Air Force News Issue 102 April 2009 · Air Force News is the official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) – established to inform, educate and entertain its personnel

AIRFORCENEWSAIRFORCENEWS

big lift for aNtarcticaaNd thE u.S.

WorkiNg dogSour k-9 crEW rEady for buSiNESS

rNzaf SportSSportSpErSoN of thE yEar

aucklaNd airShoWfuN iN thE SuN

T h r e e S e r v i c e S a S o n e f o r c e – b e i n g T h e b e S T i n e v e r y T h i n g w e d o

royal NEW zEalaNd air forcE // iSSuE #102 // april 2009 w w w . a i r f o r c e . M i L . n Z

wiseowl in wanaka

AIRFORCENEWS

c o N t E N t S

a f N 1 0 2 a p r i l 0 9 | w w w . a i r f o r c e . m i l . n z2

royal NEW zEalaNd air forcE // issue #102 // ApRIl 2009

OUR MISSIONTo carry out military air operations to advance New Zealand’s security interests, with professionalism, integrity and teamwork.

OUR VISIONWe 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 byDefence Communications GroupHQ NZ Defence Force Wellington, New ZealandP: (04) 496 0289 F: (04) 496 0290

Editorial AuthorityIan Brunton

EditorGrant CarrEmail: [email protected]

Design and LayoutAmy TrlinEmail: [email protected]

ProofreaderKatrina Randerson

Printed byKeeling and Mundy LimitedPO Box 61, Palmerston North

DistributionMarianna RobatiEmail: [email protected]

Air Force News is the official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) – established to inform, educate and entertain its personnel and friends. Views expressed in Air Force News are not necessarily those of the RNZAF or the NZDF. Defence regulations over-ride all content in Air Force News. Editorial contributions and ideas are welcomed. They can be emailed direct to the Editor and do not need to be forwarded through normal command chains. Contributions need to include: writer’s name, rank and unit, photographer’s name, and photos provided separately from the text – at least 300dpi.

Reprinting of items is encouraged, if the Air Force News is acknowledged.

Contribution deadline for the May issue:Friday 17 April 2009 – 5PM

ISSN 1175-2327

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april 2009 COVEr

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AIRFORCENEWSAIRFORCENEWS

BIG LIFT FOR ANTARCTICAAND THE U.S.

WORKING DOGSOUR K9 CREW READY

FOR BUSINESS

RNZAF SPORTSSPORTSPERSON

OF THE YEARAUCKLAND AIRSHOWFUN IN THE SUN

T H R E E S E R V I C E S A S O N E F O R C E B E I N G T H E B E S T I N E V E R Y T H I N G W E D O

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE // ISSUE #102 // APRIL 2009 W W W . A I R F O R C E . M I L . N Z

WISEOWL IN WANAKA

COntEnts

PhOtO: by AC Amanda McErlich. OH 09-0090-72.

fIRSt wORD Is the Sky Falling?

PERS CORNER W/Os Step Up to Command

MENtORING One-on-One

AIR wORthINESS Retaining Our Readiness

CANE Of KNOwLEDGE Respect

BOMBER COMMAND Our Heritage

CttAG Elite Force - Real Life Experience

jUMPStARt 2009 Another Success

wORKING DOGS Our K-9 crew

PILOt GRADUAtION Proud Wings

RNzAf SPORtS Sportsperson of the Year

MOPED MANIA In Auckland and Woodbourne

CRICKEt Interbase and Interservice

REGULARS Farewells and Welcome Backs

wIsEOwl In wAnAkAAnother huge success.

BIG lIFT FOR AnTARC TICAWorking alongside the US.

AUCklAnD AIRsHOwFun in the sun.

Former RAF pilot GPCAPT Stephen Davies Howard used to fly Typhoons to intercept Russian surveillance aircraft. Now a Kiwi the indomitable GPCAPT still likes to keep his hand in. On a recent visit to the RNZAF’s Wiseowl 92 the new Commander Training Group flew an Air Trainer over the South Island’s picturesque countryside near Lake Wanaka. See page 12 for Wiseowl 92 coverage.

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f i r S t W o r d

Many of you know the story of Chicken Little. A chicken is convinced the sky is

falling because an acorn falls on her head. The chicken then whips those around her into a frenzy of anxiety based on wrong assumptions. While acknowledging the severity of the economic climate, we should also watch out for those who are emulating Chicken Little and her friends.

The world is still analysing the global recession’s impact, the magnitude of which is unparalleled in decades. Governments, financial institutions and experts are trying to gauge the impact on national economies, businesses and their people. The NZDF is not immune from either impact or scrutiny, nor should we be. It is abundantly clear that some organisations will be forced to make changes and some will fall by the wayside, unable to sustain the impact of the recession. Others will emerge more efficient, competitive and will set standards for others to emulate. Not because they are the biggest – we have seen some of the mighty fall already – but because they have invested in sound planning, are responsive and have good leadership at all levels. Government organisations, including the NZDF, must respond to the economic situation along with all New Zealanders.

So, how does the RNZAF shape up to the recession’s challenges? Are we ready to support the Government’s expectations to do things more cost effectively, provide better services, ensure value for money and cut expenditure where necessary? My assessment is that the RNZAF is well prepared for all that and more. We are a well motivated, professional team that has clear aims and confidence in ourselves. Our track record shows we are motivated to achieve and have the courage and skills to change with the times. We have the capability to deliver on the operational tasks that are our core business, but also on organisational and corporate demands justifiably placed on us by our Government and the New Zealand people.

2009 will present some significant challenges for the RNZAF. Finance is going to be tight and we

must expect to critically re-examine and justify all our expenditure, plans and programmes. We should not be surprised by this or resent it. Indeed, it is our duty to do this as a responsible arm of the Government, even more so in the current economic climate. Nor should we be disheartened if we see some of our aspirations or plans slip to the right, in order to stay within prescribed fiscal limitations. These are difficult financial times, but is the sky falling? I think not.

The RNZAF planning process is sound, well developed and transparent. Our programmes to deliver New Zealand’s next generation of air capability are comprehensive, professionally managed and geared to deliver what Government has identified as necessary for New Zealand’s continued security. We are a well led, professional and focused organisation that has the trust of the Government and the New Zealand public. CAF encourages us to think smarter, find simpler ways of doing things and be innovative. This we will continue to do. The Defence Transformation Programme is examining many aspects of the NZDF to see if there are better ways to conduct business and we should embrace these initiatives. But above all else, we have the ability of men and women of the RNZAF. Within our team is where we will, as we have always done, find the good ideas, commitment and initiatives. We are in good shape to tackle any challenge. Air Staff will shortly issue the 2009 revision to our Strategic Plan. There will be some fine tuning to reflect CAF’s Intent Statement of 2009 and the progress we have made over the past year. There are likely to be some non-radical changes to reflect the impact of the current financial climate, the Government’s announced decision to retain Base Auckland as a fully operational Base, and possibly the outcome of some reviews. The RNZAF strategic goals are in line with that of the NZDF and the Government. The RNZAF is on course, aligned and focused. There will be some turbulence. But the sky is definitely not about to fall.

GPCAPT Peter Guy is the Assistant Chief of Air Force Plans. In early 2009 he returned from Beijing where he had been the Defence Attaché in the PRC.

“think smartEr, find simplEr ways Of dOing things...”

is the sky falling?

GPCAPT PeTer GuyAssisTAnT CHief

Of Air fOrCe PLAns

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No life vests, and no radio. Unfortunately, they also had no idea where they were or where the sail was going to take them. they were lucky our P-3K Orion crew were their usual consummate professionals.

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“finding thE missing bOat and

its OCCupants within an hOur”

Probably the first time you saw this lovely couple was back in March 2004 when then CPL Gibbons was on the front cover of Air Force News.

He had returned to the waiting arms of Emily from a P-3K deployment to the Middle East (see inset). On Saturday 28 February No.5 Squadron's SGT Michael Gibbons married his long-time sweetheart Emily at Rotorua.

sgt wEds swEEthEart

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ON fRIDAy 20 MARCh AN AIR fORCE P-3K ORION CREw tOOK jUSt 52 MINUtES tO LOCAtE A VESSEL OVERDUE By twO DAyS wIth ALL PERSONNEL ON BOARD SAfE AND wELL.

The No. 5 Squadron P-3K Orion launched from

Whenuapai Air Force Base at 6:15am and took up

the search off the Tongan coast at 9:30am. The

stranded vessel, a 17-foot aluminium boat with

four people on board including the Governor of

Ha’apai and his staff, were found at 10:22am.

The Air Component Commander at NZDF

Joint Headquarters, AIRCDRE Gavin Howse

complimented the crew: ‘Once again Air Force

Orions of No.5 Squadron have reacted quickly to a

call for assistance, finding the missing boat and its

occupants within an hour of arriving in the Tongan

area. The Orion dropped radios and equipment

to the stricken vessel and landed in Tonga before

coordinating a rendezvous with a Tongan patrol

craft sailing to the aid of the survivors.

‘I’m sure the survivors were relieved to see the

P-3K Orion overhead, having been missing for over

48 hours,’ he said.

The vessel was located 200 kilometres north east

of Nuku’alofa and approximately 200km east of

where a volcano is erupting.

stranded Vessel


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no.3 squadron were involved in a search and rescue (sAr) exercise out near Auckland’s rangitoto island on friday 27 february. LAC Grant

Armishaw was on the spot to take these photos. One of the navy's Chico yachts was used as a simulated 'boat in distress' and the iroquois crew

practiced high-line crewman transfers. ‘Unfortunately we were not able to keep up with them in our small Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) on

the high seas when they performed the actual transfer,’ said LAC Armishaw.

saR eXeRCise

A No. 3 Squadron Iroquois takes part in a search and rescue exercise by completing a high-line crewman transfer.

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Ideal for NZDF representatives and speakers,

the new ANZAC Challenge coin is 45mm in

diameter and easy to pack and carry overseas.

Challenge coins can be presented in several

ways—on their own, in a velvet coin bag, or in a

wooden rimu box.

Challenge coins are an old American tradition

instituted into the NZDF in 2005 as an alternative

gift for dignitaries and others. To date the NZDF

has issued about 50 different coins; from five

generic coins – Navy, Army, Air Force, NZDF and

HQ JFNZ – to those for individual Service Chiefs

and senior staff. Other coins have been issued for

SAS, Ships Commissionings, Medical Corps, Army/

Air Force Bands and Commemorative events.

Order an ANZAC challenge coin now through JLSO:

e-mail [email protected]

These can be journalled to your

appropriate cost centres if

approved.

For individual orders, please

add GST to cheques which

should be made payable to NZDF.

new anzac challenge coin Available in: Excl GSt Inc GSt

Loose $15.00 $16.88

Velvet bag $17.00 $19.13

Black velvet box $25.00 $28.13

Rimu box engraved with poppy and year on outside of box, inscription inside lid $75.00 $84.38

b r i E f N E W S


The firefighters are one of three crews returning

after three weeks assisting Australian

firefighters battle bushfires in Victoria.

Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, MAJ

GEN Rhys Jones said he was pleased the NZDF

were able to be part of the wider New Zealand

response during what was a particularly difficult

time for our ANZAC neighbours.

‘The NZDF fire crew that headed to Victoria faced

a challenging situation, but their training and

teamwork saw them able to meet that challenge

and be a valuable part of the New Zealand

contingent.

‘With all the various agencies working together,

New Zealand was able to send professional crews

who provided much needed assistance and I

congratulate them on their efforts.’

A number of civilian fire crews from the first

contingent arrived in New Zealand on Thursday

5 March aboard a RNZAF C-130 Hercules.

PICtURED ABOVE: NzDf fire Crew at work in Victoria during february 2009.

LEFT: Like a scene from hell. The Victoria fires at their height. february 2009.

nzDF FiReFighteRs RETURn HOMEthE fIRSt fIRE CREw ASSEMBLED By thE NEw zEALAND DEfENCE fORCE tO ASSISt IN A MULtI-AGENCy RESPONSE tO thE VICtORIAN fIRES REtURNED hOME tO NEw zEALAND ON SAtURDAy 7 MARCh.

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aValon showcaseThe RNZAF’s invitation to attend this year’s

Avalon Airshow, from 10 to 15 March at

Geelong in Victoria, was a great opportunity to

showcase our upgraded B757 aircraft to a new

international audience. The biennial airshow and

aviation trade show is probably the largest long-

running show in the southern hemisphere and

a great meeting place for leading edge aviation

technology buyers and sellers alike.

As expected our aircraft performed effortlessly and

again highlighted the close relationship between

the NZDF and its Australian counterpart, the

Australian Defence Force.

A helicopter flyer himself, our Chief of Air Force

AVM Graham Lintott took the opportunity to check

out the controls of the Malaysian Air Force’s A109

helicopter on display at the show. The RNZAF has

ordered five A109 helicopters to replace its entire

fleet of Sioux training helicopters.

RIGht: CAf AVM Lintott (left) and Assistant Chief of Air force (Capability) GPCAPt tony Davies check out the Malaysian Air force’s impressive A109 helicopter.

“Our airCraft pErfOrmEd

EffOrtlEssly...”

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On the afternoon of Wednesday 18 March the Brendon Deere Spitfire PV 270 finally soared into the skies above RNZAF Base Ohakea to become the only airworthy Spitfire in New Zealand. At the controls was pilot Keith Skilling taking the five year restoration project to completion. The aircraft will remain in Base Ohakea Historic Flight hangar until its first scheduled public exposure at the Omaka Classic Wings Air Show at Easter. If that is a success the aircraft will fly again

on ANzAC Day completing a circuit of Palmerston North, feilding, Marton, wanganui and Bulls.

Up SheGoes...

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warrant officer appointments Board

peRsCoRneRGPCAPT KEVIN McEVOY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL

In November 2008 the inaugural Warrant Officer

Appointments Board (WOAB) convened to address

RNZAF Warrant Officer career management and

to select candidates for the newly established

Command Warrant Officer positions. While

Command Warrant Officer appointments were

the primary business of the Board, professional

military development and Warrant Officer

extensions were also addressed.

Until now only personnel in those ranks below

Warrant Officer have had the opportunity to be

considered annually for progression and formally

considered for subsequent developmental

courses. Warrant Officers—some of our most

experienced personnel within the RNZAF—have

not had that same opportunity. In November

last year the WOAB changed that, providing

a mechanism for a greater degree of career

management for all Warrant Officers. Considering

each Warrant Officer in the RNZAF individually was

a fundamental step in identifying our Command

Warrant Officers. That same measure was also

crucial to help recognise specialist skills, those

with potential in other areas, and those that will

be our future Command Warrant Officers.

