BOMBING WEEK - Royal New Zealand Air Force

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E : W W W . A I R F O R C E . M I L . N Z
AIR FORCE
S W E
R O Y A L N E W Z E A L A N D A I R F O R C E N
A P R 0 6
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
BOMBING
WEEK
NO. 6 SQUADRON
MARCHES ON
CAF SIGN OFF
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THE LAST WORD
AVM JOHN HAMILTON
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE
My early association with flying comes through my father,
his service with No 2 Squadron, the local Central Hawkes
Bay Aero Club and topdressing. When it came time to decide
‘what you were going to do’, I told my father I was going to
fly. His unequivocal response to this was that the only way
I was going to learn to fly was through the Air Force. With
advice from his friend, Ian Morrison, the CAS at the time,
I was told to join the RNZAF through the university cadet
scheme. In those days you did as your parents said, and
in early 1971 at Wigram I was issued a new RNZAF khaki
uniform and joined a boisterous bunch in No 2 Officers’
Mess as a university officer cadet (pilot) under training.
Thirty-five years later and on the eve of retiring from the
RNZAF, I can honestly report that I have no regrets about
either that wish to go flying or with complying with father’s
suggestion. It has been thirty-five years of outstanding
experiences, challenges and rewards, opportunities, friends
and places. I would not hesitate to recommend it as a career
option to anyone who meets our entry criteria.
There are many things about this life that makes it so good
and it would be difficult and wrong to try and single out
any particular episode as special. Central to my career has
been helicopter flying, first on the Sioux (at a time when we
earnestly thought it still had an operational role!) and then
on the Iroquois. This flying takes you to places to which
few others have ever had the chance and has involved
wide ranging challenges and some exciting parts. There
have been bits which I would prefer not to repeat, including
inadvertently parking Sioux 03 halfway down a gully up the
Awatere River. But I hold many great memories and stories,
tall and true, generated during my time flying helicopters
and through being associated with flying operations.
As I look back on my career I am mindful of the impact
our service has on our families. The Service correctly has
an expectation that personnel will respond when called
on for duty. But it is difficult for us to explain to a partner
just what that means and it puts real meaning into the
term partnership, if only because it tends to be at least a
three-way partnership. Susan has been unswerving in her
support to me. We can now laugh at the number of houses
occupied and household removals, although they were not
all laughing-matters at the time! The others affected by the
demands of Service life and who have little choice in much
of it, are the children. Service life means they too take the
rough with the smooth. In our case the smooth has included
life overseas but that does not offset disrupted schooling
and broken friendships. My two have endured these
setbacks stoically and I appreciate that. But I really wish
we had been able to provide them with better continuity
during their critical high school years. Nevertheless, they
have proven to be resilient and adaptable and have settled
into their careers and are doing well.
Perhaps the thing that enables us to endure the exigencies
of the Service is the power of its culture and in particular,
its emphasis on allegiance and service, and putting others
before ourselves. While in the RNZAF we take much of the
culture for granted and I suspect that soon I too will learn
the real value of a strong organisational culture as I compare
that of the RNZAF with others. Our culture makes us a close
but not a closed group; it can be evocative, supportive and
it can generate incredibly powerful atmospheres. I am sure
I will miss it all.
There is a special reward that comes from knowing that
together we have done a myriad of things and the majority
of them very well. Some recent examples will illustrate
some of our success. The RNZAF has had the best retention
of all three services during the last three years. We have
had the best net gain in personnel strength since caps and
restrictions were lifted in 2004. We have embarked on an
ambitious investment programme totalling over $NZ1.2Bn
which will be spent during the next ten years. It is the
largest capital programme to be undertaken by Defence
and any of the Services in New Zealand during the last
60 years. These successes do not just happen. They come
from a long series of arguments, options, planning and
plain hard work across almost all streams of the RNZAF.
That requires personnel with horsepower and we have
that in abundance.Their work has set the foundation for
the future of our Service.
I am proud of what we have achieved and I have enjoyed
my time as the Chief of Air Force. I thank you all for your
camaraderie, your support and your cheerful willingness
and commitment. It has been your collective effort that has
brought the RNZAF to this point be that in technical skills,
airmanship, attitude and just through that willingness to
serve. Now I will take a place on the sideline, watching,
supporting, encouraging and cheering you on. I wish you
and the RNZAF every success in the future.
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

OUR MISSION:
To carry out military air operations to advance New
Zealand’s security interests, with professionalism,
integrity and teamwork.
OUR VISION:
We will be an Air Force that is the best in all we do.
He Tauarangi matou ko te pai rawa atu i to matou
mahi katoa.
The official journal and forum of the Royal New
Zealand Air Force established for the information,
education and enjoyment of its personnel and other
people interested in RNZAF and associated matters.
Published by: NZDF Public Relations Unit
NZDF HQ
Wellington
New Zealand
Telephone: (04) 496 0289
Fax:(04) 496 0290
Editorial authority: Ian Brunton
Editorial contributions and letters to the editor are welcome.
All contributions may be sent direct to Air Force News and do
not need to be forwarded through normal command chains.
Letters are to be signed with the writer’s name, rank and
unit although, unless requested otherwise, only the rank
and geographical location of the writer will be published.
The editorial staff reserves the right to abridge letters.
Anonymous, offensive or abusive letters will not be published.
Opinions expressed in Air Force News are not necessarily
those of the RNZAF or NZDF. Nothing in NEWS should
be taken as overriding any Defence regulations. Readers
should refer to the relevant Service publication before acting
on any information given in this periodical. No item is to be
reproduced, in part or whole, without the specific permission
of the editor.
GOLD BRAID: In all the gold braided finery of their
high office the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal
John Hamilton and Chief of Defence Force Air
Marshal Bruce Ferguson at one of the highlights
of their tenure – the return of the Unknown Warrior
aboard a RNZAF C-130 Hercules at Wellington
airport in November 2004. Both chiefs retire from
office on 30 April.
www.airforce.mil.nz
APRIL 2006, ISSUE 69
Editor: Grant Carr
grant.carr@nzdf.mil.nz
Design and Layout: Elisha Bunn
elisha.bunn@nzdf.mil.nz
Proofreader: Katrina Randerson
Printed by: Keeling and Mundy Limited
PO Box 61
Palmerston North
AFN69, APRIL 06
CDF AIRMSHL Bruce Ferguson walking with Simon Power, age 16yrs, and John Nichol age 16yrs.
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CAROLING WILLIAMS WN 04-0229-72
FEATURES
No. 6 SQUADRON
Re-formation Parade
40th ANNIVERSARY
Milestone Year for No. 5 Squadron
ARMED AND READY
Bombing Week
THE NZ WAY
Command and Staff College
KOSOVO
Military Liaison
CONVENIENT AND COMPETITIVE
AFCC in the Market
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
SQNLDR Chambers in Timor Leste
A GREEK TRAGEDY
Air Force Heroes Remembered
CENTRAL BAND
Whipping up a Storm on Tour
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
AIR FORCE
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R O Y A L N E W Z E A L A N D A I R F O R C N
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A P R 0 6
BOMBING
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NO. 6 SQUADRON
MARCHES ON
CAF SIGN OFF
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DRAGON BOATING
A ‘Mixed’ Season
PTI: AN INTRODUCTION
Looking after your Health and Fitness
50 MILE CHALLENGE
Cadets Walk the Walk
GREAT LAKE RUN
Taupo Fun Run
RAFT RACE
Ohakea goes International
A FEAST OF CRICKET
Interbase and Interservice Cricket
RELAY FOR LIFE
Supporting the Cancer Society
HERO’S FAMILY GET VC
VC Handed Over
OBITUARY
‘Hawkeye’ Wells
A special livery paint job on the Orion Tail.
REGULARS
SPORTS
Dragon Boats, Running, Cricket, Raft Race
MUSEUM
Generous Bequest
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AC RACHAEL MAIN AK 06-0087-08
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OH 06-0093-01
Three serving NZDF members, veterans of Timor Leste and
Afghanistan, were presented with their commemorative lapel
badges at the offi cial launch of the Year of the Veteran.
L-R: CAPT Patrick Edmonds; WOAF, W/O Keith Gell and LTCDR
Tania Koberstein with the lapel pins and certifi cates. In late February an Air Force Iroquois and crew helped out in the search
for a missing British tourist 55 year old Elizabeth Thompson. The lone
2006: YEAR OF THE VET
MS ANNA NORMAN
Current and former Servicemen and women gathered on 6 March to
offi cially launch the Year of the Veteran.
The Government has made 2006 the Year of the Veteran so New
Zealanders can express appreciation for the service and sacrifi ce
veterans have made to New Zealand, said the Prime Minister, the
Right Honourable Helen Clark.
She presented commemorative lapel badges and Certifi cate of
Appreciation for service to 15 veterans, each representing NZDF
deployments ranging from WWII to Afghanistan. ‘These varied
deployments, some of which are still in progress, attest to the
ongoing impact and signifi cance of our veterans’ service,’ said the
Rt Hon Helen Clark.
The lapel badges will soon be worn by all NZDF personnel who are
veterans. The badges symbolise the Army, Navy and Air Force, with
the New Zealand fl ag as a background.
AIR CDRE Peter Stockwell, posing with his Browning pistol on a
recent CMS course, shows he’s a man not to be trifl ed with.
EVERYBODY’S DOING IT
Everyone in a blue uniform is required to annually attend a Core
Military Skills (CMS) even if you’re Deputy Chief of Air Force, AIR CDRE
Peter Stockwell. The 5-day courses, run by Air Security, are held on
Base and are designed to both refresh and test RNZAF personnel on
their basic military skills and knowledge. The courses don’t replace
PDT or any other training but are simply about maintaining RNZAF
personnel’s skill levels. AIRCDRE Stockwell points out that the above
photo was ‘posed’ and that Air Force personnel are normally required
to wear protective safety equipment during arms training.
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OH 06-0109-12
A No.3 Squadron Iroquois ferries searchers in and
out of rough terrain near the Arthurs Pass area.
IROQUOIS HELPS OUT IN SAR
tramper had disappeared mysteriously from steep and rocky terrain
near Arthurs Pass. The search concentrated on the Mount Aicken
area where two backpackers found Mrs Thompson’s day pack on 26
February. The bag contained empty food wrappers, a water bottle
and car keys.
The search and rescue (SAR) helicopter, piloted by FLTLT Antony
Budd, had fl own especially from its No.3 Squadron Ohakea Base
to look for clues to the disappearance from the air and to ferry SAR
teams, including two dog teams, around the rugged terrain. On board
the helicopter were co-pilot FGOFF Paul Aitken, HCM F/S Hec Heke
and SAR Medic F/S Diane McNoe.
Sadly Mrs Thompson’s body was eventually found. It appeared she
had fallen from a bluff.
FIRST SHOT
RNZAF Base Ohakea Commander WGCDR Johan Bosch takes the
fi rst shot with a Styr rifl e at the Base’s new 25-metre rifl e range. The
range had been closed for a few years due to HAZNO regulations says
Armaments Stock Manager SGT Aaron Jeffries. But its refurbishment
over the last six months has delivered a range that has a multitude
of uses and will be a template for other NZDF arms ranges he says.
Combined Military Skills (CMS) courses will use the range for the
shooting skills part of training and it will be used by the base’s small
arms club as well as for Air Security training. Previously courses
had to move to a private range at Wanganui but the new range will
alleviate a lot of transport problems says SGT Jeffries.
WGCDR Johan Bosch takes fi rst shots at the new range.
THE PRESS WN 06-0095-02
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

