VISIT OUR WEBSITE: force W N · Air Movements run the terminals at our airfields and facilitate all military transport flights including Scheduled Air Transport Services (SATs), whether

>> NEW HELoS >> BLACKBIRD>> ALPINE SPoRTS

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WGCDR Tony Millsom CO Expeditionary Support SquadronThe Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS) was named as such in January 2007, the Squadron having originally been called the Operational Support Squadron and created as part of REfOcuS in 2001. The aim was to form a squadron that could guarantee that the Air force’s force Elements (fEs - the forwards in the Air force team) would receive essential operational support from within its own resources in areas where reliance on other agencies could not be guaranteed or carried too great a risk. Outside of the fEs and the expeditionary role, many personnel do not realise that they utilise ESS capabilities on a regular basis within New Zealand. The ESS covers several

distinct disciplines including three formed flights comprising Air communication and Information Systems, Air Movements and Air Security. These three flights are the main elements that most of the Air force will come into contact with. As well as deployed communication and information systems (including satellite communication), Air cIS assists with the provision of telephone data services on Bases, including telephones and assisting with the provision of computer network systems in NZ. Air Movements run the terminals at our airfields and facilitate all military transport flights including Scheduled Air Transport Services (SATs), whether at one of our Bases or a civilian airport. As well as providing expeditionary security services to the deployed fEs, Air Security provides the ‘raise, train and maintain’ function of core Military Skills (cMS) training for the Air force. So, much as you may not have realised it, the ESS teams are busy supporting the wider RNZAf [the backs] here in NZ, as well as the fEs in their training and operations overseas. But there are other elements to expeditionary preparedness

that are not so regularly recognised. The Deployable Bulk

fuel capability is headed by a W/O who not only oversees the deployable capability, but also organises the training, SOPs and standards of the aviation refueller teams that the ESS call upon to support operations. These personnel come from Maintenance Support Wing. The expeditionary logistics capability of the Air force is vested in the camp Pack ups. The Expeditionary Pack up project aims to standardise and codify our Air force capability and smooth our ability to deploy what the fEs need when they are tasked overseas. However, in the case of deploying a camp the ESS draws upon the wider Air force team by identifying to DcM essential personnel requirements to help set up and support the deployment (GSE trade especially!). Other elements regularly associated with fE deployments are environmental

health (EH) and health service elements. ESS facilitates the operational involvement of the EH personnel in planning, and with the Health Service Support project is looking at the provisioning of and utilisation of the medical staff that deploy. Hopefully this overview

should illustrate a couple of points. ESS rel ies on individuals remaining fully prepared for operations at

any time (including being medically fit, OfT and cMS qualified). ESS also relies on teamwork: whether tasked as a Squadron, a mixed flight, or a smaller detachment, Expeditionary Squadron personnel have to rely on one another, no matter what trade or specialisation, nor whether they are in a forward position alongside the fEs, or in the backs, supporting that team from NZ. ESS is primarily in the business of service provision for the fEs, but in turn relies upon essential support from the rest of the Air force team. All personnel in the team have a service provision role to play in supporting expeditionary air operations, so individual preparedness is key if our players are to be capable of Stepping up from the backs to the forwards when operations call upon us.

ESS relies on individuals remaining fully prepared for operations at any

time (including being medically fit, OfT and cMS qualified). ESS also relies on

teamwork: whether tasked as a Squadron, a mixed flight, or a smaller detachment,

squadron personnel have to rely on one another, no matter what trade or

specialisation, nor whether they are in a forward position alongside the fEs, or in the backs, supporting that team from NZ.

Editorial contributions and letters to the editor are welcome. All contributions may be sent direct to Air Force News and do not need to be forwarded through normal command chains. Letters are to be signed with the writer’s name, rank and unit although, unless requested otherwise, only the rank and geographical location of the writer will be published. The editorial staff reserves the right to abridge letters. Anonymous, offensive or abusive letters will not be published. Opinions expressed in Air Force News are not necessarily those of the RNZAF or NZDF. Nothing in NEWS should be taken as overriding any Defence regulations. Readers should refer to the relevant Service publication before acting on any information given in this periodical. No item is to be reproduced, in part or whole, without the specific permission of the editor.

OUR MISSION:To carry out military air operations to advance New Zealand’s security interests, with professionalism,

integrity and teamwork.

OUR VISION:We will be an Air Force that is the best in all we do.He Tauarangi matou ko te pai rawa atu i to matou

mahi katoa.

The official journal and forum of the Royal New Zealand Air Force established for the information,

education and enjoyment of its personnel and other people interested in RNZAF and associated matters.

NZDF HQ Wellington New Zealand

Telephone: (04) 496 0289 Fax:(04) 496 0290

Editorial authority: Ian Brunton

Published by: NZDF Public Relations Unit

NOVEMBER 2007, ISSUE 87

[email protected] Design and Layout: Duncan Allan

[email protected] Editor: Grant Carr

PO Box 61 Palmerston North

Printed by: Keeling and Mundy LimitedProofreader: Katrina Randerson

30 SPORT IB Rugby, Burn-Merz Trophy, Triathlon, Alpine sports, Half marathon, Volleyball

40 MuSEuM EXHIBITION

fEATuRES4 DTA RESEARcH Ready for NH90’s arrival

5 fROM cANADA WITH AROHA canadian cultural visit

6 PERSONNEL Advertised vacancy system

8 WO/Af’S cOLuMN It’s not the drinking...

9 STEP uP TO EDucATION Getting qualified

10 AGuSTA-WESTLAND A109LuH Preferred tenderer selected

12 NETWORK ENABLED cAPABILITY Keeping pace with technology

13 WATERHOuSE fIRST AID Annual competition

14 IN SAfE HANDS Air Security’s protective role

15 BuSINESS AND PLEASuRE No.5 Squadron’s tropical visit

16 JuNIOR LEADERSHIP cOuRSE cadet forces

17 MAINTENANcE cONTRAcT New deal with SAfE AIR

18 INDuSTRY AWARDS 2007 winners

20 EXERcISE BLAcKBIRD Pacific Wings article reprinted

26 IMSS TAKES SHAPE New facilities

27 fIRE BRIGADE HONOuR 25 years of service

29 AVIATION REfuELLERS Annual trade meeting

REGuLARS

New Zealand fire Service Station Officer David cairns pins the united fire Service Association’s Gold Star Award for 25 years service onto his father GSH Bruce cairn’s chest. See page 27.

There were plenty of spills and thrills when Ohakea’s Alpine Sports club hosted the 2007 Interbase Alpine Tournament at Whakapapa Skifield on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu over 17 to 21 September. See pgs 34-37.

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Front page: The Government announced the preferred tenderer for the Training/Light utility Helicopter Project on 27 October. The Agusta-Westland A109LuH military variant has been selected as the likely replacement for the Air force’s Sioux helicopters.

>> NEW HELOS >> BLACKBIRD>> ALPINE SPORTS

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On Thursday 27 September WGcDR Pete Griffin was awarded the clasp and Rosette to his Armed forces Award by the chief of Air force at the NZ Embassy in Washington, in recognition of 30 years loyal service. The cAf was in town for the Global Air chief conference and took time out of his busy schedule to catch up with the Embassy staff and present this award. WGcDR Griffin is currently the Assistant Air Attaché and Senior Technical Officer (Air) in Washington.

The photo (above) was taken at October’s Army cultural festival in Waiouru, a biennial event that celebrates Maori culture in the NZDf. Pictured is RNZAf Maori coordination Officer (McO) W/O Wallace with cPO2 Debbie Eisan from the canadian forces Recruiting centre. cPO2 Eisan is the cf National Aboriginal Recruiting Advisor and was in NZ as part of a team tasked to study what it is that the NZDf does to recruit, train and retain Maori servicemen and women. Debbie is first Nation Ojibway Indian and deals specifically with the recuiting of native peoples of canada of which there are three groups: Inuit, first Nation and the Metis people.

W/O Wallace was the visiting canadian team’s cultural advisor and escort during the NZDf and Air force legs of their tour. unfortunately the large number of ceremonial activities leading up to this year’s festival took its toll on the Air force Maori cultural Group (McG) Te Awhiorangi and they were unable to participate for the first time since the inaugural festival in 1999.

Despite Air force McG Te Awhiorangi’s non-participation at the event Mrs Liz Portas and Mr Marshall cook from the Air force McG performed with the Navy McG and the invited civilian McG Te Hokowhitu-a-Tu respectively. (See page 41 for Mrs Liz Portas’ report on the Malaysian Tattoo).

RNZAf Maori coordination Officer (McO) W/O Wallace with cPO2 Debbie Eisan from the canadian forces Recruiting centre.

FROM CANADA WITH ARoHAAIR ATTACHE’S SERVICE RECogNIZED

DTA RESEARCH ANTICIPATESNH90 ARRIVALThe Defence Technology Agency is part of a research cluster that has won funding for a four year research programme into advanced fibre composite structures. Advanced fibre composite structures will be a feature of the Air force’s new NH90 helicopters.

Mr Brian Shaw, a Research Engineer in DTA’s Applied Vehicle Systems, says: ‘The fuselage structure of the NH90 is almost entirely made of fibre composites. This includes all of the shell and the majority of the underlying primary and secondary support structure. The rotor blades are also composite. carbon fibre in particular is used extensively throughout the structure, with the addition of kevlar and e-glass in selected areas. These composite materials provide the NH90 with a light, yet extremely strong structure that is effectively corrosion free and highly resistant to fatigue cracking.

‘DTA is currently building its composites expertise in anticipation of the support it can offer the RNZAf. Its participation in the New Zealand composites cluster (IRL, Air New Zealand, High Modulus and The university of Auckland) provides a unique opportunity to participate in relevant composite research programmes and build relationships with key industry players.’

The research programme aims to expand the knowledge and expertise related to innovative fibre composite structures, and in particular their manufacture and performance. This will be achieved by developing analysis, design, manufacturing and characterisation methods for advanced composite materials and structures.

The research will be managed and implemented by a steering committee, members of which are: The centre for Advanced composite Materials at the university of Auckland; Industrial Research Limited, and industry partner High Modulus; Air New Zealand Design Engineering; and the Defence Technology Agency. Each industry partner is contributing to the programme, but the primary funder is the government’s foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s Research for Industry scheme, which is providing nearly $3 million over the next four years.

The NH90 Instrument panel. Much of it made of advanced composite materials.

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AIRWOMEN’s REUNION(WAAf, WRNZAf & RNZAf)Date: 13-15 June, 2008Where: Wellington, NZThis event is open all Airwomen, both past and present, and their partners.for more information, please contact Jan, or visit the www.oldfriends.co.nz Please register your interest with: Jan Roberts92 Weatherly Rd, Torbay 0630, Auckland.ph: (09) 473 – 9680e-mail: [email protected]

RNZAF oRIoN SAVES TONGAN FISHERMENAn Air force P-3K Orion crew saved the lives of six fishermen on 6 October when it located their boat, Denisiola, drifting 10km North of Tonga.

The crew found the stranded sailors at 4.30pm after flying three hours from Base Auckland in response to an emergency beacon call.

Orion captain SQNLDR Andy Nielsen said the fishermen had run out of food and water and had been drifting for more than a day after their boat’s engine had stopped.

‘They were in amongst a lot of reefs when

we found them so they would have struck major difficulties if they had remained drifting too much longer. The boat’s emergency beacon stopped half an hour before we arrived on the scene so we located them initially through radar.’

A Tongan Navy patrol vessel, Pangai, towed the damaged fishing boat back to shore after being told of its location by the Orion crew.

It was the Tongan fishing crew’s first voyage in the boat, which was recently purchased from a New Zealand owner.

Tongan sailors wave to the P-3K Orion rescue crew from their stranded fishing boat, Denisiola, as the aircraft flies overhead.

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This column for Air force News is designed to give you an ongoing quick reference of RNZAf uniformed personnel strength and recruitment targets.1 Jul 07 actual = 2834 1 Jul 08 target = 2996 Regular force attrition rate (12-months to 1 Nov 07) = 9.3%

UK Recruitment Project115 uK recruits have enlisted in the current project, with 8 more expected to enlist during fY07/08 under the formal project.

Other Skilled RecruitsThe RNZAf is targetting 125 lateral recruits for this financial year , including additional former RAf personnel.

Direct Entry and CFR Recruiting (Indicative figures) - see columns

Note: final IOTc numbers will be based on the outcome of the RNZAf Officer and Aircrew Selection Board (OASB). Other skilled recruits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The point of contact for these statistics is Mr Jason Trenberth (Workforce Planning Analyst, Air Staff). 349 7595).

