (City of Upper Hutt) Sqn.<br />
The genesis of the walk was in the 1960s when<br />
the president of the United States, John F. Kennedy,<br />
believing the youth of America were becoming too<br />
automated, challenged them to walk 50 miles. The<br />
idea was picked up by the No. 21 (Masterton District)<br />
Squadron’s Unit Commander, who was in the United<br />
States at the time. He challenged the Central Region<br />
ATC Squadrons to participate.<br />
The challenge is not a race, but rather a team effort<br />
to help all participants strive to complete the distance<br />
or at the very least to go further than they thought<br />
they possibly could. Of the 62 cadets who set out on<br />
11 March, 27 covered the whole distance, with the<br />
rest pushing themselves to the limit. After setting off<br />
and walking through the night, Cadets, NZCF Offi cers<br />
and support staff were treated to a much-deserved<br />
breakfast at Eketahuna. After 22 hours of walking<br />
State Highway 2 the group, with blisters, sore knees<br />
and weary bodies reached Masterton.<br />
A big thanks goes to FLTLT Pauline Leech (NZCF) and<br />
her team at No 21 Squadron ATC for organising this<br />
event. Also, all the NZCF Offi cers and support staff who<br />
encouraged and supported the cadets.<br />
The cadets were especially inspired when the Chief<br />
of Defence <strong>Force</strong> AM Bruce Ferguson and Mrs Ferguson<br />
accompanied them. The CDF and his wife spent over<br />
fi ve hours walking with, and encouraging the cadets.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
Fay McGregor (right) and the No.22 Squadron team.<br />
AIRMSHL Bruce Ferguson is accompanied by his wife, and Ashleigh Blackmore<br />
(13), Amanda Donnellan (15 - obscured), Nicola Craig (14), and Lauren Foley (13).<br />
The walkers put their feet up, letting the blood fl ow back the other way.<br />
WN 06-0125-01<br />
OH 06-0106-23<br />
WN 06-0125-02<br />
29
30<br />
FLTLT DAVID NEWMAN<br />
For many, the idea of taking a Saturday out to run around Lake Taupo<br />
seems like a pretty strange thing to do. And to tell you the truth, I thought<br />
there was something wrong with me when I said, ‘yep, lets stick a team<br />
in’. On 18 February, 6000 like-minded people took part in the annual ‘Great<br />
Lake Relay’ run around Lake Taupo. They were joined by a team of ten,<br />
consisting of one Customs Offi cer, one health professional, four HQJFNZ<br />
personnel, three RNZAF Ohakea personnel and an RNZAF Auckland person.<br />
The mixed team did a pretty fi ne job of it .<br />
The course is made up of 18 legs varying in length from 5.5kms to 14.5kms.<br />
Teams are made up of between 10 and 18 people, who start at 2:30 am<br />
(that’s 0230hrs… in the morning!) to run a counter clockwise route from<br />
Taupo to end up back at the start sometime between 9 and 21 hours later.<br />
There are a number of different grades, with walkers starting at 9pm on<br />
the Friday night aiming to fi nish before 6pm on the Saturday, and solo<br />
runners doing 100kms and just aiming to fi nish.<br />
Our team of runners turned up at the <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> Turangi holiday home<br />
on the Friday, and settled down for as much sleep as possible before the<br />
fi rst lot of fi ve runners had to head out and make the 2:30am start time.<br />
The rest of us had a sleep in before a 6am start and headed out to meet<br />
the rest of the team. They’d done a sterling effort to get us out to a fi ne<br />
start, and after fi ghting the traffi c at each of the changeover points; we<br />
managed to meet up with them all in great spirits.<br />
John Houghton and SGT Alex McKenzie had taken the fi rst two legs of<br />
14kms each, which got us out to a great start.<br />
FLTLT Niki Donaldson, FGOFF Mike Martin and CAPT Wendy Paisley took<br />
over through the tough undulating ranges to the west, apparently helped<br />
out by the early morning mist (couldn’t see the track going endlessly up<br />
hill). John Houghton took his second leg just as the sun came up. FLTLT<br />
Carl Smith was the fi rst of the fresh runners into the race, and the fresh<br />
legs certainly helped. LAC Matt Lopdell had the next leg, and performed<br />
admirably given that he was pulled into the team as a replacement runner<br />
and therefore had no time to train.<br />
From this point on, the cloud cover broke and it became very hot. Lots of<br />
water was certainly required. Luckily we were running around a lake.<br />
The next leg, with the challenging Kuratau Hill, was given to FLTLT Mike<br />
Parry, and although unsure of his ability to run this hill prior to the leg, Mike<br />
raced up it and left a trail of broken runners behind him. The second of our<br />
civilians, Helen Williams, ran the next leg with a long downhill followed<br />
by 6kms on the fl at, which also just kept going and going. My leg was<br />