By identifying personnel and their skills in this

manner, professional military development can

be much more effectively employed. The Warrant

Officer Advanced Course in particular, conducted

at the New Zealand Defence College, is something

that will be utilised for those currently appointed

to, or identified as future candidates for, the

Command Warrant Officer positions. The course

concentrates on developing those skills deemed

necessary to fill positions where leadership and

strategic understanding are key elements.

With a changing Air Force, an essential part of

the modern Warrant Officer now concentrates

more on aspects of leadership, stewardship

and the ability to influence change within large

groups in the RNZAF. While still important, trade

competencies now form a lesser part of that role,

particularly at the Command Warrant Officer level.

However, recognising the potential in personnel

is not solely about the Command Warrant Officer.

Many personnel at the rank of Warrant Officer

have a great deal to offer and not everyone will

be on a path as a Command Warrant Officer. A

key part of the Board was recognising the unique

skills that each of our Warrant Officers have as

individuals.

Ultimately, all Warrant Officers were considered

for extensions last November, irrespective of their

current engagements. This ensured that no one

was overlooked within the Warrant Officer rank

and that the value of all Warrant Officers could

be realised. Extensions were given in line with

the potential that each offered whilst still keeping

within the RNZAF extension criteria.

With the first of the Command Warrant Officers

already in their appointments, CAF recently

promulgated the eleven positions and the new

appointees.

>> wARRANt OffICER G.B. ChARD, CommandWarrantOfficerOSWAK

>> wARRANt OffICER D.R. ARNSt, CommandWarrantOfficerOSWOH

>> wARRANt OffICER K.L. MCMILLAN, CommandWarrantOfficerOSWWB

>> wARRANt OffICER j.K. BOyD-EwENS, CommandWarrantOfficerESS

>> wARRANt OffICER R.h. GELL, CommandWarrantOfficerMSW

>> wARRANt OffICER M.M. hARwOOD, CommandWarrantOfficerMWG

>> wARRANt OffICER B.L. LOOKER, CommandWarrantOfficer3SQN

>> wARRANt OffICER C.S. BLUNDELL, CommandWarrantOfficer40SQN

>> wARRANt OffICER D.G. LARK, CommandWarrantOfficer5SQN

>> wARRANt OffICER P.G. ROBERtSON, CommandWarrantOfficerDAC

>> wARRANt OffICER P.G. wEBLEy, CommandWarrantOfficerGTW

WGCDr sAMMy CLArk

rECOgnising thE uniquE skills that EaCh Of Our warrant OffiCErs haVE

as indiViduals...

Bearing in mind the demands on the

RNZAF over the next few years, CAF

recently summed up the role for the new

appointees:

“I would like to congratulate all of these Warrant Officers on their appointments. The Command Warrant Officer positions are all significant leadership roles that will play a crucial part in shaping the RNZAF to meet the challenges ahead.”


thE AIR fORCE OftEN hAS GREAt NEwS tO ShOUt ABOUt. It APPEARS wE AREN’t ALONE. thE ARMy IS NOw USING tEChNICALLy ADVANCED tRAINING EqUIPMENt tO DEVELOP KEy MILItARy SKILLS.

Simulation in the military has come a long way

since dice, floor maps and terrain boards. Now

computer programmes allow a huge array of

Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) effects,

limited only by available computer hardware. It’s

possible to watch your simulated fellow soldier

blinking at you and hear the sound of yourself

crawling over the ground avoiding hostile fire. You

can fire a Steyr at a target on the screen, hear the

blast, and feel the recoil, all without using any

ammunition. What started as computer games for

kids has now become a vital tool for developing

and enhancing military skills around the world.

The Army Simulation Centres in Linton, Waiouru

and Burnham are commanded by Linton based

Major Peter Curran. The centres offer a mix

of different software and hardware options,

depending on what training is required at each

location. Similar weaponry is used in the Navy,

Army and Air Force. It is therefore possible that in

the future, all three Services may use the Weapon

Training System (WTS) to practice and maintain

their firing skills.

The Army has invested heavily in this technology,

and it seems to be paying off. For example, the

WTS in Waiouru has saved about $12 million

in live ammunition costs by replacing it with

the virtual kind. But the benefits of the Army

Simulation Centres are not just cost savings. ‘You

can play a whole scenario. In some countries it’s

normal for everyone to carry a gun – this doesn’t

mean they are a threat. Simulation can help

soldiers make better decisions faster in this kind

of environment,’ says MAJ Curran. The options

and opportunities are numerous. You can use

night time scenarios during day time or simulate

bad weather when the sun is shining. You can

visit places on the other side of the world that

are created so realistically, you would know your

way around when you got there in person. There

is the option to work as part of a team – taking

orders from your CO and protecting your fellow

soldiers, or independently. You can get killed or

injured without any physical consequence, apart

from perhaps a reprimand from your CO.

Just because in the simulated environment all

these things are possible, it doesn’t mean they

don’t need to be controlled. ‘We need user units

to provide the C2 element to supervise activities,

and scenarios must underpin the respective unit’s

mission essential tasks – otherwise the training is

pointless.’ Soldiers using guns at the WTS range

need to show the same consideration for safety

that they would normally. In real life, ammunition

and fuel is restricted and death and injuries

are permanent. It’s about giving soldiers and

commanders an understanding of their actions

by putting them into a range of challenging life

or death virtual situations that cannot otherwise

be replicated in the real world. ‘Training for

operations is not a game and if you come to the

Simulation Centre for training you’d better be

prepared to take it seriously,’ says Maj Curran.

At present, simulation training is optional and

not part of core training for Army personnel. The

ideal is for it to be integrated and combined with

classroom work and training in the field right from

the beginning of a soldier’s career. ‘The value of

simulation is exponential and the benefits of using

it are significant and cost effective, so it is sensible

for Army units to choose to use simulation tools

as part of their core business,’ says MAJ Curran.

‘We have been preoccupied with the technical

part – the software and hardware – but now need

to focus on the tactical application of simulation

and start including it in training, as well as in

instructor training.’ MAJ Curran is confident that

more integration of simulation tools into Army

training will occur, ‘I have a great team and

excellent support from my chain of command.

I am confident that the Army Simulation Centre

will grow along with the Army, although ongoing

investment will be needed as hardware and

software evolve. Simulation is like a Porsche,

which until now, has been kept in the garage;

we’re going to dust it off, take it out on the road

and see how fast we can make it go…’

Using advanced technology that is constantly

improving seems to be the way forward. With a

view to Services learning from each other, sharing

resources and merging some operations, this tool

could certainly provide great training opportunities

for Air Force personnel in the future.

or battlefield exercises?waR games

“hElp sOldiErs makE bEttEr

dECisiOns fastEr”

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Big lifTFoR a Big JoB

fLTLT vAuGHAn JOnes

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View of the cargo hold from the bubble in the C-17.

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The departure of the last USAF aircraft from Christchurch on 25 February 2009 marked

the end of the 2008/09 Harewood Terminal Team (HTT) season. OP Antarctica is the ongoing NZDF commitment providing air transport and logistical support on an annual basis to the NZ Antarctic programme and the NZDF contribution to the NZ/US logistic pool.

The HTT are responsible for: coordinating cargo, building freight into aircraft loads specific to the C17 or C130, load planning, loading and unloading the variety of aircraft as required. During the season the tri-Service team worked irregular times throughout the day and night, seven days a week to ensure the operation went smoothly.

During the 2008/09 season, the HTT facilitated

96 flights bound for Antarctica, made up of: 52 x

C17 flights, 6 x RNZAF C130, 24 x LC130 (USAF

ski Hercs), 6 x SAFAIR L100 and 8 x Airbus A319

flights. On these flights, 2,721 passengers were

moved with 20,1671lbs of baggage.

The HTT built over 500 aircraft pallets of freight

which amounted to 2,397,243lbs of freight and

81,894lbs of mail for the personnel stationed in

Antarctica over the summer season.

While there were no large singular projects that

required special handling, there were several items

that presented loading challenges for the HTT,

for example specialized drilling equipment and a

70,000lb bulldozer; this highlights the requirement

for a high levels of supervision and experience

to be maintained within the HTT. All personnel

involved in the HTT, whether permanently based

at Air Movements Christchurch or a tri-Service

augment to the team, have represented the NZDF

with credit and demonstrated the ability of the

three Services to work as one force.

The HTT is an annual operation in support of Op

Antarctica and nominations will once again be

called for in the middle of the year, so keep an

eye on the advertised vacancies and you too can

be part of this dynamic team involved with the

Antarctic season.

FoR a Big JoBhAREwOOD tERMINAL tEAM – OP ANtARCtICA 2008/09

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ASCS james Robertson assists CPL Sanet van Deventer in guiding SGt francis Luiz's placement of a palette onto the C-17 Globemaster. fLtLt Vaughn jones helps push cargo into place

prior to takeoff on the C-17 Globemaster.

CPL Sanet van Deventer loading cargo onto a trolley to be taken to a United States Air force C-17.

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sUCCessanother wiseowl

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thE AIR fORCE’S tRAINING ExERCISE wISEOwL 92 wAS hELD fROM 23 fEBRUARy tO 5 MARCh At wANAKA, IN thE SOUth ISLAND.

The exercise, held twice a year at a provincial airfield, sees senior course pilots flying in an unfamiliar airspace. On the open day members of the public were invited to the camp to view how an Air Force camp is set up for Wiseowl. Static displays included a No. 40 Squadron C-130 Hercules, a No. 3 Squadron Iroquois, Air Trainers, an Air Security display and a recruiting tent.

The Chief of Air Force AVM Graham Lintott greeted invited local dignitaries to the celebratory dinner on Saturday 28 February. A total of 11 senior pilot trainees attended the exercise for advanced training in unfamiliar airspace and formation flying. Over 100 personnel helped set up the camp in its initial stages with the Wiseowl village settling into a static population of around 90 for the remainder of the exercise. The Wanaka exercise started with overcast and rainy skies which soon cleared to blue skies and light winds for the remainder of the time.

For W/O Greg Backhouse, organising his sixth Wiseowl, the exercise ‘was the best I have been involved in. Everything came together with the transport, the local community, the location and the participants making it simply fantastic.’

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PLTOFF Brett Mann gives a local lad some flying tips.An Aeromotive Engineer maintaining an Air trainer at the camp.

AC Ken yap puts up tent frames at the start of wiseowl 92.

08/2 Pilots course group photo on the tarmac at wanaka Airport. (L-R): PLtOff fiona Riddler, PLtOff Brett Mann, PLtOff tom Corkery, PLtOff Shane huisman, PLtOff Peter Stiles, fGOff Angus johnston, PLtOff Kendall Dooley, PLtOff Izak Pivac, PLtOff Mat woodcock, fGOff Chris Ross, and PLtOff Nick hall.

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FoR a gReat DayRecoRD cRowD thIS yEAR’S RNzAf AIR ShOw AND OPEN DAy At BASE AUCKLAND ON

SAtURDAy 21 MARCh AttRACtED A RECORD CROwD, wIth jUSt OVER

50,000 AttENDING.

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‘The day turned out wonderfully with great weather,

fantastic crowds and some incredible flying,’ said

Commander of RNZAF Base Auckland, Operational

Support Wing, WGCDR Richard Marshall. ‘There

was a great atmosphere with the public being able

to get up close to the aircraft, meet one-on-one with

RNZAF personnel and gain a better understanding

of the activities, roles and benefits that the Air Force

provides New Zealand.

‘The day really did provide something for everyone

with displays by the various RNZAF trades, the

static aircraft displays and flying from a range of

aircraft from New Zealand and overseas,’ said

WGCDR Marshall.

The great family day out atmosphere was

underlined by free admission for children and

many Aucklanders took the opportunity to do

just that – reacquaint their kids with the aviation

experience. With Base Auckland’s future now

relatively secure the Open Day/Air Show took on

a carnival atmosphere of celebration. The next

Open Day/Air Show will be at Base Ohakea in

March 2010.

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OPPOSItE PAGE tOP: A ten-ship formation including the Roaring 40s harvard trainers and the RNzAf’s Red Checkers aerobatic team.

OPPOSItE PAGE BOttOM: RNzAf Base Auckland Air Show and Open Day on Saturday 21 March 2009. Crowds are on the flight line looking at the upgraded Boeing 757 and C-130 hercules. A USAf C-17 is taxing in the background.

ABOVE LEft: An Air force fan checks out an Air trainer’s controls.

ABOVE: PLtOff Kendall Dooley shows Monique Burrett the cockpit of an Air trainer.

BELOw: A young spectator makes good use of binoculars.

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the No. 40 Squadron hangar’s trade displays was a popular spot for young Aucklanders considering a career with the RNzAf.

the Red Checkers perform a ‘spaghetti break’.

what a day! GPCAPT POOT

Auckland has been inundated with positive

feedback from the recent Open Day held on

21 March. Messages have talked about our

professionalism, enthusiasm and confidence.

Some stated that it was the best event that

they had been to in Auckland while others

used the words sensational, well organised

and an impressive showcase of RNZAF

capability. Equally rewarding have been the

anecdotes and stories told by our people of

the exciting and energetic encounters they

have had with members of the public since.

In planning this year’s Open Day, Auckland

set about making it an RNZAF event. The

collective efforts up and down the RNZAF in

advance of the day came together to show

what we can achieve. The public loved it and

I hope we will see the benefits of this down

the track and a better understanding of the

RNZAF. As always, you, our people, were our

best ambassadors. We know how good you

are and the Open Day provided the chance

to let the public see you in action. On behalf

of those who did the hard work in pulling this

event together can I express the thanks of the

Planning Committee and my own to all who

got behind this great event. Watching people

in action and seeing the public’s response

made me really proud to be wearing an

RNZAF uniform.

Fantastic work team – lets see if we can

build on this for Ohakea’s Open Day 21

March 2010.

It was truly an amazing Air Show, and

probably the best I have witnessed

in my 36 years in the Air force. Not

only because of the flying and support

from our allies, but mainly from the

way our people engaged with the

community. A huge thanks goes to

GPCAPt Poot, wGCDR Marshall,

wGCDR hunt and everyone else at

Auckland and throughout the Air force

who contributed to the success of the

Air Show.

CAf, AVM Graham Lintott

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A crowd pleaser from the RAAf was this fA-18 hornet.

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Directorate of Air Force Safety and Health

(DASH) Advisor F/S Pete Healy loves his

job. But there’s one part he hopes will never

bear fruit – responding to a major air crash

or disaster at our annual airshow. He calls it

‘planning for the worst case scenario’ and while

it may be unthinkable it is definitely something

the Air Force must train for. Like much of the

behind-the-scenes work that goes into the Air

Force’s annual Open Day/Air Shows, preparing

for an emergency also requires meticulous and

long-term planning.