PERSONNEL STATS AT A GLANCE Forecast IOTC Training Numbers Specialisation 08/1 IOTc 08/2 IOTc Actual TargetRuS AWO RuS PILOT RuS ENGR RuS SuP 1 RuS PSY 1 uOS AWO üuOS PILOT 2 üuOS cISO üuOS INTO 1 üGSO ASYO (cfR) cHAP 2cISO 2 4

MED üEDuc 1 üLEGAL MEDADMIN (cfR) üPfO PSYcH 1 2HRO (cfR) 4WORKS ENGR 4 üSuP 2 üAWO üAWO, SEM (cfR) 1 üPILOT 8 13AIRENGO (cfR) ALMOff 1 HcMOff PARA INTO Total 25 35

Recruit Course Numbers 07/3 08/1 08/2

Recruit Recruit Recruit

Sep-07 Jan-08 May 08

Trade Actual Target Target

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AVRfLR 4 4

cIS 12

fIRE 10

MEDIcAL 4 4

PHOTO 4

PHYSIcAL 4

SuPPLY 6 12 10

AIRcRAfT 9 22 18

ARMAMENT 8

AVIONIcS 8 23 20

cOMPOSITES 2

GSE 2

MAcHINE 4

METAL 4

S&S 5

AWS 3 3

fSTWD 2

Total 58 100 72

P E R S O N N E LP E R S O N N E L

process for selecting a DP is no less robust and well documented. Initially considered for posting are those who meet the advertised criteria of the vacant position; however, this list can reduce quickly once those who are unreleasable from their current posts are removed. Also removed from consideration are those personnel screened from posting due to compassionate circumstances. Throughout the process DcM endeavours to take into account all the personal circumstances of those being considered, including time in current post and the length of locational stability to ensure the burden of relocation is shared equally amongst all Service members as far as practicable.

AVS Project TeamAs already stated, the RNZAf Personnel Directorate have as a part of meeting RNZAf Strategic Goals, a requirement to review and where necessary, improve current systems such as the AVS to assist in achieving R4; Right People, in the

ADVERTISED VACANC y SySTEmIntroductionThe Advertised Vacancy System (AVS) was first introduced into the RNZAf in 1989 to better address organisational personnel planning requirements while providing individuals with the opportunity to have greater input into their own career development. It has operated effectively since that time; however, recently as part meeting Strategic Goal 3, a project team has been formed within Personnel Directorate to examine whether the AVS still best satisfies the intention of DfO 17/2000 ‘career Management in the New Zealand Defence force’, and whether it continues to be the optimal posting system to meet RNZAf personnel requirements. This update aims to explain the current processes used by DcM, while also presenting some initial observations of the project team. further information will shortly be available on the DcM website.

Background & OverviewAcross the NZDf there is variation in how DfO 17/2000 is applied and subsequently how each Serv ice’s appointment management is carried out. The NZ Army generally rotates its personnel through posts every three years, with a common posting date in December / January. This is done entirely through directed postings and while personnel can register their interest in various positions, there is no formal advertisement undertaken. The RNZN fits in between the Air force and Army models, advertising some posts, and direct posting to others. The RNZAf is the only Service that advertises all of its vacancies up to and including SQNLDR. Officer, Warrant Officer and aircrew posts are advertised position specific, whereas most A&A positions (such as technical posts) are advertised by Base. LMTc then assign individuals to the various Base units.

The RNZAF 400Applications for positions are currently

made using an RNZAf form 400, although in due course the intention is to automate this system. When submitting an f400 for a vacancy it is important to remember that you are applying in competition with your peers. Many posts are highly sought after, so applicants are strongly encouraged

to fully outline relevant experience and particular skill-sets, as well as the reasons for applying.

The Role of Commandersfor commanders commenting on applications, it is important to consider the overall career implications for the subordinate and not just the affect on the unit, should their application be successful. As the first line of career management rests with functional commanders and managers, it is imperative that every application is given the fullest attention and that the applicant’s aspirations are discussed with them.

It is in the individual’s interest to remain aware of vacant posts that they would seek to fill as part of their career development. contact with career managers can provide an indication of when posts are expected to be vacant and advertised, but it needs to be understood that this information is not always accurate because of short-notice postings or resignations. If you are motivated toward a particular post but will be away from your unit or are concerned that you may not have an opportunity to see positions advertised, you should submit an RNZAf 401 Application to your admin unit. They will then submit applications for posts you are interested in on your behalf.

The AVS Selection ProcessThe vacancy select ion process is both robust and well documented. consideration is given to a full range

of factors, including eligibility, suitability, releasibility and availability, while also being influenced by command input and the individual’s own written statement in support of the application. for trade-specific positions the Order of Merit listing is adhered to for all but the most compelling of Service reasons. A specific decision-making guide is used by career managers as part of the decision-making process and to record the balance of each applicant’s circumstances and attributes. While the chief stakeholder in the vacancy selection process must ultimately be the RNZAf, DcM is committed to ensure every effort is made to facilitate individual circumstances and aspirations whenever it is possible to do so.

Directed Postingsfrom time to time, an advertised vacancy will return nil applicants; this can sometimes be simply because we have fewer people than positions. In consultation with the command of the gaining unit, it may sometimes be possible to readvertise the position with broader eligibility criteria (such as rank, or previous experience) to ‘open up’ the net of potential personnel. If any of the selection criteria for a vacancy change, DcM are obliged to re-advertise. If this fails to identify someone to fill the post and for Service reasons it can not be left vacant, DcM will then have the option of filling it via a directed posting (DP). This is seldom a popular process, and not an option favoured by DcM. However, the

Right Number, at the Right Place and at the Right Time. Accordingly, a team was formed under Project NOMAD to review the AVS and as a first step they informally canvassed sections of the RNZAf to ascertain how the system is perceived and what improvements could be made to better serve the organisation and the individual. This confirmed one key point. Overwhelmingly, respondents consider that having visibility of vacancies and the opportunity to apply for posts was preferable to a straight directed posting system. The concept of advertising positions is now culturally part of the RNZAf.

Among the most frequently cited suggestions for improvement was the ability for the individual to be able to better forecast vacancies. While each career manager within DcM maintains personnel planning records and ‘plots’, a more robust system would assist DcM and command to be able to more proactively and transparently map the personnel situation and demonstrate

more developed succession planning of important posts. As a result, the project team is investigating options to improve in this area and as an example it is envisaged that the RNZAf People Portal system (when developed) will contribute to this.

While there is still much work to be done on our review of the AVS, initial observations are that the principle of advertising vacancies remains sound and does meet the RNZAf’s requirements and that of its personnel. It just needs to be further developed to provide improved information feedback and individual career planning options. Your suggestions as to how we can improve the system are always welcome and all serving uniformed personnel are invited to submit ideas through their command chain. As we move toward new capabilities and increasingly challenging times in the RNZAf, it is appropriate that we all reflect on how to get the best out of our people, in order to be the best in all that we do.

Many posts are highly sought after, so applications are strongly encouraged to fully outline relevant experience and particular skill-sets, as well as the individual’s reasons for applying.

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NH90 PRogRAmmE ouTLINEDchief of Defence force LT GEN

Mateparae visited Eurocopter’s’ Marignane production line near Marseilles, france on 8 October.

Representatives from NHIndustries provided him with a detailed presentation on the global NH90 development and production process and the NZDf (TNZA) NH90 programme. In addition a representative from the Australian Defence force presented cDf with an overview of the Australian (MRH90) programme.

cDf is standing in front of a German NH90 currently being assembled at the Eurocopter france production line.

L-R: Mr Michel Lombardo (NH90 Production Manager); Dr Bronwyn Evans-Kent (NZ Embassy Paris) SQNLDR Shaun Johnson (Engineering Manager TNZA NH90 Project); Mr Philippe Dufau (NHI Project Manager for TNZA Programme) LTGEN Mateparae (chief of the New Zealand Defence force); SQNLDR Ron Logan (PSO to cDf); Mr Peter Lacey (TNZA MoD Project Manager ); W/O John Barclay (W/O of the Defence force); BRGDR Paul Southwell (NZDf Defence Attaché London); Mr frederic Huin (NHI Marketing/Sales Manager for NZ and Australia).

STEP uP TO AN EDUCATIONW/O Rob ServiceIn 2002 W/O Kevin Pope and I were discussing furthering our meager and quite modest academic achievements – School certificate which we got in 1979.

So we duly got in touch with our local Education Squadron and were advised that as we had no study history over the intervening 23 years that we could do a certificate in something and then if we passed, we could do a Diploma in something and if we passed that we might be able to do a Degree under the VESA scheme. All it would take was about nine years. Excellent.

As we didn’t have a spare nine years, and being a resourceful fellow, Popey got in touch with the Military Studies Institute (MSI) at Trentham camp. A short time later we had both been accepted for enrolment at the university of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia on a distance learning programme in order to gain a Bachelor of Administrative Leadership (BAdminLead).

Being intrinsically more diligent, Popey finished his degree last year. I finished my last papers earlier this year and received my testamur at a graduation ceremony on the Boolimah Lawns at uNE in Armidale on 5

October. Not only did I bask in the balmy 29o as I waited with the other graduands, but I took time to reflect on this personal achievement.

The BAL consists of 144 credit points (approx 24 papers). Each paper equals six credit points although a maximum of 96 credit points (16 papers) can be given as advanced standing for RPL, leaving a total of 48 credit points (seven papers, including one double credit paper) to complete the degree for those applicants who meet the criteria. The programme allows two thirds of the degree as credit for applicants showing sufficient experience and prior study. In the military this equates to: • at least 12 years service, mainly

in command and administrative

positions,• completion of at least twomilitary

leadership courses,• completionofatleastoneadministration

course, usually all DE packages on the JSOs course. Even to an old truckie like me that’s a pretty good leg-up!

I was asked to write this article in order to encourage more SNcOs and W/Os to take up study and expand their learning. unfortunately additional study doesn’t make you smarter, give you bragging rights or increase your pay packet. But it does give you a sense of personal achievement, and demonstrates that you can stick at something and it does force you to analyse your own belief system. It certainly aids the development of researching, reading and writing skills and connects you with other students from various backgrounds. It’s not glamorous or overly exciting as many others within our Air force are finding out now as they undertake their respective studies. Many members of the RNZAf have and do take up the opportunity to complete study, others in my age and rank bracket tend to shy away from it. Don’t be shy, Step up – Piki Ake.

W/O Service at his graduation ceremony.

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RESPoNSIBLE DRINKINg

W/O Keith GellWarrant Officer of the Air Force

It’s not the drinking that’s the problem, it’s how we are drinkingEvery time I get into a discussion about drinking,

in particular drinking habits, everyone points the finger at our junior personnel. And if one watches the news headlines it is easy to drw hasty conclusions. Teenage binge drinking coupled with drink driving always grabs the headlines. However I believe that the focus in our Air force needs to be spread across all generations, in particular the older and middle aged folk in our organisation. It is this group that sets the example for our younger generation. The Base Warrant Officers are telling me that our

junior personnel are, in fact, the big improvers in drinking habits. This is good news, so we also need to start thinking about our leadership roles in other areas like the Officers and SNcOs Messes, sports clubs, social clubs and other areas where we socialise. It’s not about taking away the fun, it’s about choice and it’s about responsible behaviour. The national campaign I see on the TV is, in fact,

aimed at the older generation. It makes sense to me because it is about being an example.

What happened twenty years ago is no longer relevant. We have to be cognisant of this. The war stories we tell also have to be contained. If you start telling stories about your drinking escapades, guess what, some people may take this as acceptable and follow suit.Another area I want to highlight also is ‘skins

sessions’. I have been on a few sports trips in my youth where these sessions were the norm. They involved initiations and were designed to humiliate you more than anything else. It’s time to change this and it is good to see some sports codes getting on board with this. Support in the Service is about celebration not humiliation. Our recruits are now being educated on

responsible drinking which is backed up by policy. This is good news and it needs to continue. What leadership at all level needs to do is ensure us older folk are being educated also. Where we can help is be an example. I enjoy a beer and will continue to do so, but I know when to stop and I know that drinking to excess serves no purpose. Take the time to have a look around you and gauge what you see. christmas celebrations are coming up and this is always a good time to make observations and provide leadership. Remember it’s not the drinking that’s the problem, it’s how we drink.

...we also need to start thinking about our roles in other areas like the Officers and SNCOs Messes, sports clubs, social clubs and other areas where we socialise. It’s not about taking away the fun, it’s about choice and it’s about responsible behaviour.