next as we continued on through Turangi and onto State Highway 1. With<br />
The NZDF team about 100m from the fi nish.<br />
GREAT LAKE RUN<br />
the extra traffi c causing havoc at the changeover points, the next runner<br />
was unable to get to the point before I did and so a tactical substitution<br />
(I was knackered and not going to run the next leg for any amount of<br />
money) was required. Niki took the challenge at the last minute and fl ew<br />
through leg 13.<br />
The next leg was the only one classifi ed as ‘dangerous’ and from the<br />
course description you would think it was because there wasn’t enough<br />
room for the runners and the traffi c. But the real reason was because the<br />
sun was at its strongest for this stage and caused a number of problems for<br />
the runners, some of whom required medical aid. This was Wendy’s second<br />
leg, and the rest of the team was more than happy to let her have it.<br />
Mac McKenzie had his second leg next, up Hatepe Hill and almost beat<br />
the support vans to the changeover. Matt and myself had our second legs<br />
next, and I don’t mind saying I was not going another step further following<br />
that run. Carl had the 18th and fi nal leg into Taupo and after some initial<br />
problems with directions (apparently 7.5kms isn’t long enough- he had to<br />
turn back and run a particularly hard section of the course again past the<br />
lakeshore) made it to the fi nal 100m where he was foiled in his attempt<br />
to take the glory. The race organisers request that the teams run across<br />
the fi nish line together so they can fi lm it and take photos.<br />
You would think that following an event with so much strenuous activity,<br />
the after function would be a reasonably quiet affair, but no. Live music,<br />
plenty of dancing, and thunderous applause as they showed the fi lmed<br />
teams crossing the fi nish line on the big screen. However, 2230hrs is about<br />
the limit, and we headed back to Turangi.<br />
We’d completed 160kms in 13hrs 6mins, and we were well chuffed to say<br />
it was fi nally all behind us. We’d fi nished a race that I’d initially thought<br />
somewhat crazy, and completed it in a pretty good time to come 59th out<br />
of 187 teams. And wouldn’t you know it, I’m already looking ahead to next<br />
year when the race will be run on the 17 February 2007. Doesn’t seem so<br />
strange this time.<br />
BACK L-R: LAC Matt Lopdell, FLTLT Mike Parry, Mr John<br />
Houghton, FLTLT Carl Smith, FLTLT Mike Martin, SGT Mac<br />
Mckenzie, (front left) FLTLT Niki Donaldson, Ms Helen<br />
Williams, FLTLT David <strong>New</strong>man, AFN69 APRIL CAPT 06 Wendy Paisley. www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
WN 06-0099-02<br />
WN 06-0099-01
OH 06-0066-39<br />
OHAKEA’S INTERNATIONAL<br />
RAFT RACE<br />
CPL WARREN MANT<br />
OH 06-0066-34<br />
OH 06-0066-13<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
The ninjas from No. 42 Squadron.<br />
The Supply team from Ireland rounding the fi rst buoy.<br />
The rastaraftians: the Admin team from Jamaica.<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
Intelligence, strength and teamwork were needed for optimal performance<br />
when six ten-person <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> teams competed at Ohakea’s International<br />
Raft Race at Duddings Lake on 22 February. The teams were given suffi cient<br />
tyres, planks and ropes to make themselves a raft that would hold fi ve team<br />
members. Twenty minutes was allocated for this task.<br />
The race was structured so fi ve team members from each team raced<br />
the fi rst lap around a set course, their times recorded, then the remaining<br />
team members raced a second lap and the times added together for an<br />
overall time and placing.<br />
Once rafts had been made and fl oat tested (other than the Supply team<br />
who were more concerned about the safety of their 5000 water bombs)<br />
the race was started by Base Commander WGCDR Bosch.<br />
An even start saw fi ve teams neck and neck around the fi rst mark -<br />
HOWEVER LAC Tuck Roberts team from S & S representing the Australian<br />
Natives, using paddles made by international paddle maker CPL Jade<br />
Morgan PTI had dropped back considerably. The fi rst two around the<br />
second mark were 42 SQN Ninjas from Japan and Supply’s little green<br />
people from Ireland, with Admin (the rasterraftians from Jamaica), Avionics<br />
(representing Tajikistan) and MT/Photographers (Tie Land) fi ghting for third<br />
spot. In a photo fi nish for the fi rst lap 42 SQN got home by one second<br />
from Supply. Admin 3rd, Avionics and MT/ Photographers were in a photo<br />
for 4th. LACs John Tepania and Darren Pullen worked hard - in very short<br />
stints - on the S & S craft but could not bridge the gap and they fi nish well<br />
back in last place.<br />
After some clarifi cation of the rules, the second leg started in spectacular<br />