The most visible part of preparing an Emergency

Response Plan is, of course, the full dress

rehearsal known as a Crashex, co-ordinated by

SQNLDR Russell Kennedy and F/S Healy, where

a full simulation of an airshow crash scenario

– including made up casualties, pyrotechnics,

grieving relatives and gawking onlookers – is

acted out as realistically as possible on Base.

This year’s Crashex was called Exercise Choppers

Down and simulated a crash involving a Seasprite

and an Iroquois. But the build up to the Crashex

starts months before with a tabletop exercise

involving all the major players on Base from the

WGCDR down, the Instant Management Team

(IMT) plus outside agencies such as the Police,

Fire Service, Ambulance and others. F/S Healy,

former RAF Fireman and fast becoming the

RNZAF’s resident ‘expert’ emergency planner,

says that involving those outside agencies and

gathering a ‘community’ of like-minded contacts

is crucial to successful emergency response.

‘It’s important that everyone knows how they fit

into the scenario and who does what. Building

relationships is very important to that. And the

tabletop and Crashex activities give us the time

and opportunity to learn and to sharpen up our

responses.’

Participants at the tabletop exercise are handed

a range of scripts – increasing in seriousness

of ‘incidents to respond to – from a bystander

heart attack to a food stall fire to a full blown

crash. Part of that is also preparing to deal with

the distraught families of casualties by setting

up a Family Reconciliation Team. Observers at

the Crashex monitor responses and debrief after

the exercise so that learning is of a ‘progressive’

nature.

Fortunately there were no disasters at this year’s

airshow but preliminary planning for Emergency

Management at the next Ohakea airshow in 2010

will already start this month.

teamwork

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Plenty of room inside. Spectators line up to explore the hold and flight deck of the RNzAf’s C-130 hercules.

Emergency personnel come to the aid of a ‘casualty’ during Exercise Choppers Down on 5 March at Base Auckland. the realistic exercise simulated a crash involving a Seasprite and an Iroquois resulting in two crash sites.

“sEnsatiOnal, wEll OrganisEd and an

imprEssiVE shOwCasE Of rnZaf Capability...”


a f N 1 0 2 a p r i l 0 9 | w w w . a i r f o r c e . m i l . n z1 8

I thought the day displayed the RNZAF's ethos and

standards admirably with enthusiastic, willing and

confident people. It looks great!

AVM(Rtd.),john hamilton

I have had nothing but outstanding feedback on

your open day yesterday – my kids were certainly

thoroughly entertained and buzzing. Congratulations

on a great success.

Rob fyfe, ChiefExecutiveOfficer,AirNewZealand

It was a real honour to be included and I came away with a heightened level of respect for the Air Force and all it does. The day was run in a very professional manner and you must have felt very proud of your people and the outcome.Geoff Lorigan,Director,InstituteforStrategicLeadership

It was an excellent event of which everyone can be very proud; it certainly received a lot of favourable comment from everyone that I have spoken to. It was great to hear Auckland ‘buzzing’ and talking so positively about the RNZAF.tony Gainsford,CEOMaropsLtd

SPECtAtORS AND INVItED GUEStS At thE 2009 BASE AUCKLAND OPEN DAy AND AIR ShOw hAD PLENty Of PRAISE fOR thE wAy It wAS ORGANISED. hERE IS A SELECtION Of SOME Of thE COMMENtS SENt IN tO ChIEf Of AIR fORCE AVM GRAhAM LINtOtt:

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the RNzAf’s heavy metal aircraft. A newly upgraded B757 is flanked by P-3K Orions and a C-130 hercules.

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young people get hands on experience attaching rivets to an aircraft’s skin.

We were both impressed by the variety and

individual enthusiasm on all the exhibitions.

Annette and her mother were particularly taken

by the ‘Cultutral Performance’ whilst I was

content to sit back and watch all the aerial antics,

and dream! I was impressed by the variety and

execution of all of the flying, it is not easy filling a

7 hour flying window especially without the help

of too much ‘heavy metal’.GPCAPt Graham Bond, RAF Defence Advisor

the sunny weather meant cold drinks and ice treats were popular refreshments.

1 9w w w . a i r f o r c e . m i l . n z | a f N 1 0 2 a p r i l 0 9

l o g i S t i c S

Ever wondered where that aircraft spare, bullet

or Comsec radio came from? Chances are

that it entered the NZDF inventory after being

purchased from the United States Government via

the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

FMS is the process through which eligible foreign

governments may purchase America’s defence

equipment against a specific government-to-

government agreement known as a FMS Case.

FMS forms part of the US security assistance

programme and was authorised by the Foreign

Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control

Act of 1968.

The FMS programme promotes partnerships and

coalitions with foreign governments and is an

important part of the United States national security

and military readiness. Foreign governments are

eligible to procure any item in the US defence

supply chain unless it is restricted, meaning there

is new technology involved or that nation is not

authorised to buy it.

Based at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington

DC, The Defence Procurement Office (DPO),

specifically the FMS Case Administrators, is

responsible for requesting and managing a

FMS Case - also known as a Letter of Offer and

Acceptance (LOA) - for defence articles and services

required by the NZDF and New Zealand Government

agencies. FMS purchases for the NZDF include

spare/repair parts for NZDF platforms, ARC-210

Radios for the RNZAF upgrades/modifications

and new acquisitions, excess US defence articles

such as the Seasprite helicopters, ammunition,

weapons, publications, and the Javelin Anti-Tank

weapon system for the New Zealand Army. In New

Zealand, the NZDF has the Coordinator Foreign

Military Sales (CFMS) who is Mr Steve Cuming.

Based within the NZDF’s Joint Logistics Support

Organisation (JLSO), the CFMS is your first point

of contact for any questions regarding the FMS

process, or initiating a FMS purchase request.

Once the requirement has been received at the

DPO, action is taken to send the Letter of Request

(LOR) to the relevant US military department

(MILDEP) who will consider the request and

generate the LOA. The LOA will include the cost

of the items/services, administration fee and any

other charges, such as transportation, packaging,

storage and handling, if required.

Once the LOA has been proffered and accepted by

the DPO on behalf of the New Zealand Government,

an Initial Deposit is paid and the requisitioning of

articles and services against the LOA can begin.

FMS Case Administrators will manage the life of

the LOA in terms of acceptance, delivery, payments,

reconciliation, and closure. The CFMS oversees the

financial management of FMS Cases, arranging,

as required, for funds to be wire-transferred to

the US Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) either for the

Initial Deposit or quarterly payments, as well as

the oversight on delivery and billing of all items

procured against an FMS Case.

An overview on the FMS process, links, information

and advice on the steps required to instigate

a Letter of Request for a Letter of Offer and

Acceptance are available in the ‘Guide to FMS

in the NZDF’ available in hard copy and on the

intranet (http://publications/rnzaf/Books.htm).

FMS Case Administrators in the DPO, or (CFMS),

Wellington, can provide further clarification or

expert advice on the FMS process.

an important source of supplyJennifer LuCAs, fMs ADMinisTrATOr, nZDs WAsHinGTOn

FoReign militaRy sales

NzDf fMS CONtACtS:

Washington DC

Mrs Jennifer Lucas 001 202 328 4862

Mr Terry MacKenzie 001 202 328 4882

Wellington

Mr Steven Cuming (349) 7587

“fms...prOmOtEs partnErships and

COalitiOns...”

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L-R: Andrew Kelly; joe Maoate; terry MacKenzie; jennifer Lucas; Sally Degeus; jason Dobson; Maree harrison and SqNLDR Stephen hall.

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The Air Force Leadership (AFLB) Board recently

approved the expansion of the RNZAF Base

Auckland Trial Mentoring Scheme to the wider

RNZAF. At the start of 2009 a Mentoring Scheme

started at Base Ohakea aimed at providing

professional and personal development for anyone

keen to be involved. This scheme was met with

great enthusiasm and high demand. FLTLT Carolyn

Freeman explains the new scheme.

What do you think is different about our

organisation? What sets us apart? I am not

going to answer those questions specifically for

you – just yet - but I would like you to think about

why you joined up and what motivates you to don

the blue every morning.

We now live in a world of options. In New Zealand

people are not wanting for choice of career or

training institutes. While the military used to appeal

to adventure seekers with a streak of patriotism,

now teenagers straight out of school can get a

loan and travel the world or get their adrenaline

fix from high risk sporting activities. The military is

losing an aspect of its niche market – so how do

we address that short fall?

Image is one area – we have a brilliant recruiting

team who have worked hard to re-establish the

identity of the RNZAF and make it appealing as a

place to work – STEP UP! Those seeking a challenge

in life (the people that we want) are turned on by

those words. However once we get them through

the door – then what? How do we maintain the

status of ‘an employer of choice’ to those within

our ranks? When the excitement of military life

has settled to become a familiar and comfortable

place, how do we challenge and retain our talented

individuals?

Have we not often said – we always seem to

lose the good people? Talented individuals are

easily frustrated and easily de-motivated in an

organisation that doesn’t recognise or grow their

natural abilities. Fortunately the RNZAF has a large

pool of passionate and committed individuals

whose mission involves supporting, encouraging

and growing the next generation of leaders within

the RNZAF.

One of these passionate people, F/S Colin Edie,

gathered a group of like-minded individuals around

him and formulated a plan for an RNZAF mentoring

scheme. This idea was based on the desire to

challenge individuals of Junior Rank to a higher

level of performance. The idea snowballed and soon

more individuals around the RNZAF were coming

out of the woodwork to support the programme in

its infancy. The AFLB was very receptive to the idea,

recognising a brilliant opportunity to support one

of the strategic goals of learning and growing our

workforce for future capability.

The programme began as a trial at RNZAF Base

Auckland, with a team of committed individuals led

by Colin and W/O Robyn Gell. The trial scheme was

thE RNzAf MENtORING SChEME

unlocking the potential for

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fGOff Daniel Pezaro (mentee) and SqNLDR Scott McKenzie (mentor) before a tiger Moth at Base Ohakea’s historic flight. SqNLDR McKenzie is a mentor to fGOff Pezaro as part of the RNzAf Mentoring Scheme. Photo: AC Amanda McErlich.

eXCellenCe

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aimed at providing development opportunities for

Junior ranks at Whenuapai. It started with 14 pairs

of mentors and mentees (a term we use instead of

protégé) from a range of different trades.

Not only were individuals offered training in how to

maintain a mentoring relationship, but also both

mentees and mentors were given the opportunity

for further professional development on a regular

basis. What did this consist of? Regular seminars/

workshops on a host of different topics that people

on the scheme had the option of attending. These

topics included learning how to increase team

performance and innovation, learning how to

effectively manage a project, and learning how

to prepare yourself for commissioning (to name

just a few!).

A year into the trial and those who have been

involved, both mentors and mentees, report

increased job satisfaction and commitment to

the organisation. The RNZAF now has a way of

encouraging its personnel to set regular personal

and professional goals, supporting them in

achieving these goals and providing general

development in a host of different areas along their

individual journeys to success.

As a result the AFLB agreed to expand the

programme to Ohakea and in January of this year

another 24 pairs of individuals kicked off their

mentoring relationships. A few weeks later another

group of Auckland mentoring pairs was set up and

as I write this article, I am preparing to present

the scheme to Woodbourne personnel, and the

following day I will be at Air Staff then Joint Force HQ

encouraging their involvement in the scheme.

So far, wherever the scheme is advertised it is met

with resounding enthusiasm and support. We have

a huge pool of experienced individuals from every

rank and trade keen to be mentors and keen to be

mentored! In Ohakea the scheme expanded to all

ranks including civilians and participants ranged

from AC to GRPCAPT.

It is the vision of Colin Edie and his team – the

Mentoring Advisory Team or MAT – to offer the

opportunity for mentoring and professional

development to all members of the RNZAF. Further,

we intend to make the RNZAF a leading organisation

in the area of mentoring. The final outcome of this is

that talented individuals will have a continual forum

for challenge and self-improvement and the RNZAF

will become the organisation of choice!

Through this scheme we are making an investment

in our personnel – and the message they hear? This

organisation cares. Some people will claim that

we do not need this scheme as there is already

informal mentoring occurring across the units. This

is true – but what the scheme adds to this existing

mentoring is that it provides training for mentors

to help facilitate mentees to achieve their goals

using a non-directive approach. This approach

encourages the mentee to take responsibility

for their own development and accountability for

their own success/failure. The scheme also offers

a framework, from which mentors can work, and

support for dealing with tough situations and

funding for professional development initiatives

we never had access to before. It attempts to

reward individuals for their input into the lives of

others, and acknowledges the contribution that

experienced personnel are making in the lives of

their mentees.

So is this something you should be involved in? The

answer is a definite yes! You may feel you don’t have

anything to offer, but you would be surprised. The

most effective mentors do not give advice at all, but

they ask the right questions that get their mentees

thinking about their own solutions. If you don’t want

to mentor – then be mentored! When was the last

time you pushed yourself or challenged yourself

or asked yourself the hard questions? If you are

interested in getting more out of your life and your

career then this is the scheme for you.

I asked you at the beginning of this article what is

different about the RNZAF; what sets us apart? I will

tell you now. We have a Chief and Senior Leaders

that are interested in you reaching your potential

within this organisation – and they are putting

their money where their mouths are! The RNZAF

is different because not only do we acknowledge

that our people are our greatest asset – but we are

now living this mantra by providing our people with

on-going support and development. The organisation

has done its part – the rest is up to you. The RNZAF

Mentoring Scheme is 100% voluntary so get involved

in your own development, reach your potential and …

strive for the stars – PER ARDUA AD ASTRA!

for more information contact:

AUCKLAND MAt: F/S Colin Edie; W/O Robyn Gell

OhAKEA MAt: FLTLT Caro Freeman; F/S Daz Horsely

wOODBOURNE MAt: SQNLDR Phill Bedford; FLTLT Jules Giligan

wELLINGtON MAt: FLTLT Caro Freeman.

MENtORING ISN’t A NEw IDEA IN thE RNzAf. GPCAPt CARL NIxON wROtE IN SUPPORt Of A SChEME AS ONE Of hIS PAPERS At StAff COLLEGE. hE CONCLUDED thAt:

Mentoring would build capacity for the RNZAF’s future success and should become part of its workforce strategy to sustain the momentum of career development. Research has shown that mentoring is likely to deliver positive outcomes for the RNZAF, mentees and mentors. Mentoring could be a valuable organisational asset as part of the RNZAF’s workforce development toolbox to foster a culture of continuous improvement, motivate young men and women to establish and meet longterm professional and personal objectives, develop talent, and retain personnel.