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The preferred tenderer for the Training/Light utility Helicopter Project was announced by the Government on 27 October. Air force News answers general questions about the new helicopter and compares its specifications to our current fleet.

l What helicopter has been selected?m The Agusta-Westland A109LuH (Light utility Helicopter) has been selected to meet New Zealand’s requirements for a Training/Light utility Helicopter.m The A109LuH is a military variant of the A109 family of helicopters that have served in a variety of civil and military guises in over 80 countries around the world.

l What sort of helicopter is the A109LUH?m The A109LuH is a lightweight, twin-engined helicopter with a modern ‘glass’ cockpit and a retractable wheeled undercarriage, optimised for use in military training and light utility tasks.

l Who makes the A109LUH?m The A109LuH is made by Agusta-Westland, which is based near Milan in Italy. Agusta-Westland is one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world having delivered over 4,500 helicopters to civil and military customers worldwide.m Agusta-Westland is also a partner in the production of the NH90, which NZ is acquiring to replace the Iroquois.

l How many are being purchased?m five A109LuH are being purchased, along with a flight Training Device to provide simulation training for pilots.

l How much will they cost?m The final detailed cost for the package will be advised at the conclusion of the contract negotiations.

l How big is the A109LUH?

m The A109LuH has the following dimensions:p Overall length (rotors turning) - 12.94m p fuselage length – 11.45mp Rotor diameter – 10.83mp Height - 3.4mp Maximum Take-Off Weight - 3175kgp Empty weight – approximately 1670kg (depending on the equipment fitted for the task to be undertaken)

l What is the performance of the A109LUH?m With a crew of three and a thirty minute fuel reserve the A109LuH is capable of the following performance:p Maximum cruise speed - 285kphp Maximum ferry range - 650kmp Maximum endurance - 3hrs 30minsp useful load on the cargo hook - 600 kgp Rescue winch capable of lifting 270kg or two peoplep carrying one stretcher patient.

l How many people can it carry?m The A109LuH has two pilot seats and a maximum of six seats in the rear cabin. The A109LuH will normally have a crew of two pilots and one helicopter crewman, although this may vary depending on the complexity of the task being undertaken.

l What sort of tasks can it be used for?m The A109LuH can be used for pilot and helicopter crewman training as well as for a wide variety of tasks involving the carriage of small numbers of people and modest amounts of freight. In NZ service it is intended to be used for conducting:p Pilot and helicopter crewman training for aircrew destined to fly the NH90 and SH-2G Seasprite helicopters.p Operational support to the NH90 Medium utility Helicopter during counterterrorist operations.p Light utility tasks involving the carriage of up to six people or

modest amounts of freight.p Operational support to other NZ government agencies including NZ Police, NZ customs Service, Department of conservation and Ministry of fisheries.

l What modifications are being made to the A109LUH to make it suitable for NZ requirements?m The A109LuH is being fitted with radios that will make it compatible with the communications capabilities of the NZDf, other military partners and civil agencies.

l Who else uses the A109LUH?m Variants of the A109LuH are operated by South Africa, Malaysia and Sweden. m Other variants of the A109 are flown by the united Kingdom, Australia, the uS and many other countries and companies around the world.

l What makes the A109LUH suitable for training NZ crews?m The A109LuH has an advanced ‘glass’ cockpit with flight performance, engine performance, moving map and other instrumentation displayed on a number of multi-function displays in the cockpit.m The A109LuH also has an advanced four-axis autopilot which, along with an advanced flight management system and a full suite of instrument flying and navigation systems, provides an excellent introduction to the technology used in the NH90.m The A109LuH has a cabin, cargo hook and rescue winch that allow helicopter crewman to be trained in the duties that they will perform on the larger helicopters.m The A109LuH is suitable for introducing helicopter crews to Naval ships’ deck operations. All future helicopter crews will

need to be deck qualified so they can operate to and from the Project PROTEcTOR vessels currently being acquired.

l Why do we need to replace the Sioux?m The Sioux provides neither the twin-engined, high performance experience, nor does it have sufficiently advanced instrumentation to prepare pilots to undertake training on the very advanced NH90, which is being purchased to replace the Iroquois.m The Sioux can not be used for training helicopter crewmen. It has neither the cabin space nor the necessary winch or hook. The Iroquois is currently used for this training. upon retirement of the Iroquois, the NH90 and Seasprite would be inappropriate to use routinely for basic helicopter crewmen training.

l Where will the A109LUHs be based?m The A109LuHs will form part of No 3 Squadron at RNZAf Base Ohakea.

l What other helicopters were considered?m There were only two competitive responses to the Request for Tender, with the other helicopter considered being the Eurocopter Ec635, a military variant of the civil Ec135 helicopter.

l Why was the A109LUH chosen?m The A109LuH was chosen following a competitive tender and evaluation process. It was assessed to be the helicopter that best met the widest range of NZ requirements.

l When will they arrive in New Zealand?m The final construction and delivery schedule will be known after contract negotiations that will take place over the coming months. However, it is anticipated that the aircraft will enter service in 2010.

Indicative A109LUH vs Sioux & Iroquois Performance Comparisonl The performance comparisons below assume ‘standard’ operational configurations and crews noting that these can vary depending on the mission being undertaken and the weather conditions and threat environment in which it is being conducted. consequently, the performance figures below are indicative, not absolute.

A109LUH SIOUx IROqUOISOverall Length – Rotors turning 12.94 m 13.1 m 17.4 m

Rotor Diameter 10.83 m 11.3 m 14.7 m

Height 3.4 m 2.7 m 4.5 m

Maximum Take-Off Weight 3175 kg 1338 kg 4309 kg

Empty Weight 1670 kg 953 kg 2630 kg

Maximum number of passenger seats

(Non tactical loading and unequipped

passengers) 6 2 8

Practical maximum number of passengers 3 - 4 1 5

Maximum cruise Speed 285 kph 120 kph 203 kph

Maximum Range (with auxiliary fuel) 650 km 270 km 667 km

Maximum underslung Load over a radius of 50 km 500 kg Nil 820 kg

Roles •BasicPilotTraining •BasicPilotTraining •AdvancedPilotTraining •AdvancedPilotTraining •CrewmanTraining •CrewmanTraining •Counterterrorism •Counterterrorism •LightUtility •LightUtility

IT’S THE AguSTA-WESTlAnd A109luH

T R A I N I N G / L I G H T U T I L I T Y H E L I C O P T E R P R O j E C T T R A I N I N G / L I G H T U T I L I T Y H E L I C O P T E R P R O j E C T


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AIR FORCE SHInES AT WATERHOuSE FIRST AId COMPETITIOn 2007

CPL Karinne GillespieThe annual Waterhouse first Aid competition was held at Whangaparoa Training camp on the Whangaparoa Peninsula east of Silverdale on Saturday 15 September.

The competition’s aim is to test the individual and collective first aid knowledge and skills of New Zealand Defence force personnel.

The Air force entered one team with members from Base Auckland. The team consisted of cAPT Dave Greenhough (Nursing Officer), SGT Aaron Grocott (Sfire), LAc Amy Wenden (Medic), Team leader LAc Matt Griffin (Medic) and Team Manager cPL Karinne Gillespie (SMEDIc). The team’s name was ‘G’ force.

A total of 13 teams, predominantly Army, entered the competition and were tested in: written test, cPR, 2 x teams, pairs and casualty transportation.

The day started off well with the first set of tests on casualty transportation. Team ‘G’ force excelled in this area displaying excellent teamwork and communication skills. communication was definitely required in the wet, dark, Whangaparoa tunnels, with no lighting, and various obstacles to overcome. The test was all the more trying because they needed to transport a patient by stretcher in a smoke-filled confined space while wearing a NBc respirator, and constantly communicating with each other.

Transportation was followed by the cPR and then an individual

written test. The first team test was next and we were all a little unsure of what to expect when each team member was issued a steyer with two blank loaded magazines and two smoke grenades! The scenario was that there were eight to ten personnel requiring medical aid and evacuation. The enemy was still in the area posing a threat to the medical team.

SGT Grocott lead the way, letting off rounds (IAW the Geneva conventions, of course) while the team made their way to the patients. cAPT Greenhough was leopard crawling as smoke grenades and rounds went off and blood and guts hung out all over the show. All the while paint balls were fired at them every time their heads were raised in sight of the enemy. LAc Wenden took up the role of monitoring patients in the safe zone avoiding any possible need to use her rifle.

LAc Matt Griffin displayed excellent leadership qualities throughout the competition and led his team to victory coming home with the following awards:

1st pair’s test;2nd transportation test;3rd team’s test;3rd overall in the competition.We look forward to seeing other Air force teams step up to

the challenge and take on the next Waterhouse competition. Remember this competition is first aid only and therefore open to NZDf personnel from any trade.

Base Auckland’s ‘G force’ team during the competition.

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NETWoRK ENABLED CAPABILITyThe Network Enabled capability initiative is looking at ways to ensure we keep up with the pace of technological change, and that the systems, technology and processes we have are the ones we need to accomplish our missions in an agile, resource efficient manner.

NZDf operates in a high stakes, high cost environment. IT has become such an integral part of what we do and how we do it that we simply cannot function without it.

commanders need access to this IT infrastructure to do their jobs. Before taking action they need to know who is fit to deploy, what vehicles need servicing, what their ammunition levels are and when the next re-supply will arrive. Each aircraft’s full maintenance history is now only available online. And all this information needs to be easily, securely available at the right time and place. When deployed, commanders need information capabilities that enable them to obtain decisive advantage in the battle space and realise the full potential of their people and equipment.

Additionally, technology keeps moving, and we need to ensure we have the systems and structures in place to keep up with new developments and innovations. Otherwise we risk being left behind. The NEc strategy has been developed by observing international best practice, with close study of the Australian Defence force and uS Military’s actions and initiatives in this field.

NEc is about the effective integration of sensors, decision makers, effectors, and support capabilities to obtain decisive military advantage.

cAPT Andy Watts, PDNEc, spoke to Air force News about the developments within NEc.

‘Our NEc goals are derived from the NZDf’s Strategic Plan, so themes like agility and being a valued partner come through very strongly. Amongst other things, that means exploiting and sharing information with the same effectiveness as our coalition and multi-agency partners.

‘We have to ensure that when we work with other Defence forces, and Australia is a key example, we are able to offer not only technical interoperability, but doctrine, tactics, and procedures that ensure our

people can exploit NEc as effectively as our coalition partners.’

NEc is not just about communication links, computers and applications, and it’s much more than ‘geek speak’. It is about building the basis for intelligent, agile decision making.

People are the key to the success of this concept within NZDf. In fact, cAPT Watts says the term Network Enabled capability was specifically chosen to reflect the central human element in networking, as opposed to Network centric Warfare (adopted by the uS and Australia), which indicates a more mechanical, machine-centric view.

The NEc concep t emphas i se s alignment; ensuring that different strands

What is NEC?• NEC stands forNetwork EnabledCapability, a programme dedicated toharnessing information-age technology to create networks of capability within NZDf. • Basically,NECaimstoprovideNZDFcommanderswiththeinformation-agecapability to allow them to do their jobs, whether that job is in the military or corporate domain. It’s about matching military and capability needs with technological opportunities.

How does NEC fit into NZDF?• NECisguidedbytheNZDFStrategicPlan2007-2011,andthekeystrategicthemes of Valued Partner, Agility, and Resource Efficiency.• NECisnot just ITandcomputers,anditdoesnotonlyaffectCISBranch;NEc is about using the most appropriate, up-to-date technology and integrating it throughout NZDf. • NECiscloselylinkedtotheDefenceTransformationProgramme.Resourcesand savings from the IT change programme will be fed back into NEc initiatives wherever possible to help protect and enhance military capability.

of development do not follow uneven trajectories. However, we need to create this alignment without also creating process obstructions or bottlenecks that hold up development; we need to encourage the vital, innovative work that is occurring in the three Services and in cIS Branch.

‘The challenge is to encourage well informed, committed people who understand their own environments and capability needs to use their initiative to develop capability with a minimum of constraint by providing them with a common standards framework. This will develop capabilities that are interoperable, mutually supportive, and that contribute to the common vision.’

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A I R S E C U R I T Y T I M O R L E S T E

IN SAFE HANDS BUSINESS AND PLEASUREDuring a unscheduled four-day maintenance stopover in Queensland’s tropical cairns a P-3 Orion crew on Northern Patrol (Norpat) mixed business with pleasure when they checked out some of the new kit recently acquired by the Australian Navy and customs.

SGT Shelley Charlton, FLTLT Benny Austin and CPL Grace Urlich

As I [SGT charlton] was the only one who had been to cairns before I understood the joys awaiting us - the nightlife, the Great Barrier Reef, the nightlife and the beautiful islands.

During our first morning in cairns the crew was enjoying breakfast in a café by the marina when someone called ‘cert Grey Boat!’ It was indeed the Royal Australian Navy’s new Armidale fast patrol craft. Our crew Lead promptly followed the boat to the Navy Base and arranged a liaison visit for the following day. This was no ordinary naval vessel – with a very flash new inside and proper stairs! The highlight was speeding around aboard the Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). With a top speed of 30 knots and supposedly unable to be flipped we took up the challenge of trying to prove the manufacturer wrong. The manufacturer was right and we kept our seats in the crocodile infested waters.

After so much fun at the Naval Base we wondered what else we could do.