style with Supply’s CPL Mel Mikaere driving her crew round the fi rst mark in<br />
the lead. Once 42 SQN turned their raft around the right way they negotiated<br />
the fl eet to peg the lead back rounding the fi nal mark. Into the fi nal 100m of<br />
the race 42 SQN looked to have the better line but a barrage of water bombs<br />
from Supply’s artillery slowed their progress and Supply came across the<br />
line one second clear of their rivals. Senior staff for Admin led by example<br />
with FLT LT Rudy Ruardy and W/O Nicci Simpson however more effort by<br />
Admin CPLs and below may have elevated them into a higher fi nishing<br />
position! S & S second leg crew worked much better as a unit than their<br />
fi rst leg counterparts but design defi ciencies hindered their speed and they<br />
crossed in 4th. LAC Jonty Beetham’s Tajikistan crew may have been to light<br />
for the conditions with many sporting streamlined frames after losing many<br />
kgs of body weight in preparation for the event, fi nishing the second leg<br />
in 5th spot. MT/Photo came last in the second leg as LAC Bumper Netana<br />
attempted to propel their raft using his laugh alone.<br />
Upon collating the results and perusal of the state of the art timing system<br />
used, a dead heat was ruled between Supply and 42 SQN. To determine<br />
an out right winner, a fi nal sprint around the fi rst marker and back to shore<br />
was ruled. 42 Squadron’s controversial acquisition of long shafted paddles<br />
from Admin (which was acceptable within the rules) proved the difference<br />
with the Ninjas comfortably taking the title from Supply.<br />
Overall results were 1st - 42 SQN, 2nd Supply, 3rd Admin, 4th Avionics,<br />
5th MT/Photographers, 6th S & S<br />
No mishaps on the day other than SGT Gavin Kotua (paddling a safety<br />
kayak) nearly needing rescuing when he tipped out after attempting a<br />
manoeuvre only a young man should attempt. He showed good strength<br />
to get back on the kayak and was under the impression his embarrassing<br />
spill had not been noticed.<br />
31
32<br />
AK 06-0057-17<br />
Howzat: Another loud appeal from the Aussies in the Test match.<br />
A FEAST OF<br />
INTERSERVICES<br />
MERV PARR<br />
<strong>Air</strong> hosted Interservices (IS) Cricket at Auckland, with the 4th team being<br />
the <strong>Royal</strong> Australian <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>.<br />
First game against RAAF saw <strong>Air</strong>’s batting never fi re, being all out<br />
for 132. Kim Bevins, 23, and Dave Croucher, 35, were the only ones to<br />
trouble the scorers. Despite the loss of 2 early wickets, the RAAF had a<br />
comfortable 6 wicket victory.<br />
Next up Navy, who were looking for their inaugural trophy having<br />
thrashed Army previously, were limited to 162, with Brent Cunningham,<br />
3/34, and Croucher, 2/27, being the bowling features. An undefeated 4th<br />
wicket partnership of 120, Bevins, 59*, and Glen Whitley, 61*, meant an<br />
<strong>Air</strong> 7 wicket victory.<br />
In the last game <strong>Air</strong> had to beat Army to retain the Bill Morley Cup (IS<br />
winners), as Navy had a superior net run rate. Army batted fi rst, but Travis<br />
Chambers 4/36, Croucher 2/27 & Mat Beaven 2/35 ensured, on paper, a<br />
manageable 168. Solid batting by Beaven 34, Darren Grant 61 and Nathan<br />
Hodges 25* had <strong>Air</strong> keeping the Cup with a 4 wicket victory.<br />
Following this RNZAF played RAAF in a 3-day test match. RAAF batted<br />
fi rst scoring 237, with Beaven 3/42. Solid batting by Grant, 59, Bevins,<br />
41, and Hamilton, 72, ensured a fi rst innings lead of 37. By this time the<br />
pitch was fl at and runs were the order of the day. Set (410/7 declared<br />
with Graham Bernnard on a hat trick) 373 off 60 overs, the match was<br />
predictably drawn but not before an unbroken 164 2nd wicket partnership<br />
between Whitley, 100*, and Grant, 69*.<br />
* Not out<br />
CRICKET<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
The <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> on forward defence.<br />
The Aussies scramble for the ball as<br />
SGT Glen Whitley (L) and CPL Kim<br />
Bevins keep up the run rate.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
CPL Darren Grant in<br />
action against the RAAF.<br />
AK 06-0057-29 AK 06-0057-19 AK 06-0057-12<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
OH 06-0040-04<br />
SGT Nathan Hodges, sends one<br />
down to LAC Brett Cunningham.<br />
INTERBASE<br />
MERV PARR<br />
Ohakea hosted Interbase (IB) Cricket at Victoria<br />
Park, Wanganui.<br />
The fi rst women’s game was dominated by<br />
the bowlers, with OH 89, C. Hausman 3/13 &<br />
D. White 4/12. In reply AK lost 6 wickets, with<br />
G. Cosford 3/17 & K. Peacock 2/13.<br />
Next game, Palmerston Nth Girls High School<br />
(PNGHS) made a mammoth 348/9 despite<br />