Mentoring can serve two broad development purposes: to enhance talent, or change behaviours either in terms of skill or attitude. Mentoring styles will depend on the relationship and objectives of the mentor and mentee, and may be directive or non-directive along with a focus on either stretching or nurturing the mentee.

There are many ways that we will achieve our goals in our working lives. One of them is mentoring. In a vibrant organisation full of young people, the opportunity to work together and learn from both inexperience and experience is an important way of achieving success.

A fuller copy GPCAPT Nixon’s excellent paper on this subject is available on the Air Force’s Intranet site.

a timely iDea

“a Vibrant OrganisatiOn full Of yOung

pEOplE...”

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o p E r a t i o N a l c a p a b i l i t y


These are not trick questions, but depending on

who you ask, the term Airworthiness will mean

different things to different people. So why don’t

we just say the aircraft is ’Safe for Flight’ rather

than Airworthy? Not another trick question, ‘Safe

for Flight’ is actually a tenet of Airworthiness but

there are other factors to consider when we talk

about Airworthiness. Rather than directly quote

the text book (DFO 92) definition of Airworthiness

(I will do that later in the article), I will explain

Airworthiness in a different way and then relate it

to how we do it in the RNZAF.

ROADwORthINESS

We all drive cars, motorbikes or trucks at some

stage in our lives so we all have a similar

understanding of what is safe and what is not

safe when it comes to motor vehicles, most of

which is common sense. This assessment of

vehicle and personal safety requires judgement,

however, this judgement is set against a series of

rules and regulations pertaining to driving. Let’s

call this Roadworthiness. To drive a motor vehicle

on a public road requires you to be in possession

of a drivers’ licence for the type of vehicle you

are driving. To get a drivers’ licence you will have

proved to an authority (Dept of Transport in

this case) that you have the requisite skills and

knowledge about driving a particular class of

vehicle. Further, those skills and knowledge have

been tested to a standard before you get your

licence to drive – in essence, a licence says you are

a competent vehicle operator. In aircraft terms,

the aircrew go through a very similar process. The

Authority in this case being 485 Wing. Turning

now to the vehicle itself, the authority (Dept of

Transport) through the registration scheme for

vehicles, ensures that the vehicle itself is safe to

operate on the road. The car must have indicators,

lights, brakes, seat belts etc. These critical systems

are examined and certified on a regular basis

through the WOF process. The WOF process is

driven by regulation which has been determined

by the authority. Further, as the operator of the

vehicle you also have a responsibility to ensure

that the vehicle complies with the standards

required of a vehicle to be used on the road. You

should maintain the vehicle in accordance with

the manufacturers’ instructions and the Dept of

Transport regulations; if you don’t the warranty

will be invalid and you could be breaking the law.

For example, try telling a policeman that the bald

tyres on the rear of your car passed the WOF eight

months ago and see if he will let you off! Or try

telling the car manufacturer Ford, that the reason

the car veered off the road was nothing to do with

your unauthorised nitrous oxide modification of the

engine of your XR8 and see if they will repair it under

warranty? On this latter point of modifications, all

road vehicles are designed and manufactured

by car makers to robust standards that ensure

the roadworthiness of the vehicle. To ensure that

standards are maintained throughout the life of

the vehicle, we have to follow the manufacturers

guidelines for the routine maintenance. Also,

any modifications we embody on the vehicle will

AIRwORthINESS IS A tERM MOSt PEOPLE USE tO StAtE thE CONDItION Of AN AIRCRAft thAt IS EIthER SAfE OR UNSAfE tO fLy. wOULD yOU wANt tO fLy IN AN AIRCRAft thAt wAS NOt AIRwORthy? I SUSPECt NOt… AND yOU wOULD BE RIGht – BUt DO yOU KNOw why? DO yOU ACtUALLy KNOw whAt

AIRwORthINESS MEANS IN thE NzDf? AND why IN thE NzDf AND NOt jUSt thE RNzAf?

aiRwoRThinesswhat’s that all aBout?

WGCDR NIGe SaINSBURySeasprite ground crew ensure the aircraft are airworthy prior to a five ship takeoff from Base Auckland. the concept of airworthiness applies across the wider NzDf, not just the RNZAF.

2 3



need to be approved by the car manufacturer

themselves or underwritten by the manufacturer of

the modification who would have approval from the

car manufacturer or authority (Dept of Transport) to

produce the modification for such cars. If not, you

will undermine the roadworthiness of the vehicle

by operating it outside of what it was designed to

do. The car manufacturers design the car and you

as the operator have to maintain the car to the

manufacturers design. Aircraft are no different;

they are designed to a standard by an approved

manufacturer (Airbus, Boeing, Agusta Westland

etc) who themselves have been given approval

to design and build aircraft to rules directed by

their National regulatory making authority. The

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United

States are the regulatory authority for Boeing, and

the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for

Airbus. These regulatory approvals ensure that as

a responsible aircraft manufacturer Boeing and

Airbus must produce a maintenance programme

for that aircraft. Just like the car, it then becomes

the responsibility of the operator of the aircraft to

ensure that it is always correctly maintained and

operated within its limits. As an Air Force we are the

operator and maintainer of the aircraft and whilst

aircraft are generally more complex than cars, we

employ different people to operate the aircraft to

those who maintain and support it.

tyPE CERtIfICAtION

So why and how do we do Airworthiness ...? To

answer why, the Defence Force Act 1990 charges

CDF with responsibility for the efficient, effective

and economical management of the activities and

resources of the Defence Force. Airworthiness is

included in this charge as the NZDF is excluded

from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Act 1990.

So the RNZAF is an Authority in its own right,

as an authority we have to put in place orders

and regulations that are at least equal to other

regulatory authorities like the Civil Aviation

Authority of NZ (CAANZ). The DFO 92 does this

for us. To answer the how?; the Type Certification

aspect is an internal process mapped out in

the DFO 92 that requires us to collect, examine

and verify all the data (evidence) that ensures

every aircraft of that particular type has been

designed and manufactured and can be operated

and maintained in service. All the supporting

documentary evidence (certification data) from

these four elements is packaged together and

when the OAA and TAA staffs are satisfied that

the aircraft is ready to be formally accepted into

NZDF service, it is presented to the Airworthiness

Board (AB) for approval. For new aircraft or major

modifications to existing aircraft, the MoD Resident

Project Teams, the Directorate of Logistics

Capability (DLC) and the Introduction into Service

Teams (IIS) are responsible for generating the

package of evidence to support certification. For

legacy aircraft yet to be certified, the Directorate

of Aeronautical Engineering (DAE) takes the lead.

To get to an AB requires significant effort by many

people spread across all the commands in the

RNZAF. All Airworthiness Boards are chaired by

CAF as the AA and this is the highest level of

Airworthiness process carried out in the RNZAF.

airCraft arE nO diffErEnt; thEy

arE dEsignEd tO a standard

by an apprOVEd manufaCturEr...

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No. 3 Squadron maintenance personnel replace the main rotor on an Iroquois helicopter.



CONtINUED AIRwORthINESS

Having certified the aircraft type, we also need to

make sure that we have the resources, equipment,

and infrastructure to support this aircraft type in

service. This requires the support of a wide range of

people across the RNZAF: in operating Squadrons,

Maintenance Wing (MW) and Materiel Support

Wing (MSW), DAE, and many more. However,

from a purely regulatory aspect, the Directorate

of Aeronautical Configuration (DAC), including

Technical Support Units and Maintenance Planning

Unit, and 485WG Headquarters, primarily regulate

the continued Airworthiness of all the fleets on a

daily basis. This is a difficult and unique challenge

for the RNZAF as its own Airworthiness authority,

since these units are not only responsible for

regulating flying activity, but also supporting its

delivery. It is a careful and critical balance. Further,

we must ensure that our usage and modification of

the type does not compromise the original design

of that aircraft. Once again, we have very strict

operating and technical processes and procedures

in place that are managed by very competent

people to ensure that this does not happen. These

processes and procedures are initially reviewed

at the Type Certification AB and then on a regular

basis as part of the Airworthiness and Capability

Management Boards (ACMBs) run by the DAE.

NzDf are:

Owner (1)Operator (1) & (2)Maintainer (1) & (2)Regulator (1) and,Designer (Mods) (1) & (2)

AIRwORthINESS fRAMEwORK

Airworthiness Certification (1)(Type Certification)

Formal recognition by the AA that:An aircraft design as documented, is safe to operate in its intended roles and, the design standards underpinning that recognition are accepted and will be adhered to.

Continuing in-service Airworthiness Management (2)(not compromising the certification basis)

Achieved through: T&E; ACMB (Airworthiness Boards); Compliance Assurance; NZDF Airworthiness Directives (NZSFI,NZSMI and ISSFP); SOI; Regulations (Ops & Tech).

Instruments

Type CertificateInterim Type Certificate

Supplemental Type CertificateSpecial Flight Permit

In-Service Special Flight Permit

technical and Operating Airworthiness Management & Regulation

technical and Operating Airworthiness Management & Regulation

Again, airworthiness is a cross-NzDf issue as illustrated by these Nz Army personnel working on a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

NzDf AIRwORthINESS fRAMEwORK

The NZDF Airworthiness framework is described in

DFO 92 and is shown diagrammatically in Fig 1.

(Note that orders for Airworthiness are documented

in a DFO and not an NZAP). It consists of only two

parts. Type Certification – which is acceptance of

the original design of the aircraft and its suitability

for our usage in the role we want to use it in and,

Continued Airworthiness – the internal processes

we have in place to ensure that we operate and

maintain the aircraft with competent people who

are following approved processes and procedures

ensuring that the aircraft is not operated outside

of its Type Design limitations. The Management

of the airworthiness framework is achieved

through our own airworthiness authority. The

CAF is appointed (through DFO 92) as the NZDF

Airworthiness Authority (AA) and coordinates his

AA activities through OC485WG as the Operating

Airworthiness Authority (OAA) and, CLG(F) as the

technical Airworthiness Authority (tAA). Note

the term ‘Operating’ as apposed to ‘Operational’.

Operating meaning the function of physically

operating the aircraft as apposed to Operational

meaning the utilization (tasking) of the aircraft.

These terms are explained further in DFO 92.

As promised the definition of Airworthiness straight from DfO 92:

‘Airworthinessisaconcept,theapplicationofwhichdefinestheconditionofanaircraftandsuppliesthebasis for judgementofthesuitabilityforflightofthataircraft,inthatithasbeendesigned, constructed, maintained and is expected to beoperated to approved standards and limitations, by competent and approved individuals, who are acting asmembers of an approved organisation and whose work is both certifiedascorrectandacceptedonbehalfoftheNewZealandDefenceForce’.

So…the term Airworthiness in the NZDF is much more detailed than just stating that an aircraft is safe for flight. It covers design, build, operating and maintenance aspects. Furthermore, the term recognises that judgement is exercised on each of these core elements by competent and approved individuals. If you hear that an Aircraft has an Airworthiness problem you know that it is likely to be something more than a flat tyre or a blown reading light in the cabin! Why do we do all this stuff….? Well, we do all this stuff so that when you climb aboard an NZDF aircraft YOU don’t have to think about Airworthiness. As an operator, or as a passenger, you can take that for granted because of what the RNZAF’s Airworthiness organisation does behind the scenes.


o u r h E r i t a g E

A LIttLE KNOwN OR SEEN ARtEfACt Of SIGNIfICANCE wIthIN thE SUPPLy BRANCh IS thE ‘tOKUtOKU’ [tALKING StICK] OR CANE Of KNOwLEDGE.

The cane is a symbolic representation of the Supply

Trades ‘font of knowledge and wisdom’ and is held

by the most senior serving RNZAF Supply Warrant

Officer. It was first presented in 1987 by the late

W/O Brian Madden SSUPLR (H77655).

In the 70s and 80s W/O Madden was known

as ‘The Godfather’ and he was held in very high

esteem not only by his peers but also by RNZAF

Senior management. Back then, among his other

duties, W/O Madden was responsible for allocating

and recording the movement of RNZAF aircraft in

a purposely designed register, the first entry dated

1934! This historical living document was fiercely

guarded by W/O Madden and it rarely left his office.

The origin and fate of every aircraft ever flown by

the RNZAF, from Vilderbeeste to B757, is recorded

in this register including the original purchase date,

the movement between Squadron(s) and major

repair depots, war time service, serious crashes,

subsequent repair or write-off action and the

aircrafts’ ultimate disposal or sale. The original

document is now held in climate controlled storage

at the RNZAF Museum whilst the working copy

resides in DAE Wellington.

At W/O Madden’s retirement dinner at RNZAF

Shelly Bay in April 1987, the Cane of Knowledge

was produced and offered as a ‘gift’ to the Senior

W/O serving in the RNZAF Supply trade. He then

presented the cane to W/O Eddie McConnell

(A77211) and stated it was now his [Eddie’s]

responsibility to retain the tradition by passing the

cane to the next senior W/O upon his retirement,

and so on.

I actually worked with W/O Madden in the Defence

Building (ACDS SUP) which was located in Bunny St

Wellington on the site that is now the Wilson’s car

park, adjacent to the Waterloo Backpackers (then

known as the Waterloo Hotel, a favourite watering

hole at the time).

We are not sure where the cane was carved but

it may have been in Wellington because that’s

where W/O Madden spent his last years in the

RNZAF. W/O Madden passed away before I had a

chance to determine the origin of the cane so I’ve

been working with ex RNZAF Supply ‘elders’ and

Kaumatua in an attempt to identify the significance

of the distinctive carvings on the cane. So far, it

appears the two headed handle or ‘manaia’ could

signify a bird (representing Air Force) looking

into the past and toward the future. The shaft,

probably constructed from the trunk or root of a

tree, represents geneology. The carving on the

upper shaft could represent ripples on the water

or the beginning of life. The carving on the lower

shaft shows the strength, stability and ‘mana’ of

the Warrant Officer.

I was working at Wellington Air Movements when

I inherited the cane from W/O Monty Campbell

SSUPLR (R84494) in 2005. Soon afterwards I was

posted to HQ 1JMOVGP (Sydney) so didn’t get the

cane out and about much. Since recently arriving

back at RNZAF Base Auckland I’ve managed to

‘walk’ the cane to one or two RNZAF formal dinners,

to significant Supply events, to 08/2 Senior Supply

Specialist Course graduation and more recently to

the 9/01 Air Movements Course graduation where

I’ve been delighted to speak about the cane’s

origins and significance.

I will endeavour to ‘air’ the cane as often as I can

whilst continuing to determine and interpret it’s

origins. In the meantime, if any Suppliers or other

interested parties wish to view the cane, seek some

wisdom or hear more stories please give me a buzz

at ESS HQ, RNZAF Auckland on 399 x7731.

INIt/NAME jOIN REtIRE CANE PRESENtED StAtUS

D.A.J. (Davy) Brunt 03 MAY 60 22 SEP 92 12 APR 87 Civ WB

A.J. (Sam) Samuels 17 JUN 63 28 MAR 93 22 SEP 92 Retired

N.M. (Monty) Campbell 13 JAN 70 12 JAN 05 28 MAR 93 Retired

N.A. (Budgie) Baigent 18 APR 79 10 NOV 11 12 JAN 05 ESS

cane oF knowleDge – w/o supplyW/O NOel ‘BUDGIe’ BaIGeNt

ABOVE: w/O Baigent's cane.

RIGht: w/O Baigent and his cane.

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thE CANE wAS SUBSEqUENtLy PRESENtED tO:



Air Force PR spokeswoman Anna Sussmilch, who accompanied the band on tour had this to say at the tour’s conclusion:

The last post. The band is now safely home, a

little tired and worse-for-wear, but nevertheless

all in one piece.

The last lot of concerts was in the very hot and

sunny Hawke’s Bay. On the Saturday afternoon a

small group of the band took a music workshop at

Napier Boys High School for local students, while

the rest had marching practice (woo hoo). It went

better than the first one – thank goodness!

Afterwards we headed to town to look at all the

Art Deco happenings – the dresses, the cars and

of course the jazz bands. Some of us managed

to squeeze costumes into our luggage, so were

able to dress up for the afternoon. Unfortunately,

we missed watching our Navy band compatriots

perform as we had our own band ‘End of Tour’

function to attend back in Hastings.

Sunday was our last concert at the Hawke’s Bay

Opera House. Given it was at 12.30 and during

Art Deco Weekend, there was still a very large

turnout of enthusiastic concert goers; and with

a number of the band hailing from Hawke’s Bay,

quite a few supporters too.

It is a beautiful theatre and is rumoured to have

its own ghost. With things going walk-about

during the concert, like Al’s bow for his double

bass and Dave’s dress for the Gumboot Song, it

seems the ghost was having a good time along

with the audience. Afterwards we bundled into

buses for the final trip home, with some robust

debate over whether it was quicker to go up and

over the Rimutakas or via Palmerston North.

The curtain has dropped on yet another successful annual tour from the Central Band of the RNZAF.

aiR FoRce BanD’s annual touR

the Central Band of the RNzAf kicking up a storm on parade.

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The 65 members of the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force

wended their way through the heart of the North Island, presenting school

and public concerts, street parades and workshops during their annual tour

from 16 – 22 February.

Residents in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo and the Hawkes Bay got a

rare opportunity to see New Zealand’s largest professional symphonic band

in concert. The concerts, jam-packed with something for everyone, featured

musical variety ranging from the classics to modern hits, from Tchaikovsky to

ABBA. Guest vocalists included singers Bella Kalolo and Stephanie Paris.

‘Schools around the regions also had the chance to see the band perform

special concerts for them during the tour,’ said Royal New Zealand Air Force’s

Director of Music, SQNLDR Owen Clarke. ‘The children loved seeing and

hearing the different instruments, especially the saxophones and of course

the drums!’ he said.


o u r h E r i t a g E

SOME 200 VEtERANS Of thE RAf’S World War II Bomber Command were joined by

almost as many relatives, friends and onlookers

to see the New Zealand Bomber Command

Association’s memorial to fallen comrades unveiled

in the Auckland War Memorial Museum on 1

March 2009.

The $100,000 memorial designed by Weta

Workshop, a freestanding bronze sculpture of a

Lancaster crew with a Lancaster coming out of

the marble background, was unveiled jointly by

the Chief of Air Force, AVM Graham Lintott, and

the driving force behind the project, the 85-year-old

president of the Bomber Command Association,

WGCDR (Rtd.) Bill Simpson, QSO, DFC.

In a short but moving dedication service, the

opening prayers and the final blessing were given

by the Air Force Chaplain, SQNLDR Anthony Hawes,

with a reading being given by a veteran-turned-

religious, Rev Brother Jack Ward, a former 75

Squadron navigator.

WGCDR Simpson and his association vice-

president, SQNLDR ‘Bunny’ Burrows, welcomed

everybody with the Mayor of Auckland, John Banks

QSM, saying how appropriate it was that such a

memorial should be housed in a museum that was

itself a war memorial.

AVM Lintott spoke of the huge contribution New

Zealand had made to Bomber Command and

the sacrifice – some 6,000 had served and of

these almost 2,000 had given their lives, by

far the highest proportion of any country in the

Commonwealth. And it should also be remembered

that overall Bomber Command had lost more than

55,000 aircrew and that the average age of those

men had been just 22. It was fitting that they should

be remembered and honoured.

BomBeR commanD MEMORIAlPeTer MCQuAiD

wGCDR (Rtd.) Bill Simpson, qSO, DfC. lays a wreath on behalf of the New zealand Bomber Command Association.

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Address by Chief of Air force AVM Graham Lintott ONzM.

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Veterans, families and members of the public admire the memorial.

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why BECOME AN OPERAtOR wIth thE COUNtER tERRORISt tACtICAL ASSAULt GROUP?

For me, the answer was simple: change!

As a SNCO I was becoming increasingly frustrated

at the amount of time spent behind a desk, and

that was definitely not how I wanted to spend my

last few years of service! What I wanted, was to be

part of a dynamic and professional team, whose

members possessed high levels of professionalism,

personal drive and self motivation.

SO hOw DID I GO ABOUt thIS ChANGE IN DIRECtION?

First up, I attended a recruiting road show,

presented by serving unit members. My mind was

now made up and the wheels were set in motion.

Next on the agenda: preparation of the mind and

body. The mind was easy, I wanted to do this and

my decision to commit had been made – no further

action required. Preparing my body was next. I

possessed reasonable levels of fitness; however,

I was under no illusion as to what was required.

Listed on the Intranet under the 1NZSAS Gp site

is a training programme specifically designed to

have you ready on day one of Assessment. A lot

of time and effort has gone into designing this

specific training programme. If proper preparation

is part of your strategy (and it should be!), follow

the training programme. Along the way I had the

odd niggle, which required slight modifications to

my training regime (I think they were age related

injuries as I’m not getting any younger!). Although

slight modifications were made, time and intensity

in training remained constant. Time spent training

is never wasted and if you don’t put in the time,

you will be found wanting.

Entry Assessment arrived and I was ready and

willing. I won’t go into what happens during the

assessment but I can tell you that time will whiz by.

I faced my own mini challenges along the way but at

the finish it was a feeling of satisfaction that all the

time and effort spent training was not wasted. Not

everyone was successful. It’s not designed to be

easy, but hey, it’s only one week out of your life.

EMPLOyMENt tRAINING

Employment Training is the course where you are

taught the basic core competencies to be employed

within the unit. The start date arrived and I was

both excited and anxious. The course is hard and

fast and we were constantly tested. You have to

pick things up or you will be removed. However,

despite the pressures, you will enjoy it. You will be

stimulated with new skills, you will be on the move

non stop, your adrenaline will be pumping and you

will meet and make some great mates. The wide

variety of job specific skills taught on Employment

Training was new to everyone. Don’t let this deter

you. You just have to bring the aptitude to learn

and willingness to succeed. The skills required

will be taught to you, from there we practised and

practised and practised.

Successfully completing Employment Training

and graduating into the unit was a proud day,

but tempered with the knowledge that I was now

standing at the ‘real’ start line and only possessed

the basic skill sets. The bar is set high by unit

members, but it’s set high for a reason and it’s up

to you to get yourself there.

So, are you up for a challenge?

Do you want something new and exciting?

Do you want to be part of a professional close-

knit team?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions,

then stop day dreaming and get to it! The challenge

is yours for the taking and the only person holding

you back is you! There will be hiccups along the way

and the road will not be easy, but, like me, you will

enjoy it. This is not a job, it’s a lifestyle.

So, how did you spend your day?

a liFe less oRDinaRycounter terrorist tactical assault group (cttag)

the roads to 1 NzSAS GP now has two Selection Paths – the Special Air Service (SAS) route (page 27), or through Counter terrorist tactical Assault Group (CttAG) pathway (this page, 26). Both directions are voluntary, each are achievable with grit, determination and the will to succeed.



Selection. It’s something many in the military have thought about; a lot less have attempted

and even fewer have been successful. I do not intend to preach to you about what you need to do to get there, you can read that online. What I want to do is give you some of the course realities - the perceived hardships and myths - and go through some of my personal observations that will hopefully give you a better understanding of what you are up against. It is important to understand that I have both passed and failed selection and I give you this advice with no ego attached.

thE DECISION tO AttEND. It may sound obvious, but this is probably the most important first step. It is when you decide that you want to become part of this unit. Your reasoning must be sound. There’s no room for a ‘I’ll give it a go, or ‘people think I should so I will’ attitude. These people will not finish. If you are in a relationship that you want to keep, you will need to talk to your partner in detail and explain to her exactly what it is you want to do and why. If your foundation is not solid at this early stage, for whatever reason, it will surely crumble come selection. Once your decision is made, you can focus on the next step.

yOUR tRAINING will vary depending on your start state. Because the majority of selection is done with a pack on your back, so should your training. For myself, I walked a number of longer sessions to get my mind used to the boredom and fatigue. Ensure that you do not overtrain yourself. Take time off during training to relax and take it all in. At the end of the day, we are all in the military and can all carry a pack. It is really no different on selection other than the fact that it is you, not

your commander who decides when you get up to take that next step.

PRE-SELECtION must be a lot of fun for those who are in the position to observe it from the sides. People of all shapes and sizes turn up with just as many different attitudes and reasons for wanting to be there. It soon becomes apparent that those bristling with confidence and a desire to prove themselves during this phase will inevitably fail. Pre-selection does give you your first glimpse of the badged members though and I would be lying if I did not say that it was inspiring to see people wearing the beret and belt. Just concentrate on what you are there for and forget about the other distractions.

SELECtION PROPER is the time to show what you have got. Day One starts with the RFL, shortly followed by the BFT, Swim test and hares and hounds (webbing run). It is a hard slog of a day but if you break it down into its key elements, it is much simpler. As someone once said to me “the way to eat an elephant is by doing it one bite at a time”. Day’s Two to Four are open country pack walking. That’s it, simple; but for some reason it is the time when most people come off the course, not because they do not make the timings (which are not that difficult) but because they withdraw themselves from selection. For whatever reason, they have given themselves the excuse to depart. If you have your motivation squared away from the start, then this will not be you.

ExERCISE VON tEMPtSKy, the ‘dunes’ or the

‘Jerries’ as it is affectionately known. This is

probably the most talked about and anticipated

part of selection. I must admit that prior to starting

them I was also a little anxious about the next 20

hours until I had a realisation. That realisation was

that I am going to be here for the next 20 hours,

carrying jerry cans, so deal with it. And I did. Like

the others around me, I just knuckled down and

got on with it and to be perfectly honest found it

easier than I thought I would. If the task was not

achievable then no one would have passed, and

so many have. So my advice to you is to suck it up

and crack on. You have already made the decision

to be there so don’t cut yourself short.

thE fINAL DAyS Of SELECtION are occupied with

the close country navigation and the 60km pack

walk. Do not let yourself relax because you have

‘broken the back’ of the course by finishing the

‘jerries’, because it will only make the next few days

harder. The key, as with the rest of the selection,

is just to keep on going, and be prepared to go a

little further than that.

PASSING selection for me was an interesting

experience. For so long I had been looking at the

selection ‘door’ and all of a sudden it was open.

It’s a very satisfying feeling to know that you have

passed but the reality that it is only the beginning

also starts to set in.

I have a long way in my journey to go and I would

not presume to know the ‘in’s and out’s’ of this unit

and those that make up its numbers. All I know is

that I want to be part of it. I sincerely wish you all

the best for your journey.

1nzsas selection

“dOn’t Cut yOursElf shOrt”

“pEOplE Of all shapEs and siZEs turn up with just as many diffErEnt attitudEs and rEasOns fOr wanting tO bE thErE...”

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ON 15 MARCh 2009, jUMP StARt wAS COMPLEtED SUCCESSfULLy MARKING ItS thIRD yEAR SINCE INCEPtION.

Bad weather saw the event postponed from

Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 but this call proved ‘spot

on’ as Sunday’s weather was clear blue skies with

light winds, allowing us to fully complete the event

without a hitch.

Jump Start is a charity event that gives teenagers

from CanTeen and Project K the chance to complete

a tandem skydive from the ramp of the RNZAF C130

Hercules. The event was again hosted by RNZAF

Base Auckland and fifty courageous teenagers from

Project K and CanTeen took up the challenge.

Jump Start is fully support by the RNZAF who

have been involved since the first event over the

skies of Matamata in 2007. Such support involves

various sections of the RNZAF including: Parachute

Training Support Unit (PTSU), Base Medical, No. 40

Squadron, and Ground Support Squadron.

PTSU play a major role with support from RNZAF

parachutists. The primary role of PTSU is parachute

instruction for members of the New Zealand

Army and RNZAF, but PTSU CO SQNLDR Darryn

Pritchard says ‘it is great to also work with the

local community and support such a worthwhile

cause.’

‘These kids have faced a number of challenges and

it is great to give them the chance to do something

out of the ordinary.

‘Before the jump there are a few nerves, but

afterwards there are these wide smiles and the

kids get such a confidence boost,’ says SQNLDR

Pritchard.

Jump Start is very unique in its organization,

as it involves such a huge group of military and

civilian skydivers all working together as a ‘team’.

Jump Start effectively provides the participants

in the program with a sense of confidence and

achievement un-paralleled by any other activity.

‘In total we conducted 5 flights with 5 – 6 passes

on each. We dropped 40-50 jumpers on each flight

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sUCCessanotheR Jump staRt

TiM fAsTneDGe JuMP sTArT COMMuniCATiOns COOrDinATOr

jUMPStARt 09: A charity event at which civilian skydivers help raise money to sponsor teenagers from Canteen and Project K (children at risk) who then have the opportunity to complete a tandem skydive. the RNzAf supports the event by providing C-130, Parachute jump Instructor (PjI), administrative and logistical support along with the civilian tandem masters, camera flyers who also donate their time. this year the event will be hosted by PtSU at whenuapai Airfield, RNZAF Base Auckland, on Saturday 14 March. Note: for privacy reasons we have not identified individual Jump Start participants.

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totaling approximately 200 jumps for the day – an

outstanding achievement. The day for us started at

0800 and ended at approx 1900 with the last flight

landing about 1830, says SQNLDR Pritchard.

This year Jump Start awarded its key working

crews with the Anahera award. Key personnel were

awarded the Jump Start Anahera Wings, and all

earning high respect among their peers – Anahera

(Maori meaning ‘angel’)

Special thanks to all of those involved at every

level. Your support to this event is a fine example

of how individuals can make a difference in the

lives of others.

“jump start is a Charity EVEnt

that giVEs tEEnagErs frOm

CantEEn and prOjECt k

thE ChanCE tO COmplEtE a

tandEm skydiVE ...”

PtSU CO Darryn Pritchard gets ready to help another jump Start participant out the C-130’s back door.

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o p E r a t i o N a l S u p p o r t


yOU MAy NOt BE AwARE thAt wE StILL hAVE wORKING DOGS wIthIN thE RNzAf AND OVER thE PASt yEAR, thE AIR SECURIty MILItARy wORKING DOG (MwD) UNIt hAS DOUBLED IN SIzE tO MEEt CURRENt OPERAtIONAL COMMItMENtS.

The Dog Unit was first established back in 1967

when the RNZAF first purchased the P3 Orion

Aircraft from the United States. Due to the sensitive

nature of the electronic equipment on board these

aircraft it was stipulated that additional security

measures had to be put in place to prevent

unauthorised access to the aircraft. Dogs were

chosen primarily for their vastly superior sense of

smell, sharpness of hearing and a visual ability to

detect even the smallest of movements. The dogs

could work in a variety of conditions and would

reduce the manpower required for this task. Thus

the RNZAF Police Dog Unit was established and

built at its current location adjacent to the main

gate at Base Auckland, Whenuapai airfield.

Over the years the Dog Unit has managed to survive

many changes in its role and focus, as well as

command and management. In 2003 the RNZAF

deployed dogs, in support of Operation Rata,

Solomon Islands. This was the first time RNZAF

MWDs were deployed overseas in an operational

role. Between 2003 and 2004 a total of three dog

teams were deployed on this operation, where

SGt Pete BaRRaSS snCO iC DOG uniT

woRking Dog unitBiTes BaCK

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LAC Drummond and MwD Ceasar at the New zealand Police Dog Section at trentham.

LAC Erin McKinney and MwD jedi on display duties at Manurewa in february 2009.

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o p E r a t i o N a l S u p p o r t


they were to prove their worth as a force multiplier,

protecting our assets on the ground. Now under

the ESS umbrella the Dog Unit maintains a focus

on operational readiness to support the force

element groups. Through this is also the provision

of security at RNZAF Bases and deployments within

New Zealand.

Sweeping changes were to come to the MWD unit

in August 2008 when I arrived to become the new

MWD Unit IC (I was one of the latest UK imports).

My first mission was to prepare the team to provide

security support to Exercise MARU which was to

be held at RNZAF Base Auckland in September

2008. The team, comprising LAC McKinney; AC

Morrison and SGT Barrass maintained a continuous

security presence with their dogs throughout the

Exercise. This was no mean small feat considering

AC Morrison was still under training and the MWD

Unit’s two senior dog handlers LAC Matt Corkery

and LAC Jerry Drummond were attached away

on ANZAC Exchange and a NZ Police Dog Course

respectively.

LAC Corkery was deployed on ANZAC exchange from

16 August to 10 November 2008. This saw him

develop his skills as a dog trainer and also improve

ANZAC public relations. LAC Corkery‘s verdict on the

ANZAC Exchange;

‘While at Royal Australian Air Force’s Security and

Fire School (SFS) based in Amberley working with

the Military Working Dog Training Flight (MWDTF)

I worked with the Canine Breeding Cell, the foster

programme, juvenile and adult development, and

helped instruct on a basic course. This was a totally

different experience to me as working with 150

dogs was a step above working with three or four

as was the case when I left New Zealand. Although

there was plenty of banter given each way about

uniform differences and our total rugby domination,

I definitely felt welcome. An example of this was

being invited to the Police and Services Canine

Association of Queensland’s Annual Biathlon. It was

safe to say every man and his dog turned up which

made for a great day, topped off with a second

place for the Kiwi team. I made plenty of contacts,

and even more friends, which was a testament to

the hospitality I received. My MWD, Dax, seemed

to enjoy the trip as well. I mean with all that hot

weather and a constant stream of Australians to

bite, who wouldn’t!’

The past year has seen the Military Working Dog

Unit slowly expand from three to five Dog Teams

(a Dog team is the handler plus MWD). The latest

members of the Unit being AC Vicky Morrison, who

successfully completed her MWD Course in October

2008, and LAC Jerry Drummond who successfully

completed the NZ Police Dog Course in September

2008 with MWD Ceasar.

LAC Drummond’s thoughts on the NZ Police Dog

Course:

‘On 7 April 2008 I started training with the NZ Police

Dog Training Centre in Trentham. The General

Purpose (GP) course was made up of three one

month modules conducted in April, June and

September 2008.

‘The initial course covered an introduction to

grass tracking, basic bite work and obedience

control exercises such as heel work, distance

control, speak on command, send away and

formal retrieve.

‘The intermediate course built on the initial

exercises as well as introduced night training,

person search in building and open area (offender

hiding in building or yard) and article search (search

for item/evidence).

‘The final module was the ‘operational’ course and

focused on operational tracking and apprehension

of offenders. This included hard surface tracking,

stick and weapon attacks and crowd control. A

large portion of all three courses was devoted

to tracking as this is the “bread and butter” of a

police dog team.

‘Since completing the course, I have been

introduced to wind scenting (dog using airborne

scent) and the military components of training not

taught in the GP Police Dog Course such as working

with weapons and other security personnel.’

AC Morrison and LAC Drummond join the rest of the

small team that is dedicated to maintaining security

of RNZAF assets during the hours of darkness at

RNZAF Auckland. However, there is a lighter side to

the job highlighted by the team of LAC Erin McKinley

and MWD Jedi (pictured), who has been busy with

various public displays such as Base Auckland Kids

Christmas Party and the Kids Stand Tall Expo at

Manurewa, South Auckland.

The MWD Unit is looking forward to a busy schedule

in 2009 with the next major event being security

for Base Auckland Air Show and of course the fun

display during the day. The MWD Units motto ‘Cry

Havoc’ typifies the deterrent value of the MWD. So

remember, while you are asleep at night the MWD

Unit is out there protecting our assets.

“Vastly supEriOr sEnsE Of smEll, sharpnEss Of hEaring and a

Visual ability tO dEtECt EVEn thE smallEst Of mOVEmEnts”

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AC Vicky Morrison receives her certificate of completion for the Basic Dog Handlers' Course. L-R: AC Burt, fLtLt Crosswell, SqNLDR Shanley, AC Morrison and MwD Duke, f/S tubby, SGt Barrass.

t r a i N i N g


fGOff BEzUIDENhOUt was born in Durban,

South Africa. At the age of 12 he and his family sailed

to New Zealand and he began secondary education

at Takapuna Grammar School in 1999. In 2002 he

went to the University of Auckland and completed

a Bachelor of Commerce degree finishing in 2005.

FGOFF Bezuidenhout’s sporting interests include

kitesurfing and waterpolo. FGOFF Bezuidenhout was

posted to PTS in August 2007, to commence pilot

training with the 07/2 Wings course.

fGOff GRAhAM is the eldest of two children

and has a younger sister. He was born in Dunedin

and lived in Mosgiel, where he attended Taieri High

School. FGOFF Graham enlisted in the RNZAF in

January 2001 and was posted to Ohakea where

he served as an Aircraft Mechanic at the Rotary

Bay and spent just over a year at No. 3 Squadron

before commencing Aircraft Technician Course in

May 2004. FGOFF Graham spent a further two

and a half years at 3 Squadron, gaining promotion

to CPL before he remustered to pilot. He was

commissioned from the ranks in June 2007.

PLtOff ADAIR continues a family history of Air

Force pilots following in the footsteps of his father

and grandfather. He is the eldest of two children

and spent much of his childhood years in the

country south of Auckland. PLTOFF Adair attended

St Kentigern College as a boarder, where he studied

and enjoyed success in a wide range of academics

and sports. On graduation from Secondary School,

Pilot Officer Adair travelled through America and

Europe for two years, before returning to New

Zealand and basing himself out of Auckland. On

graduating from 07/1 Initial Officer Training, where

he was awarded the Karl Dobson Memorial Trophy,

PLTOFF Adair was posted to Pilot Training Squadron

at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

PLtOff BOOth was born in Nelson, the

youngest of three sons. Moving to Canterbury with

his parents he attended Geraldine High School

from 2000 to 2006. In his final year at high school

he was elected head student. PLTOFF Booth's

passion for flying and the Air Force developed over

the summers watching the Iroquois doing sweeps

up the local rivers. On successful application to the

RNZAF he was posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne

in 2007, where he graduated from IOTC. Pilot

Officer Booth was then posted to Pilot Training

Squadron at RNZAF Base Ohakea to commence

pilot training on 07/2 Wings Course.

SLt MELVILLE grew up in the Hawkes Bay, the

younger of two boys. He attended Havelock North

High School from 2001-2005. During his final year,

he was accepted into the RNZN and began training

in Devonport, Auckland in January 2006. It was

during this time that he completed his Grade 3

Officer of the Watch navigation course. SLT Melville

was posted to Pilot Training Squadron to join the

07/1 Wings Course from which he successfully

completed the airtrainer phase, however, due to an

accident he was unable to complete the advanced

phase with 07/1 Course. In July 2008 he returned

to 42 Squadron and joined 07/2 pilots course to

complete the advanced phase of pilot training.

PLtOff ROUND grew up living predominantly

in rural Franklin District, Bombay, with interludes

of living with his family in the USA, Europe and

Tonga. He completed his secondary school years

at Rosehill College, Papakura. In 2001, he was

employed as an apprentice in the automotive

industry for two years. During the years of 2004-

2005 he completed and graduated with a Diploma

in Civil Engineering at UNITEC. PLTOFF Round

then spent a gap year travelling Europe and South

America. After graduating from Initial Officer

Training, PLTOFF Round was posted to Pilot Training

Squadron, at RNZAF Base Ohakea, to commence

the 07/2 Wings Course.

PLtOff StAPP comes from a family of two

children with one younger sister. He was born in

Christchurch, and grew up in Timaru. His secondary

school years commenced at Timaru Boys High

School before he moved back to Christchurch,

where he attended Burnside High School from

2002-2005. PLTOFF Stapp developed a strong

interest in aviation after completing a flying course

at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, with the Air Training

Corps. He began Initial Officer Training in January

2007 and was posted to Pilot Training Squadron

in August 2007.

PLtOff wOODhOUSE is from the peaceful

town of Richmond, Nelson and is twin brother

to Daniel and son to Mark and Ruth. PLTOFF

Woodhouse attended Waimea College from

2001-2005, where he represented his school in

1st XV rugby and volleyball. In the year prior to

commencing Initial Officer Training at RNZAF Base

Woodbourne he was employed as a landscaper.

ON whAt IS INVARIABLy ONE Of A MILItARy PILOt’S PROUDESt DAyS thE fOLLOwING SEVEN AIR fORCE AND ONE NAVy PERSONNEL SUCCESSfULLy GRADUAtED fROM thE 07/02 wINGS COURSE At A CEREMONy At BASE OhAKEA ON 10 MARCh 2009. thE REVIEwING OffICER wAS AIRCDRE StOCKLEy.

wings success

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wings Course graduates (L-R): PLtOff Nathan Round, PLtOff Michael Adair, fGOff Craig Graham, PLtOff Matthew Stapp, PLTOFF Benjamin Woodhouse, PLtOff Alex Booth, fGOff Derek Bezuidenhout and SLT Benjamin Melville.

RnzaF spoRtspeRson oF the yeaR


S p o r t S p E r S o N o f t h E y E a r

2008 Winners in the eight aWard categories listed Were:

thE RNzAf CUPThe trophy is awarded annually to the Base, which,

by its overall performance in interbase competition

throughout the year, is adjudged by the RNZAF

Sports Committee to have promoted best the

objectives of RNZAF sport.

wINNER: RNzAf Base Auckland

thE USAf CUPThe Cup is awarded annually to the RNZAF Base

that gains the highest aggregate of points in all

interbase competition.

wINNER: RNzAf Base Auckland

RNzAf SPORtS tEAM Of thE yEARwINNER: RNzAf Men’s football

thE fLAG tROPhyThe trophy is awarded to the RNZAF Administrator

of the Year to recognise outstanding effort by

non-playing sports officials.

wINNER: f/S Peter Richardson

RNzAf SPORtS GOLD BADGEThe RNZAF Sports Gold Badge is the ultimate

recognition of consistent outstanding sporting

achievement and long-standing service to RNZAF

Sport

RECIPIENtS: w/O George Mana, w/O Ian Ditfort,

w/O Steven Schroder.

the 2008 sportsperson of the Year aWards (spotY) Were held at a ceremonY on 5 march at Base ohakea.

The RNZAF 141 FlighT

TRophy

The trophy is awarded annually for the

most outstanding achievement in sport

by an RNZAF sportsperson.

wINNER: AC Amy Ensor

The Nikki CARR MeMoRiAl TRophyThe trophy is awarded annually to the Under 23 member making the most outstanding contribution to sport during the year.

wINNER: AC Bryce hesselin

The les sMiTh MeMoRiAl TRophy

The trophy is awarded annually

to the member making the most

outstanding contribution to sport

during the year.

wINNER: AC Kahla tuffey

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3 6

S p o r t – m o p E d S


RnzaF aucklanD mopeDathonaka the whenuapai 4000

Not to be outdone by Woodbourne (see article

bottom right) Base Auckland also held its

inaugural event on Sunday 15 February 2009. LAC

Joe D’Ath gives us the low-down on the highlights.

The sun rose on a bright Sunday morning, with

the barest hint in the air of the downpour that

postponed racing from the day before. Seven teams

of the most elite moped riders that the Air Force

could muster, gathered on Whenuapai airfield for

what would be the first ever Whenuapai 4000.

With the day warming and the last of the breakfast

being eaten, the not so thunderous sound of seven

powerful, 50cc engines trying to start filled the

surrounding area with anticipation and exhaust

fumes. The day was to be divided into four events

to test the all around abilities, with a possible

4000 points up for grabs. (Disclaimer: Points were

allocated in a random and frivolous fashion, much

the same way as you’d ride a moped!)

The first event was a drag race, with each team

given three chances to cover 150 metres out and

back as fast as their machines could go without

blowing up. Many tactics came to light even this

early in the day. Wheelies for acceleration and

extra passengers for traction were tried, with little

success. Old Guys Racing, on a souped-up racing

bucket, took the 1000 points with a time of 23

seconds. But how would they cope with the tight,

twisty track racing that was to come?

Next came the sprint racing, with the fastest 5

laps of the track getting the 1000 points. Here was

where the true masters of their machines shone

through. The first four teams went at it hammer

and tongs, though it was clear that team Death

Proof with their super scooter were going to do

well. Death Proof rider Swede showed everyone

where the tyre traction limits were … twice. In the

final sprint between Death Proof, Old Guys Racing,

Watson Team Racing, and the Crazy Mexicans, the

latter went on to win the 1000 points.

With two teams now tied, and the rest trailing by

little more than 700 points, no one was about to

hold back in the lunchtime event, Show And Shine.

Here was the turn of the French representatives,

the Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys, to strut

their stuff, thereby proving that a team uniform,

(no matter what others thought of you because

of it) was most important. With “la Marseillaise”

blaring away in the background they too gained

themselves 1000 points, taking them to within a

moustache whisker of the outright lead. If only their

French flag paint schemed moped went anywhere

near as well as their boom box!

Finally teams made their last minute adjustments,

and it was time for the 3 hour endurance race. This

event was the first opportunity for the athletes to

really race each other. With all teams testing the

limits some true rivalries came to light. The faster

teams really pushed each other to the edge of the

racing lines, and at times into the tyres.

The Crazy Mexicans made it clear they meant

business after missing the start. Quickly making

back the laps they missed, they pushed for the lead

along with teams Old Guys Racing and De-gloved

Nut. Deathproof were also up the top until a crash

at about the half way mark forced them to conduct

some on the fly maintenance. The French at this

point waved a white flag as their not so highly tuned

nifty 50 just gave up and slunk off the course.

The race continued and with an hour to go, the

lead four teams were still within three laps of each

other. Alas, a few of these bikes were beginning to

suffer, and the lower ranking teams were building

their points up with stylish riding bonuses. Team

Slow’n’Steady in particular got knees down on

more than one corner and threw the front wheel up

in the air at any opportune moment (mainly in front

of the judges). This took its toll as they had to pit to

have the entire front steering re-tightened.

Bits of moped were becoming deposited around

the track, with Marshallers recovering fuses, foot

pegs and metal chunks in-between mopping up

radiator fluid and oil leaks. More bodging erupted

in the pits, with Death Proof being awarded ten

bonus laps for assisting other teams.

The French then decided they had sat out enough

of the war, and after their hearty picnic lunch

complete with baguettes, pate and copious

amounts of Camembert & Brie, were now back in

the game. The racing became closer and closer due

to le grosse obstruction the French presented. After

an awesome three hours of hotly contested racing,

Death Proof claimed the Enduro victory with 311

laps, closely followed by Old Guys Racing, and the

Crazy Mexicans taking the final podium spot.

Once all of the points were tabulated, the overall

win also went to Crazy Mexicans. Well done! Thanks

to all of the organisers, helpers and competitors

for making the event a success. Bring on the next

one in 2010!

“pOints wErE allOCatEd

in a randOm and friVOlOus

fashiOn...”

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S p o r t – m o p E d S


Auckland Mopedathon, aka the ‘whenuapai 4000’. Events included individual sprints, team races, and a 3-hour endurance race. teams were as follows: tEAM 1 ‘Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys’ Dave wills, Pat Davies, Nathan Mills. tEAM 2 ‘Death Proof’ Regan Denny, Brett Groves, Swede Smedley/johnny Kerten. tEAM 3 ‘De-Gloved Nut’ Glenn Russell, Graham Russell, tony Edmeads. tEAM 5 ‘Old Guys Racing’ Darran Goodwin, Shaun Clark, Gavin howse. tEAM 6 ‘watson Autos Racing LtC’ Nathan hodgkinson, tom Claffey, Greg Sheat. tEAM 7 ‘Crazy Mexicans’ Dave Matthews, Dave willetts, joshua white. tEAM 8 ‘Slow and Steady’ james Irving, Sam Greenhalgh, hamish Nicholson. Organisers: fLtLt Pete jackson (OIC Motorsports Club) and AC Catherine webster.

It StARtED Off A LIttLE LIGht ENtERtAINMENt BUt MOPED MANIA hAS tAKEN thE AIR fORCE By StORM. fLtLt jOhN hUMfREy REPORtS ON BASE wOODBOURNE’S INAUGURAL EVENt.

Some felt the need for speed, others the need for serviceability and some might say they all have a need for sanity, but on 22 February 2009, 22 riders took part in the inaugural RNZAF Woodbourne Mopedathon. Their aim was to complete as many laps of the track in six hours, riding a two wheeled vehicle, powered by an engine with no more than 50cc capacity.

Kiwi ingenuity was required in abundance to keep the ‘bikes’ on the track, as the eight teams suffered punctures, exhaust detachments and blown piston rings. It is testament to the skill and determination of the competitors that seven out of the eight bikes competing were still functioning at the end of the event. Unfortunately, the immaculately

presented Air Security vehicle, which won the ‘Best Presented Bike’ award, only managed nine laps before limping home, never to grace the track again, proving the old adage that you must never judge a book by its cover or a bike by its paint job. SGT Dean Jolley won the ‘stig’ award, for accomplished and impressive buttock transfer, whilst approaching corners.

Eventual Mopedathon winners were ‘Team Very Basic’ consisting of Mr Rolph Meltzer, SGT Ken Thompson and AC Daniel Stone, who managed an impressive 624 laps!

Special thanks to Mr Steve Wright, SGT Jeremy Ireland and Cpl James Bouwstra for organizing the event and to SGT Dave Turner for providing the BBQ and bar. All riders also appreciated the efforts of members of R1-09 Recruit Course, for their impartial and accurate lap counting.

Finally, for those people who did not take part, there may be another event around May/June 09 TBD. It’s all out there … just reach out and grab it!

they Felt the need…

winners ‘team Very Basic’. L-R are: Mr Rolf Meltzer, AC Daniel Stone, SGt Ken thompson and jennifer thompson (team mascot holding the trophy).

CPL Laurence Ransfield, sporting an intimidating look of determination, with LAC Daniel Melling on the smaller vehicle.

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3 8

S p o r t – c r i c k E t


Woodbourne hosted Interbase (IB) cricket

from 26 to 29 January 2009.

The men’s competition was highlighted by the

performance of Graham Burnnand who, besides

scoring the most runs, did a great impersonation

of Forrest Gump by doing at least the same

number of laps of Horton Park as part of his Taupo

Ironman training.

Ohakea’s (OH) impressive 287, Adrian West, 37,

Tom Redward, 45 and Burnnand, 74, was too

much for Woodbourne, 109, due to great bowling

by Chris Turkington’s 3-7 off 6 overs.

Auckland (AK), despite being in early trouble,

with Mark Chadwick, 40, and Richard O’Flaherty,

57*, ensured a comfortable 5 wicket win over

Wellington (WN) 176, Jason Trenberth, 27, and

Kyle Wealleans, 43. Top bowler was Aaron Taylor

4/21.

OH were again in the runs with 264, Burnand, 54,

West-66 and Hayden Madsen, 84, which proved

too much for AK, 157, with only Kim Bevins, 33,

providing resistance. Pick of the bowlers were

Hamish Overton, 3-37, and Gordon Schofield

2/32.

WN set Woodbourne (WB) a competitive 216,

Trenberth, 60, Greg Rawson, 27, and Pete Furjes,

and despite Mason Robinson, 36, were in trouble

and behind the run rate with rain falling. However,

by the time heavy rain stopped play, Dave Miles,

51*, just got Woodbourne (WB) to victory on

run rate.

WN’s top order was on fire, Trenberth, 47, Mark

Stevens, 38, and Rawson, 38, but top bowling

from Madsen, 4-23, limited them to a still very

good total of 241. OH, reversing the batting, were

in trouble at 5-77 until Forrest interrupted his laps

and joined West, 81, in a 98 run partnership.

Despite the loss of another wicket, he led OH

home with an over to spare with 82*.

This meant an OH/AK final. For once Forrest failed

(no prior laps), but a great captain’s knock by

Madsen, 81, with support by Turkington, 38, got

OH to a competitive 174. A wicket off the first ball

set the scene for AK’s reply, being all out in the

21st over for just 56 runs due to great bowling by

Schofield, 5-29, and Turkington, 3-14, and thus

confirmation they were the best team.

In the Twenty20 Plate game WN made 110, with

Stevens 47 and Miles 3/19 being the highlights of

that innings. Robinson, 41, & Miles, 26, ensured

WB were always in control for a deserved win.

The Women’s Twenty/20 competition was

dominated by Auckland this year with a well

rounded batting and bowling line up. The Ohakea

women fought hard to no avail and the WB team

offered little resistance to the AK onslaught.

GAME 1: wB VS Oh

Ohakea bowled well first up to restrict WB to 63/6

with Alice Forbes and Karen Peacock 3 – 13

each off their maximum 4 overs. Carmen Hollins

contributed with 13 and Jody Toa Toa 18. In reply

OH only managed 61 after miscounting overs,

believing they had one more over to score the 3

runs required to win.

GAME 2: AKL VS Oh

OH batted first making a competitive 86/5; Ange

Hockenhull 35, Alice Forbes 14 both performed

well with the bat given the tight bowling from AK;

Courtney Sefo 2 – 10 and Hayley Ireland 1 – 6.

AK in reply looked shaky losing their opening

batters early however the mid order combination

of H. Ireland 21* and Rachel James 19* secured

the win for AK.

DAy 2: Oh VS AKL

AK’s top four all batted well setting OH a total of

122/3; R. James 27*, Sanet Van Deventer 29,

best bowling by Cindy Hausman 1 – 15. OH in

reply could not match the batting performance

only making 48/8 given superb bowling by Ange

Dalton 3 – 8, S. Van Deventer 2 -10 and Rochelle

Blucher 0 – 4 all off 4 overs.

DAy 3: GAME 1: wB VS Oh

OH batted first making 79; best contributions by

C. Hausman 19 and Alison Wharewera 16. Pick

of the bowlers were R. James 2-8-3 and Maria

Captein earning a well deserved hat-trick with

3-4-3 off 3. In a close finish, WB reached 80 in the

20th over with a fine knock from Shoni Knowles

32*. Best bowling from Ohakea; A. Forbes 2 – 5

and Sharon Dobson 2 – 12.

GAME 2: AKL VS wB

It was a very short innings with AKL bowling WB all

out for 34. Grete Liua’ana who came to spectate

ended up playing for WB and top scored on 12.

Best bowling from AKL was R. Blucher 2 – 0 – 3

, H. Ireland 3 – 4 – 2. AK in reply lost 2 wickets

on their quest for another win, well bowled S.

Knowles 2 – 10.

GAME 3: Oh VS AKL

OH batted first hoping to set a competitive total

however were all out for 59. Again some great

tight bowling by AK; Ange Dalton 4 - 9 and M.

Captein 2-9-3. AK in reply reversed the batting

order and looked to be struggling however retired

a few players in order to secure the win in the final

over of the game.

fINALS DAy: AKL VS Oh

The format for finals day changed from Twenty/20

to a 40 over match. Unfortunately OH lost the

toss and were set a commanding total of 222/5

by AKL.

Spectators got to see some magnificent sixes by

H. Ireland who scored 71* and R. Blucher had OH

fielders defending the boundaries; she also scored

71 before being finally bowled by A. Forbes. Best

bowling figures came from C. Hausman who only

managed to give away 2-17-8 during the tirade

of batting.

OH started the chase well with an opening

partnership of 68; A. Hockenhull 34, Kim Small

32 and looked to have AK a little worried. However

the total proved too large as the overs ticked away

and OH eventually conceded defeat finishing

on 122/5. Once again some fine bowling by M.

Captein 1-3-4. AK, the well deserved interbase

winners!

inteRBase cricket ReportMr Merv PArr AnD f/s AnGe HOCkenHuLL

3 9

S p o r t – c r i c k E t


women’s RnzaF touRThe selectors had no problems deciding on an

RNZAF Women’s team after some great cricket

played at interbase in Woodbourne. A tour of

Canterbury had been arranged for the ladies by

Merv Parr, in conjunction with Mr Kevin McGowan,

a professional coach for the Canterbury region.

Captained by SGT Rochelle Blucher the team

turned up at Burnham Camp for a training

weekend with Kevin, helped out by Maria Fahey

(White Ferns opening bat) and Emma Scarf (local

Premier wicketkeeper/bat).

Monday’s game against Marian College gave the

ladies an opportunity to put in to practice what

they had been working on over the weekend. After

losing the toss and being put in to bat, Richmond

Park’s soggy wicket kept the ball low but still

allowed RNZAF to put 152/5 after a rain reduced

35 overs. Rochelle hit a superb captain’s knock

of 55, Ange Hockenhull 30 and Alice Forbes 25. In

reply, Marian was bowled out for 71. Alice Forbes

3-8, Rochelle 2–6 and Courtney Sefo cleared out

the tail with 4–16.

Tuesday was a day off and a well deserved rest.

With a win under their belt, confidence was high

as we travelled to Ashburton on Wednesday to

play Ashburton College. Playing on Ashburton

Oval College won the toss and elected to bat.

Not a good choice as they were bowled out for

14. Alice was once again strong with the ball in

hand and finished with 4-3 off 5 overs. Sanet Van

Deventer, Rochelle, Ange Hockenhull and Rowena

Campbell all pitched in with a wicket a piece. Two

great pieces of fielding and accurate throws ran

out the other two College girls. It did not take

Rowena and Courtney long to reach the target,

with RNZAF only taking 5 overs to win the game.

A mixed, friendly Twenty 20 match followed which

allowed the girls to practice against each other and

the BBQ afterwards proved worthwhile with lots of

questions being asked about the Air Force. I guess

we’ll have to wait and see how many we managed

to attract to our organisation.

The final game on Thursday was against an Under

17 Canterbury selection. After winning the toss,

RNZAF were anticipating a tough match but were

surprised when they sent Canterbury in to bat and

they were bowled out for 64 after 33 overs. Hayley

Ireland was on-song and did the damage with 3-13

off her 8 overs including 3 maidens. Alice, Rochelle

and Sanet each took 2 wickets with accuracy being

the key, with all but 2 wickets being either bowled

or LBW. RNZAF only needed 24 overs to take the

win and a clean sweep for the tour. A well deserved

night out for the ladies followed and my advice to

other managers is, don’t be pressured in to riding

a mechanical bull. Enough said.

My thanks go out to Merv Parr and F/S Ange

Hockenhull for their work in organising the tour,

as well as to all the ladies who made the week an

enjoyable and successful one.

sGT POLLy Perkins

Air warmed up for its defence of the

Bill Morley Cup (IS Champs) against a

Marlborough selection with a comfortable

six-wicket win. Chasing Marlborough's

meagre 97 all out, Air coasted home in the

25th over led by 52 from Hayden Madsen.

Tim Ander was the top bowler with 3-21,

with 2 wickets each to Kim Bevins and

Dave Miles.

An unbeaten century from Bevins blasted

Air to a comprehensive 106-run win over

Navy in round two. The Air number three

was in formidable form, striking 13 fours

and eight sixes on his way to 142 not out

in just 93 balls as Air tallied 328 for seven

in their 50 overs. Other scores were Karl

Borck, 45, Graham Burnnand, 30, and

Glen Whitley, 27. Navy never threatened to

chase down the total, with 2 wickets each

to Madsen and Mike Jeffcoat.

Another classy knock from Bevins guided

Air to a 163-run win over Army and their

9th consecutive Bill Morley Cup. Bevins

stroked his way to 96 as Air posted 253 for

9 in their 50 overs. In reply, Army wickets fell

thick and fast with Madsen, 3-16, Gordon

Schofield, 3-30, & Chris Turkington, 2-12,

ensuring a resounding victory.

interservice (is) cricket

MaRlBOROUGH exPReSS & Merv PArr

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Auckland women versus Ohakea women.

Interservice cricket.

4 0

S p o r t – r u N N i N g


The forecast for Marlborough on Saturday 28

February wasn’t good - heavy rain and 80km/hr

south-easterly winds. The local radio station was

recommending staying indoors and cancelling

any plans to go tramping or boating. So what

did my best friend and I do? An ultra marathon

of course!

We came up with the idea around Christmas, and

had decided on the Queen Charlotte track, a mere

71km. The general idea was to start at Ships Cove

as early as we could, and make our way to Anakiwa.

We estimated that given the short timeframe for

training, to complete it within daylight hours we

would aim to run the flats and gentle slopes and

walk the rest, taking 13 hours to complete the

track. We thought this would be achievable but

really had no idea how our bodies would hold up

over such a long distance. We planned two earlier

pick up points where the track crossed the road

take on the QueenwhAt DO yOU DO ON A COLD, RAINy DAy IN thE SOUth ISLAND? If yOU’RE ANythING LIKE fLtLt MAt RAffILLS AND RUNNING PARtNER MIChEAL hALE, yOU GO RUNNING Of COURSE. AND NOt jUSt A DASh tO thE DAIRy – thEy tROttED Off fOR AN ULtRA MARAthON ON thE qUEEN ChARLOttE tRACK.

just in case. My running partner Michael Hale, a

doctor from Auckland, flew in on the Friday night.

We were up the next morning at 0500 for a 0545

departure to Picton to be on the water by 0630.

CPL Michelle Novak and W/O Mike Hennessy

dropped us off at Ships Cove, and as we watched

the boat cruise out of the bay I couldn’t help but

feel a sense of hopelessness as the realisation of

what we were about to do hit home, 71km from

our destination. However armed with Camelbaks

loaded with water and electrolyte replacement

powder, and pockets stuffed with chocolate and

muesli bars, we hit the track at 0735.

The first 20km went faster than expected. We

walked up and down the steeper gradients, and

ran along the flats and gentle slopes as planned.

It took us just under three hours to do the first

20km, at which point the rain started and never

stopped! This proved to be a huge blessing to me,

as the rain and cooler temperatures kept me cool

and refreshed and helped prevent overheating

and dehydration. As any runners will know, the

rain can bring with it other problems, probably the

worst being nipple chafing! Armed with plasters

and 3B cream, we managed to keep it at bay. Mike

cracked up at one stage when during a short break

he caught me with my shirt up and rubbing the

white cream onto my nipples in a circular motion.

Sorry if that creates a horrible mental image for

anyone reading this! Luckily the rain also prevented

him from taking any photos capturing the moment,

but I think he’ll be emotionally scarred for life

regardless.

We knew the Kenepuru Saddle would be a

challenge, between the 50-30km to go mark,

and it was. The track had a small stream running

along it thanks to the rain, and it had become

very slippery. Going up the hills we would take a

MaRaThon Men

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FLTLT Raffills (left) and Dr Micheal Hale are fresh and full of confidence at the Ships Cove start. they are at the '71km to go' marker pole.

4 1

S p o r t – r u N N i N g


step forward and slide half a step back. We were

looking forward to some amazing views along the

Saddle, but unfortunately we spent the majority of

the track in Instrument Meterological Conditions

(IMC i.e. flying blind)! We’d look down towards the

Marlborough Sounds but were above the cloud

base and couldn’t even see halfway down the hills

let alone the water. It was along this saddle that

we crossed the halfway point, and it was then that

the self belief started to kick in. We were both still

feeling pretty good and realised that there was no

reason why we couldn’t finish the whole track.

We got to Torea Bay around 1545, which was the

first pick up point if needed. We called the wives to

let them know that we were on track for Anakiwa;

at this point we knew we’d make it barring injury

or other unforeseen circumstance. Only 21km to

go! We were laughing as I tried to explain to Mike

how weird that sounded. I’d run a half marathon

less than a week ago and almost died! Now we’re

feeling pumped and excited about our 21km to go.

It sounded easy relative to the 50km we’d already

covered. My relative scale of distances was way

out of whack. The last stretch of track, funnily

enough, was the toughest. Our lungs and hearts

felt fine thanks to the rain and cool temperature,

but the muscles in the legs were starting to really

hurt. We discovered pain in parts of our bodies

that took us by surprise, like the biceps and our

forearms just below the elbows. Just the motion

of running caused shots of pain to those areas. All

we could do was laugh about it. I really hit the wall

with 11km to go. My legs were screaming at me to

stop, I was dreading any downhills as the effort to

“wE disCOVErEd pain in parts

Of Our bOdiEs that tOOk us by

surprisE...”slow yourself on the slippery track was almost too

much. I was worried that my legs would just give

out from under me. At the 6km to go marker pole

the pain had become like a familiar friend that I

had chosen to embrace, and again we laughed a

lot about it as there was nothing else we could do.

My running style had gone from an elegant efficient

style to something that looked like a crippled gorilla

looking for a place to die. A Grandma with a zimmer

frame could’ve overtaken me.

Bursting out of the bush and into the car park at

Anakiwa was like reaching the Promised Land.

The wives were waiting for us with dry towels and

blankets, and a nice warm car to take us back to

a cold beer and a Big Mac combo. We finished at

1922, giving us a total time of 11hrs 47mins from

Ships Cove to Anakiwa, the full 71km.

So why write about my own achievement? Maybe

because I’m darn proud of what we did, or maybe

to inspire others to work towards a crazy goal

and achieve it. The RNZAF is getting better at

celebrating success but I believe that as a nation

we do not do it enough. The natural tendency is

for an individual to belittle their own achievements

and successes and instead focus on the negatives.

Unfortunately this phenomena still flows into

parts of our organisation. I wonder how much

more the average New Zealander would achieve

in an environment where success is encouraged,

promoted and celebrated, and the tall poppy

syndrome is a thing of the past? I’d like to live in

that New Zealand.

On 4 December 2008 Auckland Physical Education and Recreational

Training (PE&RT) conducted a lunchtime circuit - the final

Hobsonville Gymnasium class in the history of the RNZAF. Forty-two

brave Base-siders and dependents filled the gym on a warm day with a

well received retro theme. At the completion of the circuit the gym was

stripped bare including ropes, wall bars, mirrors and all equipment which

is stored away for the time being.

The Gym has been used by the RNZAF for many years and has now been

taken over by the Hobsonville Land Company who are continuing with

their development of the Hobsonville Base site.

Lunchtime Circuits for Base Auckland are currently being run on the

Whenuapai fields which is proving to be hot work with the brilliant

summer we are having. With the Biggest Loser competition currently

running it is the norm to have 70 to 100 people out on the fields working

up a sweat. If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding way to spend

your lunch hour on a Tuesday or a Thursday we would love to see you out

there! Don’t forget your drink bottle! See you soon… Auckland PTIs!

last circuit for hobby gymsGT JAsOn PriCe, PHysiCAL fiTness insTruCTOr

Ak 0

8-05

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0Ak

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the ‘Last Ever’ Lunchtime Circuit held at hobsonville Gym and led by CPL Debbie Giddens.

Diehard gym supporters.

r E v i E W S

4 2 a f N 1 0 2 a p r i l 0 9 | w w w . a i r f o r c e . m i l . n z

I REALLy LIKE SIMON PEGG’S MOVIES (ShAUN Of thE DEAD, hOt fUzz, RUN fAtBOy RUN) BUt thIS OBVIOUS AttEMPt tO CRACK thE NOtORIOUSLy fICKLE US MARKEt wAS BOUND tO StRIKE DIffICULtIES.

Maybe it’s the translation thing of grafting British

humour onto a New York setting. Apparently it

bombed in the States but survived with so-so

reviews in Britain. The result is a romcom that’s

neither bad nor outstanding – just mediocre.

The plot – a British writer struggles to fit in at a high-

profile magazine in New York – is based on Toby

Young's memoir ‘How to Lose Friends & Alienate

People’. Basically a boy meets girl, boy loses girl

and sets up with wrong girl and then finds Ms Right.

I watched this with my partner on a rainy Friday

night and we had a good time snacking (food)

and watching Pegg’s brand of, mainly, slapstick

gags. We had more giggles than belly laughs. To

be fair maybe it’s a generation thing – my son and

his mate watched and thought it hilarious. If you

want a romcom that blokes can tolerate it’s worth

a watch. Guys, you’ll stomach this much better

than Sex And The City.

GrAnT CArr

how to lose Friends and alienate people

We have five (5) free copies of How to Lose

Friends and Alienate People to give away.

Email: [email protected] (with the

word DVD COMPETITION in the subject

line) the correct answer to the following

question and you could be watching your

own copy of the movie at home.

Which famous American actor plays

Sidney Young’s hard bitten boss Clayton

Harding at Sharps magazine?

On the face of it these two books – Service

Slang and Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat

– are very similar. But apart from being about the

same size (pocket note book) and both being about

Service slang (Air and Navy) there are a number

of key differences.

Service Slang is very much a product of its

publishing era – 1943. It is a great book if you are

researching the correct Air Force slang for this era

and no doubt producer Peter Jackson could do well

to have a copy handy for the script writers of his

proposed Dambusters movie. But its firm rooting

in 1943 is also the book’s limitation. It is a straight

reprint of a publication which, at the time had some

intrinsic humour for the lay reader, but in 2009

comes across as rather a dated curiosity.

Not Enough Room to Swing A Cat on the other

hand covers the whole historic gamut from ancient

times right up to present day Naval slang. And the

author, Martin Robson, has researched the subject

well – with enough obscure and amusing origins

of terms to make it genuinely entertaining. For a

start the title, as the illustration infers, refers to the

famous cat o’nine tails used to exact punishment

in the days of sail. The addition of an index and

the inclusion of a selection of up-to-date salty

terms makes this offering more entertaining than

FGOFF Morgan’s Service Slang (despite any of the

reviewer’s pre-conceived prejudices).

BothbooksareavailableforloanfromtheNZDF’sLibrary.

notes on the

lingoSERVICE SLANG

Edited by fGOff j.L. hunt

First published 1943,Faber and Faber.

NOt ENOUGh ROOM tO SwING A CAt

Martin Robson

2008, Conway Books.

jeff Bridges plays Sharp’s boss Clayton harding.

w w w . a i r f o r c e . m i l . n z | a f N 1 0 2 a p r i l 0 9 4 3

f a r E W E l l S a N d W E l c o m E b a c k S

the RNzAf bids a fond farewell to the following:

BASE AUCKLAND

SQNlDR D.a. BaCON

Enlist: 04-04-89 Terminate: 06-05-09 Specialisation: Air Engineer Officer

CPL M.C. Griffin Enlist: 13-01-04 Terminate: 28-02-09 Specialisation: Medic

LAC A.L. JOHnsOn Enlist: 13-01-04 Terminate: 29-03-09 Specialisation: Medic

fLTLT T.A. LAuCHLAn Enlist: 08-07-97 Terminate: 03-05-09 Specialisation: Pilot

sQnLDr r.J. MCMuLLAn Enlist: 30-09-93 Terminate: 27-03-09 Specialisation: Engineer

BASE OhAKEA

sGT T.J.L. WiLsOn Enlist: 03-11-08 Terminate: 20-04-09 Specialisation: Aircraft Technician

BASE wOODBOURNE

aC S.e.R. ROBINSON Enlist: 20-05-08 Terminate: 25-02-09 Specialisation: Armament Technician (UT)

AC J.M. WiLTOn Enlist: 20-05-08 Terminate: 12-03-09 Specialisation: Physical Training Instructor (UT)

wELLINGtON

a/SGt D.a. BURtON Enlist: 30-04-08 Terminate: 30-04-09 Specialisation: Intelligence

the RNzAf extends a warm welcome to the following skilled personnel who have joined us recently:

BASE AUCKLAND

sGT J. DiMOnD Enlist: 23-03-09 Specialisation: Air Security

SGt D.a. JOBlIN Enlist: 23-03-09 Specialisation: Armament Technician

CPL k. e. kerriGAn-CrAWfOrD Enlist: 16-03-09 Specialisation: Safety and Surface Technician

BASE wOODBOURNECPl P.a. BROWN Enlist: 06-04-09 Specialisation: Aircraft Technician

OCDt B.t. MORGaN Enlist: 23-03-09 Specialisation: Pilot (UT)

sGT C.e. MOrris Enlist: 30-03-09 Specialisation: Machine Tool Setter and Operator

wELLINGtONsQnLDr G. C. JOsePHs Enlist: 30-03-09 Specialisation: Supply Officer

faRewells anD welcome Backs

18 AvOn sQuADrOn WiGrAMIS CeleBRatING 50 yeaRS OF

SeRVICe tO CaNteRBURy yOUtH

17th & 18th jULy 2010CADeT HeADQuArTers WiGrAM

TO reGisTer yOur inTeresT:E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 03 337.2023

Post: 18 Sqn Reunion – P.O. Box 11-135 Sockburn

AIR tRAINING CORPS 50th ANNIVERSARy

Documents

Air Force News Issue 102 April 2009 · Air Force News is the official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) – established to inform, educate and entertain its personnel