A chance encounter with former No. 5 Squadron Avionics Technician, Mr Phil Reed, was fruitful. The aircrew met with our Australian custom’s airborne brethren and checked out their newly upgraded Dash-8 aircraft. The ten Dash-8 aircraft are each undergoing a six-week full back-end refit in Adelaide, but were in cairns as part of their final acceptance trials. Designed for inshore patrol and surveillance, the aircraft have a completely new and integrated sensor suite enabling them to cover Australia’s huge coastline and waters. With a crew of four, the two sensor operators control the new Sea Searcher radar and MX15 EO/IR turret. The new communications systems can also stream video and pictures directly to their controlling authority. We saw the equipment in operation and fired questions at the project manager who was pleased to see people interested in something other than the aircraft cockpit.

cairns is located near the Great Barrier

Reef in Australia and the chance to head out there was too good to pass up with the crew electing to make the most of the opportunity. After a speedy trip out to the reef on the catamaran ‘Quicksilver’ the search for Nemo’s cousins began. The boat took us to three different locations where some of us went for our first ever dive and others snorkelled. We got to see plenty of fish (including a few Nemos), giant clams, sea cucumbers, turtles and even a shark! When we weren’t in the water we spent our time sunbathing on the deck enjoying a few refreshments. It was an unforgettable day and the photos taken really speak for themselves.

Some hard work by No. 5 Squadron’s maintenance crew, and a test flight meant the aircraft was finally serviceable. Sunday was our first patrol day, flying from cairns and landing in Port Morseby. The highlight of the day was coming across the chinese ‘Luhu’ class warship Harbin, in company with an oiler, enroute to New Zealand. On arrival at Port Moresby we were met at the airport by Defence Attaché LTcOL Grace, who was extremely helpful in ‘smoothing’ our arrival into the country and facilitating ground support.

The next day we patrolled to chuuk,

a small island in Micronesia, just above the equator, where we stayed for two nights. Over the two days we completed fisheries patrols as part of Operation Big Eye coming across a large fleet of super purse seiners engaged in chasing and catching tuna.

On day eight we patrolled back to Port Morseby where once again LTcOL Grace provided us with excellent assistance, followed the next day by a short patrol then a transit home.

Although almost half of crew 3 were D cats, by the end of the detachment we could easily have been mistaken for a B cat Team. Seriously! Our success came down to the vast experience of the on-board crew: Pilot, Mike Pearson; Engineer, Phil Wraight; crew Lead; Rod Simpson; AEO, Bubba Hallinan; and Tacco, D.J. Hunt were all truly awesome. In fact, we were all awesome, with a capital ‘O’!

Personally I believe the reason we gelled together so well, flying for the first time as a crew, was down to the Team Building/Adventure Training at the start of the trip. Maybe that’s something to consider for future detachments?

We can but dream…and check out the cO’s budget!

A No.5 squadron crew check out an Australian Navy’s in-shore patrol vessel Bundaberg during a four day stop over in cairns, Queensland.

A bit of snorkelling to cool off.cPL Grace urlich checks out the giant clams on the Barrier Reef.

Australian customs’ revamped Dash-8 surveillance aircraft.

The crew takes the Australain Navy’s RHIB for a spin.

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Air Security personnel on deployment during an overseas operation.

In an insecure world the Air force’s Air Security (ASY) units are firmly focussed on ensuring our assets – people, aircraft, and equipment – are well protected at home and abroad. Air Force News editor Grant carr spoke to Oc Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS) ASY SqNLDR Kevin Shanley about how Air Security is shaping up.

The four main functions that the ASY trade provides to the RNZAf are Ground Defence, Base Security, Investigation Services and Drill and ceremonial Support. Broadly, almost two-thirds of the ASY trade comes under the ESS banner. This is where the main deployable ASY element is drawn from. Its personnel are required to remain above the standard Directed Level of Operational capability (DLOc) that applies to most other RNZAf personnel, because they are often operationally deployed at short notice. This means that part of their job is to train for operations with a significant portion of their weekly routine devoted to maintaining core trade skills.

The smallest basic operational element is the ASY Team consisting of a cPL and three other ranks (LAc/Ac). ESS ASY’s role is to provide ASY support to RNZAf forward Elements on operations and supplementary ASY support to Bases as operational commitments allow. There are two ESS ASY Sections – at Base Ohakea and Base Auckland.

The ESS ASY Section at Auckland also has a number of Military Working Dog teams on its establishment. A Military Working Dog (MWD) Team consists of a handler and a dog. We have two operational MWD teams which have recently graduated at the ESS ASY Section at RNZAf Base Auckland. A third team is nearing training completion and a fourth dog, recently acquired, is awaiting training with a new handler.

The primary roles of ASY dogs are deterrence, detection and response.

The acquisition of other specialist dog expertise, such as explosive detection, may be considered in the future.

ASY personnel are routinely deployed in NZ to assist with aircraft and event security and on exercises like Skytrain, Wiseowl and Blackbird. These exercises, among others, allow ASY personnel to practice and hone

their skills in an operational deployment scenario, while working alongside other units and Services. While they are providing real-time security services and advice during these exercises ASY personnel are gaining an understanding of the bigger picture and how they must interact with other units.

On overseas operations ASY personnel are routinely employed on Air Transport Security (ATSY) Operations involving the searching, sealing and guarding of RNZAf aircraft during transit on operational tasks such as overseas operational and exercise deployments. They also regularly provide security services and security liaison for RNZAf contingents on operational deployments as well as deployed investigation services.

GROUND TRAINING WINGThere are several ASY posts within GTW which come under the command of cTRG. These personnel are interspersed through the various training schools in order to provide specialist ASY, Drill and ceremonial, and cMS-type training.

INVESTIGATIONSOperational Support Wings on each Base are established with a section of 4 ASY personnel to provide Investigation, Security and Drill and ceremonial support. These personnel come under the operational control of the cO OSW.

‘As a key part of their job, OSW ASY personnel are required to investigate allegations of offences against the AfDA, and many of the other civil laws of New Zealand. This is to enable the Armed forces to carry with them their own legal code when deployed,’ says SQNLDR Shanley.

‘More serious allegations such as treason, murder, manslaughter, sexual violation, or bigamy or serious sexual assaults would normally be referred to the NZ Police.’

CORE MILITARY SKILLS (CMS)Over 90 percent of RNZAf personnel have now been inducted through the week-long cMS Initial courses which end next month. All Recruit and IOTc course graduates over that period have also been credited with passing the course. Starting in early 2008, personnel will be required to complete an online study and testing programme and attend a one-day Annual continuation Training (AcT) practical assessment. They will be tested on first Aid (cPR), cBRN drills, and will also re-qualify on the Styer rifle and the SIG 9mm Pistol where appropriate.

Like a number of Air force sections ASY has not fully populated its establishment. There are still plenty of positions within ASY for personnel who enjoy the security side of taskings, overseas operations, and weaponry. Piki Ake – Step up to Air Security.


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JuNIOR LEADERSHIP cOuRSEComBINED NZ CADET FoRCES

Cadet Under Officer Claire DrinkwaterNo 49 (Kapiti) ATC Squadron Twelve cadets from central Area travelled south recently to join sixteen cadets from Southern Area for a combined NZcf Junior Leaders course held at Burnham Military camp, which included students from the Sea cadet corps, the NZ cadet corps and the Air Training corps.

combining these promotional courses is a rare event in NZcf and these cadets were given an exciting opportunity to travel to the South Island by ferry to attend this course, many visiting the South Island for the first time.

The Junior Leaders course gives the cadets the knowledge to perform the duties required of a JNcO back at their individual cadet units. The week covered

The RNZAf has signed a new contract with Safe Air to provide Depot Level Maintenance for its c-130H, P-3K and uH-1H fleets and T56 engines. The six-year contract, worth about $135M, will see the RNZAf and Safe Air working closely to ensure that the RNZAf gets the best aircraft and component availability. AIRcDRE Dick Newlands, Deputy chief of Air force, believes the addition of joint initiatives and performance targets in the new contract pave the way for continuous improvement and long term reduction of ownership costs.

‘We want to see improved aircraft availability, improved readiness for operations, and more competitive cost of fleet ownership. The new contract promotes an open relationship between the RNZAf and Safe Air, which is designed to optimise forecasting and response times. It’s essential that we maintain a close working relationship with Safe Air if we are to get the best results during what is likely to be a very challenging period,’ said AIRcDRE Newlands.

The scope of the new contract is similar to that of the previous contract, but it has been simplified and combines what were previously separate aircraft and component maintenance, supply and propeller overhaul contracts.

The new contract shifts from what was historically a transactional service into a more strategic business approach. There is a much greater emphasis on future planning; fleet Planning unit (fPu) plays a crucial role in determining the RNZAf’s requirements, and works closely with Supply chain Management Squadron (ScMS) and Safe Air to get the best servicing solutions.

There is also a big emphasis on gain sharing. The RNZAf and Safe Air have agreed a list of initiatives, which are designed to help raise the bar on performance, with potential savings to be shared equally. Two examples are where both parties will work to identify and control critical items, and prepare a plan to progressively reduce turn around times.

Given the strategic nature and value of

the new contract, two contract relationship posts have been created to provide relationship oversight.

‘As the contract Relationship Manager, I am responsible for managing and resolving all contractual issues, SQNLDR Nick McMillan said. ‘Along with f/S Jason cunningham, who is the on-site contract Relationship Manager at Woodbourne, we cover, for example: contract relationship, management and administration. Our contract relationship role is to ensure that both parties are fully aware of all requirements, and to promote effective liaison. This includes promoting an atmosphere of trust, ensuring that there is an effective flow of information between stakeholders and resolving contractual issues. The contract management role is to act as the single point of contact for all formal and legal correspondence relating to the contract. We have to ensure that the contract metrics are being maintained,

that performance is as specified, and that future initiatives are on track to benefit the RNZAf. finally, we are responsible for administering the contract, by keeping the documentation and procedures up to date and controlling the process of change requests.’

‘It is a complex relationship. OSW has oversight of the Base area, JLSO is responsible for the buildings and we require Safe Air to provide the contracted logistics output while also being aware of the significant aircraft upgrades being conducted through MoD. In sum, ScMS and fPu will be primarily accountable for the transactional work, and the contract Relationship Managers will focus on the higher-level oversight of the contract, problem solving and ensuring that both parties are working towards future strategic initiatives,’ says SQNLDR McMillan.

‘The net effect of all this is to get the best result for the RNZAf, which we’ll do by working closely with Safe Air.’

RNZAF’S NEW mAINTENANCE CoNTRACT WITH

N E W M A I N T E N A N C E C O N T R A C T

drill instruction, ceremonial drill, cadet force knowledge, classroom instructional techn ique and mos t impor tan t l y, leadership. Each cadet faced different personal challenges thoughout the week, but by far the most common were rising before 6am; making bedpacks; getting the barracks ready for inspection; and learning how to instruct drill. for many, this was their first experience of a NZcf course.

LcPL Michael crook (upper Hutt cadet unit): ‘found the course really hard work but I’ve really improved my leadership and made heaps of new friends all over the South Island and in Wellington.’

However it wasn’t just the cadets that benefited from this combined course. cadet under Officer claire Drinkwater (49 SQN ATc) noted that ‘the staff also enjoyed the opportunity of sharing ideas

between areas. ‘I have learnt a lot from the Southern

staff and really look forward to applying some of their teaching styles back at my own unit in Kapiti.’

This course also saw the introduction of three new awards recognising cadet achievement. Leading Air cadet (LAc) Taylor crouch (1 SQN ATc) was presented the Leadership Award, the Endeavour award went to cDT Steven Ithell (Invercargill cadet unit) and the Teamwork award went to LAc Joshua Allen-Sloper (1 SQN ATc).

Thanks go to the Burnham camp staff for hosting this very successful course, which was an enjoyable week for both cadets and course staff alike. We are all looking forward to our next NZcf course on one of the NZDf establishments somewhere in New Zealand.

ABOVE: Montage from the course.

AIRcDRE Newlands presents the new contract to Jeremy Remacha (General Manager Safe Air Ltd) and Trevor Hughes (Air New Zealand Engineering Services).

fleet Planning unit (fPu) plays a crucial role in determining the RNZAf’s requirements, and works closely with Supply chain Management Squadron

(ScMS) and Safe Air to get the best servicing solutions.