Cosford 4/65 & A. Hockenhull 3/71. S. Macks,<br />
22, was the only resistance, with OH all out<br />
for 69.<br />
AK, with A. Walding, 87, leading the way<br />
made 147, but PNGHS still had a comfortable<br />
7 wicket win.<br />
Good bowling by OH, T. Harrison 3/20 & K.<br />
Waite 2/29 limited AK to 169, with Walding,<br />
60, being the batting highlight. She then capped<br />
off an outstanding tournament with 3/6, which<br />
with S. Van Deventer 3/18 & T. Lauchlan 2/21<br />
ensured a 73 run victory and the McCombie<br />
Cup (IB winners).<br />
First round of the men’s competition saw<br />
AK victorious by six wickets over WB, 119, T.<br />
Beilby 2/11 & D. Pugh 4/21. H. Madsen, 106,<br />
& G. Burnnand, 40, coupled with good support<br />
by the other batsmen meant an imposing OH<br />
275. T. Chambers 6/7 threatened WN with<br />
the lowest every IB score (27 by OH) but M.<br />
Stevens, 46*, saved this embarrassment with<br />
WN being all out 89.<br />
Day 2 commenced with OH compiling 304<br />
for 4, with Madsen’s free flowing strokes<br />
ending in another century, M. Beaven, 74,<br />
and D. Grant 34*. Despite a valiant captain’s<br />
knock by D. Hamilton, 80*, WB were all out for<br />
129. WN again struggled with the bat making<br />
88, K. Stratford 3/16, B. Brown 2/5 & Beilby<br />
2/15, which AK knocked off for the loss of<br />
3 wickets.<br />
OH with a comprehensive bowling display,<br />
B. Cunningham 4/9, & 2 wickets each to G.<br />
Schofi eld, M. Beaven & S. Hunter, restricted AK<br />
to 89, which set up a 7 wicket victory.<br />
LAC Brett Cunningham setting off for a run.<br />
F/O Graham Burnnand playing a<br />
nice shot forward of the wicket.<br />
OH 06-0040-08<br />
OH 06-0040-06<br />
With WB/WN game having no effect on the<br />
fi nals, 20/20 was pioneered with 2 games.<br />
First game saw WN, 123, holding on for 11 run<br />
victory, but D. Hamilton, with a brilliant 104,<br />
ensured a reversal with a 41 run victory.<br />
Having driven over to Wanganui, which was<br />
now a lake, then back over to P.North, the<br />
fi nal was reduced to 40 overs. OH winning its<br />
fourth toss in a row decided to bat fi rst, but<br />
not having batted much past the top order<br />
the loss/retirement of early wickets meant a<br />
few early jitters. Grant, 70, and G. Burnnand,<br />
71, weathered the storm before exploding<br />
with 100 run partnership. N. Hodges, with<br />
quality death bowling of 4-35 restricted OH<br />
to 210/9.<br />
AK, with tight OH bowling, Hunter with good<br />
movement 4/27, and sharp catching, were<br />
always behind the eight ball before being<br />
all out for 124; thus OH being the winners of<br />
Wilson Cup (IB winners).<br />
In the plate game M. Parr 61* (runs not<br />
age) helped WN to 148, with T. Alexander<br />
3/37 & C. Lindsay 4/27. Despite G. Robati<br />
3/41, P. Richardson, a replica of his Black Cap<br />
namesake (leftarm spinner now opener), 45,<br />
led WB to a 3 wicket win.<br />
33
34<br />
WN 06-0091-01<br />
RNZAF INAUGRAL IB CURLING<br />
WN 06-008601<br />
L-R: SQNLDR Dane Fea, WGCDR Frank Dyer, Mr. Ian<br />
Gibson, SGT Darryl Brown, FLTLT Simon Williams and<br />
in the back is ‘Coach’ Mr Russ Duffy from L-3 Spar.<br />
RNZAFA ACTIVITIES<br />
The RNZAFA (Wellington branch) annual luncheon February 2006<br />
included AM Ferguson and AVM Hamilton and their wives Rosemary<br />
and Susan.<br />
GARDEN LUNCHEON<br />
LES BRUCE<br />
Fifty-four people attended the Wellington branch of the RNZAF<br />
Association’s annual garden luncheon at the home of Mary and<br />
Brian Blackwell on Sunday 5 February. The Wellington weather this<br />
year favoured the afternoon luncheon after rain in the morning. The<br />
popular luncheon owes its success to the behind-the-scenes work<br />
of many including Mr and Mrs Blackwell and Elizabeth Smith for the<br />
food and dishwashing marathon. Music was provided by Mr Phillip<br />
Hutching. Chief of Defence <strong>Force</strong> AM Bruce Ferguson and his wife<br />
Rosemary attended as did Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> AVM John Hamilton and<br />
his wife Susan. The luncheon was of its usual high standard producing<br />
a happy, relaxed atmosphere for the attendees.<br />
CONFERENCE AWARDS<br />
PHOTO: MR LES BRUCE<br />
At the RNZAFA Annual Conference in October 2005 the following<br />
awards were presented:<br />
Mr Les Bruce – Gold badge, life membership and certifi cate.<br />
Mrs Evelyn Hutchings and AM David Crooks – Gold Star badge<br />
and certifi cate.<br />
AVM Robin Klitscher – Silver Star badge and certifi cate.<br />
Mr Malcolm Wightwick – The Wellington branch awarded the<br />
honour of life branch membership to Mr Wightwick at the meeting<br />
1 December 2005.<br />
WGCDR FRANK DYER<br />
What do you do when it is minus 29º C outside with a wind-chill of minus<br />
41º? Why, you play a few sheets (rounds) of curling indoors, of course.<br />