In last month’s Air Force News we reported that New Zealand’s
contribution of 26 Defence Force personnel to the Sinai Multinational
Force and Observers (MFO) has been extended for two years until
April 2008.
We asked SQNLDR Severn Smith, currently on deployment in
Sinai, to briefl y describe his job, his responsibilities and his working
conditions.
SQNLDR Smith says his job as a Field Force Liaison offi cer ‘is to liaise
between the MFO and Egyptian and Israeli organisations to ensure
disputes and problems are settled. At times it can be frustrating but
overall we have an excellent relationship with both countries and
Kiwis have a good reputation.’
At present the weather is similar to a typical New Zealand summer
day although it can get as cold as 6-80 GOOD WORK IN SINAI
C at night. The food, he says, is
excellent with many choices including fi sh, meat, salads and desserts.
He lives in a small house with the CO and another offi cer. The Base
is called North Camp and is in the Northern Sinai, Egypt, about 20
kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea coast and a similar distance
from the Israeli/Gaza border. As a Liaison Offi cer he works with other
Eight Air Force personnel were presented with parchments and medals by
the Chief of Air Force AVM John Hamilton at a ceremony at Wellington’s
Air Staff on 1 March.
FLTLT P.W. Smillie was appointed an Offi cer of the RNZAF on 24
June 2005 and was awarded his commissioning parchment effective
from that date.
W/O D.B. Bosher was presented with his Warrant Offi cer parchment
with effect from 18 July 2005.
SQNLDR D.J. Forrest was presented with the Clasp to the New
Zealand Armed Forces Award with effect from January 2005.
The New Zealand Armed Forces Award was presented to WGCDR D.J.
Yorkston for his completion of 15 years service in the New Zealand Armed
Forces. WGCDR Yorkston was also presented with the NZ General
Service Medal (Afghanistan) Secondary* for his deployment as SNO.
SQNLDR G.J. Burroughs received his NZGSM (Afghanistan)
Secondary for his deployment as Detachment Commander between June
to December 2005.
F/S R.S. Dawson received his NZGSM (Afghanistan) Secondary for
his deployment as 2 I/C Detachment Commander between June to
December 2005.
SQNLDR R.G. Chambers received his NZGSM (East Timor) for his
deployment as G4 Offi cer over June to December 2005.
* The ‘primary’ operational area is within the borders of Afghanistan.
The ‘secondary’ operational area includes countries in which forces
participated in the operation.
‘WORKING FOR FAMILIES’
Defence families are amongst the many New
Zealand families that are set to benefi t from
the latest changes under Working for Families,
which will increase income levels for Family
Assistance tax credits. This means up to
85,000 more families in New Zealand will
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
Offi cers from France, Norway, USA, Canada, Hungary, Columbia and Fiji.
SQNLDR Smith says he gets to travel around the immediate area of
Northern Sinai, especially in the Border Guard Area of operations near
the Gaza Strip. The Rafah area near the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous
and interesting place he visits.
The MFO chief has a high regard for Kiwis and says they ‘are outstanding
ambassadors for their country, their people and their culture. No other
country provides the same cultural performance on national days and
social events as well as parades which are well attended by most
other nations.’
become eligible from 1 April 2006.
Almost all working families earning under
$70,000, many families earning up to $100,000,
and some larger families earning more will qualify
for Family Assistance tax credits from April.
Further information is available on
www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz where
SQNLDR Severn Smith working with locals in North Sinai.
WELLINGTON MEDALS PARADE
GP CAPT John Duxfi eld after receiving a medal for
service in Afghanistan from CDF AM Bruce Ferguson.
At a separate ceremony on 13 March Chief of Defence Force AM
Bruce Ferguson presented GPCAPT John Duxfi eld with a medal for
his service in Afghanistan and GPCAPT Atholl Forrest with a medal
for his service in Bougainville.
F/S Reg Dawson with his sons
Severn (L) and Ashton.
OH 06-0074-28
SQNLDR Robin Chambers
and his wife Marva.
you can also apply online, or you can call
0800 257 477 to fi nd out if you may qualify and
to request an application pack. It helps to have
your IRD number handy when you call.
Working for Families also includes changes
to Childcare Assistance and Accommodation
Supplement. For information: 0800 774 004
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OH 06-0071-16
Chief of Defence Force AM Ferguson welcomes
GEN Abizaid on his arrival at Wellington.
COMMANDER CENTCOM
PRAISES OUR CONTRIBUTION
GEN John Abizaid, Commander US Central Command and the topranking
commander of United States forces in the Middle East visited
HQNZDF on 24 February as a guest of the Chief of Defence Force.
At a press conference held in Defence HQ, he praised New
Zealand’s contribution in Afghanistan, saying ‘I can tell you that New
Zealand’s role in Afghanistan has been very helpful to the coalition.
The New Zealand contributions have been very professional, very
straightforward and very effective and we appreciate them.’ He
indicated that the NZPRT was setting an example as one of the
best PRTs in Afghanistan. He also spoke warmly of New Zealand’s
previous contribution in Iraq when an NZDF Engineer detachment
worked in the Basrah area.
While in Wellington the General gave a briefi ng about CentCom
and the military situation across his command, to a group of
HQNZDF and HQJFNZ staff. GEN Abizaid said he was ‘optimistic
but realistic’ about military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He
described the War on Terror as a long war, which would require a
network of initiatives by government agencies across many countries
for moderation to prevail and to prevent extremism ‘entering the
mainstream’ of societies in the region. As an example, he pointed
to a change in tactics, techniques and procedures by the remnants
of the Taliban and Al Qaida supporters in Afghanistan, with an
apparent increase in suicide bombings and assassination attempts
on people co-operating with the elected Afghan Government. He said
this change was a result of the effective military pressure achieved
by the Coalition forces.
The General also met Prime Minister Helen Clark. A spokesman
for Miss Clark said the pair discussed the military operations New
Zealand was involved with, in Afghanistan and Iraq.
SENIOR ADVISOR
SGT Shayne Harris was promoted
to Flight Sergeant and moves to
the position of Senior Advisor for
Southern Area, NZ Cadet Forces,
based at Burnham. He is taking
over from F/S Vince Binding,
who is returning to the Auckland PROUD FAMILY: Mum, Mrs Dale
NZCF Offi ce after 3 1/2 years in
Harris (left) and wife Mrs Ros
Harris attach F/S Shayne Harris’s
the Mainland.
new rank slides.
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NIGHT MOVES
Up to six Air Force Iroquois and nearly one hundred personnel took
part in a fortnight of night fl ying exercises in March.
Exercise Pekapeka - the Maori name for a native New Zealand
bat, a nocturnal mammal that operates in the dark - was held from
13-26 March.
Using Night Vision Goggles (NVG) the crew fl ew several missions
each night.
The exercise was designed to train the aircrew in NVG operations
and maintenance personnel in aircraft maintenance at night.
The aircraft operated out of RNZAF Base Ohakea and around
Waiouru during 13-18 March, before deploying to the South Island
for the second week of the exercise.
THAT DEVON CRASH
Paul Jones, one of the owners of the Devon that crashed at Ohakea
on February 3 says: ‘I am gutted to say the least about the crash as
I have had 8 years of enjoyment in a great aircraft and to see her
on the runway at Ohakea in that state will be a memory I would
rather forget.’
‘One point I’d like to clear up for your readers is that we all exited
the aircraft under our own steam and as far as I know the only cutting
equipment that may have been used was to open the battery box to
secure the aircraft (life will carry on).
What really needs to be said now is a great big thank you to ALL
the staff and crews at Ohakea…we were looked after in a way that
makes you proud of our Air Force and I personally can not say enough
about the way in which everything was handled,’ he says.
‘I understand there may be some issues we still need to tidy up in
relation to costs incurred but that should not detract from the way
the “guys on the ground” feel.’
OH 05-0218-18M
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

AK 06-0065-11
TRAINING FOR AFGHANISTAN
Urban Patroling Training: responding to an ambush.
JUDITH MARTIN
In a dusty, sun-baked fi eld seven Afghani men are deep in conversation
with a group of New Zealand soldiers, awaiting the delivery of a pile of
blankets to help them survive the coming winter freeze.
Suddenly there are raised voices and a fi ght breaks out. The soldiers move
quickly and effi ciently to quell the fracas, moving the perpetrator to one side
and negotiating a resolution to the issue at the centre of the dispute.
The argument, and the threat of a riot that ensues, is a training scenario
that is preparing the latest contingent of Provincial Reconstruction Team
personnel for what they are likely to encounter in Afghanistan during their
forthcoming six-month deployment.
The scene is being played out at Tekapo Military Camp which, with a
backdrop of the Southern Alps, bears remarkable similarities to the central
highlands of Afghanistan where the NZ PRT team is based.
The pre-deployment training for the next rotation of NZDF personnel
bound for Afghanistan ended on 24 March.
On Tuesday, 14 March the contingent took part in Exercise Afghan Step,
a scenario-based exercise to which the media, and a number of senior
defence personnel, were invited.
The pre-deployment training began with a series of lectures about what
the PRT members will fi nd when they reach Afghanistan; the cultural and
political situations they will encounter, and the types of operations they
will undertake.
It also included weapons familiarisation and training, both individually
and collectively, and Rules of Engagement training and awareness.
The contingent practised dealing with a road ambush - a worst-case
scenario- explained Senior (Navy) National Offi cer, Captain Ross Smith.
‘We are not going to war, but there are risks. I aim to bring everyone home
safely,’ he said.
While much of the pre-deployment training is similar to that undertaken
by previous rotations, the experience and expertise of those who have
already served in Afghanistan is being used.
ANZAC EXCHANGE
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
arriving at Base Ohakea on 2 March were
treated to a very traditional Maori greeting
including a rousing haka and hongis all round.
A total of thirty ADF personnel came over for
the 2006 ANZAC Exchange and will stay till
the end of May. The RAAF have sent over 6
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
A BRACE OF BLUE
Eleven Air Force personnel will be part of the main body of 122 NZDF
personnel due to depart from RNZAF Base Ohakea on 21 April aboard
an Air Force Boeing 757 aircraft. The group are bound for the Kiwi
base in Afghanistan’s Bamyan province where the Defence Force has
been operating its Provincial Reconstruction Team for the last three
years. The group will be the eighth contingent to spend six months
in the remote region.
Among the Air Force contingent is SQNLDR Shane Meighan, who will
taking up a newly-created position as S5 Planning Offi cer. SQNLDR
Meighan, who has a background in engineering, says that in that
position he will be working closely with NZAID and the Bamiyan
local government to prioritise and plan reconstruction projects. ‘Our
patrols regularly visit villages, and report back on what is needed for
reconstruction. I will be using that information plus other information
to look at funding, time lines, and coordination of resources,’ he says.
He is looking forward to the challenge of the new position which has
a signifi cant project management component. He sees it as a great
opportunity to put into practise the theory he learnt on his Batchelor
of Business Studies course. ‘It’s a chance to use those skills in a
real-time situation,’ he says.
Also part of the contingent is Auckland-based Air Force photographer
SGT Carl Booty who will be deployed for about six weeks. No doubt
SGT Booty’s photographic skills will be put to good use documenting
and recording the eighth rotation’s activities.
SGT Roys
SGT Booty
CPL Johns LAC Houben SQNLDR Cato
WGCDR Johan Bosch welcomes Australian ANZAC exchangee
FGOFF David Stary to New Zealand, with a Maori hongi.
personnel, 5 of whom are being hosted at RNZAF
Auckland and one at RNZAF Woodbourne. No.3
Squadron is also hosting an AS Army Helicopter
Crewman. This year the RNZAF sent over 9
personnel aboard a RAAF Hercules on 1 March
and they are being hosted at RAAF Bases Tindall,
Townsville and Edinburgh.
LAC Thompson SQNLDR Meighan LAC Moore
SQNLDR Cockroft SGT Ware CPL Lamb
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L-R: Alec Brook ex 3 Sqn, Neil Morgan ex many AF squadrons, Cliff Cashmore ex 3
Sqn and WT and CTY Flights, Dave Hobman ex 3 Sqn & WT fl ight current 6 Sqn civvy
MR RICHARD JACKSON
NAVY TODAY EDITOR
On a hot, calm Auckland morning, No. 6 Squadron RNZAF marched onto
the tarmac in front of their Whenuapai hangar and before a crowd of VIPs
veterans and Defence Force colleagues. Two of the Squadron’s Seasprite
helicopters formed the back drop; the Squadron marched on in two fl ights.
But the ranks and fi les of Air Force blue were broken by the stark white of
naval summer uniform – No. 6 Squadron is a joint Service unit combining
naval and Air Force personnel under the command of LTCDR Keith Gilchrist
RNZN [see Air Force News, February 2006].
The 16 March parade marked the formal re-formation of the Squadron,
which has evolved from the Naval Support Flight, formerly a sub-unit of
No. 3 Squadron. The Chief of Air Force explained that it is because of the
RNZAF’s strong maritime heritage that he wanted the new Squadron to
carry a number from a squadron that had seen active service and was part
of that heritage. Air Vice-marshal Hamilton commented, ‘It is not often
that we get the pleasure of establishing squadrons, and this occasion is
important to both the Navy and the Air Force.’
Rear Admiral Ledson (CN) also spoke during the ceremony, emphasizing
that the former Naval Support Flight and now No 6 Squadron have set the
benchmark for ‘the joint effect’ and he hopes that No 6 Squadron’s future
will be as illustrious as its past.
The privilege of inspecting the Flights on parade was given to Dr G Hitchcock,
who is the last surviving pilot from the original No 6 Squadron. Dr
Hitchcock trained on Catalinas in 1942 with the USN, then fl ew six delivery
fl ights across the Pacifi c to bring Catalinas to the RNZAF. He remains proud
of No 6 Squadron’s record which, he pointed out, includes rescuing 80
fl iers by open water landings. (Dr Hitchcock is also a veteran of Bomber
Command, fl ying Lancasters of No.635 Sqn RAF in 1944-45.)
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LTCDR K Gilchrist with Arthur Strother, Iain Hill & Norman Atkins.
PROUDLY
In the crowd, a number of other maritime veterans watched with personal
interest. Some had also fl own in No 6 Squadron, some in P-3 Orions and
others had crewed ships’ fl ights in the Leander-class frigates. Among them
was Arthur Strother, who served as a fl ight engineer in No 6 Squadron
during the war. In fact, Arthur said - after some prompting - that he was
one of those who collected and crewed the biplane Short Singapore fl ying
boats that they delivered to the RNZAF Base in Fiji in 1941, as the Pacifi c
War began.
‘One day we attacked a Japanese sub off Tonga,’ he commented. ‘We
saw black smoke in the distance [from the sub’s diesel engines] on the
horizon, and pushed the throttles through the gate. We almost reached
100 miles an hour,’ he said with a grin, recalling the old fl ying boat’s
inherent low speed. ‘I was in the front turret; we reached the spot where
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

REFORMED NO. 6 SQUADRON
MARCHES ON
there was a large swirl still visible on the water [the submarine had dived
after sighting the approaching fl ying boat] and we dropped a bomb with
a 3 second delay. After we passed over, the bomb went off and the rear
gunner saw the submarine heave onto the surface and then submerge
again. He fi red a whole tray of ammo at the sub, but all he did was to
shoot off our trailing aerial! But they must have got a fright though,’ he
said with evident pride.
The veterans enjoyed mixing with today’s Air Force and naval personnel
over a cup of tea; they shared memories and learned something of today’s
Defence Force. But for most it was soon back to work. As the CAF said,
‘Seasprite tasks are among the most diffi cult of any of our units; the environment
for ship-borne fl ying is demanding and unforgiving. You [the new
squadron] have the skill and the ability to carry out these tasks.’
SQNLDR Owen Rodger and family.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
WN 06-0119-02
9

10
A special Livery paint job on the Orion Tail.
A MILESTONE
YEAR FOR ORIONS
No.5 Squadron is planning a parade, dining in, a
family day, a formal black tie dinner and a book
on the history of its venerable Orion aircraft.
FGOFF Brendan Zwannikan charts the Squadron’s
upcoming celebratory schedule.
In 1966 No.5 Squadron’s venerable Sunderland Flying Boats were
replaced with fi ve brand new Lockheed P3-B Orions.
Forty years since the acquisition plenty has changed. An extra P3
was added to the fl eet and in the mid 1980s Project Rigel updated
parts of the tactical system and changed P3-B to P3-K. More recently
wing replacement under Project Kestrel further extended the life of the
airframe. Today we look toward the P3-K2, advancing our role beyond
that of traditional maritime patrol.
It is time to celebrate forty years of fl ying deployments to the Gulf,
various exercises, patrols, NORPATs and of course the thousands of
hours of search and rescue.
No.5 Squadron marked this milestone by painting the tail of NZ4201
with a commemorative design (see page 11), and with a series of functions
in late September. These will involve squadron events such as
an all ranks dining-in, parading of the squadron colours, and a family
day and BBQ.
The No.5 Squadron Association has commissioned Mr Paul Harrison
to write a book on the past forty years. Paul Harrison is an experienced
historian and has worked closely with the Air Force in the past. The book
looks to be a promising read, covering all aspects of No.5 Squadron
throughout its history, from political policy to the personal experiences
of air and ground crews.
A formal black tie dinner is planned in late September for past and
present members with Lockheed representatives and numerous other
VIPs attending. This will also be the venue for Paul Harrison to launch
his book.
More details will be released over the next few months as events
and venues are confi rmed. But for now, please register your interest to
attend any of the events and join our email list.
Contact SQNLDR Mark Waldin mark.waldin@nzdf.mil.nz 4177000
ext 7472 or Mrs Maryanne Hetaraka maryanne.hetaraka@nzdf.mil.nz
ext 7835
A special livery paint job on the Orion tail. SQNLDR
Jenson shaking hands with LAC Nick Rolston, the artist.
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
AK 06-0087-07
AK 06-0087-17 AK 06-0087-12