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TOP AWARdS FOR 2007A lack of major Defence contracts meant no nominations were received for category A (projects or activities totalling more than NZ$7 million) in this year’s Minister of Defence Award of Excellence to Industry.In categories B and c nominations ranged across the spectrum of activity from a facilities management contractor’s provision of basic plumbing and lawn mowing, through to very high tech IT companies.In a strong field of six nominations for category B (projects or activities totalling less than NZ$7 million) Auckland company Computer Brokers took out the award. computer Brokers are responsible for development, supply and through-life support for RNZN computer systems, including those on the new protector fleet. Their work is characterised by a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ in everything that they do, resulting in innovative design features, an exceptionally high serviceability rate, and rapid response to problems anywhere in the world.The assessment panel were particularly impressed by the company’s innovation in design, its follow-up service, and its presentation of solutions which enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the RNZN.In category c (NZ companies acting as sub contractors to overseas prime contractors) a field of only two had Marops Ltd take out the award. Marops were contracted by carteNav Solutions of canada to be the in-country agents for installation of some very sophisticated survey and reconnaissance software in the RNZAf’s P-3K aircraft. considerable skill and much hard work was required for this project. A key feature was the speed of response. Having a northern hemisphere prime contractor meant they were able to achieve a 24-hour turnaround for problems that arose during installation and testing. As a direct result of this work Marops has been contracted to carry out similar work for the RAAf.The Assessment Panel considered that Marops had made a particular effort to match their project staff to the RNZAf needs and had been proactive throughout the project. Marops has developed a strong relationship with the prime contractor which

will provide exceptional service for the RNZAf in the future as the P-3K Orion fleet is upgraded. The prime contractor regards Marops as performing exceptionally well. No doubt that is why the company was chosen to implement the RAAf project.

Other category B nominations were:Contherm Scientific Ltd of Petone. contherm was nominated for its significant achievements in both design and production of storage cabinets for the Army. The company are specialists in controlled storage environments and have produced a variety of containers, often at very short notice, to meet some of the Army’s storage needs on deployment.

Automotive Technik New Zealand (now BAE Systems Land Systems Pinzgauer New Zealand Ltd) from Trentham. This company was responsible for in-country and ongoing support for the NZ Army’s light operational vehicle fleet. Their work was characterised by a willingness to do everything needed to meet the terms of contract and then exceed it. They were proactive in dealing with fleet-wide issues and managing warranty claims.

Transfield Services New Zealand of Ohakea. Transfield is RNZAf Base Ohakea’s facilities

management contractor. They produce work of a very high quality, almost always completed ahead of schedule. In particular they exceed the contract’s key performance indicators. Their approach is one of preventive maintenance rather than repair, regardless of the contract requirements. This results in considerable long term savings for the RNZAf.

Teltherm Instruments Ltd of Onehunga. Teltherm’s prime business is the supply and maintenance of specialised instruments. Teltherm frequently contributes to improving the Navy fleet’s state of readiness. Their major area of specialty is older generation instruments. Navy rely heavily on this service - a perfect match for their older vessels.

Safetysystems.biz of christchurch. This company was called on to assist the RNZAf improve its performance in health and safety management. As with all the awards companies their performance was remarkable for going well beyond the call of duty. They instituted some particularly innovative tools for health and safety management and carried out a training programme. This generated a high level of enthusiasm in the RNZAf for an activity not normally considered very exciting.

In category c the other contender was:Specialist Marine Interiors of Whangarei. SMI were contracted by Tenix Shipbuilding to build the interior fit out of the Navy’s new inshore patrol vessels. Some innovative construction methods were employed to enable very efficient and rapid changes as the design developed and some of the practical issues surrounding installation emerged. Their method of dealing with the shortage of skilled labour in the Whangarei area was also highly commended. SMI recruited a number of young people, literally off the street, and sponsored a short course at the local Polytechnic to provide precisely the skills required by the job. This resulted in an increased labour pool and provided a career option for these young people to consider.

dEFEnCE InduSTRY’SWHAT IT TAKESfinalists for the 2007 Minister of Defence Award of Excellence to Industry ranged across the spectrum of activity from basic plumbing and lawn mowing by a facilities management contractor, through some sophisticated carpentry, health and safety systems to very high tech IT companies.The Awards are in three categories:

Category A: companies involved in projects or activities totalling more than $NZ7 million

Category B: companies involved in projects or activities totalling less than $NZ7 million

Category C: NZ companies acting as sub contractors to overseas prime contractors.

Nominations are called each year from the Services, interested trade organisations and, in the case of category c, from prime contractors. This year no nominations were received in category A, due mainly to the paucity of major contracts this year.

JUDGING CRITERIA Nominees will be expected to meet several of the following criteria: • provisionofsuperiorequipmentorservicesin response to Defence needs; • innovationindesign,orimplementationassociated with the supply of equipment or services; • excellenceonanongoingbasis,especiallyinthe supply of services to Defence; • provisionofsuperiorqualityproductsforDefence;• thesuccessfuldevelopmentofwidermarketsfrom products developed locally for Defence;• undertakingoftechnicallyadvancedactivities for Defence; • submissionofideaswhichresultinincreasedefficiency, effectiveness or economy for Defence.


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Exercise Blackbird, as the Air Force’s annual mountain flying training exercise is called, is viewed as an essential component of the Squadron’s competency training. Accordingly, whenever possible, all of 3 Sqn’s aircrews try to attend. However, with the RNZAF’s significant commitments to peacekeeping and disaster relief operations around the world— for example, the squadron is heavily committed in East Timor at the moment—not everyone is able to participate.

In addition to having two aircraft and personnel in East Timor, the Squadron also had personnel preparing for a detachment to Townsville, Australia, where they were to join the Australian Army’s 5 AVN (Aviation Regiment) for an exercise, so 2007’s “Blackbird” was smaller than usual.

The exercise is mainly for the benefit of aircrews—helicopter crewmen and women as well as pilots—but the Squadron’s maintenance crews also gain from the experience of working away from their usual facilities at established Bases. While Blackbird benefits all participants, it is primarily intended for the less experienced of the Squadron’s crews. This year, for example, there were three captains who were about to be upgraded to search & rescue captains, so it was essential to expose them to

mountain flying. Other prime beneficiaries along for this year’s exercise were six recently qualified pilots for whom this was their first real exposure to mountain flying.

During their Iroquois conversion course, trainee pilots make a single flight into the Ruahines, not too far from Ohakea, for some basic mountain flying familiarisation, but as SqNLDR Chr is Andrew—Blackbird’s commander this year—explains: “The mountain flying that new pilots experience in the Ruahines is very basic. The Ruahines are much lower—nothing like the ‘real’ mountains of the Southern Alps—and the Ruahine sortie is just designed to be a basic introduction, after which pilots wait for the next Blackbird-type exercise. That’s why we do them regularly,” he says, “so that they don’t spend too long as co-pilots without the exposure to ‘real’ mountain flying.”

As SqNLDR Andrew explained, pilots may still be exposed to some mountain flying in the course of their routine general flying, or when carrying out missions with experienced captains working for DOC (Dept of Conservation), the police or the Army. However, the Air Force—appropriately—sees a big difference between co-pilot and command flying in such situations, and wants its pilots

to spend dedicated time with instructors in the mountains as soon as possible.

The Squadron’s competent professionalism was apparent to this writer upon arrival at Woodbourne at the start of the day’s flying. There was an air of business about the hangar and briefing area, but everything was organised and calm. Every aspect of the day’s flying operations had been prepared well in advance, with a training schedule detailing the “what, when and where” for each pilot and crew member. However, as anyone familiar with aviation is only too well aware, plans cannot afford to be inflexible, so the crews’ willingness and ability to accommodate the requests of two Pacific Wings passengers—within the overall bounds of the exercise—gave an indication of the degree of their quick-thinking flexibility.

Andy Heap and I made it clear to SqNLDR Andrew that we would stay out of the way and observe throughout the day, taking whatever photographs we could. However, after a brief conversation, he quickly appreciated what we wanted to achieve with air-to-air and other photography requirements, and with this in mind, mission start times and arrival times at the Dip Flat base camp were re-scheduled and pilots briefed to consider the

ExErcisE BlackBird

To a great many New Zealanders who have benefited from their services —as well as disaster and conflict victims around the world—the men and women of 3 Squadron, RNZAF, are undoubtedly seen as heroes. Brave, selfless and heroic though they may sometimes appear to others, the personnel of 3 Squadron prefer to see themselves simply as dedicated and highly trained professionals who joined the RNZAF to serve their nation. Andy Heap and Rob Neil joined 3 Squadron for its annual mountain flying exercise in the Southern Alps to witness some of the training that goes into producing its nation-serving professionalism.

The October 2007 issue of Pacific Wings carried an extensive article on No.3 Squadron’s Exercise Blackbird. Journalists Andy Heap and Rob Neil gave such a positive portrayal of the exercise, the professionalism of our air and ground crews, and our strong safety culture that we decided to rerun the article in Air Force News.

Reproduced over the following pages, with permission from Pacific Wings, is the article in its entirety.

additional (definitely atypical) factor of lighting strength and direction for our benefit.

At the same time as we were thoroughly briefed about safety and operational requirements, p i lo t s and c rewmen were cautioned to pay special attention to our (unqualified) presence, both around the helicopters and in the mountain environment.

From the beginning, it was obvious that safety was paramount. The military this might be, but “gung-ho” it is not!

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to accompany the helicopters—apart from the fact that the temperature was approximately minus a million degrees in the open doors of the Hueys. We can’t have been popular with the two unfortunate crews whose job it was to fly each of us with their helicopters’ doors open, but they not only resisted the temptation to throw us out, they also made us very welcome.

With the en route air–to–air photo shoot out of the way, crews moved straight into the day’s training exercises, completely disregarding any distraction from our presence as passengers.

From the moment we boarded the helicopters at Woodbourne, I was immediately struck by the constant communication

between crewmembers. Even as a passenger, it made me completely aware of what was happening all around the machine. As SqNLDR Andrew pointed out later, this was no coincidence. The need for consistent “patter” between both pilots and crewmen is essential to maintaining complete situational awareness; the hel i copter crewman is very much an equal part of the flight crew in this regard.

The f i r s t exerc i se in our helicopter involved a couple of ridge approaches at around 6,000 feet, followed by a series of “bowl” approaches using different techniques. Every time the helicopter changed direction or began an approach, there was communication between the pilots as to which direction was their “escape” in the event of an emergency or change of circumstances. At different points throughout a profile, this would change depending on a number of factors such as the wind direction, the degree to which terrain rose in relation to wind direction, and the amount of power available (which could be the determining factor in whether to turn right or left depending on remaining tail rotor authority). As things changed, the escape was verbalised and responded to so that there was never a doubt in anyone’s mind as

to which way we would be going if anything went pear-shaped.

Pilots continually assess the wind, referring to both GPS and visible external signs, such as blown snow or cloud, as well as “feel”. However, as was constantly being rammed home by instructors, the wind in rugged mountain terrain has the capacity to blow from unexpected directions, and the GPS or blown snow at the “tops” didn’t always tell the story of what it was doing at a landing site.

For each intended landing, the aircraft would make a preliminary approach and overshoot, during which the crewman would throw a smoke grenade to indicate actual wind on the ground. This was an extremely valuable tool for the pilots and left no doubt as to what the wind was doing—which was often not at all what was “expected” (I was impressed with the Air Force’s environmental responsibility in having the crews recover each of the spent smoke canisters after landing).

On one occasion, when hovering on a pinnacle above 7,000 feet, we experienced vibration as a result of having sufficient wind directly on the nose to take the disc close to the point of translational lift. This was a good lesson for the trainee pilot at the time, who was unsure whether he had miscalculated the wind and

neither embarrassment nor defensiveness. I t made no difference to either instructors or trainees that there were civilian observers present—the training was all-important and the lessons needed to be learned.

There has been much ill informed general media comment about the capability of New Zealand’s Air Force since the disbandment of its strike wing. As much as Pacific Wings deplores the government’s

wondered if the vibration was the result of a tailwind. This was a good example of how—although the rather benign weather prevailing for this particular “Blackbird” was not ideal (in that some potential hazards were not easily highlighted)—instructors used a variety of different fuIn a uniquely military atmosphere of mutual respect, trainees accepted calm direction and constructive criticism from instructors with

naive decision, the strike wing was just one component of the RNZAF. The transport, maritime and helicopter squadrons—second to none in the world—continue to serve New Zealand effectively and with justifiable pride. Pacific Wings is grateful to SqNLDR Chris Andrew, the men and women of 3 Squadron, and the RNZAF for their hospitality and assistance—it was a privilege to watch the Air Force at work.

FIRE BRIgADE HoNouROn Friday 21 September the United Fire Brigades Association (UFBA) Gold Star was awarded to General Service Hand (GSH) Bruce Cairns at a ceremony at the

Woodbourne Fire Station.

The medal is presented to people who have completed 25 years service to the ufBA in a ‘fire’ role.

GSH cairns joined the christchurch Metropolitan fire Brigade in 1970 and served with them until 1986. He then joined the RNZAf at Woodbourne and worked at the Electroplating Bay until 1998 when the running of the complex was taken over by Safe Air. GSH cairns then moved to the fire Section where he took on the position of fire Extinguisher Servicing Tech and relief watchroom attendant. Bruce is responsible for the day-to-day servicing of about 370 extinguishers.

The presentation ceremony was a complete surprise to Bruce and was attended by cOOSW – WGcDR Dave Green, representatives from the New Zealand fire Service, ex-workmates from the Electroplating Bay and members of the Woodbourne fire Section along with Bruce’s family.