The C-130 Life Extension Programme team challenged some of the L-3 Spar<br />
management team to a curling match thinking they could adapt the theory<br />
of lawn bowls to, what appeared to be, its colder cousin. Unfortunately<br />
this theory remains just that as the Spar team snatched victory from a<br />
valiant effort put up by the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong> team.<br />
Sliders, sweeps, rocks and ‘the hammer’ became familiar terms during<br />
this epic battle as slowly the beginner’s luck of the Kiwis gave way to<br />
the skill of some of the Spar team. For the Kiwis just keeping upright<br />
while trying to sweep the path for the stone became an often hilarious<br />
challenge at times.<br />
Some practice by the NZ team may be required prior to a re-match so<br />
in the meantime the Kiwis are trying to build up their skating skills for a<br />
2007 Ice Hockey challenge. It appears, however, the best shot we may<br />
have at winning something in this winter wonderland is Ice–Fishing where<br />
hopefully pure luck predominantly overrides skill. I think we know how the<br />
Jamaican bob-sleigh team felt – now there’s a thought…<br />
WN 06-0098-01<br />
The 18 NZDF personnel at the SAS’s Graduation Parade for its<br />
newest sub-group, the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group.<br />
CTTAG’S FIRST GRADUATES<br />
Three RNZAF personnel were among the 18 NZDF graduates<br />
when 1 NZSAS GP offi cially welcomed members of its newest sub<br />
unit, the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG), into its<br />
compound on 9 December 2005 for a low key, but fi tting graduation<br />
ceremony.<br />
Surrounded by family, friends and NZSAS members, the 18 NZDF<br />
personnel - including three RNZAF, two RNZN and thirteen NZ Army<br />
- were presented with their NZSAS Berets by Land Component<br />
Commander BRIG Warren Whiting.<br />
The CTTAG Employment Training was an intense period of development<br />
and induction for the 28 candidates who initially commenced the<br />
4-months of specialised training. The 18 candidates who graduated<br />
were commended on their commitment and, in some cases, sacrifi ces<br />
they made to be a member of this team.<br />
This year will see the development of a CTTAG Marksman capability<br />
and further advanced training to enable the CTTAG to assume OLOC<br />
for domestic Counter Terrorism in June 2006.<br />
For those who are prepared for the challenge:<br />
Nominations for the CTTAG Entry Assessment open: 1 March 2006<br />
and close: 1 June 2006<br />
CTTAG Entry Assessment Dates: 10 – 14 July 2006<br />
For all CTTAG enquiries please contact the Tactical Assault Group’s<br />
Recruitment Cell on (09) 297 8500, Tandem 396 8500 or e-mail<br />
@Army.Auckland.TAGRec.<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 060105-07<br />
OHAKEA RUNS<br />
FOR OUR LIVES<br />
Base Ohakea’s No.3 Squadron has a proud tradition of supporting their<br />
local branch of the Cancer Society in its fund-raising efforts. In 2003 the<br />
squadron ‘adopted’ the Cancer Society as its charity of choice. Given that<br />
cancer can and does strike anyone at any time, supporting the society is<br />
a worthy commitment that will benefi t many people.<br />
Over 11-12 March Base Ohakea’s commitment to their local charity was<br />
renewed when 25 No.3 Squadron personnel turned out for Palmerston<br />
North’s Relay For Life. Not to be shown up a team from No.42 Squadron,<br />
including 13 members of the squadron and a couple of ring-in friends<br />
also entered the run.<br />
The two teams had been busy since early in the year organising donations<br />
so on the day it was a matter of run for your life as the participants took<br />
turns running around Massey University College of Education’s 400-metre<br />
track at Palmerston North.<br />
The running, in half hour blocks, continued for 24 hours.<br />
But even for committed couch potatoes the runs weren’t too arduous,<br />
says organiser SGT Gavin Hey. ‘Basically it works out that everyone in the<br />
team ran about 2.5 circuits. The runners wear a transponder so the total<br />
number of circuits is recorded. The No.3 Squadron team did 580 laps, which<br />
put us into 8th place overall out of about 105 teams,’ he said.<br />
Their Base rivals, No.42 Squadron, did even better with their smaller team<br />
OH 060105-11<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AC Brayden Grant and PLTOFF Gareth Kemeys<br />
model the shirts for the team, and the event itself.<br />
The 3 Sqn support team and runners<br />
relax while they can in the shade.<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
OH 060105-03<br />
CPL Mel Mikaere, runs for the No. 3 Squadron team.<br />
clocking up a punishing 736 laps to put them into 5th place overall.<br />
‘It was a hard night and many of us were sore for a few days but it was<br />