AK 06-0087-01
FORTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR
P-3 ORION
OPERATIONS
SQNLDR SIMON JENSEN
MAINTENANCE FLIGHT COMMANDER
The idea of painting an aircraft in a commemorative paint scheme
is common in Air Forces around the world. As the Orion has been in
continuous service since 1966, I thought it would be a good opportunity
to design an aircraft paint fi nish that would celebrate 40 years of RNZAF
P3 operations.
In November last year LAC Nick Rolston mentioned that 2006 will be
the 40-year anniversary for the fl eet. He suggested that we should design
an anniversary tail graphic to mark this anniversary so he was asked to
come up with a design. Nick provided a picture of the albatross/silver fern
concept much as you see it here and the text as well. Graphic artist, Ms
Tamasin Day, helped put his ideas into print. The CAF was presented with
the design in two colour options, from which he selected the white/black
and suggested we include the Lockheed Martin logo in recognition of their
achievement as well.
Base Photographic and OCDT Alec Hutchings worked with S&S section
to prepare the detailed layout, while the painting team of CPL Carl Porter
and CPL Richie Cullen (5 SQN) toiled long and hard over a weekend (plus
some) along with some willing S&S helpers. The painters learnt a few
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
A special Livery paint job on the Orion Tail.
lessons on big painting jobs along the way but can be justifi ably proud
of the great result!
Painting a fi n fl ash over the vertical stabiliser was seen as the most appropriate
method of changing the aircraft paint scheme, this would allow the
aircraft to keep overall low-visibility grey colour for day to day operations.
After consultation it was decided to try and incorporate an albatross in the
design, as it is the emblem within No.5 Squadron’s crest.
After many concepts, the fi nal design was developed and submitted.
Using stylised imagery the fi nal design combines elements of New
Zealand represented through a fern on a black background. Black is synonymous
with New Zealand’s international sporting representation. The fern
fronds made up of six albatross. The number of birds is symbolic of the
number of aircraft in the fl eet. The albatross is renowned for its endurance,
survivability and ocean-roaming ability. These are characteristics the
albatross shares with the Orion.
The initial reaction to the completed fi n design has been positive.
Some people have commented the entire aircraft should be painted black.
Who knows… maybe for the 50th anniversary?
11

12
OH 06-0098-04
OH 05-0568-04
AC Tamati Anaru makes some last-minute
adjustments to the trigger mounting.
LAC Tristan Lohmuller makes
sure the MK82 is secure.
ARMED
AND READY
Grant Carr hitches a ride with the fighting fifth for
an explosive encounter at sea.
No.5 Squadron’s Bombing Week, the fi rst of two planned for this year
and held over 6-10 March, was as much about the Squadron’s Armourers
brushing up their skills in bomb preparation and loading as it was
about the Orion crew who actually dropped the bombs, says pilot FLTLT
Keith Bartlett.
Long before any bombs were dropped a team of No.5 Squadron Armourers,
under the watchful eye of self-proclaimed ‘grumpy old man’ SGT Derek
Tidswell, made its way to Ohakea’s Bomb Store from the Squadron’s Auckland
base. Their job, along with the team at the store was to prepare, assemble
and load the bombs onto incoming Orion aircraft.
The bombs are temporarily stored at Ohakea’s bunker-like restricted-entry
Bomb Store, well away from most personnel.
The aircraft fl ying out of Auckland has a dual role - it is the designated
SAR aircraft, and carries aboard the deployable SAR equipment so it is ready
to change tasking and head out to sea on a life and death mission. And, in
keeping with the Air Force’s commitment to maximising the use of fl ying time
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 06-0098-05

- the Squadron also uses the leg for yet more bombing practice.
Before the aircraft depart Whenuapai they are loaded with small dummy
bombs (BDU48s) that are dropped at sea in the Western Sector 40nm west
of Whenuapai. The BDU48s have a small explosive charge that explodes
on impact with the sea’s surface. And how do they know if the BDU48s
are on target? The Ordnanceman lies on the fl oor in the Orion’s rear galley
and observes through the fl oor window. He judges the impact visually
from the smoke.
Meanwhile, at Ohakea’s Bomb Store, NCOIC Explosives, Storage and
Preparation SGT Karl Brown and a six-man team take the individual MK82
bombs (see information box) and add their spring-loaded aluminium tails,
booster components and timing mechanisms. It’s meticulous work, but given
the material they are handling, so it must be. Safety is a key word.
With each weighing in at 500lbs the general purpose bombs are ‘pretty
grunty’ and will ‘make a decent hole’ says SGT Brown. If there’s any
question of the mechanism being compromised the bomb is taken out and
returned he says. That’s not to say failures don’t happen, there’s nearly
always one. There are many variables that can affect a bomb’s performance
he says – including atmospheric conditions, speed of the aircraft
and angle of descent.
The Orion P-3K can take up to 18 x 500lb bombs at a time but for this
exercise they’ll be carrying only four – two on the outer wings and two in
the bomb bay. Once ‘prepped’ and checked, the bombs, on special racks,
are slowly and smoothly towed to where the aircraft, due to arrive from
Base Auckland, will be ‘bombed up’. Again this is done at a remote part
of the airfi eld. The aircraft arrived, taxied into position facing the wind (so
the cooling engines get a good airfl ow) and a red fl ag was placed ahead of
it indicating that the armourers are at work. A safety zone in force around
the Orion meant other aircraft and personnel give it a wide berth as the
crew of a Base fi re tender kept watch from a respectable distance.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
NCOIC SGT Karl Brown installs the MK82 bomb’s trigger mechanism.
No.5 Squadron Armourers LAC Tristan Lohmuller (Left) and AC Ed
Garvey survey their work ‘bombing’ up the P-3 Orion at Ohakea.
OH 06-0098-01
OH 06-0098-11
13

14
WN 06-0123-02
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BDU48 practise bombs under the Orion’s wing at
Whenuapai. The bombs are dropped at sea on the
way to pick up the MK82 500lb bombs at Ohakea.
Air Ordnanceman SGT Darren Gillard gets ready
to drop the target - a MK58 long burner.
The aircrew either leave the aircraft and visit the Base or stay aboard
during the hour it usually takes to ‘bomb’ up the Orion. ‘The less people
we have milling about the tarmac the better,’ says Armourer LAC Tristan
Lohmuller. The bombs were hoisted into place using a combination of the
SATS bomb loader and brute strength, either on the wing mounts or in
the Orion’s bomb bay.
The aircrew returned and the Orion taxied onto the main runway. It lifted
off, seemingly without effort, the bombs making little difference to the
aircraft’s performance.
The aircraft headed east, well out to sea beyond the nearest town Napier,
and well away from any fi shing vessels. The bombing zone is to the east
of Cape Kidnappers, out of sight of land.
Air Ordnanceman SGT Darren Gillard dropped a smoke marker to denote
the target. It’s a MK58 long burner and continues to give off smoke for up to
an hour, allowing plenty of time for bombing runs. The aircraft circled and
came in low for a practise run. In the next run two bombs were dropped.
The aim was to straddle the target. The Orion came in for its bombing run
at less than 1000 ft. Everyone aboard had donned his or her Mae West
survival vest, compulsory at this altitude (each contains an emergency
locator beacon).
The aircraft came in low and slow over the wave tops. As it reached the
drop zone the engines change pitch and the Orion increased speed to over
325 knots. The speed is a trade-off. At speeds below 325 knots the aircraft
runs the risk of bomb shrapnel damage. The fl ying pilot released two bombs
and their spring-loaded tail fi ns slowed their descent. Usually the bombs
explode under the sea with the use of a delayed fuse, but this time there
was no delay set on the fuse and it exploded on impact with the sea.
The Orion climbed away to safety. It was a successful drop, the target
was straddled and ‘destroyed’.
SGT Gillard dropped another smoke target and the aircrew repeated
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 06-0098-06

the process before returning to Whenuapai. From takeoff from Ohakea to
landing at Whenuapai took just under two hours.
Normally the bombs are dropped at the Kaipara Bombing Range, an
uninhabited coastal strip north of Auckland. Due to unusually low rainfall
the range was considered a fi re risk and couldn’t be used.
It was a successful and productive week for Armourers and Aircrew alike
with six sorties fl own and 16 Mk82 bombs and 72 BDU48s dropped.
MK82 GENERAL
PURPOSE BOMB
The MK82 is a free-fall, non-guided general purpose [GP] 500pound
bomb. The bomb used by No.5 Squadron is equipped with
a mechanical M904E3 (nose) fuse. While general purpose bombs
may use both nose and tail fuses and conical or retarded tail fi ns,
the MK80 series bombs used by No.5 squadron are high drag with
a high drag tail allowing time for the aircraft to get out of the
fragmentation envelope.
The MK80 series was developed in the 1950s in response to the
need for bombs producing less aerodynamic drag. All MK80 series
bombs are similar in construction. MK-80 series bombs are cylindrical
in shape and are equipped with conical fi ns or retarders for external
high-speed carriage. The RNZAF’s MK82s are fi tted for nose fuses to
ensure reliability and to simulate depth charges.
They always have a fuse and delay element but for the purposes
of the recent exercise the delay was set to zero seconds to explode
on the sea surface.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
Armourer AC Ed Garvey makes fi nal adjustments
to a bomb in the Orion’s bomb bay.
A MK82 general purpose bomb opens its springloaded
fi ns as it drops from the Orion’s wing.
A red fl ag on the runway indicates the Orion is being ‘bombed’ up.
OH 06-0098-10
OH 06-0098-12
WN 06-0123-01
15

16
Command and Staff College, Trentham.
THE NEW ZEALAND
WAY OF LEARNING
With an accent on how to learn rather than what
to learn, the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF)
Command and Staff College (CSC) approaches
Professional Military Education (PME) in a uniquely
New Zealand way. Grant Carr investigates.
The College’s emphasis is on learner-centric rather than information
driven education. Learner-centric education is an evolutionary change
refl ecting the College’s pride in being at the leading edge of educational
standards and methods since its early days as an Air Force College based
at Whenuapai. Today’s students may well be tomorrow’s leaders, and many
of the RNZAF’s current leaders and strategic thinkers were educated at
the College.
Based at Trentham since 2004, it continues the strong tradition of
educational excellence and now includes students from all branches of
the NZDF, Government Departments, and military personnel from Australia,
the South Pacifi c, Southeast Asia and North Asia.
CSC students are expected to discover facts and concepts by
themselves so they can comprehend the knowledge in a way that
suits their own experiences. As College Director LTCOL David Strong
observes: ‘We want students to develop their ability to be creative, to
critically analyse situations, to understand equipment, doctrine etc and
how to employ it in any given situation, and to explore new ideas and
challenge assumptions.’
Director, LTCOL Strong says the CSC’s educational approach has its basis
in the RNZAF CSC and one of its founding offi cers, WGCDR Mitchell.
‘For New Zealand’s unique circumstances and the NZDF’s small size and
outlook, the approach is both smarter and more effective in developing
the kind of offi cers we require. ‘The CSC’s strategic goals are to be the
premier Staff College for NZDF MAJ(E) and LTCOL(E), and also to contribute
to the NZDF’s standing. We are improving how we operate all the time,
but still have a way to go.’
The approach refl ects on-going developments in teaching methods aimed
at preparing participants for the complexities of the modern era of volatile,
uncertain, and ambiguous confl icts. The importance of developing adaptive
lateral-thinking personnel
is particularly relevant in Director: LTCOL Dave Strong.
the New Zealand context
says Directing Staff member
SQNLDR Murray Simons. ‘We often don’t know where the NZDF will
be deployed next, the nature of the operational environment, and who
our partners will be. Our offi cers need to be imaginative and responsive
to change. In New Zealand’s case, world-class trained and educated
personnel are arguably our best contribution to global security.’
The modern asymmetrical threat environment demands a deep
understanding of political, social, economic, international and religious
contexts. A case in point is the 9/11 attack on the United States:
[Deputy Secretary of Defence, Dr Paul Wolfowitz] wondered why so little
thought had been devoted to the danger of suicide pilots, seeing a ‘failure
of imagination and a mind-set that dismissed possibilities.’
The 9/11 Commission Report, 2004
Thus ‘failure of imagination’ is no longer tolerable in military planning.
The College runs a number of courses for NZDF offi cers including an
introduction to Joint Warfare, a Junior Staff Course for Air Force FLTLTs
(see box opposite). Its main effort, however, is a tri-Service staff course for
MAJ and LTCOL equivalent offi cers and civilian equivalents. Up to a third of
the positions may be taken by offi cers from regional friends and allies.
The seven-month live-in course takes up to 30 offi cers and is aimed at
developing effective and effi cient leaders who can command, manage, and
plan at their rank level within a joint operational and strategic environment.
For some, getting into the College’s self-learning education mode is a
challenge. ‘In the fi rst week we put the course members through what we
call ‘mental boot camp’ which is, in a sense, the opposite of traditional
boot camps. Here we encourage the course members to debate, challenge,
argue and express their views.
The course does not focus on either grades or peer ranking—the greatest
emphasis is on collaborative learning. Unlike most university courses,
the staff course encourages sharing of ideas and peer support. This not
only improves real-world staff skills and teamwork but also increases the
cross-pollination and networking aspect of international courses. Instead
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AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