Past President of the ufBA, Mr Dave Mcfarlane, passed the responsibility for pinning the award to GSH cairns on to Bruce’s son David who is a serving Station Officer in the NZ fire Service. It is believed that this is the first time in New Zealand that a son has made this presentation to his father.

With GSH cairns’ family spread around the world, this was the first time they had all been together in 22 years making this a special day for Bruce and his wife Rosemary.

ABOVE RIGHT: Son, Station Officer David cairns, congratulates his father. RIGHT: A cake befitting the occasion..

A family affair. GSH Bruce cairns’ family and friends were on hand to celebrate his 25 years of dedicated service.

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INTEgRATED mISSIoN SuPPoRT SQuADRoN TAKES SHAPEWGCDR Brendon Pett

construction is well underway on the Integrated Mission Support Squadron’s new Software and Simulation Support flight (SSSf) at RNZAf Base Auckland. This is a major project that utilises the old OSMu building but significantly expands it to accommodate the new mission of the IMSS.

The building has been designed by BEcA architects with construction undertaken by ASPEc construction Ltd. It is due for completion in January 2008. The new facilities will be home to the SSSf staff and house the P-3K2’s Software Testing and Integration Laboratory (SITL) and the P-3K2 flight Deck Trainer (fDT). The SITL is a replication of the P-3K2 Mission systems and will be used to conduct a wide variety of functions from crew training through to software testing and initial fault analysis. The SITL is significantly larger than the old P-3K Orion test system and therefore requires a new environmentally controlled area of 12.6m x 8m; which is about the size of an indoor cricket pitch.

The P-3K2 fDT will also be accommodated at the IMSS. As a flight simulation device it requires a specially constructed area to support both its weight but also to allow for its full range of motion. consequently a large ‘squash court’ structure is evident at the back of the new building to house the fDT and the instructor station. The fDT building is a sizeable structure with floor measurements of 9.3m x 9.4m with a height of 5.5m giving a volume of 480 cubic metres.

construction is well underway with the majority of the framing up and many internal office walls already up. External cladding and roofing has commenced and by the time of printing the external work is anticipated to be finished. The overall project is expected to be finished and handed over to the RNZAf around the end of November 2008.

The SITL facility under development at L3 in Texas which will eventually be delivered and housed at the IMSS.

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Arrow shows the new SITL accommodation being constructed as part of IMSS at RNZAf Base Auckland.

The fDT enclosure (centre of picture) under construction to house the P-3K2 flight Deck Trainer.

The P-3K2 flight Deck Trainer.

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MAKIng A WISH COME TRuERNZAf Base Ohakea’s Maintenance Support Squadron have been busy training for a non-stop relay from Base Auckland to Base Ohakea over 20-22 November in support of the Make-A-Wish charity.

As part of that training they completed a 24-hour trial that involved running five kilometre legs at six hour intervals, including a run at 2am. The trial started at 2pm on 20 September. In addition to the 14 official runners, including WGcDR Jenkinson, other personnel from the Base were keen to ‘Step up’ to the challenge. The trial was started by Rose cook, aged 17, from Rongotea. Rose suffers from connective Tissue Disease and is due to go to Queensland’s Sunshine coast as a Make-A-Wish recipient.

The 24-hour trial, a half marathon in October organised by Base Ohakea Physical Training Instructors and the relay are aimed at raising money for the Make-A-Wish foundation NZ which grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

The wishes can be one of four categories: I wish to be…; I wish to meet …; I wish for…; I wish to go to…

The relay starts at Base Auckland’s main gate in the early hours of 20 November and finishes on the morning of the 22 November at Base Ohakea.

SGT Ian Richards, a spokesperson and runner for the group, has organised similar events and raised money for a variety of charities in the uK. ‘The group have chosen the Make-A-Wish foundation because you can see your time and effort make a noticeable difference to the children’s lives. It is also a good opportunity to give something back to the community we live in,’ he said.

The run covers about 540 kilometres. The 14 runners hope to complete the journey in 54 hours. Each will have completed almost

40 kilometres running day and night. When they arrive at Bulls the group plans

to run together and there is a possibility they will be joined by one of New Zealand’s Olympic triathlon hopefuls.

The organisers have asked for community support and that Bulls locals line the streets to support the runners at the end of their run. companies or individuals willing and able to support the charity should contact the head office on 0800 makeawish. Keep an eye out for the group at local events.

CAPE REIngA TO BluFF In HAlF A MOAs you read this fGOff Matt ferris will be half way through his ride from cape Reinga to Bluff and sporting half a mo.

The 22-year-old from No. 40 Squadron is cycling more than 2000km from cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island to raise funds for the Prostate cancer foundation of New Zealand.

And he promises not to shave his upper lip while doing it.‘I’ve done a bit of mountain biking in the past but this is going to

be a challenge. I’m planning to begin my ride on November 17 and I’ll make it down the country by the end of the month.’

Matt’s effort will eclipse that of many New Zealand men who will grow their moustaches during the month of November.

His ride will even outdo a number of cromwell women who last year decided to grow their left armpit hair to support the cause.

No.40 Squadron fLTLT Richard Beetham said the Squadron was proud of their colleague’s effort.

‘I have no doubt that the sight of Matt cycling down the country will boost recruiting numbers of women in the RNZAf,’ he said.

Those wishing to sponsor the ride can still do so by calling fGOff Tim Pevreal at No.40 Squadron. All of the money raised will be donated to the Prostate cancer foundation of New Zealand.

Members from the Maintenance Support Squadron and other Base personel who participated in the practice run for the Make-A-Wish foundation Relay.

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front Row L - R: f/S Richie Walter, W/O Sean McAleese, W/O Rob McKinney, W/O Rob Service, W/O Lynette Lowe, Mrs Jenine Burroughs, f/S Stu Grant.Middle row L - R: SQNLDR Bryce Meredith, SQNLDR Blair Houlihan, fLTLT Stu Binns, SGT Destry Tumataiki, SGT Daveo Walklin, Mr Mark Knight.Rear Row L - R: f/S Anthony Te Wano, f/S Andy Hill, SQNLDR Michelle White, f/S Nigel Timpson, SQNLDR Sarah Woodhouse.

AVIATIoN REFuELLER TRADE mEETINg

F/S Richie WalterThe 2007 Aviation Refueller Trade Meeting was hosted at RNZAf Woodbourne over 23-25 October. This meeting, the third since the trade was formed in 2003, aimed to address a number of strategic, operational, and training issues that have arisen since the MT Driver trade became obsolete four years ago. In addition, it provided an appropriate forum where all issues raised could be discussed in detail with the result being clear action outcomes devised by harnessing the expertise of the trade’s senior personnel.

Since 2003, many Air force personnel have not noticed many changes in Base MT units, however many subtle changes have been made behind the scenes with the trade focus now on Deployable Bulk fueI operations, other deployed aviation fuel

delivery tasks, aviation fuel quality control, and ensuring that all NZDf aviation fuel meets RNZAf airworthiness requirements. The transformation to aviation refuelling as the primary trade role has not been straightforward with many stalwarts favouring transport operations as a primary focus. Progress has already been achieved with many new initiatives to look forward to.

Senior members of the AVRfLR trade were present as were cO GTW, and representatives from DAS(f), DAE, TGHQ and Base MT flights. Many issues were worked through in detail during the group workshop sessions and the task ahead for SO ARLTP is to lead the resulting recommendations from the meeting to command, gain endorsement and implement a number of improvements throughout the trade.

Watch this space.

Regular force personnel posted to NZ cadet force underwent training for the NZ Mountain Safety council Outdoor Leader award.

The week-long course consisted of theory training on topics ranging from food, tramping skills, weather, risk management, to the Environmental care code. The course culminated in a pre-assessment phase in Goldies Bush, and an overnight expedition and assessment in the Waitakere Ranges. This same course is offered to selected senior cadets and NZcf Officers and is conducted annually at RNZAf Dip flat and Waiouru.

CADET FoRCE LEADERS go BuSH

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The group negotiating one of a number of water crossings on the Mokoroa Stream Track.


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BASE AuCKLAND vs THE CHINESE PLAFLTLT Mike CunninghamBase Auckland hosted a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) rugby squad on Wednesday 26 September culminating in a game against the Base team.

The kick-off was at 1430hrs after a shared lunch.

While the PLA team had the size over Base Auckland we were hoping to move the ball around in an effort to ‘tucker’ them out, especially as the ground was fast and the weather good.

The PLA based a lot of their play round the set pieces and were very strong when the game ran to a pattern. Their defensive line struggled though when play became

broken or the tempo of the game lifted. Through strong set piece moves early on, the PLA jumped out to a 16 point start before Auckland crept back into the game with a try and two penalties. The PLA continued to rumble it up the middle and finished the half ahead 31 to 11.

The second half brought much the same, while the game tended to open up a lot more. We picked up another three tries but couldn’t match the PLA at set pieces and ended up losing 64 to 28, ten tries to four. Player of the day for the chinese was their 130kg lock and captain Ma Bing.

An after-match was held at the Sports Bar, but the PLA couldn’t stay late because they

were playing again in two days time. The game provided a unique and interesting opportunity to mix with the chinese despite the language barrier.

The PLA Rugby team toured New Zealand from 22 September to 6 October, hosted by Navy in the first week and Army at Linton in the second. In that time they played matches against a Navy selection, Linton camp and an Army selection.

The PLA side, generously sponsored by the Hong Kong Bank, competes in the Hong Kong second division competition, while our Base team competes pretty well in the Senior 2 grade.

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INTER-BASE 2007:A TOURNAMENT TO REMEMBER

Ac Richie StauntonInterbase rugby 2007 will be remembered for a long time! Looking at last year’s tournament, where Auckland ran wild and comfortably buried both Ohakea and Woodbourne, you wouldn’t blame people for expecting much of the same in 2007. However, somebody forgot to tell the Magpies and the Ligers…Day 1. Auckland vs. Ohakea. The first ten minutes of this game were fierce. Auckland were doing all they could to cross Ohakea’s line. There were huge hits coming from both teams and play rarely left Ohakea’s 22 metre. Sean Rogers managed to burst over for Auckland but desperate defence kept the ball from being grounded. So Auckland continued to hammer away and Ohakea continued to throw themselves into every tackle. They were doing too much defending and were expected to crack soon, but they would not give up and they held on to a 0-0 score until half time, despite Auckland having five penalty attempts at goal.

At the half time break both teams got a rev up and the crowd began to wonder whether or not Auckland would win.

With the second half underway it was much the same as the first but Ohakea was starting to find some territory through some good tactical kicking from halfback charlie Beetham and first five Deane Wilson. They went close to scoring a couple of times but Auckland held out. finally in the 76th minute Ohakea gave

away a close range penalty which Adrian Grey calmly slotted to give Auckland a 3-0 lead with time nearly up. A last gasp dropped goal attempt by Deane Wilson just waved away and Auckland came away the winners.Day 2. Ohakea vs. Woodbourne. After Ohakea’s narrow loss to Auckland many people were expecting them to trample Woodbourne. That idea was dismissed when Woodbourne’s White Rhino, charger Mockford, crashed over early on to give them a 7-0 lead. But Ohakea hit back quickly with a try of their own to level the scores 7-7. Some sharp hands through the Woody backs allowed them to cross again and snatch the lead

back. Just as Ohakea started to look dangerous again, the White Rhino struck, picking up a loose ball and stampeding across the line to give Woodbourne a 19-7 halftime lead.

The halftime break went in the favour of Ohakea, as it interrupted Woodbourne’s momentum and the second stanza proved it. Woodbourne were quiet and Ohakea were able to claw back the lead through a couple of good tries and a penalty to lead 22-19. Woodbourne looked finished but some good defence in the final stages meant that the Magpies could not extend their lead.

With the Ligers fighting hard they were awarded a long distance penalty, but some foul play by Ohakea meant they were

marched an extra 10 metres and the goal became kickable. Randall Walker stepped up to cut the posts in half and make it a 22-22 draw and set up an exciting final between Woodbourne and Auckland.Day 3. The final. Auckland vs. Woodbourne. Auckland started this game well and scored a very early try to Gabe Akai off a good driving maul. It was then expected that they would run away with the game but Woodbourne weren’t accepting that very easily. The teams slogged away with both having opportunities but not quite finishing. With time nearly up in the first half Auckland made good use of a big blindside to score again and take the halftime lead to 12-0.

The second half was much like the first, no one was giving up. Again, there were opportunities for both sides but they weren’t taken until some quick hands gave the flying fijian, Dayne Mozel, who has never played rugby before this year, some space and it was all he needed to step his was under the posts. With the conversion successful the score went to 19-0, where it remained for the rest of the game.

So there you have it. It was a tournament not to be forgotten with Auckland coming out on top, Ohakea earning the runner up spot for the first time in years and Woodbourne taking the wooden spoon. It was an awesome tournament and I expect it will be hotly contested again next year.

Thanks very much all the players, coaches, managers, support crew and especially to those guys from Auckland who helped organise and set things up. cheers!

Action from the game between Ohakea and Woodbourne. cPL Jade Morgan of Ohakea with the ball.

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Action from the game between Auckland and Ohakea.

Action from the game between Auckland and Ohakea. fLTLT Adrian Grey with the kick for Auckland.

Action from the game between Ohakea and Woodbourne. Played at Whenuapai field. fGOff Andrew Mockford of Woodbourne makes for the tryline.

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2007 BuRN–mERZ TRoPHy RNZAF VS RAAF, CANBERRA

On 5 September - following the Interbase tournament and a Training camp - the Air force team travelled to Australia to defend our shield. The Burn – Merz Shield is an annual fixture between the RNZAf and RAAf rugby teams. I refer to it as our shield because the RNZAf was the first to win it and has successfully defended it for three years running, much to the Aussie’s disgust.

After a long recovery session at the Whenuapai pool to get rid of the weekend’s bumps, bruises and the sore heads, team management lay down a game plan for what we had to achieve over the next four days before the game on friday. The whole set-up was a professional approach that new coach Si Lamb and assistant coach Rick Wadmore wanted to employ to get the best out of all players. There was a lot of new blood in the team, with 13 skins being selected. After landing at Sydney airport we piled onto a bus for the three and a half hour trip to canberra, arriving at about 2200hrs.

We had two training sessions left during that week to fine tune the team pattern and prepare ourselves for game day. Things were looking good as the new combinations and game plan had come together well in such a short time.

The pre-game haka was inspirationally led by Bruce Bromwich, after which it was all on. At half time we were down by 9-0. The RAAf had capitalised on our mistakes as we struggled to maintain any consistency in set play. During the half time pow-wow some stern words were said, so the start of the second half saw us come out firing. Every team member ‘stepped up’ and we scored early with a great lineout drive enabling lock Bruce Bromwich to crash over for the first try. But the RAAf were not ready to lie down just yet. At the 60-minute mark their No.8 picked up the ball from the back of a

very strong five metre scrum and drove across for their only try. So, with our backs against the wall and the score now 14-5 we had to empty the tanks. We spent the last quarter hot on attack and after a half break and quick ruck, spun the ball wide for Alcide Gosselin to score in the corner. The pressure mounted but time slowly whittled away until at the last play we gambled with our last throw of the dice. Some magic from Dayne Mozel with his hot step, twirl and plant he managed to come up with the play of the game and score on the final siren to win us the match!

Later that evening the RNZAf were treated to a great after-match at the Duntroon SNcO’s mess. As you can imagine the boys were very excited after the win and celebrated accordingly. It was a great night with Trans-Tasman friendships strengthened

and new ones formed. Every member of the tour had performed exceptionally well, whether it was our fearless captain Andrew Mockford, player of the game clint fitzgibbon, or our manager Tony Lucas.

finally with new coaches, a new approach to Air force Rugby and increased player depth we can confidently build into the future.

The two teams meet up.

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The pre-game haka was inspirationally led by Bruce Bromwich.

TRIATHLoN TRyERIt goes without saying that Air force Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) have to lead by example with higher than average levels of fitness and more than an armchair interest in sports.

Woodbourne-based PTI SGT Greg O’connor certainly takes his physical fitness to heart. He took up the gruelling, competitive sport of triathlons just over two years ago but has already competed in two World Triathlon championships.

The most recent was held in Hamburg, Germany where SGT O’connor competed in the 30 to 34-year age bracket. He snatched 46th position out of a field of 137 competitors, which is a commendable result given his relatively recent entry into the sport.

same hotel. Even SGT O’connor’s wife was on hand this year to support him.

for the uninformed the triathlon consists of three disciplines – a 1500 metre swim followed by a 40 kilometre bike ride and a 10 kilometre run.

If you’re thinking of taking up the sport it’s probably best if you build up to your first event. But to start you certainly don’t need the regular 15 hours a week of training that SGT O’connor puts in, just a regular regime of running, swimming and cycling. He’s happy to help and encourage novices with their training programme. ‘Just drop me an email or come down and see me at the PE&RT school.’

SGT O’connor’s regime includes four

swims, five runs and three to four bike rides a week. ‘The amount of training in each discipline depends on what you are targeting. I’m focussed on running at present,’ he says.

SGT Greg O’connor thanks the Air force’s Base Welfare fund for their funding contribution and his sponsors Wairarapa’s MacKenzie Electrical 2000 and Alan Scott’s winery for his uniform.

SGT O’connor hopes to attend the 2008 World championships in canada. And who knows, there may just be a podium position for the Air force PTI, if not next year, not too far in the future.

Good luck Greg!n

The previous year at the championships in Switzerland he was 58th so he has bettered his performance this time.

SGT O’connor says the annual triathlon event is globally popular and growing. ‘Triathletes compete against others in their age range, in bands of five years. There were over 8000 athletes taking part in Hamburg, with the juniors ranging from 18-20 years and the oldest in their 70s. The championships are a stepping stone to the elite grades where the likes of Kiwis Hamish carter and Bevin Docherty compete.’

And the sport is growing in New Zealand too with about 50 Kiwis winging their way to Hamburg this year and building a strong base of camaraderie by block booking the

Putting the pedal down near the finish of the cycling leg.

LEFT: SGT O’connor on the final leg of the triathlon in Hamburg.

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forget the World cup. The RNZAf’s rugby team have ensured we can still hold our heads up with pride. Amongst all the gloom LAC Clint Fitzgibbon and SGT Bruce Bromwich give a report of the Burn-Merz match that has us winning the annual match for the fourth year in a row. Go the Blues!


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Ohakea’s Alpine Sports club hosted the 2007 Inter-base Alpine Tournament 2007

at Whakapapa Ski field on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu over 17 to 21 September.

fGOff Simon Isemonger reports on the action.

A L L P H O T O S B Y A C G R A N T A R M I S H A W

After a pearler of a Monday up the

slopes the teams arrived at the lodges

where the 36 of us were welcomed by

the friendly, fun loving wardens John

and Greg. John is a 72-year-old skiing

vet who put many of us to shame on the

white stuff. He has a never ending smile;

loves the amber stuff and seemingly has

eight fingers on each hand. Greg, a

bearded, bright eyed scout legend got

us ship shape from the start. Never shy

of a joke or method of taking the mickey,

he celebrated his birthday with us and his

family on Thursday night.

A piercing wake up call sounding like a

cow bell rung by an eight-year-old had us

tumbling out of bed and we soon tucked

into a hearty cooked breakfast then sat

on our hands, watching the weather roll

through. It was a horrible, wet day and

some decided to go to find out up close;

others were a lot smarter and went to

the hot pools.

Wednesday morning looked promising,

so we got cracking early and were racing

by ten. The first event for all was the

Giant Slalom. The skiers led the charge,

slashing some quick times down the

course before the boarders made their

best attempts to do the same. A few

passing clouds kept the racers honest and

it was decided to shoot the skiers down

the much tighter slalom course in the

afternoon. Thrills and spills described the

day as skis, poles, bodies and cossack

hats regularly tumbled down the slope.

casualties were kept to a minimum until

later in the day when a clash between

two competitors left a damaged board

Action from the slopes.

Opposite page: cPL Jack Russell leads cPL Rory

Quinn and f/S craig Pitman in a Men’s Downhill

heat.Left: cPL Brad Grunt in the Big Air.

Below left (from left to right): Posers LAc Dave

Whalley, cPL Jack Russell, cPL Rob Taylor, cPL

Rowdy Roe.

Below right: cPL James Bulford in the Big Air.

Bottom left: The Lemon Ruski, fLTLT Ben Pryor,

with the art of falling over.

THRILLS & SPILLS

A l P I n E S P O R T S


34 35

the hero in a half shell. Some dodgy

inverts sporadically appeared throughout

some clean spins and grabs. Morale was

high and even the novice riders hit the

kicker for a laugh. Air of the day was a

squeaky clean 360 from the victor. The

only hero or villain with a limp on skins

night was the aforementioned casualty.

The crew closed the successful week of

competition with a light bevy or three and

a different kind of racing for the punters

enjoyment.

The week was highly successful and

enjoyable. Thanks to the Ohakea

Interbase committee for making the

tournament possible and, ‘well done’

Team Ohakea 2007 for taking out

the gold. Special thanks go to our

photographer, Ac Grant Armishaw, for

the great snaps.

contact your local OIc Alpine Sports

for madness on the mountain next year.

Get involved; dominate.

SPONSORS

A massive thanks goes out to our

generous sponsors and supporters:

sGROOVSTAR

scOLuMBIA SPORTSWEAR NZ

sScHNAPPS BAR

sJuNcTION SKI & BOARD

sSKI fM

sTcBsROY TuRNER SKI & BOARD

sEIVINS SKI & BOARD.

and a very big bruise that cut numbers

down by one.

We enjoyed a quiet evening in National

Park and a few bleary-eyed individuals

joined the rest of the pack in the lift queue

on Thursday morning.

This was downhill day for the boarders

and some were definitely feeling the

need. A wide, sweeping course was laid

out and our guest photographer put

himself in the perfect spot for snaps of the

action. Pushing and shoving ended with

rolling, bouncing and skidding down the

course. The wide smiles on faces said it

all. It was a very successful and popular

event with everyone digging deep to get

one up on their mates.

The competition’s final day was not over

yet. A big air event came complete with

cameo of none other than Donatello,

ALPINE SPORTS INTER-BASE 2007 RESULTS

Overall men’s ski:

1st fGOff Brendon Quinn (OH)

2nd SGT Jason Dreaver (WB)

3rd f/S Dion forrest (AK)

Overall women’s ski:

1st fGOff Mel Axelrad (AK)

Overall men’s snowboard:

1st cPL Brad Grant (WB)

2nd fLTLT chris Ross (WN)

3rd LAc Dave Whalley (OH)

Overall women’s snowboard:

1st A/SGT chaz Hira (OH)

2nd SQNLDR Lisa D’Oliveira (WN)

3rd cPL Robyn chapman (AK)

Big air men:

1st cPL Jack Russell (AK)

Big air women:

1st A/SGT chaz Hira (OH)

Overall teams:

1st Ohakea

2nd Woodbourne

3rd Wellington

4th Auckland.

Top opposite page: cPL Robyn chapman and SQNLDR Lisa D’Oliveira fight it

out in the Women’s Downhill final.

centre left opposite page: cPL Jack Russell shows winning form in the Big Air.

centre right opposite page: SQNLDR Heather Peart in the Women’s Slalom.

Above: fGOff Brendon Quinn falling over in style on the Men’s Slalom.

Bottom left: Awesome dusk views from the Whakapapa Ski field.

Bottom right: LAc Liam McGrath turns into the purple ninja turtle for the Big

Air.

37


36

Ohakea’s annual Tangimoana Half Marathon - one of the major events in the Physical Education and Recreation Training (PE&RT) calendar – attracted 33 individuals, 12 teams of 2, 8 teams of 4, 4 walkers, 10 officials, 6 PTIs and 2 dogs.

Due to the weather looking grey and bleak, the organisers were expecting participants to follow the All Blacks lead and bottle it when it came to the crunch. However, the PE&RT section were delighted with the spirited turn out, highlighting Base personnel’s increasing support for our events. It helps when the bosses; WGcDRs Mardon, McPherson, Sowden and Webb collectively known as The four Kings were out battling the elements with the rest of THE Base. The biggest pat on the back for effort goes to the Admin girls and SGT Danny Passi for getting everyone in their section involved.

The event ran smoothly, with the only heart-stopping moment being when cAPT Scott McIntyre developed what appeared to be ‘officer with a map syndrome’, losing his bearings and

starting to head back to the start line. It turned out that his cap was blown off by the Huey fly past. It must have been an expensive cap as it was the quickest he had moved all day. The fastest mover of the day was fGOff Scott Griffin, who moved faster than a Jonny Wilkinson torpedo kick once he realised LAc Joy Hargreaves was on hand to rub all the knots and tight muscles back to normal at the finish line. Special mention goes to fLTLT Lee Bradford who proved all his critics wrong by making it back ahead of schedule, allowing the PE&RT section to breathe a sigh of relief.

Particularly impressive (or alarming) was the number of runners who had not trained but were still keen to give it a go. At the back of every participant’s mind was the cause that they were running for. The event raised over $600 for the Make-A-Wish foundation. faye Pedley, the Manawatu Make-A-Wish representative, was on hand at the awards presentation to accept the cheque from Ac Dave Matthews and listen to the day’s war stories.

Prizes were awarded to all placegetters as well as three major spot prizes.

CPL Matthew PittsPlace Name Time

Race Number

Men’s

1 Kelvin Read 1:21:08 009

2 Nathan Hodgkinson 1:24:31 013

3 Nick Johnston 1:27:47 004

Ladies

1 Renee Scott 1:40:17 108

2 Elizabeth Orr 1:43:25 109

3 Kelley Waite 1:45:18 101

Team of Two

1The cougar HuntersHayden Gouman/Brent Roney

1:26:18 508

2 Jake Bradley/cam Pengelly 1:30:02 512

3Dream TeamScott Griffin /Dean Stroud

1:32:13 500

Team of four

1 Avionics’ Young Skins 1:35:41 403

2 four Kings 1:37:51 406

3 Bootie call 1:44:41 407

Walkers

1 Lisa McDonald 2:09:31 43

SPIRITED TuRN ouT FoR TANgImoANA HALF mARATHoN CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The start of the Tangimoana Half Marathon;ABOVE; RIGHT AND BELOW RIGHT: Members of the Avionics’ Young Skins team;

BELOW LEfT: The indominable SQNLDR Kelvin Read on his way to taking line honours with a time of 1:21:08.

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38 39


TATTOO REPORT

The group comprised 27 Royal New Zealand Navy personnel from Te Kaha who were in Malaysia at the time, and the remaining personnel were complemented by four personnel from each of the Royal New Zealand Air force (W/O G. Mana, Mrs H. Morunga, Mrs L. Portas and Mr Marshall cook), and NZ Army. Managing and leading the group was W/O Mark Pirikahu of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The event was held at Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Stadium where 50 years ago on the 31 August 1957 Malaysia’s first Prime Minister the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, performed the nation’s declaration of independence. In 2003 Merdeka Stadium was named a national heritage building. Knowing the significance and importance of this stadium we truly felt honoured and privileged to represent the New Zealand Defence force at such an historical venue and occasion.

The showcase for the event featured military bands from, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Jordan, Britain, uSA, france, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei and of course the NZ Defence Maori culture Group, making this a very colourful and diverse mixture of many cultures.

A village was erected at the stadium for participants of the Tattoo. Each country had their own whare (house) and inside these whare were air conditioning units, water and coffee machines, tables, chairs and best of all a TV. The Malaysian Defence force made sure that each country had all conveniences and amenities at their disposal as we came to find out later that we would spend close to 16 hours every day at the village practicing from early morning till late at night (we would normally finish at around 2300hrs).

Even though the days and nights were long it gave us the opportunity to meet and talk to other people from different countries and to share information with each other about our own country and culture. The camaraderie shared by all participants ensured new friendships were made.

The Official tattoo performances occurred over 3 nights. The event was spectacular, and every night it just kept on getting better. It was truly an honour to perform in front of dignitaries such as the Royal family. The NZDf Maori culture Group was one of the main show catchers of the event, and also the most photographed group. As NZDf representatives the group performed to a very high standard, displayed professionalism and showed pride in the uniqueness of the New

Zealand Maori culture the NZ Defence force embraces.

The hospitality displayed by the people of Malaysia and personnel from the Malaysian Military Defence force throughout our visit was exceptional. The Malaysian Liaison Officers and people organising the event made us feel welcome at all times.

A big kia ora and terima kasih (Malaysian for thank you), to the people of Malaysia for hosting us in your beautiful country.

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Air force women Mrs H. Morunga and Mrs L. Portas.

Group Photo of the 35-strong combined New Zealand Defence force Maori cultural group that performed on the opening night of the Kuala Lumpar International Tattoo, to mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. The New Zealand group was one of 13 countries performing at the three-night tattoo, and performed before a crowd of around 10,000.

Mrs Liz Portas gives a personal perspective of the New Zealand Defence force Maori culture

Group Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa’s participation in the 2007 Kuala Lumpur International Tattoo

in celebration of Malaysia’s 50th year of independence over 1-12 September 2007.

ANTARCTIC ADVENTURES50 Below, a new family exhibition exploring Air force Antarctic operations, has just opened at the Air force Museum. colourful and interactive, it’s already proving to be a hit with visitors.The last week in September saw christchurch buzzing with Antarctic activities. from talks by artists and adventurers to history displays and opportunities to cuddle huskies, the city came together to celebrate fifty years of cooperation between the New Zealand and united States Antarctic Programmes.

The Air force Museum joined the party, launching a special exhibition covering fifty years of Air force operations on the frozen continent.

50 Below highlights the vital role played by the Air force in supporting New Zealand’s Antarctic endeavours. from the Antarctic flight of the British commonwea l th Trans -An ta rc t i c Expedition in the 1950s to recent P-3K Orion trial flights, the Air force has consistently overcome the challenges of the Ice. The Museum’s Exhibitions coordinator, Tanya Ewins, explains the thinking behind the exhibition: ‘We wanted to get our story out there, to show the general public what an important part the Air force has played in Antarctica over the last 50 years. We also wanted to make sure it was an exhibition that the whole family would enjoy.’

The exhibition introduces Ed the Kiwi, a fun interactive character who helps children to complete a quiz in the exhibition space. Ed has also been starring in the 50 Below television advert. Young visitors to the exhibition can also try their hand at manoeuvring aircraft bolts whilst wearing thick cold-proof gloves, or donning a set of Extreme cold Weather clothes.

for adult visitors, 50 Below provides a wealth of information on the history of the Air force in Antarctica, including stunning photographs and archive film. Topics such as polar navigation and extreme weather conditions are also explored, accompanied by objects from the Museum’s own collections and those of private individuals. Research curator Vicky Garrington says first-person experiences are a key part of the exhibition:

‘It’s important for visitors to hear from those who have actually been deployed to the Ice, whether that is in the 1950s or the most recent Summer Season. The exhibition includes comments and audio clips from a range of people who have served in Antarctica, including Bill cranfield, a member of the flight supporting the Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1957.’

The exhibition has been supported by personnel throughout the Air force and from external organisations. ‘The level of support has been fantastic,’ said Tanya. ‘It has enabled us to create an exhibition that really gets to grips with the challenges faced by those serving on

Antarctic operations.’The strength of the exhibition lies in the

amazing stories the Museum has been able to work with. ‘The Air force has a fascinating history in Antarctica and it’s a story that people of all ages find inspiring,’ said Vicky. The exhibition runs for twelve months, so there is plenty of time to bring the family to the Museum and share in the excitement.

l 50 Below is open until September 2008. Entry is included with general admission to the Museum. for more information see www.airforcemuseum.co.nz.

ABOVE: 50 Below has been one of the Air force Museum’s most popular exhibitions.RIGHT: Huggable Husky dogs and grass races added to the authenticity of the exhibition.BELOW: Antarctic transport with a P-3K Orion in the background.


41

U P c o M i N G e V e N T s & r e U N i o N s WRNZAf REuNIONNo.37 Recruit course May 1964All interested contact the following:

Jean (Nairn) Dix,11 Marshwood Place, christchurch 8004.

Rebbecca (Pavala) Dower 31A Kashmir Avenue, upper Hutt 5018

Wiki Ward-Holmes [email protected] Towgood [email protected]

11th Boy Entrant course ReunionA 50th Anniversary reunion of the 11th Boy Entrant School course will be held in January, 2008 at Woodbourne/ Blenheim. Please contact Jim Hoskyn E-Mail: [email protected] or phone 06-8794457

NO. 25 AIRMEN cADET ScHOOL INTAKE 1968 & NO.7 cERT IN ENGINEERING cOuRSE.40th Anniversary2008contact: Philip [email protected]

BASE AUCKLANDfLTLT J.M.E GOODWINEnlist: 30-03-93Terminate: 28-04-08MSS

cPL B.M. HARRISEnlist: 05-01-99Terminate: 06-01-08MWG

SQNLDR D.J. HuNTEnlist: 25-06-95Terminate: 17-12-07NO.5 SQuADRON

LAc I.J. MANSELLEnlist: 28-09-99Terminate: 07-01-08ESS

Ac G.H. MARSBuRGEnlist: 12-09-06Terminate: 09-01-08MSW

LAc L.J. MEHAffYEnlist: 21-01-03Terminate: 30-12-07PHOTOGRAPHIc fLIGHT

BASE OHAKEAW/O G.H. BRANDONEnlist: 17-01-77Terminate: 27-01-08AMPu

cPL T.K. cHAMBERSEnlist: 14-01-97Terminate: 15-01-08MSS

SGT S.P. DOWNESEnlist: 28-06-94Terminate: 06-01-08LSS

f/S S.c. MOOREEnlist: 06-01-86Terminate: 07-01-08SDu

LAc f.S.M. RIcHARDSEnlist: 15-04-97Terminate: 11-11-07MT

WELLINGTONLAc c.c.H. LAMBERTTerminate: 30-11-07AIR STAff

BASE WOODBOURNEcPL S.M. ADAMEnlist: 05-01-99Terminate: 12-12-07OSW

MOTOR TRANSPORT & SEMS. Personnel Reunion to be held at New Plymouth Oct.31st- Nov.1&2 2008 Please register with Alex Dick 107 Alec craig Way -Gulf Harbour -Whangaparaoa 0930 along with $10-00 as soon as possible.

EARLY YEARS OF RNZAF HISToRyInto Wind by Brian Lockstone, a new book on the birth of the RNZAf was launched at a special function at the Air force Museum on 29th August.

In 1936, the New Zealand Government sought expert advice from Britain on reshaping the RNZAf and the book charts how WGcDR, the Honourable Ralph Alexander cochrane, RAf, came to New Zealand in response to that request. In two intensive years he laid the foundation for the modern RNZAf, and became the first chief of Air Staff.

The author has a life-long interest in the RNZAf and has written extensively on aviation affairs for more than forty years. The Museum Trust Board was delighted to be able to support the publication of this book from its annual research fund and Board members were on hand to celebrate the launch. Also in attendance were three of New Zealand’s top aviation

historians - Dr Vincent Orange, Mr David Duxbury and Mr Errol Martyn.

Available from the Museum Shop $20. E-mail: [email protected]

L-R: AVM (rtd.) Peter Adamson (chairman of the Museum Trust Board), Ms Therese Angelo (Museum Director), Mr Brian Lockstone, AIRcDRE Richard Newlands (Deputy chief of Air force).

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CAmP QuALITy FoR CHIlDReN lIvINg WItH CANCeR

Ivan Lawson, the Southern Regional Manager for camp Quality was recently presented with a cheque for $7,778, being part of the profit from the RNZAf Open Day held at Base Auckland in March. This donation follows an earlier cheque for $3,000 which was a share of the profits from the Warriors@Wigram open day hosted by the Air force Museum in february. Mr Lawson has been overwhelmed by the support from the RNZAf and noted that the latest donation is amongst the largest they have ever had. He would like to pass on the very grateful thanks of his organisation to all of those involved in both open days and to tell them a little bit about camp Quality.

camp Quality is a Registered charitable Trust which has existed in New Zealand since 1981. Its principal mission is to provide a programme of support for children whose lives have been affected by cancer, and the families of those children. The main feature of the programme is the staging of annual live-in camps at five regional locations throughout the country during the months of December and January. This is a chance for them to forget about their cancer for a while and just have fun being children.

The camps are normally of six days duration and are attended by around 300 children aged 5-15 years. The children are referred through the child cancer foundation as well as the various child oncology units around the country.

At all of the camps each of the children has their own dedicated carer or companion. The companions are required to be over the age of 18 and have a clean police record and are also required to attend pre-camp training at which their roles and the expectations of camp Quality are clearly spelt out.

These caring companions volunteer their time to attend camp and come from all walks of life and are a fabulous group of people, many being married

with families of their own and even grandparents.Apart from a paid part-time administrator all on the eight person

board and the five regional committees are volunteers and the financing of the organisation – approx $400,000 annually - is totally reliant upon donations.

for more information www.campqualitynz.org.nz

Mr Ivan Lawson.

Mr Lawson has been overwhelmed by the support from the RNZAf and noted that the latest donation is amongst the largest

they have ever had.

A I R F O R C E M U S E U M

Your visit to the Air force Museum will be an experience you will not want to forget. So, why not call in at the flight Store shop and pick up a souvenir of your visit or that special christmas present.

We have a wide selection of aviation-themed gifts including t-shirts, caps, models, books and jewellery.

Our new exhibition is now open. It’s called 50 Below - the story of the RNZAf in Antarctica. There’s lots to see and very hands on for children.

50 Below calendars $9.90 Kids flight Jackets $74.90 Air force Bears $29.90 Into Wind a new book about the formation of

the RNZAf $20.

comment: ‘Pursuing further education.’

SGT T.L. JOHNSTONEnlist: 25-02-05Terminate: 29-10-07STS comment: ‘Off to Australia.’

Ac B.M. LEONARDEnlist: 16-05-06Terminate: 14-12-07OSW

SGT S. MIDDLEDORfEnlist: 11-01-93Terminate: 29-10-07MSS

CHRISTCHURCHSGT B. WARDEnlist: 29-09-03Terminate: 26-10-07DRRO

FAREWELLS


42 43


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Documents

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: force W N · Air Movements run the terminals at our airfields and facilitate all military transport flights including Scheduled Air Transport Services (SATs), whether