well worth it,’ said No.42 Squadron’s FLTLT Russ Simons<br />
SGT Hey says the money raised, up to $250,000, all goes to local cancer<br />
work. Specifi cally money is allocated to help employ a Tararua District<br />
Cancer Support Worker; supporting Camp Quality for young cancer<br />
sufferers; and toward increased palliative care at Arohanui Hospice. SGT<br />
Hey has been involved in several Relays For Life and is a driving force<br />
behind Base Ohakea’s support. ‘It’s great to be involved. Because it’s a<br />
local charity there’s a tremendous community spirit, he says.<br />
AC Brayden Grant with the baton. PLTOFF Matt Ferris on a break.<br />
OH 060105-14<br />
OH 060105-01<br />
35
36<br />
OH 06-0087-01<br />
OH 06-0087-23<br />
Mr Mayne with his grandmother, SGT<br />
Ward’s great niece, Mrs Lesley McGrath.<br />
OH 06-0087-13<br />
Proud Mr Micheal Mayne.<br />
SGT Ward’s medals and logbook.<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 06-0087-07<br />
HERO’S<br />
FAMILY GET THEIR VC<br />
The Victoria Cross (VC), awarded to one of the<br />
RNZAF’s most famous airmen, has been returned<br />
to his family.<br />
SGT James Allen Ward won the VC in 1941<br />
after a daring act of bravery during a bombing<br />
raid on Munster.<br />
Chief of <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong>, AVM John Hamilton<br />
presented the VC, a log book and other<br />
material to SGT Ward’s great nephew, Mr<br />
Micheal Mayne, at a ceremony at RNZAF Base<br />
Ohakea on Friday 3 March.<br />
The precious medal had been in the care of the<br />
RNZAF since 1988 and was kept in a vault for<br />
some time since then. The RNZAF was given the<br />
VC after the death of SGT Ward’s brother, Harold<br />
Ward. His Will detailed the RNZAF to take care<br />
of the medal until SGT Ward’s great nephew Mr<br />
Mayne turned 21 – and that milestone birthday<br />
happened this year.<br />
SGT Ward was born in Wanganui on 14 June<br />
1919 and enlisted in the RNZAF on 2 July 1940. A<br />
year later he left for the UK, where he was posted<br />
to active service with 75 NZ Squadron, RAF.<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
CAF, AVM John Hamilton hands over the VC.<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
HERO: SGT James Allen Ward.<br />
He’d been away for only a few months, when<br />
on the 7/8 July the Wellington bomber he’d been<br />
fl ying during an attack on Munster was attacked<br />
by an Me 110 over the Zuider Zee.<br />
The rear-gunner was wounded, much damage<br />
done, the starboard wing set ablaze. The crew<br />
were preparing to abandon the aircraft when<br />
Ward volunteered to go out on the wing and try<br />
to smother the fl ames with a cockpit cover, which<br />
had served in the plane as a cushion. Attached<br />
to a rope and with the help of the navigator, he<br />
climbed through the narrow astro-hatch - far from<br />
easy in fl ying gear, even on the ground - put on<br />
his parachute, kicked holes in the Wellington’s<br />
covering fabric to get foot and hand-holds on the<br />
geodetic lattices, and descended three foot to the<br />
wing. He then worked his way along to behind<br />
the engine, and, despite the fi erce slipstream<br />
from the propeller, managed while lying down to<br />
smother the fi re. Isolated from the leaking petrol<br />
pipe, this later burnt itself out. Ward, exhausted,<br />
regained the astro-hatch with great diffi culty:<br />
‘the hardest of the lot,’ he wrote, ‘was getting<br />
my right leg in. In the end the navigator reached<br />
out and pulled it in.’ Despite all the damage, the<br />
crew got home to a safe landing.<br />
While SGT Ward won the VC for that courageous<br />
feat, he was never to be presented with<br />
the medal. He died ten weeks later and is buried<br />
in Germany.<br />
Mr Mayne said that receiving the VC on behalf<br />
of his great uncle was quite overwhelming.<br />
‘He was only a year older than me but I can’t<br />
image myself crawling out on a wing the way<br />
he did. Mrs Lesley McGrath, SGT Ward’s great<br />
niece, says the Kiwi hero was, like many of his<br />
countrymen, a ‘very reserved person. The family<br />
received a letter from him after the life-saving<br />
incident in which he modestly described it as “a<br />
bit of a do”.’<br />
AVM Hamilton described the heroic act as<br />
‘a tremendously gutsy thing for a 22 year old.<br />
His action epitomises the standards the RNZAF<br />
would like to attain.’<br />
The VC is currently on display at the Auckland<br />
War Museum.<br />
37
38<br />
GPCAPT ‘Hawkeye’ Wells, who has died aged 88, was one of Fighter<br />
Command’s most outstanding pilots; he was credited with shooting<br />
down at least 12 enemy aircraft and probably destroying and damaging<br />
many others.<br />
Wells began his brilliant fi ghting career during the Battle of Britain<br />
fl ying Spitfi res with No. 266 Squadron before transferring, in September<br />