WN 06-0088-02
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FLTLT Jennifer Atkinson raises a
point in the syndicate discussion.
FLTLTs Nick Cree, Michael Kilham, and Dicko Beaton:
FLTLT Mike Kilham has since withdrawn from the
course and resigned from the RNZAF.
of competing for rankings, the emphasis is on students helping each other,
contributing to discussion, and extending themselves. Despite that, it
is no push-over. At times the workload can be demanding and includes
essay writing, research, debating, and syndicate discussions on subjects
as diverse as leadership development, contemporary military operations,
media trends, project management, and international relations. The
College also relies on external subject matter experts, often from Massey
University. In the middle of the course, the student group goes on an
overseas study tour (in 2005 to Vietnam, see report Pg 16, October 2005
Air Force News). In 2006 it is going to New Caledonia and China.
So, just how successful is the course? We asked some former students.
SQNLDR Peter Sutherland, who did the staff course last year, says the
course is tough and is ‘quite a burden when you are doing it. But it is the
sort of course where the benefi ts aren’t immediately obvious. For some it
may take years or up to a decade before the skills learnt are put to use.
In my case my job in the Directorate of Logistics Capability was enhanced
by the exposure the course gave me to HQNZDF and a wide-ranging
understanding of how the NZDF, MoD and the single Services relate to
each other. Understanding those relationships is a key part of my job,
particularly with regard to the proposed NH90 purchase.’
SQNLDR Charlie Morris, an Engineer with Systems Development Unit
tasked with making design modifi cations for RNZAF aircraft, agrees the
course was ‘busy’ but says the opportunity to ‘delve deeply into bigger
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
A STIMULATING COURSE
GRANT CARR
Seventeen Air Force FLTLTs, two A/SQNLDRs and a CAPT from the
Phillipines Air Force are on the roll for the No.70 Junior Staff Course
(JSC) at the NZDF’s Command and Staff College from 6 February to
24 March 2006.
The live-in course is a compulsory element for Air Force FLTLTs in line
for promotion to SQNLDR rank.
The JSC is described as an enjoyable time away from work and offers a
unique opportunity to mix with a FLTLT peer group and consider aspects of
the military beyond the day-to-day routine. It is a demanding programme
where the saying ‘you get out of it what you put in’ holds true. Despite
the demands of essays and presentations the course is both mentally
and socially stimulating and professionally rewarding.
At the time of my brief attendance the students were half way through
their second week of the course. During the fi rst week the students are
joined by personnel from the RNZN and NZ Army for the NZ Introduction
to Joint Warfare Course.
In the second week it was very much down to business. ‘The workload
has really started to come on this week,’ says Auckland Engineer FLTLT
Alex Cox. ‘It involves a lot of reading and research and I’ve been up till
midnight twice this week working on essays. There’s an extensive library
at the college and we also extensively use the Internet for research.’
Despite the workload he’s pleased to be on the course and found the
hardest part initially is just getting away from work. ‘Work commitment
have a habit of following you,’ he says.
The course splits into two syndicate groups for discussions and I’m
treated to a discussion/debate by one on the concept of pre-emption
– launching an attack on a nation that is perceived as offering an
imminent threat to your security. The United States adopted this as a
policy in 2002. It was a lively and apposite discussion where the level
of participation by all course members indicated to me that debating an
issue is an important and stimulating part of the course. Fascinating.
picture issues and to meet and discuss these with regional colleagues
on the course was a welcome change from the day-to-day routine of
engineering work.’ And he has started bringing the wider political and
social context into informal discussions with his troops. He is about to be
seconded to project work with MoD and believes the knowledge he has
of how the Air Force and MoD work together and the relationship with
single Services will be most helpful.
WGCDR Logan Cudby who did the course in 2003 before his posting
to Afghanistan working for UNAMA says the course was ‘essential to
making a critical contribution at the strategic level of international and
inter-agency nation building. It’s a bit like a higher tertiary qualifi cation
because it gives you the language and tools to work with people who
have similar training.’
The College’s modern, comfortable environment provides excellent
facilities for study and group discussion. Live-in accommodation includes a
separate study room for each course member and they have ample access
to recreational facilities.
They are provided with their own laptop and tablet PC which is linked
wirelessly to the CSC’s internal network and the internet. By the end of
their course, students have also developed a strong and supportive bond
of friendship that remains throughout their career. CSC’s aspiration to be
the premier Staff College is moving ahead in 2006 with their intention to
develop a website on par with peer Staff Colleges around the world.
17

18
WN 06-0089-01
The Balkans has become a byword for chaos
and trouble. WGCDR Bo Palmer reports on
his work alongside UN forces in the fledgling
state of Kosovo.
I am currently nearly half way through a six month deployment as a Military
Liaison Observer in the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Within
the UNMIK structure there is a 37 person Military Liaison Component
(MLC). Our mission is to conduct liaison between UNMIK and the Kosovo
Force (KFOR), a NATO Security Force ensuring the security of Kosovo, and
provide the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG)
with military advice based on situation awareness from a Security and
Military perspective. The UNMIK MLC is certainly a true reflection of the
UN with 27 nations contributing personnel to the MLC.
The MLC has 5 teams based in the regions to liaise at a local level with
KFOR and regional UNMIK and local representatives. We also have a team
in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as well as a team at KFOR
HQ. I am part of the MLC HQ based in the main city of Pristina, where I
am part of a three man team that looks after operations and information
on behalf of the MLC.
My role includes the compilation and distribution of all necessary reports.
This can range from the routine daily situation reports from the regions,
to special report requests for the SRSG or to the UNHQ in New York. I
also gather information concerning IDPs, Reconstruction Works, serious
incidents and criminality levels to enhance further security. While my
position is predominantly staff work I have had the opportunity to visit the
regions and engage with the local staff and people.
In the last few years there have been some huge improvements in the
security situation, civil administration and political processes. However,
Kosovo’s fragile economy, its attitude toward minorities, and law and
order still have some way to go if it wishes to reach its long term goal of
becoming a member of the European Union. For example there is a gun
culture in Kosovo that means virtually every household that is searched
reveals semi automatic or automatic weapons for which there is no license
or valid reason for having the weapons.
Kosovo is currently experiencing one of its harshest winters for some years
WN 06-0089-02
UNMIK’S MILITARY
LIAISON COMPONENT
with daytime temperatures rarely getting above zero and night-time
regularly seeing the mercury fall below minus twenty. With insufficient
electricity power supply power cuts are a regular occurrence throughout
the region with some areas receiving only one to two hours power a
day. The upside to a cold winter is that the region remains relatively
safe and secure as everyone marks time until spring arrives.
My time in Kosovo has certainly opened my eyes to the history of
conflict in the Balkans. While I certainly miss the long lazy days of NZ
summers I am looking forward to seeing first hand how both Albanian
majority and Serbian minority approach and negotiate the up coming
status talks. They have the opportunity to bring to an end a history of
conflict and violence and prove to the world that there can be a lasting
peace in Kosovo.
TOP LEFT: WGCDR Bo Palmer (UNMIK HQ) overlooking the ‘Three
Towers’ apartment complex on North Mitrovica which is a Serbian
enclave and is the scene of regular inter-ethnic incidents.
ABOVE RIGHT: WGCDR Bo Palmer, RNZAF (UNMIK HQ) checking
under his vehicle before going on a visit to Mitrovica.
RIGHT: WGCDR Bo Palmer, RNZAF (UNMIK HQ) conducting an intheatre
Ops brief for new MLOs from Pakistan and Zambia.
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
WN 06-0089-03
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE KOSOVO ISSUE
2006 is expected to be a big year for
the Province of Kosovo. Finally, after
5 years of administration by the United
Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK),
negotiations will take place, led by UN
Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, between
Kosovo and Serbia in order to decide the
final status of the Province.
Kosovo, a province of Serbia and
part of the former Yugoslavia has been
attempting to gain independence for the
past 30 years. In 1974, under President Tito, Kosovo was granted
full autonomy but the large Albanian population (90%) of the
region fought hard for republic status. In 1989 Slobodan Miloševic
brought an end to Kosovo’s autonomy, placing it under ‘de facto’
military occupation.
The focus within the region shifted away from Kosovo in the early
1990s so in 1996, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) was formed and
conflicts between the KLA and the Serb police in Kosovo emerged.
The KLA began to gain popularity and the Serb police responded by
beginning to crack down on the KLA and suspected sympathisers.
In March 1998, the Serb police murdered 53 members of a family
called Jashari, which they claimed were a terrorist organisation.
Their leader, Adem Jeshari was among the dead, and the KLA used
the attack to their advantage and made Jeshari a martyr.
By the beginning of 1999 reports of massive ethnic cleansing in
Kosovo began to surface. After the discoveries of the violence, the
USA and other allies threatened a NATO led military operation to
ensure peace in the region. Milosevic responded by strategically
placing Serbian forces in Kosovo and starting a massive deportation
campaign.
NATO launched Operation Allied Force on March 24 in an attempt
to destroy the military forces that Miloševic was using to destroy
the Albanian population in Kosovo. The bombing lasted until June
10. NATO ground forces entered Kosovo and began to ensure the
safe return of the refugees who’d fled Kosovo. It was estimated
that 850,000 people were forcibly expelled from Kosovo and up to
10,000 people had been killed.
At the completion of the bombing campaign, the UN formed UNMIK
which was mandated by the UN Security Council (under resolution
1244) to; perform basic civilian administrative functions; promote
the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government in
Kosovo; facilitate a political process to determine Kosovo’s future
status; co-ordinate humanitarian and disaster relief of all international
agencies; support the reconstruction of key infrastructure;
maintain civil law and order; promote human rights; and assure the
safe and unimpeded return of all refugees and displaced persons to
their homes in Kosovo.
And now, after 6 years of rebuilding infrastructure and making
progress towards achieving a series of international standards
regarding economy, political process, justice and law systems and
improving on their human rights, the population of Kosovo hope
that 2006 will finally bring a resolution to the question of the status
of Kosovo.
19

20
CONVENIENT AND
COMPETITIVE
Convenience and a range of
products at competitive prices is
at the heart of the merchandising
service provided by the Armed
Forces Canteen Council’s (AFCC)
on-base ‘Hot Shot’ stores. The
stores carry a mammoth range of
products - 30,000 different product
lines from over 1000 different
suppliers - from everyday items like
toothpaste and cleaning products
right through to luxury items such
as Ipods, home entertainment
centres, bicycles and everything
in between. And because they
are effectively owned by you,
the AFCC’s nett profits are fed
straight back into base welfare
organisations (see box). It’s a winwin
situation. The better Hot Shots
does, the more money goes to your
base welfare needs.
Chief Executive Mr Rick Ottaway
is quick to dispel the myth that the
stores can give you a cheaper price
on every item. While the AFCC
does belong to the Foodstuffs
conglomerate of stores and gets
considerable reductions through
membership it can never hope
to compete with the likes of
Pak’n’Save for everyday goods or
Dick Smith’s for electrical goods.
‘We try to buy our goods at the
best price available so that we
can match Four Square prices for
our general grocery goods. Our
convenient location on base is
our competitive edge, at prices
less than your local dairy,’ says
Mr Ottaway.
When you consider the time and
money spent on driving down to
the, in most cases not-so-near
shopping mall it often makes good
sense to purchase the items you’ve
left off the weekly shopping list
from a Hot Shots store. Likewise
the on-base stores provide some
great deals on luxury items without
the hidden costs. The AFCC’s ‘six
pay’ deal is effectively a layby
system that allows you to take
the product home with you right
away. And Hot Shots offers its
own hire purchase fund at a very
competitive 18.5% interest, a
rate generally lower than offered
by its competitors. Special deals,
available right throughout the
month, are advertised on the
AFCC’s regular fl yers and are also
on Service Intranet sites. Take
home the fl yer, discuss it with your
partner, compare the deals and see
the savings.
The AFCC is currently looking
to further improve its service
by adopting some of the key
finding of last year’s AFCC Hot
Shots Customer Survey. ‘The
survey, which attracted a record
980 responses, provided us with
a vast amount of information
about our operations and the way
we need to develop in order to
provide a high quality canteen
service to the NZDF,’ says Mr
Ottaway. ‘For example, a review
of opening hours, and more healthy
food alternatives are a couple of
initiatives that we will be making
in response to comments in the
survey,’ he says. ‘In particular the
provision of a range of healthy food
choices at Hot Shots cafes is being
introduced now.’
Mr Ottaway says the AFCC has
a good outlook for the future
and ‘the slogan ‘service for the
Services’ is just as relevant
today as it was when the AFCC
was first established.’ I firmly
believe the AFCC will continue to
provide a quality service as long
as its members are prepared to
support it.’
So, if you haven’t been into a
Hot Shots store recently, and
the survey suggests a signifi cant
minority are passing it by, check
it out and compare the prices and
deals. You may well be surprised.
L-R: Delwyn (manager), Pat (Salesperson), Kim (Cafe), Tracey
(Cafe) and Ryan (Salesperson).
IT’S YOUR MONEY:
HOW IT GETS SPENT
Like most companies the profi ts from the AFCC are distributed
to its shareholders as a dividend. So who are the shareholders?
They are you - current members of the NZDF, serving military and
civilian. Wellington Air Staff’s Mr Patrick Stevens explains where
the money returned to the Air Force gets spent.
The current policy of the RNZAF Central Fund is to distribute
all monies received from the AFCC to Base Welfare Funds. The
income received is distributed on the basis of Base strength
(both military and civilian personnel). As such the AFCC dividend
makes a signifi cant contribution to the income of a Base Welfare
Fund and directly affects the level of service that a Base Welfare
Fund can provide.
Money received from the AFCC goes to assist Base Welfare
Funds providing a range of goods and services to personnel that
could not be provided at their current levels otherwise. Services
such as Base Hire Equipment (including boats and camper vans),
books for the Base Library, Base Village Greens, Children’s
Christmas Parties, Hardship Loans, Child Care Assistance,
Welfare Homes, Holiday Homes, Sports Person of Year Functions,
Children’s Playgrounds and the various welfare grants made by
the Base Welfare Funds.
For the fi nancial year ended 30 September the AFCC paid to the
RNZAF $48,488 as a dividend. The distribution to Bases was:
RNZAF Base Auckland $19,818
RNZAF Base Ohakea $12,291
RNZAF Wellington $6,490
RNZAF Base Woodbourne $9,889
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Adapting to change is something NZDF Offi cers assigned to work with the
UN have come to anticipate – expecting the unexpected is part of their
training. So, when SQNLDR Robin Chambers fi rst arrived in Timor Leste
on 22 June 2005 for a 6-month posting with the UN he wasn’t too fazed
to fi nd that his assumed tasking had changed. He had expected to follow
in the footsteps of his predecessor, SQNLDR Karen Mead, with a posting
to one of Timor Leste’s three border sectors - Bobonaro, Covalima and
Oecussi - as a Military Training Advisor (MTA). Instead, due to an internal
reorganization he was selected by the Chief Military Training Offi cer (CMTA)
to fi ll the Dili-based position of G4-Logistics.
The G4’s primary role is to provide logistical support to the newly-created
Military Training Advisor’s Group (MTAG) HQ and to support MTAs in
the Sectors in the absence of support from the Regional Support Offi cer
(RSO) level. When the RSOs were disestablished in July central control
passed to Dili and increased the G4’s liaison with Sectors to meet their
logistics needs.
Although Logistics is not his background SQNLDR Chambers says ‘it was a
relatively straight-forward process to work with the UN Civilian Staff. They
were very professional and most had an excellent grasp of English.’
SQNLDR Chambers says the G4 position gave him ‘the best of both worlds
– with the relative ‘comforts’ of living in Dili and the chance to get out to
one of the three border Sectors twice a month. He worked alongside two
other NZDF personnel – two NZ Army Majors (MAJ Pomana, MAJ Gray)
acting as advisors to the Timor Leste Army and WO2 Shaw who worked
as a small arms instructor at Metenaro.
SQNLDR Chambers says the Timor Leste economy is in a downturn with
the decreasing number of restaurants from the downsizing of UN activity
a clear indicator that the business sector is hurting. While he has high
hopes the fl edgling economy will recover ‘everything is downsizing right
now,’ he says. ‘The country’s offshore energy reserves (estimated to be
worth $50billion) and its potential as a tourist destination paint a more
rosy picture for the future,’ he said.
The primary goal of UN Police and the 15 MTAs is building the capacity
and confi dence of Timor Leste’s 280-strong Border Protection Unit. Within
12 months it is hoped the BPU will be fi rmly established as a viable agency.
Specifi cally the MTAs/Un Police are instructing BPU members in border
policing skills; investigation of border-related crimes; day-to-day management
skills; and cross border management issues.
SQNLDR Chambers says that smuggling is one of the biggest border
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AFN69, APRIL 06
Members of Indonesian Defence Force (IDF) and Timor Leste’s Border
Protection Unit (BPU) come together for a photo opportunity on the Oecussi
border sector. SQNLDR Chambers is in the middle (blue cap, dark DPMs).
ADAPTING TO CHANGE IN TIMOR LESTE
issues and the fact that up to 4 percent of the border is still undelineated
makes its control very diffi cult.
A pilgrimage to mark the 5th anniversary of the death of PTE Leonard
Manning was a highlight of the deployment, he says (see story). Other
highlights included accompanying the CMTA to Oecussi to help sort out a
violent dispute between two villages; an invitation to the Australian UN
Police for their medal parade; and working alongside fellow ANZACs.
SQNLDR Chambers says working for the UN was a personal ambition
and he ‘gained invaluable experience from working in a multi-national
environment, and as the Logistics Offi cer I was exposed to the UN’s
various functions.’
He returned to New Zealand on 23 December with a glowing Performance
Evaluation Report and a CMTA Commendation. SQNLDR Chambers
received his NZGSM (East Timor) at a ceremony on 1 March.
PTE MANNING
REMEMBERED
An emotional pilgrimage to the site of PTE Leonard Manning’s
death on the fi fth anniversary of his killing on 24 July was a highlight
of SQNLDR Chamber’s Timor Leste deployment. The UN provided
transport for four personnel - 3 NZDF staff and an Australian Federal
policeman – to the site. The group, also accompanied by a local
interpreter and Brazilian MTA LT COL Santos, walked the rugged
ground PTE Manning had traversed and came to the site of the small
memorial. A Tiki hung from the cross and worn poppies littered the
ground, says SQNLDR Chambers.
SNO MAJ Vernon Pomana led a moving ceremony; SQNLDR Chambers
recited the Ode and MAJ Kelly Gray placed fl owers on the memorial.
The ceremony ended with a waiata from the NZDF personnel.
SQNLDR Chambers says PTE Manning’s family and comrades should
rest assured that he will continue to be remembered both in Timor
Leste and at home.
21

22
24
April 2006 marks the 65th anniversary
of the Second World War military
evacuation of Greece and is followed
closely a month later by the 65th anniversary of
the Battle of Crete. For the New Zealand Army
these two campaigns resulted in the tragedy of
932 New Zealanders killed, 1,354 wounded, and
4,036 taken prisoner. For a month this is second
only to the Battle of the Somme in the scale of
New Zealand casualties.
Operational failures have long been attributed to
a lack of allied air support. Yet eight Kiwi airmen
lost their lives during the two campaigns, and
the efforts of many others have been largely
forgotten. Fittingly however, the valiant efforts
of two New Zealand aircrew were recognised
by the King of the Hellenes with the award of the
Greek Distinguished Flying Cross. FGOFF Mark
Brewer charts the intriguing wartime exploits of
two RNZAF heroes.
Flight Lieutenant H.W. Lamond
FLTLT Henry William Lamond was a member
of No. 228 Squadron, fl ying Sunderland fl ying
boats on reconnaissance, escort and antisubmarine
patrols in the Mediterranean. Henry
Lamond had joined the RNZAF on 4 January 1938
and completed Pilots course No. 3 at Wigram,
before transferring to the RAF on 15 March 1939.
With the evacuation of Greece well underway on
ANZAC Day 1941, FLTLT Lamond’s Squadron deviated
from their normal duties and he and his crew
made numerous passenger trips from the coast
of Greece to Suda Bay in Crete, including one
fl ight carrying 52 offi cers and men from an RAF
Fighter Squadron. He then returned to Kalamata
in Greece and took aboard 72 men waiting in the
harbour area. This was the greatest number of
passengers ever carried by a Sunderland, and an
incredible record-setting feat of airmanship.
Later that night FLTLT Lamond and his crew
returned to Greece to deliver a message and
evacuate additional personnel. But when
attempting to land without light on a deceptive
harbour surface the aircraft crashed and turned
over, resulting in the death of six of the crew
including the second pilot, New Zealand FGOFF
John Lylian. Lamond and the three remaining
survivors remained afl oat on part of the wing
until rescued by a Greek fishing boat. On
reaching Greece three of the crew, including
Flight Lieutenant Lamond, were admitted to
hospital, where they later fell into the hands of
the advancing Germans. Lamond’s efforts during
the evacuation were recognised by the King and
people of Greece with the award of the Greek
Distinguished Flying Cross, announced in the
London Gazette on 29 December 1942.
After recovering FLTLT Lamond was transferred
to Stalag Luft I near Barth in Northern Germany
and again in the spring of 1942 to Stalag Luft
III near Sagan, now part of Poland. In his book
‘The Great Escape’ Paul Brickhill describes FLTLT
Henry ‘Piglet’ Lamond as a slight, toothy little
New Zealander who was constantly involved
in escape attempts. Soon after arrival at the
new camp he and two other prisoners tunnelled
from a soak pit towards the wire by burying
themselves alive and tunnelling like moles. A
metre underground they tunnelled naked with
their clothes in bundles, pushing up sticks to
make breathing holes. Unable to make the
required distance by morning they remained
underground for the entire daytime period until
British Crown Copyright, RAF Museum*
* Her Britannic Majesty’s
Crown Copyright material is
reproduced with the permission
of the Controller of the
Stationary Offi ce.
breaking out three hours after dark the next night.
Their reward was a few short days of freedom
in wartime Germany, before being captured in a
stolen rowboat travelling down the River Oder.
Lamond was returned to the ‘cooler’ at Stalag
Luft III and his companions were both transferred
to Castle Colditz.
FLTLT Lamond continued to participate in
escape attempts. He assisted with the digging
of tunnels ‘Tom’, ‘Dick’ and ‘Harry’ but was not
in the 200 selected to escape by way of ballot.
Regardless, he helped co-ordinate the escapers
at the tunnel entrance for ‘The Great Escape’ and
dispersed them when prisoners including New
Zealanders FLTLT Michael Shand and SQNLDR
Leonard Trent VC were compromised at the exit
point. Sadly New Zealanders FGOFF Arnold
Christensen, FGOFF Porokoru Patapu John Pohe
and FLTLT John Williams were captured whilst
on the run and executed.
FLTLT Lamond remained a prisoner of war until
the Victory in Europe. He retained his commission
with the RAF after repatriation and later rose
to the rank of Wing Commander. He retired in the
mid 1960’s, remaining in the United Kingdom and
is now resident in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
British Cr

own Copyright, RAF Museum*
Flight Lieutenant S.W.R. Hughes
At the time of the evacuation from Greece,
FLTLT Sidney Weetman Rochford Hughes
was fl ying Sunderland fl ying boats with No. 230
Squadron. He had joined the RNZAF in 1937 and
after completing No. 1 Pilots course transferred to
the RAF in June 1938, where he fi rst fl ew Hawker
Hind and Fairey Battle aircraft before completing
a fl ying boat course. Like Henry Lamond, FLTLT
Hughes and his crew made a number of evacuation
fl ights from Greece in April 1941. He was
also involved in the evacuation of Crete a month
later and was subsequently awarded the Greek
Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during
the two campaigns.
He is more notably remembered however, for
his actions when shot down in December 1941.
During a shuttle flight from Egypt to Malta,
FLTLT Hughes’ Sunderland was attacked by two
German Messerschmitt 110 fi ghters. In a brief
encounter the Sunderland’s gunners appear to
have destroyed one fi ghter and the other retired.
However, two air gunners were wounded, one
passenger was killed and the aircraft suffered
extensive damage. With both starboard engines
out of action and the starboard aileron shot away
the aircraft lost height rapidly. Rochford Hughes
succeeded in bringing the aircraft into the wind,
made a forced landing in heavy seas and fi ghting
capsize lodged the Sunderland rearwards on to
www.airforce.mil.nz
Acknowledgements:
Brickhill, P., (1951). The Great Escape. Faber and Faber Ltd.:
London, pp 24 – 29 and 155 – 195.
AFN69, APRIL 06
British Crown Copyright, RAF Museum
a reef in enemy territory. As they evacuated the promoted to Air Marshal in 1967. Sir Rochford
aircraft the second pilot was carried away by Hughes returned to New Zealand in 1972 after
an undertow and FLTLT Hughes dived in to the serving as Air Adviser to the Singapore Govern-
water and dragged him ashore after a 30 minute ment. He sat on a number of company boards,
struggle.
including Mazda Motors, New Zealand Steel,
Once on dry land the 20 survivors were surprised and the Reserve Bank before retiring in the late
by a small group of Italian soldiers, who holding 1980’s. Sir Rochford Hughes died at Taupo in
their rifles above their heads surrendered to September 1996.
the RAF party. When 80 more Italian soldiers These two awards are notable as they were
arrived, Hughes and his group were instead the only Greek decorations awarded to New
taken prisoner and marched towards Benghazi. Zealand aircrew during the Second World
Later a group of Italian offi cers and a hundred War, and directly recognise service during
more soldiers joined the group, and after one of the Greece and Crete campaigns. Only three
the wounded air gunners died the RAF party was other New Zealand airmen have worn Greek
abandoned at an Arab village in exchange for the awards; CAPT Louis Stringer received the
Italians receiving favourable treatment should Greek Medal of Military Merit while a Doctor
they later be captured. The Arabs directed the with the Royal Flying Corps for services with the
group towards British lines, where after attracting Royal Navy in World War One; LTCOL Francis
numerous Italian soldiers hoping to surrender, Hewlett, an RAF Pilot was made a Commander
FLTLT Hughes lead his party to allied territory of the Greek Order of St Saveur in 1920, before
with approximately 130 prisoners in tow. He was serving as an Air Commodore with the RNZAF
subsequently awarded an OBE for his courage during World War Two; and GPCAPT Walter
and leadership.
Merton, a British RAF Offi cer was made an
SQNLDR Hughes served out the war as Offi cer Offi cer of the Greek Order of George I in 1942
Commanding the Middle East Air Sea Rescue Unit prior to being appointed Chief of Air Staff for
and was appointed to a permanent commission in the RNZAF in 1954. He later received the Grand
1946. He rose through the ranks to command RAF Cross of the Greek Order of the Phoenix in 1963
Farnborough, RAF Jever, and serve as Commander as an Air Chief Marshal and Air Aide-de-Camp
in Chief Far East Air Force. He was knighted and to the Queen.
Whelan, J.A., (1951). Malta Airmen. War History Branch, Department
of Internal Affairs: Wellington, pp 7 – 10.
23

24
The Drum Corp (l-r SGT Tony Nicholas, CPL Stu Reynolds, CPL
Jonno Alve, LAC Mike Edwards and LAC Dayle Jellyman).
WHIPS UP A STORM
The North Island’s beautiful East Coast was the backdrop for the
Central Band of the RNZAF’s Annual Tour. From Tauranga to Tolaga
Bay the band played to appreciative audiences as they entertained
school students and adults alike.
The Central Band’s Annual Tour entertains its provincial supporters and
gives its territorial members a taste of whole time Service. The 60-member
band, comprised entirely of Territorial Air Force (TAF), has three regular
force personnel responsible for the tour’s planning and operation and the
band’s annual schedule. Director of Music (DMUS), FLTLT Owen Clarke,
Deputy Director of Music (DDMUS), F/S Grant Pitcher and Operations
Co-ordinator, Mr Michael McGowan are the three wise men in charge
in front and behind the scenes. This year was Grant’s fi rst tour with the
band. Grant has just moved to Wellington from Base Woodbourne where
he was the bandmaster for the Base band. It was also Michael’s last tour
with the band as he is about to take up trumpet playing with the Royal
Air Force Bands in the UK.
The tour started with intensive rehearsals over the weekend of 10
-12 February at Base Ohakea. A little levity was introduced with each
announcement of the ‘Daily Wally’ which was awarded to DMUS (for
the curious incident of the van door in the day time), DDMUS (and his
A new conductor for the band?
Our appreciative young fans.
ON THE EAST COAST
WN 06-0107-13
stolen hat, later found hanging on a peg by the mess where he left it for
breakfast) and a former DMUS (mysteriously locked out of his room with
nothing but a towel and a bar of soap for company). Obviously absolute
power does corrupt absolutely!
A C-130 fl ight to Tauranga saw the tour kick off with an afternoon street
march. The following day was an early pack-in to the Holy Trinity Church
by the loading team. Early morning pack-ins and late night pack-outs were
much the order of the day for the loading team, who did an amazing job
getting the venues set up for the band. Most days we performed two
school concerts and then in the evening a more formal public concert. It
was obvious from the start that this was going to be a series of concerts
enjoyed as much by the public as by the band.
In Whakatane on Wednesday the band performed two concerts at Trident
High School, as well as an evening concert in sweltering conditions. Thanks
go to the local Beacon newspaper, thanks for their pictorial coverage.
On Thursday we travelled around the cape to Ruatoria and performed a
lunchtime concert in the hall at Ngata Memorial College. It is the fi rst time
in its history that the Central Band had reached this part of the country
and it was a huge local occasion made even more special by the spirited
Powhiri the students from Ngata College gave the band. The passion of
Alan and Matt in the
thick of the action.
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FLTLT Owen Clarke,
conducts in his sleep.
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this welcome, and the enthusiasm of the kids and public for the concert
made it a highlight for the tour. That night they stayed at Iritekura Marae
in Waipiro Bay. Again, the warmth and hospitality of those on the Marae
was very special indeed.
The next day they were off to Gisborne for more school concerts.
Hundreds of kids of all ages packed into the huge gym at Ilminster Intermediate.
They were soon on their feet bopping away to ‘Beyonce’s’ (aka
LAC Ina Patisolo) Crazy in Love which led to a near riot when the audience
swarmed over the band. Fortunately disaster was averted with a bit of
crowd control and the concert came to a rousing end.
A quick change of venue for the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre concert
and the tour’s penultimate performance was underway. This concert was
CPL Al Isdale, the power
house of the band.
Old Man Time of the band, SGT Ian Peters.
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raising money for the O-Kuri Marae in Tolaga Bay whose historic meeting
house was damaged in the fl oods at the end of last year.
On Saturday morning the band ran music workshops for local musicians.
In the afternoon they returned to Tolaga Bay for their last evening concert.
With a mixture of music from formal and school concerts the performance
was a brilliant fi nale for the tour. Being able to give something back to a
community that is often overlooked was a hugely satisfying reward for
all the musicians.
The Central Band has a busy schedule of performances coming up this
year. If you want to fi nd out what all the fuss is about, make sure you get
along to one. Details appear in the Air Force News and on the RNZAF
web page.
Compere LAC Kevin Keys, a
picture of innocent fun.
Displaying a variety of ‘style’, AC Matt Stenbo,
CPL Alan Wright, Michael McGowan.
Are you having fun? Yes we are, Mike and Dayle work the crowd “I think it shrank in the wash!”
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LAC Emma Richards, head and
shoulders above the rest.
25 25

26
OH 06-0112-36
OH 06-0112-22
OH 06-0112-43(2)
The RNZAF Dragon boat paddling out of the lagoon.
RNZAF dragon boat team 2006.
The RNZAF dragon boat team paddling furiously.
CPL WILL TAYLOR
In our fourth year of fielding a Dragon Boat Team,
the Nga Waka Hoe Club of RNZAF Base Auckland
once again took their skills to the National arena,
and with great success.
Perhaps not as straight forward as previous years,
paying a visit to the ‘school of hard knocks’ but
learning valuable lessons along the way, the Air
Force once again came out on top.
THE WELLINGTON NATIONAL REGATTA:
The RNZAF Corporate Dragon Boating Team were one of nearly 100 teams
competing in the National Dragon Boat Festival in Wellington, on Saturday
11 March.
Teams were made up of men and women in the Open and Corporate
categories and were fi elded from all corners of New Zealand.
We had high hopes for ourselves this year, given that in 2005 the Air
Force team had taken out the Corporate Auckland Regional and National
Titles. What this really meant was that we had a lot to learn and a heck
of a lot to live up to!
Corporate teams are allowed only 14 hrs training time prior to race day
with the majority of our training based in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin.
Due to last minute cancellations of preliminary sprint races throughout
the season, the standard work commitments required of a number of team
members and an initial lack of team cohesion, we didn’t quite hit our straps
MIXED
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

Heading to the start block in Auckland.
the way we’d have liked for this level of competition.
There was a high proportion of new members this year, so naturally
everyone felt the nerves arriving in Wellington to gale force winds. A
hearty breakfast was prepared on race day to settle our stomachs and,
refreshed from an early night at the Olphert Navy Reserve building we
set out to take on the nation.
Following a brief calm patch in the horrendous storm from the night
before, winds picked up to 25 knots by mid afternoon developing a
1m swell in the harbour. To top it off, television helicopters launched
from the platform beside the start blocks to cover the Off-shore
Powerboat Series.
Unfortunately, even with CAF Air Vice Marshal John Hamilton and his
family in support and in spite of a huge effort from all involved, we didn’t
deliver the goods as we’d hoped.
The fi nal honours were taken by the Wellington City Council ‘Conquerors’
crossing the line ahead of a determined and powerful New Zealand Army
Team (only one second behind the leaders). Other competition of the day
came from the Department of Corrections team, “Screw Loose” who
were taken out of contention with a collision in the last round. In the
end the Air Force team had to be content with a third place in the petite
corporate fi nal.
At least the dip in the harbour calmed the nerves - we just do not fi nd
25-knot winds and 1m swells in the viaduct. That’s windy Wellington for
you I guess.
THE AUCKLAND REGIONAL REGATTA:
The following Saturday saw us return home for the Auckland regatta and
a chance at redemption.
For those of us who haven’t paddled before this was defi nitely a memorable
experience. As I’ve said, we had a lot to live up to given the immense
success of Air Force crews in the past. With a majority of us new to the
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AFN69, APRIL 06
sport, we arrived back in Auckland with most of us having never won a
race and unsure of our own potential.
Taking out the fi rst couple of warm up races gave rise to a fundamental
change in the crews thinking and set us up well for the rest of the day.
Our technique was still messy, and much encouragement was needed
from our exasperated coach Ben Finau, but we fi nally hit our sweet spot
near the end of the day. Gradually the team gelled as we were fi lled
with newfound confi dence in ourselves, or more importantly, new found
confi dence in each other.
Gentle reminders of what was at stake from the old salts caused us to
all face in the same direction for the fi rst time this season and develop
a thirst for the win…
And win we did!
The tension, focus and anxiety in the boat prior to starting the fi nal race
could have been cut with a knife. Even the other boats (I’m sure), were
affected by us chomping at the bit to get out of the blocks.
The loss of the National title in Wellington was in the back of our minds
but was put aside for the moment as all any of us could think of was the
fi nish line.
I do not remember much of the 1min 20seconds of churning water, yelling
and reach calls, but I do remember that awesome feeling of winning. Our
muscles screamed for oxygen as we crossed the fi nish line ahead of the
four other boats, all less than 1second behind us in the Grand Final!
Too exhausted to speak we patted each other on the back and sat in
relative silence as it all soaked in – Auckland Regatta Champions 2004,
2005 and 2006!
This was my fi rst season paddling the Dragon Boat and I can honestly say
that from the second I stepped on board, I was hooked. If you are looking
for a physical, competitive sport and enjoy being on the water I urge you
to come along next year and get amongst it.
We have a National Title to retrieve in Christchurch.
FOR RNZAF DRAGON BOATERS
SEASON
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LAC Chris Cooms Coomer high fi ves with
CPL John Hautler and LCPL Lladira Estay.
Etched for posterity on the winners
cup marks their 2004 victory.
27

28
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
& RECREATIONAL
TRAINING TRADE
FLTLT Craig Searle introduces the first in a series
of articles in the Air Force News about fitness and
recreational training.
The Physical Education & Recreational Training (PE & RT) trade has been
part of our Air Force for many years. The New Zealand Services fi rst
combined in 1949 to run a Physical Instructors Course in PHILOMEL after
the benefi ts of fi t personnel were seen in earlier years.
An extract from the NZ Air Dept Report for 1944 says:
‘In 1943 trained personnel were appointed to bring into operation a
scientifi cally-planned programme of physical training. The improvement
in the physique and mental outlook of personnel has been a tribute to the
work of the instructors.’
Now, as they were then, the Physical Training Instructors (PTI) of the
RNZAF, and NZDF, remain a small number of focused and motivated
personnel that strive to be the best fi tness operators in the country. The
PTI trade has developed over the years in order to meet the needs of the
NZDF and its personnel. Although each Base has a different focus, the
current aim of PE & RT in the RNZAF is:
‘..to assist in the establishment and maintenance of a high standard of
health and physical ability, through planned exercises and activities, to
enable personnel to perform their duties more effi ciently, with minimal
stress and fatigue.’
PE & RT trade training involves 48 weeks of learning (both Primary
and Advanced courses) consisting of anatomy, physiology, class taking,
biomechanics, qualitative analysis, sport/event management, programme
design, and many other areas. We do not profess to be physiotherapists
or doctors, but our knowledge and skills in physical prescription and
BIG LOSERS ARE ALL WINNERS
In a practical but fun application of their commitment to increasing Air
Force personnel’s fi tness Base Auckland and Ohakea PE and RT staff
organised a ‘Biggest Loser’ competition. Despite the use of the term
‘Loser’ in the competition title everyone who took part was a winner.
The overall weight loss during the 6-week competition for the people
who weighed in at the start and the end was 139.8kgs. This was an
average weight loss per person of 4.8 kg. A total of 44 people weighed
in originally, and 29 weighed in at the end.
The prizes and categories for the Ohakea part of the competition
highlight the fact that losing weight and getting fi tter is both fun
and rewarding:
Best attitude female - Mrs Adrianne Atwood - Exel hat and tape measure
Best attitude male - LAC Andy Laing - Exel hat and tape measure
Most consistent female performer - Mrs Bridgett Jenkins - Umbrella
Most consistent male performer - SGT Karl Brown - Umbrella
Person who cursed the PTIs the most in the last 8 weeks - MACR
Greg Backhouse - Umbrella
Biggest sweater - SGT Karl Gush - Umbrella
Person who lost the least amount of weight - CPL Anj Ball, CPL
Deborah Smith, SGT John Moser - Subway vouchers x 2 each
Under 35 Women - AC Sarah Blakey - Umbrella
development, enable us to assist with
training goals and complete the gap in any
rehabilitation process. In addition, PTI’s are
trained in 16 sporting codes, have a high
level of experience in adventure training
activities, and an excellent knowledge in risk
management and programme design. Not to
mention how good we are at refereeing when
playing sport – apologies to all those referees
out there!!
In the civilian sector PTIs are a sought after SGT Dusty Miller.
trade. We are seen as being at the epitome of
team building and fi tness management. This is why there are a number of
ex PTI’s that are current or past head trainers throughout the NPC / Super
14 rugby teams (KELVIN MCDOWELL – Southland, GREG THOMPSON
– Canterbury, HERB MULLER – Auckland, ERIC KNEEPKINS – Taranaki). If
you have had a PTI take you for a coaching or training session and compare
that to a civilian equivalent, the results are obvious.
During this year the PTI Trade will dispel some of the myths about
nutrition, training, and general well being. This information will appear in
the Air Force News throughout the year. Additionally, we ask you to look
out for your Base Recreation Programme and to get your Squadrons/units
involved in the events. If you have any questions with regard to fi tness and
recreation, please approach any PT staff for advice and assistance.
Under 35 Men - LAC Dan
Roberts - National Bank
bag (beat AC James Keer
Keer and SGT Robert Crisp
by 0.1kg)
Over 35 Women - Mrs Sue
Harris - National Bank bag
Over 35 Men - Second
in this category - SGT Baz
Bennett - National bank bag
PTI Cpl Brad Cassidy and
photographer UT Sam Shepherd.
WGCDR Bosch presents
SGT Harris with his prize.
Overall Winner - SGT Dave Harris - $270 Shoe Clinic voucher
One prize remains on the table - a jacket, valued at $300, will be
given to the person who loses the most weight in the next 6 weeks.
This extended competition is open to anyone who comes forward and
registers now. Contact CPL Mant for details.
‘Our intention was to get some regular exercise habits going and to
give some basic nutrition guidelines. This is just the very fi rst step in a
healthier life which may take years to become natural. By keeping an
eye on your progress, whether its on the scales, your run test time, how
your clothes fi t or just hour you feel within yourself the result will be well
worth it,’ said Ohakea competition organiser CPL Warren Mant.
OH 06-0110-11
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz
OH 04-0456-19
OH 05-0260-38

THE 50 MILE
CHALLENGE
On 11 March, 62 Air Training Corps Cadets, inspired
by former United States President John F. Kennedy’s
challenge to walk 50 miles, embarked on a 50 mile
(80.4kms) walk from Woodville to Masterton.
This was the 30th annual event, organised and run by
No 21 (District of Masterton) Squadron and supported
by participants from No. 2 (Hutt City) Sqn , No. 9 (City
of Wanganui) Sqn, No.10 (City of Palmerston North)
Sqn, and No. 22 (City of Upper Hutt) Sqn.
The genesis of the walk was in the 1960s when
the president of the United States, John F. Kennedy,
believing the youth of America were becoming too
automated, challenged them to walk 50 miles. The
idea was picked up by the No. 21 (Masterton District)
Squadron’s Unit Commander, who was in the United
States at the time. He challenged the Central Region
ATC Squadrons to participate.
The challenge is not a race, but rather a team effort
to help all participants strive to complete the distance
or at the very least to go further than they thought
they possibly could. Of the 62 cadets who set out on
11 March, 27 covered the whole distance, with the
rest pushing themselves to the limit. After setting off
and walking through the night, Cadets, NZCF Offi cers
and support staff were treated to a much-deserved
breakfast at Eketahuna. After 22 hours of walking
State Highway 2 the group, with blisters, sore knees
and weary bodies reached Masterton.
A big thanks goes to FLTLT Pauline Leech (NZCF) and
her team at No 21 Squadron ATC for organising this
event. Also, all the NZCF Offi cers and support staff who
encouraged and supported the cadets.
The cadets were especially inspired when the Chief
of Defence Force AM Bruce Ferguson and Mrs Ferguson
accompanied them. The CDF and his wife spent over
fi ve hours walking with, and encouraging the cadets.
www.airforce.mil.nz
AFN69, APRIL 06
Fay McGregor (right) and the No.22 Squadron team.
AIRMSHL Bruce Ferguson is accompanied by his wife, and Ashleigh Blackmore
(13), Amanda Donnellan (15 - obscured), Nicola Craig (14), and Lauren Foley (13).
The walkers put their feet up, letting the blood fl ow back the other way.
WN 06-0125-01
OH 06-0106-23
WN 06-0125-02
29

30
FLTLT DAVID NEWMAN
For many, the idea of taking a Saturday out to run around Lake Taupo
seems like a pretty strange thing to do. And to tell you the truth, I thought
there was something wrong with me when I said, ‘yep, lets stick a team
in’. On 18 February, 6000 like-minded people took part in the annual ‘Great
Lake Relay’ run around Lake Taupo. They were joined by a team of ten,
consisting of one Customs Offi cer, one health professional, four HQJFNZ
personnel, three RNZAF Ohakea personnel and an RNZAF Auckland person.
The mixed team did a pretty fi ne job of it .
The course is made up of 18 legs varying in length from 5.5kms to 14.5kms.
Teams are made up of between 10 and 18 people, who start at 2:30 am
(that’s 0230hrs… in the morning!) to run a counter clockwise route from
Taupo to end up back at the start sometime between 9 and 21 hours later.
There are a number of different grades, with walkers starting at 9pm on
the Friday night aiming to fi nish before 6pm on the Saturday, and solo
runners doing 100kms and just aiming to fi nish.
Our team of runners turned up at the Air Force Turangi holiday home
on the Friday, and settled down for as much sleep as possible before the
fi rst lot of fi ve runners had to head out and make the 2:30am start time.
The rest of us had a sleep in before a 6am start and headed out to meet
the rest of the team. They’d done a sterling effort to get us out to a fi ne
start, and after fi ghting the traffi c at each of the changeover points; we
managed to meet up with them all in great spirits.
John Houghton and SGT Alex McKenzie had taken the fi rst two legs of
14kms each, which got us out to a great start.
FLTLT Niki Donaldson, FGOFF Mike Martin and CAPT Wendy Paisley took
over through the tough undulating ranges to the west, apparently helped
out by the early morning mist (couldn’t see the track going endlessly up
hill). John Houghton took his second leg just as the sun came up. FLTLT
Carl Smith was the fi rst of the fresh runners into the race, and the fresh
legs certainly helped. LAC Matt Lopdell had the next leg, and performed
admirably given that he was pulled into the team as a replacement runner
and therefore had no time to train.
From this point on, the cloud cover broke and it became very hot. Lots of
water was certainly required. Luckily we were running around a lake.
The next leg, with the challenging Kuratau Hill, was given to FLTLT Mike
Parry, and although unsure of his ability to run this hill prior to the leg, Mike
raced up it and left a trail of broken runners behind him. The second of our
civilians, Helen Williams, ran the next leg with a long downhill followed
by 6kms on the fl at, which also just kept going and going. My leg was
next as we continued on through Turangi and onto State Highway 1. With
The NZDF team about 100m from the fi nish.
GREAT LAKE RUN
the extra traffi c causing havoc at the changeover points, the next runner
was unable to get to the point before I did and so a tactical substitution
(I was knackered and not going to run the next leg for any amount of
money) was required. Niki took the challenge at the last minute and fl ew
through leg 13.
The next leg was the only one classifi ed as ‘dangerous’ and from the
course description you would think it was because there wasn’t enough
room for the runners and the traffi c. But the real reason was because the
sun was at its strongest for this stage and caused a number of problems for
the runners, some of whom required medical aid. This was Wendy’s second
leg, and the rest of the team was more than happy to let her have it.
Mac McKenzie had his second leg next, up Hatepe Hill and almost beat
the support vans to the changeover. Matt and myself had our second legs
next, and I don’t mind saying I was not going another step further following
that run. Carl had the 18th and fi nal leg into Taupo and after some initial
problems with directions (apparently 7.5kms isn’t long enough- he had to
turn back and run a particularly hard section of the course again past the
lakeshore) made it to the fi nal 100m where he was foiled in his attempt
to take the glory. The race organisers request that the teams run across
the fi nish line together so they can fi lm it and take photos.
You would think that following an event with so much strenuous activity,
the after function would be a reasonably quiet affair, but no. Live music,
plenty of dancing, and thunderous applause as they showed the fi lmed
teams crossing the fi nish line on the big screen. However, 2230hrs is about
the limit, and we headed back to Turangi.
We’d completed 160kms in 13hrs 6mins, and we were well chuffed to say
it was fi nally all behind us. We’d fi nished a race that I’d initially thought
somewhat crazy, and completed it in a pretty good time to come 59th out
of 187 teams. And wouldn’t you know it, I’m already looking ahead to next
year when the race will be run on the 17 February 2007. Doesn’t seem so
strange this time.
BACK L-R: LAC Matt Lopdell, FLTLT Mike Parry, Mr John
Houghton, FLTLT Carl Smith, FLTLT Mike Martin, SGT Mac
Mckenzie, (front left) FLTLT Niki Donaldson, Ms Helen
Williams, FLTLT David Newman, AFN69 APRIL CAPT 06 Wendy Paisley. www.airforce.mil.nz
WN 06-0099-02
WN 06-0099-01

OH 06-0066-39
OHAKEA’S INTERNATIONAL
RAFT RACE
CPL WARREN MANT
OH 06-0066-34
OH 06-0066-13
www.airforce.mil.nz
The ninjas from No. 42 Squadron.
The Supply team from Ireland rounding the fi rst buoy.
The rastaraftians: the Admin team from Jamaica.
AFN69, APRIL 06
Intelligence, strength and teamwork were needed for optimal performance
when six ten-person Air Force teams competed at Ohakea’s International
Raft Race at Duddings Lake on 22 February. The teams were given suffi cient
tyres, planks and ropes to make themselves a raft that would hold fi ve team
members. Twenty minutes was allocated for this task.
The race was structured so fi ve team members from each team raced
the fi rst lap around a set course, their times recorded, then the remaining
team members raced a second lap and the times added together for an
overall time and placing.
Once rafts had been made and fl oat tested (other than the Supply team
who were more concerned about the safety of their 5000 water bombs)
the race was started by Base Commander WGCDR Bosch.
An even start saw fi ve teams neck and neck around the fi rst mark -
HOWEVER LAC Tuck Roberts team from S & S representing the Australian
Natives, using paddles made by international paddle maker CPL Jade
Morgan PTI had dropped back considerably. The fi rst two around the
second mark were 42 SQN Ninjas from Japan and Supply’s little green
people from Ireland, with Admin (the rasterraftians from Jamaica), Avionics
(representing Tajikistan) and MT/Photographers (Tie Land) fi ghting for third
spot. In a photo fi nish for the fi rst lap 42 SQN got home by one second
from Supply. Admin 3rd, Avionics and MT/ Photographers were in a photo
for 4th. LACs John Tepania and Darren Pullen worked hard - in very short
stints - on the S & S craft but could not bridge the gap and they fi nish well
back in last place.
After some clarifi cation of the rules, the second leg started in spectacular
style with Supply’s CPL Mel Mikaere driving her crew round the fi rst mark in
the lead. Once 42 SQN turned their raft around the right way they negotiated
the fl eet to peg the lead back rounding the fi nal mark. Into the fi nal 100m of
the race 42 SQN looked to have the better line but a barrage of water bombs
from Supply’s artillery slowed their progress and Supply came across the
line one second clear of their rivals. Senior staff for Admin led by example
with FLT LT Rudy Ruardy and W/O Nicci Simpson however more effort by
Admin CPLs and below may have elevated them into a higher fi nishing
position! S & S second leg crew worked much better as a unit than their
fi rst leg counterparts but design defi ciencies hindered their speed and they
crossed in 4th. LAC Jonty Beetham’s Tajikistan crew may have been to light
for the conditions with many sporting streamlined frames after losing many
kgs of body weight in preparation for the event, fi nishing the second leg
in 5th spot. MT/Photo came last in the second leg as LAC Bumper Netana
attempted to propel their raft using his laugh alone.
Upon collating the results and perusal of the state of the art timing system
used, a dead heat was ruled between Supply and 42 SQN. To determine
an out right winner, a fi nal sprint around the fi rst marker and back to shore
was ruled. 42 Squadron’s controversial acquisition of long shafted paddles
from Admin (which was acceptable within the rules) proved the difference
with the Ninjas comfortably taking the title from Supply.
Overall results were 1st - 42 SQN, 2nd Supply, 3rd Admin, 4th Avionics,
5th MT/Photographers, 6th S & S
No mishaps on the day other than SGT Gavin Kotua (paddling a safety
kayak) nearly needing rescuing when he tipped out after attempting a
manoeuvre only a young man should attempt. He showed good strength
to get back on the kayak and was under the impression his embarrassing
spill had not been noticed.
31

32
AK 06-0057-17
Howzat: Another loud appeal from the Aussies in the Test match.
A FEAST OF
INTERSERVICES
MERV PARR
Air hosted Interservices (IS) Cricket at Auckland, with the 4th team being
the Royal Australian Air Force.
First game against RAAF saw Air’s batting never fi re, being all out
for 132. Kim Bevins, 23, and Dave Croucher, 35, were the only ones to
trouble the scorers. Despite the loss of 2 early wickets, the RAAF had a
comfortable 6 wicket victory.
Next up Navy, who were looking for their inaugural trophy having
thrashed Army previously, were limited to 162, with Brent Cunningham,
3/34, and Croucher, 2/27, being the bowling features. An undefeated 4th
wicket partnership of 120, Bevins, 59*, and Glen Whitley, 61*, meant an
Air 7 wicket victory.
In the last game Air had to beat Army to retain the Bill Morley Cup (IS
winners), as Navy had a superior net run rate. Army batted fi rst, but Travis
Chambers 4/36, Croucher 2/27 & Mat Beaven 2/35 ensured, on paper, a
manageable 168. Solid batting by Beaven 34, Darren Grant 61 and Nathan
Hodges 25* had Air keeping the Cup with a 4 wicket victory.
Following this RNZAF played RAAF in a 3-day test match. RAAF batted
fi rst scoring 237, with Beaven 3/42. Solid batting by Grant, 59, Bevins,
41, and Hamilton, 72, ensured a fi rst innings lead of 37. By this time the
pitch was fl at and runs were the order of the day. Set (410/7 declared
with Graham Bernnard on a hat trick) 373 off 60 overs, the match was
predictably drawn but not before an unbroken 164 2nd wicket partnership
between Whitley, 100*, and Grant, 69*.
* Not out
CRICKET
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

The Air Force on forward defence.
The Aussies scramble for the ball as
SGT Glen Whitley (L) and CPL Kim
Bevins keep up the run rate.
www.airforce.mil.nz
CPL Darren Grant in
action against the RAAF.
AK 06-0057-29 AK 06-0057-19 AK 06-0057-12
AFN69, APRIL 06
OH 06-0040-04
SGT Nathan Hodges, sends one
down to LAC Brett Cunningham.
INTERBASE
MERV PARR
Ohakea hosted Interbase (IB) Cricket at Victoria
Park, Wanganui.
The fi rst women’s game was dominated by
the bowlers, with OH 89, C. Hausman 3/13 &
D. White 4/12. In reply AK lost 6 wickets, with
G. Cosford 3/17 & K. Peacock 2/13.
Next game, Palmerston Nth Girls High School
(PNGHS) made a mammoth 348/9 despite
Cosford 4/65 & A. Hockenhull 3/71. S. Macks,
22, was the only resistance, with OH all out
for 69.
AK, with A. Walding, 87, leading the way
made 147, but PNGHS still had a comfortable
7 wicket win.
Good bowling by OH, T. Harrison 3/20 & K.
Waite 2/29 limited AK to 169, with Walding,
60, being the batting highlight. She then capped
off an outstanding tournament with 3/6, which
with S. Van Deventer 3/18 & T. Lauchlan 2/21
ensured a 73 run victory and the McCombie
Cup (IB winners).
First round of the men’s competition saw
AK victorious by six wickets over WB, 119, T.
Beilby 2/11 & D. Pugh 4/21. H. Madsen, 106,
& G. Burnnand, 40, coupled with good support
by the other batsmen meant an imposing OH
275. T. Chambers 6/7 threatened WN with
the lowest every IB score (27 by OH) but M.
Stevens, 46*, saved this embarrassment with
WN being all out 89.
Day 2 commenced with OH compiling 304
for 4, with Madsen’s free flowing strokes
ending in another century, M. Beaven, 74,
and D. Grant 34*. Despite a valiant captain’s
knock by D. Hamilton, 80*, WB were all out for
129. WN again struggled with the bat making
88, K. Stratford 3/16, B. Brown 2/5 & Beilby
2/15, which AK knocked off for the loss of
3 wickets.
OH with a comprehensive bowling display,
B. Cunningham 4/9, & 2 wickets each to G.
Schofi eld, M. Beaven & S. Hunter, restricted AK
to 89, which set up a 7 wicket victory.
LAC Brett Cunningham setting off for a run.
F/O Graham Burnnand playing a
nice shot forward of the wicket.
OH 06-0040-08
OH 06-0040-06
With WB/WN game having no effect on the
fi nals, 20/20 was pioneered with 2 games.
First game saw WN, 123, holding on for 11 run
victory, but D. Hamilton, with a brilliant 104,
ensured a reversal with a 41 run victory.
Having driven over to Wanganui, which was
now a lake, then back over to P.North, the
fi nal was reduced to 40 overs. OH winning its
fourth toss in a row decided to bat fi rst, but
not having batted much past the top order
the loss/retirement of early wickets meant a
few early jitters. Grant, 70, and G. Burnnand,
71, weathered the storm before exploding
with 100 run partnership. N. Hodges, with
quality death bowling of 4-35 restricted OH
to 210/9.
AK, with tight OH bowling, Hunter with good
movement 4/27, and sharp catching, were
always behind the eight ball before being
all out for 124; thus OH being the winners of
Wilson Cup (IB winners).
In the plate game M. Parr 61* (runs not
age) helped WN to 148, with T. Alexander
3/37 & C. Lindsay 4/27. Despite G. Robati
3/41, P. Richardson, a replica of his Black Cap
namesake (leftarm spinner now opener), 45,
led WB to a 3 wicket win.
33

34
WN 06-0091-01
RNZAF INAUGRAL IB CURLING
WN 06-008601
L-R: SQNLDR Dane Fea, WGCDR Frank Dyer, Mr. Ian
Gibson, SGT Darryl Brown, FLTLT Simon Williams and
in the back is ‘Coach’ Mr Russ Duffy from L-3 Spar.
RNZAFA ACTIVITIES
The RNZAFA (Wellington branch) annual luncheon February 2006
included AM Ferguson and AVM Hamilton and their wives Rosemary
and Susan.
GARDEN LUNCHEON
LES BRUCE
Fifty-four people attended the Wellington branch of the RNZAF
Association’s annual garden luncheon at the home of Mary and
Brian Blackwell on Sunday 5 February. The Wellington weather this
year favoured the afternoon luncheon after rain in the morning. The
popular luncheon owes its success to the behind-the-scenes work
of many including Mr and Mrs Blackwell and Elizabeth Smith for the
food and dishwashing marathon. Music was provided by Mr Phillip
Hutching. Chief of Defence Force AM Bruce Ferguson and his wife
Rosemary attended as did Chief of Air Force AVM John Hamilton and
his wife Susan. The luncheon was of its usual high standard producing
a happy, relaxed atmosphere for the attendees.
CONFERENCE AWARDS
PHOTO: MR LES BRUCE
At the RNZAFA Annual Conference in October 2005 the following
awards were presented:
Mr Les Bruce – Gold badge, life membership and certifi cate.
Mrs Evelyn Hutchings and AM David Crooks – Gold Star badge
and certifi cate.
AVM Robin Klitscher – Silver Star badge and certifi cate.
Mr Malcolm Wightwick – The Wellington branch awarded the
honour of life branch membership to Mr Wightwick at the meeting
1 December 2005.
WGCDR FRANK DYER
What do you do when it is minus 29º C outside with a wind-chill of minus
41º? Why, you play a few sheets (rounds) of curling indoors, of course.
The C-130 Life Extension Programme team challenged some of the L-3 Spar
management team to a curling match thinking they could adapt the theory
of lawn bowls to, what appeared to be, its colder cousin. Unfortunately
this theory remains just that as the Spar team snatched victory from a
valiant effort put up by the New Zealand team.
Sliders, sweeps, rocks and ‘the hammer’ became familiar terms during
this epic battle as slowly the beginner’s luck of the Kiwis gave way to
the skill of some of the Spar team. For the Kiwis just keeping upright
while trying to sweep the path for the stone became an often hilarious
challenge at times.
Some practice by the NZ team may be required prior to a re-match so
in the meantime the Kiwis are trying to build up their skating skills for a
2007 Ice Hockey challenge. It appears, however, the best shot we may
have at winning something in this winter wonderland is Ice–Fishing where
hopefully pure luck predominantly overrides skill. I think we know how the
Jamaican bob-sleigh team felt – now there’s a thought…
WN 06-0098-01
The 18 NZDF personnel at the SAS’s Graduation Parade for its
newest sub-group, the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group.
CTTAG’S FIRST GRADUATES
Three RNZAF personnel were among the 18 NZDF graduates
when 1 NZSAS GP offi cially welcomed members of its newest sub
unit, the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG), into its
compound on 9 December 2005 for a low key, but fi tting graduation
ceremony.
Surrounded by family, friends and NZSAS members, the 18 NZDF
personnel - including three RNZAF, two RNZN and thirteen NZ Army
- were presented with their NZSAS Berets by Land Component
Commander BRIG Warren Whiting.
The CTTAG Employment Training was an intense period of development
and induction for the 28 candidates who initially commenced the
4-months of specialised training. The 18 candidates who graduated
were commended on their commitment and, in some cases, sacrifi ces
they made to be a member of this team.
This year will see the development of a CTTAG Marksman capability
and further advanced training to enable the CTTAG to assume OLOC
for domestic Counter Terrorism in June 2006.
For those who are prepared for the challenge:
Nominations for the CTTAG Entry Assessment open: 1 March 2006
and close: 1 June 2006
CTTAG Entry Assessment Dates: 10 – 14 July 2006
For all CTTAG enquiries please contact the Tactical Assault Group’s
Recruitment Cell on (09) 297 8500, Tandem 396 8500 or e-mail
@Army.Auckland.TAGRec.
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

OH 060105-07
OHAKEA RUNS
FOR OUR LIVES
Base Ohakea’s No.3 Squadron has a proud tradition of supporting their
local branch of the Cancer Society in its fund-raising efforts. In 2003 the
squadron ‘adopted’ the Cancer Society as its charity of choice. Given that
cancer can and does strike anyone at any time, supporting the society is
a worthy commitment that will benefi t many people.
Over 11-12 March Base Ohakea’s commitment to their local charity was
renewed when 25 No.3 Squadron personnel turned out for Palmerston
North’s Relay For Life. Not to be shown up a team from No.42 Squadron,
including 13 members of the squadron and a couple of ring-in friends
also entered the run.
The two teams had been busy since early in the year organising donations
so on the day it was a matter of run for your life as the participants took
turns running around Massey University College of Education’s 400-metre
track at Palmerston North.
The running, in half hour blocks, continued for 24 hours.
But even for committed couch potatoes the runs weren’t too arduous,
says organiser SGT Gavin Hey. ‘Basically it works out that everyone in the
team ran about 2.5 circuits. The runners wear a transponder so the total
number of circuits is recorded. The No.3 Squadron team did 580 laps, which
put us into 8th place overall out of about 105 teams,’ he said.
Their Base rivals, No.42 Squadron, did even better with their smaller team
OH 060105-11
www.airforce.mil.nz
AC Brayden Grant and PLTOFF Gareth Kemeys
model the shirts for the team, and the event itself.
The 3 Sqn support team and runners
relax while they can in the shade.
AFN69, APRIL 06
OH 060105-03
CPL Mel Mikaere, runs for the No. 3 Squadron team.
clocking up a punishing 736 laps to put them into 5th place overall.
‘It was a hard night and many of us were sore for a few days but it was
well worth it,’ said No.42 Squadron’s FLTLT Russ Simons
SGT Hey says the money raised, up to $250,000, all goes to local cancer
work. Specifi cally money is allocated to help employ a Tararua District
Cancer Support Worker; supporting Camp Quality for young cancer
sufferers; and toward increased palliative care at Arohanui Hospice. SGT
Hey has been involved in several Relays For Life and is a driving force
behind Base Ohakea’s support. ‘It’s great to be involved. Because it’s a
local charity there’s a tremendous community spirit, he says.
AC Brayden Grant with the baton. PLTOFF Matt Ferris on a break.
OH 060105-14
OH 060105-01
35

36
OH 06-0087-01
OH 06-0087-23
Mr Mayne with his grandmother, SGT
Ward’s great niece, Mrs Lesley McGrath.
OH 06-0087-13
Proud Mr Micheal Mayne.
SGT Ward’s medals and logbook.
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

OH 06-0087-07
HERO’S
FAMILY GET THEIR VC
The Victoria Cross (VC), awarded to one of the
RNZAF’s most famous airmen, has been returned
to his family.
SGT James Allen Ward won the VC in 1941
after a daring act of bravery during a bombing
raid on Munster.
Chief of Air Force, AVM John Hamilton
presented the VC, a log book and other
material to SGT Ward’s great nephew, Mr
Micheal Mayne, at a ceremony at RNZAF Base
Ohakea on Friday 3 March.
The precious medal had been in the care of the
RNZAF since 1988 and was kept in a vault for
some time since then. The RNZAF was given the
VC after the death of SGT Ward’s brother, Harold
Ward. His Will detailed the RNZAF to take care
of the medal until SGT Ward’s great nephew Mr
Mayne turned 21 – and that milestone birthday
happened this year.
SGT Ward was born in Wanganui on 14 June
1919 and enlisted in the RNZAF on 2 July 1940. A
year later he left for the UK, where he was posted
to active service with 75 NZ Squadron, RAF.
www.airforce.mil.nz
www.airforce.mil.nz
CAF, AVM John Hamilton hands over the VC.
AFN69, APRIL 06
HERO: SGT James Allen Ward.
He’d been away for only a few months, when
on the 7/8 July the Wellington bomber he’d been
fl ying during an attack on Munster was attacked
by an Me 110 over the Zuider Zee.
The rear-gunner was wounded, much damage
done, the starboard wing set ablaze. The crew
were preparing to abandon the aircraft when
Ward volunteered to go out on the wing and try
to smother the fl ames with a cockpit cover, which
had served in the plane as a cushion. Attached
to a rope and with the help of the navigator, he
climbed through the narrow astro-hatch - far from
easy in fl ying gear, even on the ground - put on
his parachute, kicked holes in the Wellington’s
covering fabric to get foot and hand-holds on the
geodetic lattices, and descended three foot to the
wing. He then worked his way along to behind
the engine, and, despite the fi erce slipstream
from the propeller, managed while lying down to
smother the fi re. Isolated from the leaking petrol
pipe, this later burnt itself out. Ward, exhausted,
regained the astro-hatch with great diffi culty:
‘the hardest of the lot,’ he wrote, ‘was getting
my right leg in. In the end the navigator reached
out and pulled it in.’ Despite all the damage, the
crew got home to a safe landing.
While SGT Ward won the VC for that courageous
feat, he was never to be presented with
the medal. He died ten weeks later and is buried
in Germany.
Mr Mayne said that receiving the VC on behalf
of his great uncle was quite overwhelming.
‘He was only a year older than me but I can’t
image myself crawling out on a wing the way
he did. Mrs Lesley McGrath, SGT Ward’s great
niece, says the Kiwi hero was, like many of his
countrymen, a ‘very reserved person. The family
received a letter from him after the life-saving
incident in which he modestly described it as “a
bit of a do”.’
AVM Hamilton described the heroic act as
‘a tremendously gutsy thing for a 22 year old.
His action epitomises the standards the RNZAF
would like to attain.’
The VC is currently on display at the Auckland
War Museum.
37

38
GPCAPT ‘Hawkeye’ Wells, who has died aged 88, was one of Fighter
Command’s most outstanding pilots; he was credited with shooting
down at least 12 enemy aircraft and probably destroying and damaging
many others.
Wells began his brilliant fi ghting career during the Battle of Britain
fl ying Spitfi res with No. 266 Squadron before transferring, in September
1940, to No 41, based at Hornchurch. He scored his fi rst victory on
October 17 when he shot down a Messerschmitt 109 fi ghter off the
French coast. Twelve days later he probably destroyed a second and on
November 2 he accounted for another Me 109.
He was the fi rst pilot to intercept an Italian Fiat CR 42 over England
in November, shooting it down off Ordfordness on November 11. By the
end of the year he had destroyed another enemy fi ghter. A champion
12-bore shot during his schooldays in New Zealand, his outstanding
marksmanship earned him the nickname ‘Hawkeye.
In March 1941 he joined No 485 Squadron, the first all-New
Zealand fi ghter squadron, scoring its fi rst success on July 5 when he
shot down a Me 109 whilst escorting Stirling bombers over Lille. In
August he was awarded the DFC for showing “the greatest courage
and determination”.
Almost all Wells’s victims were fi ghters. He destroyed one on August
19, another a month later, two more on September 21 and probably
destroyed another on October 2. In November, having completed 46
sorties over enemy territory, he was awarded a Bar to his DFC.
Wells was promoted to SQNLDR and took command of No 485 in
November. When the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
slipped out of Brest on February 12 1942, No 485 was one of the
squadrons sent to attack the enemy fi ghters. Wells found no fi ghters to
engage, and instead led an attack, through intense fl ak, on an E-boat,
leaving the vessel sinking.
Wells shot down a Focke Wulf 190 over Abbeville on April 16, another
GPCPT Hawkeye Wells at 485 Squadron.
A KIWI’S BRILLIANT FIGHTING CAREER
on April 24 and damaged a third the following day. In early May he
was promoted to Wing Commander and appointed to lead the Kenley
Wing. He was awarded the DSO in July for ‘courage and inspiring
leadership’.
The son of a farmer, he was born on July 26 1917 at Cambridge, New
Zealand. He joined the RNZAF in April 1939 and trained to be a pilot. In
June 1940 he joined many of his fellow countrymen sailing for England
in the passenger ship Rangitata.
In August 1942, after two years’ continuous fi ghting, he was rested.
Having taken part in the Battle of Britain, he had carried out 133 sweeps
over enemy-occupied territory, probably more than any other pilot in
Fighter Command. He was sent back to New Zealand, where he was
offered an important post, but rejected it, preferring to return to Europe.
He travelled back in March 1943 via the United States, where he visited
aircraft factories and addressed the workers.
Wells returned to operations in March 1944 as leader of the Tangmere
Wing, equipped with the latest mark of Spitfi re. He destroyed a
Messerschmitt night fi ghter on the ground and led his wing on many
sweeps over northern France during the build-up to D-Day. He later led
the Detling and West Malling Wings before being rested in November
1944, when he went to the Central Fighter Establishment to command
the Day Fighter Leaders’ School.
Wells’s amazing eyesight and superb shooting skills made him one
of the RAF’s outstanding pilots. He retired from the RAF as a GPCAPT
in June 1960.
After a spell farming near Woodbridge, in 1975 Wells moved
to Spain.
‘Hawkeye’ Wells died on November 4, 2005. In 1943 he married Mary
de Booy, who three years earlier, aged 17, had escaped in a fi shing boat
with her parents and sister from Nazi-occupied Holland. She died in
2001, and a son and a daughter survive him.
The Daily Telegraph
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz

NO. 9 SQN RAAF REUNION
3-4 June 2006
For those who served with No.9
Squadron during WWII and in
Vietnam and post Vietnam.
Canberra, Australia
Contact:
check website for updates www.
no9squadronassociation.org
or email emweller@ozemail.
com.au for more information
and a registration form
RNZAF NETBALL REUNION
28-30 July 2006 in conjunction
with Interbase, Base Ohakea
Contact: netballreunion@nzdf.mil.nz
or check the website http://www.
airforce.dixs.mil.nz/latest-info/whatson/reunions/default.htm
MALAYSIAN MEMORY TOUR
Merdeka 50th Anniversary
August 2007
Contact: Russ Byrne
56B Hynds Road,
Greerton,
Tauranga
OHAKEA OLD BAGGIES
REUNION 1978 & 1979
Base Ohakea
17-18 November 2006
Contact: Chrissie Ellis
Christine.Ellis@nzdf.mil.nz for
registration forms
06 3515127
RNZAF MARINE SECTION
REUNION (MOTOR BOAT
CREW)
18 August: WO/SNCOs Mess
Base Whenuapai
19 August: Duders reception
lounge, Devonport
Contact: Roger Johnson
07 5747144 or Glen Graham
09 4450262
NO. 29 AIRMEN CADET
SCHOOL INTAKE 1972
35th Anniversary
19-21 January 2007
RNZAF Base Woodbourne
Contact: John Forrest
john.forrest@nzdf.mil.nz
+64 3 577 119
U P C O M I N G
R E U N I O N S
www.airforce.mil.nz
AK 06-0085-01
HILLIARD TAKES A BREAK
MACR Peter Hilliard is congratulated by CO WGCDR John Lovatt on his last
flight of his fourth tour with No.5 Squadron – a NORPAT from Rarotonga
back to Whenuapai. ‘I hope it’s not my last flight. I will miss the flying but
hopefully (if the body stays together for the next two years) I’ll be back for
the P-3K2,’ says MACR Hilliard who is now working at the Joint Electronic
Warfare Support Facility (JEWSF) at Ohakea.
WOMEN GLIDERS
T h e M a n a w a t u
Gliding Club recently
held an Open Day at
Feilding Aerodrome, in
conjunction with the
Women in Aviation
Association. The Open
Day also coincided
with the New Zealand
Gliding Association’s
National Day.
Two Airtrainers from
Pilot Training Squadron/Central Flying School, flown by SQNLDR Pete
Cochrane and FLTLT Oliver Bint, were provided as part of the static
display. Trial flights were provided in the Club’s twin seater glider,
and a very impressive glider aerobatics display was flown during the
afternoon, including a high-speed, low pass over the runway. The
Manawatu Microlight Club and Flight Training Manawatu also took
part in the Open Day.
GENEROUS BEQUEST
FOR AIR FORCE MUSEUM
Museum development funds were bolstered recently by a $45,000
bequest from the estate of Christchurch woman Helene Stevenson
Holmes. Miss Holmes left her entire estate to be divided between
seven different charities but no one seems to know much about her or
why she chose to bequeath money to the organisations she eventually
selected. Miss Holmes does not appear to have any surviving family
and her neighbours remember her only as a fiercely independent and
practical woman who came from a wealthy Christchurch family, perhaps
associated with the racing industry. Miss Holmes had at least two
sisters and two brothers (one called David), none of whom seem to
have married. The Museum would very much like to recognise Miss
Holmes’ generosity but would also like to know a little more about
her or any possible Air Force connections. If anyone knows of her, or
the family, the Museum Director would love to hear from you. You can
contact her on 03 3439530.
AFN69, APRIL 06
SQNLDR Cochrane and FLTLT Bint with the
owner of a microlight from the Manawatu
Microlight Club.
WN 06-0120-01
DEPARTURES
We have been advised of the
following departures from
RNZAF Service. Best of luck in
your new endeavours.
BASE AUCKLAND
SGT I.D. COLLIER
Enlist: 7-01-86
Terminate: 17-04-06
AVIONICS SQUADRON
BASE OHAKEA
AC J.R.S. HENDERSON
Terminate: 23-04-06
NO.3 SQN
LAC A.N. HUGGINS
Enlist: 07-04-99
Terminate: 09-04-06
AVTECH
GSH VILE
Terminate: 05-03-06
NO.3 SQN
LAC B.R. WILLETTS
Terminate: 30-04-06
NO.3 SQN
WELLINGTON
AIRMSHL B.R. FERGUSON
Enlist: 07-01-69
Terminate: 30-04-06
CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE
AVM J. HAMILTON
Enlist: 1-1-71
Terminate: 30-04-06
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE
WOODBOURNE
SGT B.C. FAIRBAIRN
Enlist: 04-04-95
Terminate: 09-04-06
OSS
LAC D.N. MERWALD
Enlist: 21-05-02
Terminate: 10-04-06
LOG WING
GSH T.C. NEWPORT
Enlist: 19-09-83
Terminate: 31-03-06
LOG WING
LAC N.J. PETHIG
Enlist: 04-04-00
Terminate: 04-06
SQNLDR D.J. TATTERSFIELD
Enlist: 05-10-82
Terminate: 30-04-06
SGT D.A. WINTERBURN
Enlist: 25-09-85
Terminate: 12-03-06
39

40
S A T U R D A Y 2 4 J U N E 2 0 0 6
C E L E B R A T I N G 4 0 Y E A R S
O F I R O Q U O I S O P E R A T I O N S
Parade for the presentation of a new No. 3 Squadron standard at Ohakea followed in
the evening by the annual ‘Huey Old Boys’ at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.
To register interest email gregory.jane@NZDF.mil.nz
AFN69 APRIL 06 www.airforce.mil.nz