1940, to No 41, based at Hornchurch. He scored his fi rst victory on<br />
October 17 when he shot down a Messerschmitt 109 fi ghter off the<br />
French coast. Twelve days later he probably destroyed a second and on<br />
November 2 he accounted for another Me 109.<br />
He was the fi rst pilot to intercept an Italian Fiat CR 42 over England<br />
in November, shooting it down off Ordfordness on November 11. By the<br />
end of the year he had destroyed another enemy fi ghter. A champion<br />
12-bore shot during his schooldays in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>, his outstanding<br />
marksmanship earned him the nickname ‘Hawkeye.<br />
In March 1941 he joined No 485 Squadron, the first all-<strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong> fi ghter squadron, scoring its fi rst success on July 5 when he<br />
shot down a Me 109 whilst escorting Stirling bombers over Lille. In<br />
August he was awarded the DFC for showing “the greatest courage<br />
and determination”.<br />
Almost all Wells’s victims were fi ghters. He destroyed one on August<br />
19, another a month later, two more on September 21 and probably<br />
destroyed another on October 2. In November, having completed 46<br />
sorties over enemy territory, he was awarded a Bar to his DFC.<br />
Wells was promoted to SQNLDR and took command of No 485 in<br />
November. When the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau<br />
slipped out of Brest on February 12 1942, No 485 was one of the<br />
squadrons sent to attack the enemy fi ghters. Wells found no fi ghters to<br />
engage, and instead led an attack, through intense fl ak, on an E-boat,<br />
leaving the vessel sinking.<br />
Wells shot down a Focke Wulf 190 over Abbeville on April 16, another<br />
GPCPT Hawkeye Wells at 485 Squadron.<br />
A KIWI’S BRILLIANT FIGHTING CAREER<br />
on April 24 and damaged a third the following day. In early May he<br />
was promoted to Wing Commander and appointed to lead the Kenley<br />
Wing. He was awarded the DSO in July for ‘courage and inspiring<br />
leadership’.<br />
The son of a farmer, he was born on July 26 1917 at Cambridge, <strong>New</strong><br />
<strong>Zealand</strong>. He joined the RNZAF in April 1939 and trained to be a pilot. In<br />
June 1940 he joined many of his fellow countrymen sailing for England<br />
in the passenger ship Rangitata.<br />
In August 1942, after two years’ continuous fi ghting, he was rested.<br />
Having taken part in the Battle of Britain, he had carried out 133 sweeps<br />
over enemy-occupied territory, probably more than any other pilot in<br />
Fighter Command. He was sent back to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong>, where he was<br />
offered an important post, but rejected it, preferring to return to Europe.<br />
He travelled back in March 1943 via the United States, where he visited<br />
aircraft factories and addressed the workers.<br />
Wells returned to operations in March 1944 as leader of the Tangmere<br />
Wing, equipped with the latest mark of Spitfi re. He destroyed a<br />
Messerschmitt night fi ghter on the ground and led his wing on many<br />
sweeps over northern France during the build-up to D-Day. He later led<br />
the Detling and West Malling Wings before being rested in November<br />
1944, when he went to the Central Fighter Establishment to command<br />
the Day Fighter Leaders’ School.<br />
Wells’s amazing eyesight and superb shooting skills made him one<br />
of the RAF’s outstanding pilots. He retired from the RAF as a GPCAPT<br />
in June 1960.<br />
After a spell farming near Woodbridge, in 1975 Wells moved<br />
to Spain.<br />
‘Hawkeye’ Wells died on November 4, 2005. In 1943 he married Mary<br />
de Booy, who three years earlier, aged 17, had escaped in a fi shing boat<br />
with her parents and sister from Nazi-occupied Holland. She died in<br />
2001, and a son and a daughter survive him.<br />
The Daily Telegraph<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
NO. 9 SQN RAAF REUNION<br />
3-4 June 2006<br />
For those who served with No.9<br />
Squadron during WWII and in<br />
Vietnam and post Vietnam.<br />
Canberra, Australia<br />
Contact:<br />
check website for updates www.<br />
no9squadronassociation.org<br />
or email emweller@ozemail.<br />
com.au for more information<br />
and a registration form<br />
RNZAF NETBALL REUNION<br />
28-30 July 2006 in conjunction<br />
with Interbase, Base Ohakea<br />
Contact: netballreunion@nzdf.mil.nz<br />
or check the website http://www.<br />
airforce.dixs.mil.nz/latest-info/whatson/reunions/default.htm<br />
MALAYSIAN MEMORY TOUR<br />
Merdeka 50th Anniversary<br />
August 2007<br />
Contact: Russ Byrne<br />
56B Hynds Road,<br />
Greerton,<br />
Tauranga<br />
OHAKEA OLD BAGGIES<br />
REUNION 1978 & 1979<br />
Base Ohakea<br />
17-18 November 2006<br />
Contact: Chrissie Ellis<br />
Christine.Ellis@nzdf.mil.nz for<br />
registration forms<br />
06 3515127<br />
RNZAF MARINE SECTION<br />
REUNION (MOTOR BOAT<br />
CREW)<br />
18 August: WO/SNCOs Mess<br />
Base Whenuapai<br />
19 August: Duders reception<br />
lounge, Devonport<br />
Contact: Roger Johnson<br />
07 5747144 or Glen Graham<br />
09 4450262<br />
NO. 29 AIRMEN CADET<br />
SCHOOL INTAKE 1972<br />
35th Anniversary<br />
19-21 January 2007<br />
RNZAF Base Woodbourne<br />
Contact: John Forrest<br />
john.forrest@nzdf.mil.nz<br />
+64 3 577 119<br />
U P C O M I N G<br />
R E U N I O N S<br />
www.airforce.mil.nz<br />
AK 06-0085-01<br />
HILLIARD TAKES A BREAK<br />
MACR Peter Hilliard is congratulated by CO WGCDR John Lovatt on his last<br />
flight of his fourth tour with No.5 Squadron – a NORPAT from Rarotonga<br />
back to Whenuapai. ‘I hope it’s not my last flight. I will miss the flying but<br />
hopefully (if the body stays together for the next two years) I’ll be back for<br />
the P-3K2,’ says MACR Hilliard who is now working at the Joint Electronic<br />
Warfare Support Facility (JEWSF) at Ohakea.<br />
WOMEN GLIDERS<br />
T h e M a n a w a t u<br />
Gliding Club recently<br />
held an Open Day at<br />
Feilding Aerodrome, in<br />
conjunction with the<br />
Women in Aviation<br />
Association. The Open<br />
Day also coincided<br />
with the <strong>New</strong> <strong>Zealand</strong><br />
Gliding Association’s<br />
National Day.<br />
Two <strong>Air</strong>trainers from<br />
Pilot Training Squadron/Central Flying School, flown by SQNLDR Pete<br />
Cochrane and FLTLT Oliver Bint, were provided as part of the static<br />
display. Trial flights were provided in the Club’s twin seater glider,<br />
and a very impressive glider aerobatics display was flown during the<br />
afternoon, including a high-speed, low pass over the runway. The<br />
Manawatu Microlight Club and Flight Training Manawatu also took<br />
part in the Open Day.<br />
GENEROUS BEQUEST<br />
FOR AIR FORCE MUSEUM<br />
Museum development funds were bolstered recently by a $45,000<br />
bequest from the estate of Christchurch woman Helene Stevenson<br />
Holmes. Miss Holmes left her entire estate to be divided between<br />
seven different charities but no one seems to know much about her or<br />
why she chose to bequeath money to the organisations she eventually<br />
selected. Miss Holmes does not appear to have any surviving family<br />
and her neighbours remember her only as a fiercely independent and<br />
practical woman who came from a wealthy Christchurch family, perhaps<br />
associated with the racing industry. Miss Holmes had at least two<br />
sisters and two brothers (one called David), none of whom seem to<br />
have married. The Museum would very much like to recognise Miss<br />
Holmes’ generosity but would also like to know a little more about<br />
her or any possible <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Force</strong> connections. If anyone knows of her, or<br />
the family, the Museum Director would love to hear from you. You can<br />
contact her on 03 3439530.<br />
AFN69, APRIL 06<br />
SQNLDR Cochrane and FLTLT Bint with the<br />
owner of a microlight from the Manawatu<br />
Microlight Club.<br />
WN 06-0120-01<br />
DEPARTURES<br />
We have been advised of the<br />
following departures from<br />
RNZAF Service. Best of luck in<br />
your new endeavours.<br />
BASE AUCKLAND<br />
SGT I.D. COLLIER<br />
Enlist: 7-01-86<br />
Terminate: 17-04-06<br />
AVIONICS SQUADRON<br />
BASE OHAKEA<br />
AC J.R.S. HENDERSON<br />
Terminate: 23-04-06<br />
NO.3 SQN<br />
LAC A.N. HUGGINS<br />
Enlist: 07-04-99<br />
Terminate: 09-04-06<br />
AVTECH<br />
GSH VILE<br />
Terminate: 05-03-06<br />
NO.3 SQN<br />
LAC B.R. WILLETTS<br />
Terminate: 30-04-06<br />
NO.3 SQN<br />
WELLINGTON<br />
AIRMSHL B.R. FERGUSON<br />
Enlist: 07-01-69<br />
Terminate: 30-04-06<br />
CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE<br />
AVM J. HAMILTON<br />
Enlist: 1-1-71<br />
Terminate: 30-04-06<br />
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE<br />
WOODBOURNE<br />
SGT B.C. FAIRBAIRN<br />
Enlist: 04-04-95<br />
Terminate: 09-04-06<br />
OSS<br />
LAC D.N. MERWALD<br />
Enlist: 21-05-02<br />
Terminate: 10-04-06<br />
LOG WING<br />
GSH T.C. NEWPORT<br />
Enlist: 19-09-83<br />
Terminate: 31-03-06<br />
LOG WING<br />
LAC N.J. PETHIG<br />
Enlist: 04-04-00<br />
Terminate: 04-06<br />
SQNLDR D.J. TATTERSFIELD<br />
Enlist: 05-10-82<br />
Terminate: 30-04-06<br />
SGT D.A. WINTERBURN<br />
Enlist: 25-09-85<br />
Terminate: 12-03-06<br />
39
40<br />
S A T U R D A Y 2 4 J U N E 2 0 0 6<br />
C E L E B R A T I N G 4 0 Y E A R S<br />
O F I R O Q U O I S O P E R A T I O N S<br />
Parade for the presentation of a new No. 3 Squadron standard at Ohakea followed in<br />
the evening by the annual ‘Huey Old Boys’ at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.<br />
To register interest email gregory.jane@NZDF.mil.nz<br />
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz