February 2012, Issue 133 [pdf 4.30 mb, 40 pages]

Transcription

Antarctic
air Drop!
emergency trip
to the ice
Future Defence
FOrce
75th Anniversary
programme
OP RENA beach
clean up
Issue 133
February 2012 | Royal New Zealand Air Force
Air Force news
1
Contents
Our mission
To carry out military air operations to advance
New Zealand’s security interests with professionalism,
integrity and teamwork.
Air Force News is the official magazine of the Royal
New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) —established to inform,
educate, and entertain its personnel and friends.
Published by
Defence Communications Group
HQ NZ Defence Force
Wellington, New Zealand
Editor
Richard Jackson
Pn 04-496-0289
Fax 04-496-0290
Email; [email protected]
Design and Layout
Defence Communications Group
4
Printed by
Bluestar
Private Bag 39996, Wellington
RNZAF
Anniversary Events
Celebrating 75 years of service to New Zealand
Distribution
Marianna Robati, Defence Communication Group
Email: [email protected]
Air Force News is governed by an Editorial Board. Views
expressed in the Air Force News are not necessarily those
of the RNZAF or the New Zealand Defence Force. Defence
regulations over-ride all content in the Air Force News. Editorial
contributions and ideas are welcomed. They can be emailed
directly to the Editor and do not need to be forwarded through
normal command chains.
6
Our
Future Defence Force
The Amphibious Task Group
10 T
he A109 Simulator
Synthetic Training
Contributions need to include
• writer’s name, rank and unit
• photos provided separate from the text – at least 300dpi.
Contribution deadline for the March Issue
Friday 10 February 2012
Contribution deadline for the April Issue
Monday 05 March 2012
12 F
irst NH90s Arrive
Contribution deadline for the May Issue
Friday 06 April 2012
13 A
ntonov Freighter
Air Force News will hold the copyright for submitted articles
or photographs it publishes. Articles and photographs
published in Air Force News cannot be published elsewhere
without permission.
16 Pacific Air Forces
18 Wartime
Air Training
20 Centrespread
Tiger Moth, Harvard & Oxford
22 Our
People
24 Op RENA Beach Cleanup
26 Air
Force Peacekeepers
28 Fighting
fires with the Navy!
2
Air Force news
ISSN 1175-2327
14 A
ntarctic Air Drop
Saving the stricken SPARTA
30 Air Force Qualifications
32 Resolutions:
Changing Habits
33 Base
Auckland Amenities
34 Air Force Museum
36 Sport
Cover image
The RNZAF Hercules at Pegasus Field, McMurdo Sound,
during the long-range airdrop missions to assist the
fishing vessel SPARTA (see story on page 14).
Photos: RNZAF; photo comosite by Duncan Allan, DCG
First Word
Celebrating 75 Years of service to New Zealand
First Word
By Air Commodore
Kevin Short,
Deputy Chief of Air Force
Already our 75th anniversary of the RNZAF is in
‘full flight’ as we begin the series of celebrations. We are
proudly celebrating 75 years of the RNZAF as an independent
armed service, that occurred on 01 April 1937. In fact, our
anniversary programme started in January with the Red
Checkers’ flying season and ends in April, after Anzac Day. We
have a mix of activities and events designed for everyone.
Reaching our 75th year reminds us of the people who have
contributed, and—in some cases, sacrificed their lives—for a
free New Zealand. So I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all our service men and women—both ex- and current
service people, for the part they have played, and continue to
play, in providing safe and effective military air operations to
New Zealand.
We have a long history and strong and robust relationships
with our global partners; our achievements are steeped in
history and we look forward to telling these stories through
the events and activities over our anniversary period.
The launch of Margaret McClure’s book, Fighting Spirit: 75
years of the RNZAF, marks this special milestone as it traces
the Air Force from the early 20th century to the first decade
of the 21st. The book focuses on our people and the way the
Air Force has developed its distinctive character based on
professionalism and teamwork. The book will be launched in
mid-March. In concert with this book launch, there will be a
NZ Post commemorative stamp and coin launch. Look out for
these ‘collector’ items.
Reaching our 75th year
reminds us of the people who
have contributed, and—in
some cases, sacrificed their
lives—for a free New Zealand.
Of course the big event on the anniversary calendar is the
Air Force Anniversary Air Show at RNZAF Base Ohakea on 31
March. This is the day when our full complement of military
aircraft will be on show to the public for the first time since
2009.
It’s here that you will see military and civilian aircraft
performing in the air and on the ground. It’s here that aviation
enthusiasts will see a wide range of aircraft, and famillies have
a day of fun. So join us on the 31st of March, or at any of the
other events and activities we are taking part in.
Let’s take this time to celebrate not only all that we’ve done,
but also all that’s ahead of us—including the entry into service
of our Air Force’s new and upgraded aircraft; the A109, NH90,
C-130H, and P-3K2.
I would encourage everyone to get involved with our
anniversary in any way you can. Be part of our celebrations!
You will find a full list of anniversary events on page 5 of this
issue, or at www.airforce.mil.nz
Air Force news
3
Corsair
Seasprite
ceLeBrATinG 75 YeArs OF SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND
UH-1H Iroquois
Kiwi Blue
B757, Hercules
& two Orions
RNZAF Harvard
A109
NH90
4
Air Force news
RNZAF
ANNIVERSARY
EVENTS
February-April 2012
The RNZAF’s anniversary celebrations began
in January, with Red Checker’s aerial displays
at various events. The following activities and
events are planned to mark our Air Force’s
Anniversary during the next three months,
building on our theme: RNZAF; 75 years of
serving New Zealanders.
Anniversary events & activities
Featuring
11 Feb
Coast to Coast finish, Christchurch
Red Checkers
Central Band of the RNZAF
13 Feb
Royal Wanganui Opera House, Wanganui
14 Feb
Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North
15 Feb
Dannevirke Town Hall, Dannevirke
16 Feb
Central Hawke’s Bay College Hall, Waipukurau
16-19 Feb
GEON Art Deco Weekend, Napier
Celebrating 75 years of the RNZAF
UH-1H, Red Checkers
17 Feb
Napier Municipal Theatre
Central Band
18 Feb
War Memorial Park, Wairoa (Picnic in the Park)
Central Band
14 March
Official Launch, Wellington
-- Launch of the 75th Anniversary/ANZAC Stamp and Coin Collection by NZ Post
-- RNZAF 75th Anniversary book launch, Parliament House
17 March
Central Field Days, Feilding
17-18 March
Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) Military Weekend, Auckland
Red Checkers
Red Checkers Tour
25 March - 8 April
As part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations the Red Checkers will be
displaying at various locations in the North Island over the period 25 March - 2
April and in the South Island, 2 April - 8 April. For further information, visit
www.airforce.mil.nz
31 March
RNZAF Anniversary Air Show, Ohakea
(Wet weather alternative day 01 April)
Tickets to the Air Show at Ohakea are now available for purchase through
Eventfinder: www.eventfinder.co.nz and search on Air Force Air Show
03 April
RNZAF 75th birthday celebrations, Wellington
-- Forecourt Parade, Parliament
-- Commemorative Service, St Paul’s Cathedral
7-8 April
Warbirds over Wanaka
25 April
Anzac Day
28 April
Auckland City Charter parade
Hobsonville Point ceremony
NH90, A109, C-130
UH-1H, SH-2G, P-3K
B757, Tiger Moth &
Harvard; Kiwi Blue
Red Checkers, Recruiting
Warbirds & Classic
aircraft
Tented Camp &
Recruiting
UH-1H, A109, SH-2G,
C-130, Kiwi Blue
Red Checkers
This programme may be subject to change; check www.airforce.mil.nz for updates.
Air Force news
5
OUR
FUTURE
DEFENCE
FORCE
6
Air Force news
Late last year, the Minister
of Defence released the
new Defence Capability
Plan which provides the
framework for acquiring
the capabilities needed to
deliver the Government’s
defence policy. A key
feature of this Plan is the
total capability effect:
a deployable Army,
the ability to transport
and sustain that Army
overseas, the use of
real-time technology to
provide the entire Defence
Force with a common
operating picture, and
capabilities for a credible
combat role. The goal is
an expeditionary Joint
Amphibious Task Force.
An RNZAF A109 helicopter on board HMNZS
CANTERBURY during integration trials on 27
October
THE NZ JOINT AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE
The Joint Amphibious Task Force is to be capable of working
independently in the South Pacific or as part of a larger
coalition operation. Therefore capability development within
the NZDF out to 2015 will focus on reorienting existing units
and assets into the Joint Amphibious Task Force to provide an
integrated and effective response to our security needs.
With the Joint Amphibious Task Force at its core, the
NZDF will become a more coherent and integrated force in
which existing front-line operational and support units from
across the three Services work together as one. Individual
components will be deployable, and they will be able to
more effectively integrate with other nations and with civil
capabilities.
The NZDF amphibious capability will be deployable across
all of the NZDF ’s operating environments. Its primary focus,
however, will be on responding to security challenges and
defence tasks in New Zealand and its environs, security
challenges to New Zealand’s interests in the South Pacific, and
challenges to New Zealand and Australia’s common security
interests.
The Defence Force intends to have the Joint Amphibious
Task Force at the core of its force structure by 2015. From 2015
to 2020, capability development will focus on enhancing the
Defence Force’s ability to sustain operations and expanding its
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Total Defence Capability 2020. By 2020, with the Joint
Amphibious Task Force at its core, the Defence Force will be
capable of conducting amphibious military operations and
responding to emergencies at home and abroad. The Defence
Force of 2020 will be capable of projecting and sustaining land
or maritime forces with increased combat utility, either on its
own or as part of a wider coalition. This combat capability will
act as an effective and credible deterrent for any challenge to
New Zealand’s sovereignty and to stability in the wider South
Pacific region. At the same time, the Defence Force will have
selected forces capable of participation in coalition operations
elsewhere in the world.
Concurrently the Defence Force will be able to continue
to provide effective military assistance to the Government,
within areas of New Zealand’s responsibility, in times of
emergency. By 2020, the Defence Force will have a range
of integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
assets available to provide all-weather 24-hour capable
surveillance in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
and over any deployed Defence Force elements.
Resource Protection, Disaster Relief and Humanitarian
Assistance. The Joint Amphibious Task Force will also enable
the Defence Force to carry out the non-combat tasks often
expected of it. These tasks, which are conducted at home and
overseas, include: search and rescue; humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief; resource protection in the EEZ; maritime
border security; and evacuating New Zealand and approved
foreign nationals from high-risk environments.
LIGHT TASK GROUP/
COMBINED ARMS TASK GROUP
SEALIFT
AIRLIFT (ROTARY WING)
SUPPORT AS REQUIRED
NAVAL COMBAT
REPLENISH
INTELLIGENCE/
SURVEILLANCE/
RECONNAISSANCE
AIRLIFT (FIXED WING)
NAVAL PATROL
THE AIR FORCE’S PART
The RNZAF has a full part to play in developing the Joint
Amphibious Task Force.
Airlift
The Defence White Paper 2010 states that strategic airlift
will remain a core supporting capability of the NZDF and will
be maintained. In NZ’s immediate region the ability to deploy
forces across large maritime spaces, by both air and sea,
into unstable, potentially hostile environments, and sustain
them once there, is crucial to the conduct of NZDF tasks. The
ability to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian and
disaster relief situations across our region is also of particular
importance. C-130 Hercules and B757 aircraft provide tactical
and strategic airlift for personnel, and logistics, both inter- and
intra-theatre.
• The C-130 Hercules provides a key airlift capability for the
deployment of personnel and equipment for the NZDF both
within our immediate region and further afield. It is crucial
for the deployment of high-readiness personnel abroad.
The C-130 Hercules Life Extension Programme (LEP) to
upgrade the C-130s’ existing mechanical, avionic, and self
protection systems, as well as undertake some structural
refurbishment of the aircraft, is continuing. The Hercules
LEP will allow the NZDF to maintain an independent airlift
capability. The upgrade of all aircraft is scheduled to be
completed in late 2013, with the upgraded aircraft expected
to be in service until about 2020.
Air Force news
7
The new NH90 helicopter
• A Future Air Mobility project is being established to review
NZDF airlift requirements and make recommendations for
the appropriate replacement of the C-130 Hercules and
B757 fleets.
The replacement of the Fixed Wing Transport Force is
intended to occur between 2018 and 2025. In order to inform
decisions on these replacements the study will be concluded
before the next Defence Review in 2015. In considering the
appropriate airlift fleet mix, this study will consider the most
cost-effective use of the jet airlift currently provided by the
two B757s.
Assets recommended by the project will be expected to
carry out all of the present fixed wing transport roles including
strategic and tactical transport of people and cargo, air-land
and air-drop, low level and high level missions, aeromedical
evacuation, and backup search and rescue capabilities.
Helicopters
New NH90 Medium Utility Helicopters will provide
the NZDF with a significantly enhanced tactical troop lift
helicopter, fitted with self-protection systems.
• The NH90 is a step change in the tactical airlift support
provided to our land forces. It will be integrated with
HMNZS CANTERBURY, providing a core component of the
Joint Amphibious Task Force and contributing to a range of
support functions and operations within New Zealand and
the South Pacific. The first two helicopters were delivered
this summer.
• The new A109 Training/Light Utility Helicopters are
replacing the Sioux training helicopter. They will provide
a combined rotary wing pilot training and light utility
transport capability to support a range of government
and civil agencies in NZ and overseas. The A109s will also
provide vital support to counter-terrorism activities and
Special Operations Forces, and will be integrated with
HMNZS CANTERBURY. All five A109 helicopters were
delivered last year.
8
Air Force news
A C-130 during an airdrop
• The Defence White Paper 2010 contains a provision for
acquiring three additional off-the-shelf A109 Training
Helicopters. These will undertake pilot training roles,
freeing up the original helicopters to be operationally
deployed in light utility roles in support of the NZDF and
other agencies. The three additional A109s are scheduled to
be introduced into service in the period 2017-2019.
• The Kaman SH-2G Seasprite forms part of the ANZAC
frigates’ capability and may also embark on the two new
Offshore Patrol Vessels and the Multi-Role Vessel when
their tasking requires the use of an aircraft. The Defence
White Paper 2010 confirmed that naval helicopters will
continue to provide extended reach, surveillance, and
air-delivered weapon capabilities (air-to-surface missile and
anti-submarine torpedo) for the frigates.
• A Naval Helicopter Capability Project will look at options
for upgrading or replacing the existing SH-2G (NZ)
Seasprite helicopters. This project will deliver the capability
over the 2012-2016 period.
Intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance (ISR)
ISR forms a key enabling function for any military operation,
whether New Zealand is acting alone or in coalition. This
capability set also includes air and sea maritime patrol
capabilities. The RNZAF’s P-3K Orions form an integral part
of this capability set, providing security and protection of
New Zealand’s border and Exclusive Economic Zone and the
capability to conduct intelligence, surveillance and response
in support of the Joint Amphibious Task Force. The P-3 Orion
airborne surveillance and response aircraft will work with
other intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets to
provide wide-area surveillance and operate in direct support of
deployed land combat forces.
A Seasprite landing stores ashore
The P-3 Orion Mission Systems Upgrade Project currently
underway is upgrading the aircraft’s mission management,
communications, and navigation systems. The upgrade of all
aircraft to P-3K2 standard is scheduled to be completed by
2014. The P-3 Orions will be replaced with an equivalent level
of capability, manned or unmanned, in about 2025.
A network-enabled intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance capability will allow the NZDF to turn an
information advantage into a competitive advantage. Through
the networking of independent intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance capabilities we will develop a system to
understand and interpret the overall operational environment.
In the future, space-based platforms and Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles could be acquired to conduct intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance in support of the Joint
Amphibious Task Force, of ground forces, and for surveillance
of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Pilot training Capability
The NZDF pilot training system is a key enabler of airborne
capability, training both fixed wing and rotary wing pilots. The
Defence White Paper 2010 noted that the future NZDF pilot
training capability needs to match the full range of operational
demands made on aircrew. A project to deliver a new pilot
training capability for the NZDF has been approved. A detailed
business case is being developed to determine options.
Particular emphasis will be placed on acquiring a
replacement aircraft for the provision of advanced pilot
training, and exploring opportunities for increased use of
simulators. The new A109 helicopters will form part of the
new pilot training capability by providing rotary wing training.
Some multi-engine pilot training capability will be provided
via a separate aircraft. The pilot training capability project is
expected to be delivered in 2014/15.
The cockpit of a C-130 during
Ex Green Flag in the USA
Combat
capabilities
The importance of the combat capabilities of the
NZDF, in the South Pacific and further afield, cannot
be understated. It is these capabilities which underpin
the overall utility, depth, and effectiveness of the NZDF
and thus its value to the Government and our partners.
The NZDF must have the combination of personnel,
equipment, training, and experience of working with other
forces to allow the Government to make a credible, valued
contribution when it needs or wishes to do so, including in
higher intensity environments.
Ultimately, it is our highly trained and committed people
who deliver military capability and are central to our
operational success. The integration of equipment, people,
doctrine and infrastructure— all underpinned by sound
decision-making—means that Defence will be positioned
to support and sustain current operations and the future
capabilities outlined in the Defence Capability Plan.
In the long term
While a decision on the replacement of the C-130 Hercules and
B757 transport aircraft falls inside the timeframe of the new
Defence Capability Plan, the bulk of expenditure falls outside
it. The period after 2020 will also see the P-3 Orion maritime
patrol aircraft and the ANZAC frigates reach the end of their
service lives. Managing these fiscal pressures will be the
focus of the next Defence Review, scheduled for 2015, and a
subsequent future capability plan.
Air Force news
9
Flight Training
SQNLDR Andrew Mudgeway at
the controls of the new A109
Flight Training Device
The A109 Helicopter
Training Simulator
Seen from the co-pilot’s seat in the high-tech cockpit of an A109 helicopter,
the Manawatu countryside passes smoothly below. But suddenly a storm
breaks, clouds darken the sky, rain blocks the view and lightning flashes.
SQNLDR Ron Thacker in
the FTD control room
Four cameras allow the staff to monitor the crew in the FTD.
Note that CAF is at the controls here
A view showing the instructor’s position behind
the two crew seats in the cockpit of the FTD
10
Air Force news
The FTD in its built-for-purpose building
Flight Training
J
ust as you adjust to the new flying conditions, the sky
above clears yet fog rolls in—the landmarks all vanish
in a sea of white. Rethinking your flight plan, you adjust,
check your instruments but again the weather changes.
Snow blankets the ground while strong winds blow you off
track …. No, this isn’t a typical New Zealand summer’s day; all
these rapid weather challenges are the work of the new Flight
Training Device, the A109 flight simulator installed at the
Helicopter Synthetic Training Centre in Ohakea.
The A109 Flight Training Device (FTD) is a full reproduction
of the A109LUH cockpit within a cabin containing a semispherical screen and a visual system comprising seven
projectors. The visual system displays an external view of
the synthetic world on to a 220⁰ x 60° screen. The 8 tonne
simulator includes a six axis electro-pneumatic motion
system, a seat vibration system and a sound system that
models aircraft and environmental sounds. The simulator
is capable of simulating flight by day and night, and is Night
Vision Goggle compatible. The control station allows the
instructor to set and change weather and sea conditions,
change the time of day, reposition the aircraft instantly, insert
fixed or moving models (e.g. aircraft, vehicles, ships), and
inject a wide range of malfunctions and emergencies.
“The FTD is an excellent training platform as it allows high
risk exercises (such as engine and other equipment failures) to
be conducted safely rather than in the helicopter. It also allows
flying training in bad weather and poor visibility conditions as
we can simulate the external environment to suit our training
requirements. The days of ‘bending skids’ [ie students making
heavy landings] in the Hueys have now gone,” says WGCDR
Shaun Sexton, CO of the Helicopter Transition Unit.
Using the Helicopter Synthetic Training Centre, the Air
Force’s new helicopter training system provides the RNZAF
with a cost effective means of training A109 aircrew and those
destined to fly the NH90 and SH-2G helicopters. Computerbased training in the Virtual Interactive Procedures Trainer
(VIPT) enables pilots to learn procedures before entering the
FTD (simulator); The FTD itself will be used for 50% of the
necessary flying training - but at 10% of the cost – before the
new pilot experiences the actual A109 aircraft.
For example, the transition course from UH-1H (Huey) to
the A109 requires the students to learn the systems on the
procedural trainer, the VIPT, then undergo 40 hours in the FTD
with only 40 hours actually flying the A109.
“The simulator cost EUR9.3M and it has an expected service
life of at least 30 years. It will provide approximately 1400
hours of training per year but it has the capacity to provide
in excess of twice this, if required. At the planned rate, the
simulator will effectively pay for itself in less than five years,”
said AVM Stockwell, after the opening ceremony.
AgustaWestland, suppliers of the A109 helicopters, also
provided both the FTD (Flight Simulator) and the Virtual
Interactive Procedure Trainer. The VIPT is a PC-based
system that replicates the A109 cockpit using touch screens
and allows training in the use of individual systems (e.g.
autopilot) and of integrated systems (e.g. how the autopilot
affects navigation and flight displays). The VIPT is capable of
simulating all aspects of instrument flight using the aircraft’s
automatic flight control system.
SQNLDR Chris Moody oversees the VIPT, which allows
for 240 possible emergencies to be practiced. “We use the
instruction manual for initial learning, the VIPT to teach the
interaction with the controls, and for IFR procedural training;
then it is the stepping stone to the FTD (Simulator) where the
pilot experiences the touch and feel of the actual controls.”
One of the primary functions of the recently introduced
A109 helicopters is as a training platform for NH90 (the new
tactical lift helicopter) and SH-2G Seasprite helicopter pilots
and crewmen. Within the Helicopter Synthetic Training Centre
another VIPT has also been installed, for the NH90. SQNLDR
Chris Andrew is in charge and he explains that under the
NH90 project the RNZAF will not get a ( very expensive) fullfunction flight simulator for the NH90s, but instead we have an
affordable solution with the computer-based NH90 Part Task
Trainer integrated into the Centre.
But in the longer term, there is the potential to link the
Helicopter Synthetic Training Centre and the A109 FTD
with equivalent simulators operated by the Army and Navy.
The NZDF has the potential for a virtual helicopter (with the
crew actually at Ohakea) taking off from a virtual HMNZS
CANTERBURY (at Devonport) and flying missions in Virtual
Battlespace 2 software shared by the Army’s simulators— and
so multiplying the joint training value of the three services’
existing simulators.
Mr Des Ashton (MOD) AVM Stockwell, Chief of Air Force,
and Philip Smith of AugustaWestland
The Opening Ceremony
The Air Force’s new Helicopter Synthetic Training Centre
(flight simulator complex) was commissioned on 23 November
last year by the Chief of Air Force, AVM Peter Stockwell. At
the opening ceremony CAF stated that the facility is the
most recent step in standing up our modern Air Force. He
acknowledged that AugustaWestland had delivered a first
class system, creating a strong partnership with the RNZAF
and working in a fully collaborative approach. AVM Stockwell
acknowledged the work of SQNLDR Ron Thacker and his team,
who are now operating the new system, which is a step up in
technology and in cost-effective training.
Des Ashton, Assistant Secretary (Acquistion) for the
Ministry of Defence, agreed that the new Training Centre “is
the future of flight training”. He says the NZDF will be getting
more such simulators across the three armed services. Both
CAF and Des Ashton acknowledged the work of WGCDR Patch
Nelson, who was the project representative in Milan, Italy.
Air Force news
11
Capability
The two NH90s, minus rotor blades, are towed to their hangar
FIRST NH90
HELICOPTERS
ARRIVE
The first of the RNZAF’s new NH90
helicopters arrived in New Zealand on 6
December at Ohakea. The two new NH90s
were flown in from France on board a large
Antonov AN124 cargo aircraft (see next
story).
NATO Helicopter Industries (NHI) freighted the helicopters to
the NZ Ministry of Defence (MoD) before the end of last year—
earlier than scheduled—due to the planned temporary closure
of Marseilles’ Marignane airport in France, for refurbishment,
which prevents heavy cargo flying operations from there until
later this month.
12
Air Force news
The aircraft and some spares will be stored at Ohakea
until NHI can deliver the total system package, including the
supporting systems, applications and software required for
flying in New Zealand. Once NHI has delivered the required
support elements and the aircraft are ready for operational
testing and evaluation, acceptance of the aircraft will be
completed; until that time the aircraft remain the responsibility
of NHI. The contractor plans to formally deliver the helicopters
to the Ministry of Defence in the next few weeks, at which point
they will be officially handed from the Ministry of Defence soon
to the RNZAF. The new aircraft will then begin operational
testing to prepare them for introduction to service.
Capability
The An 124 seen in front of No 2 Hangar
The Antonov about to touch down
Big Visitors
Some of the larger types to have visited Ohakea previously,
include:
• B-17 and Lancaster bombers from WWII,
• Valiant, Vulcan and Victor jet bombers of the Cold War era,
• KB-50 and KC-135 (B707) air-to-air refuelling tankers, and
• DC8 and VC10 jet liners.
After the runway was lengthened in the 1990s, Ohakea has
landed:
• C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy jet transports,
• DC10 freighters (which delivered the Aermaachi jet
trainers) and
• Boeing B777 and B747-400 jet airliners.
The ‘Follow Me’ vehicle dwarfed by the big Russian
Giant Antonov freighter delivers new helicopters
By SQNLDR Carl Smith
OC Operation Sqn Ohakea
RNZAF Base Ohakea has seen many aircraft of all shapes
and sizes in its 72-year history, including some of the largest
aircraft of each era [see box]. On 6 December, Ohakea achieved
another milestone, when the first two new NH90 helicopters
were delivered by the largest aircraft to ever operate at
Ohakea, the Antonov AN124-100. The big Antonov was
chartered by NHI Industries and loaded the two helicopters in
France.
The Antonov AN 124-100 is one of the largest aircraft in the
world, with a wingspan 8m wider than that of a B747-400, but
just 1m shorter in overall length. Its maximum takeoff weight is
392 tonnes while the maximum landing weight is 330 tonnes.
These high operating weights could not be supported by
our runway, taxiway and apron pavement surfaces without
damaging them, so a limit of 280 tonnes maximum was placed
on the aircraft operating into Ohakea. The weight restriction
placed on the Antonov meant the aircraft had to arrive light
after flying in from Jakarta (10 hours duration) and had to
depart light and transit via Auckland International Airport—to
take on more fuel—prior to flying to Hawaii.
With the massive wingspan, wide turning radius and wide jet
blast zone, it was difficult to visualise if there were any issues
with fitting the aircraft onto the apron. Thankfully Auckland
International Airport had some computer modelling available
for our use. By using that we identified the critical areas on the
taxiways and apron that needed to be removed or avoided.
Things like stop signs on the perimeter road had to be
removed, and distance-to-run marker boards identified as
obstructions because the engine nacelles came close to them
while taxi-ing. If the Antonov were to turn too tightly while
following some taxiway lines it might drop its main wheels into
the soft grass verges, or have its wingtips hit the Fire Section.
But after a great deal of planning and some temporary taxiway
lines—made from flour—the arrival and departure went
smoothly.
With many onlookers both inside and outside the perimeter
fence, the aircraft made a faultless landing within a busy circuit
followed by an incident free taxi to its parking position in front
of No 2 Hangar. The only annoyance for the day was the wet
weather during the unloading of the precious cargo.
Although it was hard communicating to the all-Russian crew,
they certainly enjoyed the presentation that was awarded to
them to mark this significant occasion for Base Ohakea.
If there was to be a ‘player of the day’ award for this event
it would have to go to Ohakea Tower staff for their excellent
management of a very busy circuit and airspace during the
Antonov’s arrival. At the time, the circuit was full with 3
student Airtrainers, 2 Iroquois, 2 Kingairs, the Red Checkers
practicing at Raumai, a Seaprite arrival and some groundbased movements. Well done to our Tower Staff and well done
Ohakea for achieving another unique milestone.
The Antonov AN 124-100
Max allowable weight (Ohakea)
280 tonnes
Wingspan 73.3m
Length 69.1m
Turning radius 55m
Operator Ruslan
Two crews of 6 aircrew, plus 2 loadmasters (all Russian)
Air Force news
13
Operations
Antarctic
Air Drop!
Friday 16 December was scheduled to
be the last working day of the year for
our Squadron and by early afternoon all
scheduled flying for the day had been
completed with the majority of Herc Flight
personnel about to leave for the summer
break… next minute: “All available LEP*
personnel to the briefing room!”
* LEP = C-130 Life Extension Programme
Photos: RNZAF
By FLTLT Eli Khrapko RNZAF,
Air Warfare Officer, No.40 Sqn
You could hear a pin drop as the Hercules Flight Commander
pulled out a map of Antarctica and showed us the approximate
position of the MV SPARTA, a 48m Russian fishing vessel some
600 NM East of Scott Base. The Flight Commander explained
that the ship had hit an iceberg, was taking on water and listing,
and was likely to sink in -2°C water unless another pump could
be provided for the ship.
Due to the location of the ship, close to the iceshelf
and totally enclosed by pack ice and icebergs, nearby non
ice-strengthened vessels were unable to reach the ship. A
USAF ski-Hercules from McMurdo had reconnoitred the area
that day, but they did not have appropriate pumps to airdrop to
the ship. The NZ Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) deemed
that the best chance of saving the lives of the 32 sailors was to
14
Air Force news
provide them with the means of saving their ship, so No. 40 Sqn
was tasked to airdrop a salt-water pump and diesel fuel onto
the ice next to the SPARTA.
A C-130 LEP and its crew were dispatched by early evening
to Christchurch, via Ohakea—to pick up the Army’s 5
Movement Company load rigging team— in order to launch to
the SPARTA early the next morning, 17 December.
5 MOV’s rigging team, led by SGT Bobby Hunn, did a stellar
job and worked through the night to rig up the air drop. A
newsmedia team was there at Air Movements and our aircraft
captain, FLTLT ‘Gringo’ Anderson, explained the fickle nature
of Antarctic flying to them. With the press conference over, our
aircraft was southbound by lunchtime. The flight time to the
SPARTA was approximately 7 hours, and we used the time to
come up with various plans for the air drop itself, as well as to
make contact with the vessel, coordinating our plan with them
SPARTA alongside the ice with the
airdropped packages visible on the snow
and updating them. Fortunately, two native Russian speakers
were onboard the Hercules, myself and one of our Squadron
maintainers, which allowed effective communications with the
crew of the SPARTA.
As the aircraft approached the descent point, we could
see that pack ice spanned the ocean below, highlighting the
unforgiving nature of the Ross Sea, as well as the precarious
position the SPARTA was in. VHF communications were
established with the ship and the latest meteorological
conditions were obtained, enabling an accurate Calculated Air
Release Point (CARP) to be computed by Air Warfare Officer
(AWO) SQNLDR Dick Deihl. We descended to 400 ft overhead
the SPARTA and the iceberg drop zone was surveyed. Three
drops in total were completed, with both the pump and diesel
landing safely within 100 yards of the SPARTA, much to the
gratitude of the vessel’s crew. Having successfully completed
Another challenge for the AWO
was the constantly moving drop
zone, with the iceberg drifting
about 20 yards on each pass.
the airdrop, the aircraft recovered to Pegasus Airfield
(McMurdo Station) and we spent the night at Scott Base, where
we were made very welcome by the Senior National Officer and
his team.
The following day favourable winds allowed the Herc to fly
directly back to Whenuapai; in total a demanding 20 hours of
flying over two-and-a-half days. The busy weekend for the
crew was put into perspective by the comments of the deputy
head of the Russian Antarctic Organisation, saying that the
vessel would have sunk overnight had it not been for the
air-dropped pump and diesel.
Following yet another TV interview for captain ‘Gringo’
Anderson, our crew were informed that the SPARTA had
requested another drop, this time with supplies of shoring, to
temporaily repair the damage to the hull. The crew was once
again dispatched to Christchurch on Tuesday 20 December,
and we were en-route to the SPARTA the following morning.
The profile was similar to the first drop, however a 500 ft cloud
base and stronger winds made for trickier conditions. A total of
five drops was required, and the upgraded avionics and flight
management systems on the LEP aircraft proved their worth in
the deteriorating weather.
Another challenge for the AWO was the constantly moving
drop zone, with the iceberg drifting about 20 yards on each
SPARTA’s crew recover the supplies. With the pump and the
extra supplies, SPARTA repaired the damage and was escorted
to Nelson, arriving there in early January
pass. Regardless, SQNLDR Dick Deihl managed to land all five
drops within 100 yards of the SPARTA, and within 30 yards of
each other. In true Kiwi fashion, a small Christmas present
(a bottle of 42 Below Vodka and a No.40 Sqn memento) was
placed into one of the airdrops, much to the delight of the
ship’s crew—who wasted no time in setting out onto the
iceberg to recover the drops.
The aircraft again recovered to Pegasus Field and Scott
Base, however a departure the following day was made
impossible by a typical storm with 50 knot southerlies and
blowing snow reducing visibility to 10 metres. Conscious that
Christmas Day was fast approaching, we were relieved that the
23rd proved to be a fantastic, sunny day in Antarctica. Once
the aircraft had been dug out of the snow and the engines
defrosted, our C-130 was flying home to Whenuapai.
The entire rescue mission involved a significant amount of
short notice coordination between the RCC, HQ Joint Forces,
our Squadron, 5 MOV COY and Christchurch Air Movements,
since the task combined air logistics support, search and
rescue, Antarctic operations, and tactical flying. The success
highlighted the professionalism and readiness of all those
involved. And it was a significant challenge for our C-130 LEP
which is in the middle of OT&E testing. The LEP came through
both flights with flying colours, and it achieved significantly
increased accuracy for the airdrops, as well as improved
crew situational awareness and capacity during all phases of
flight. The flights were an example of the C-130 at its best –
combining a wide array of capabilities at short notice to achieve
a critical task.
In the words of the ship’s Captain Oleg Starolat “Спасибо
вам за все. Вы нам сделали огромною помощь – Thank
you for everything. You have helped us hugely.”
The Hercules being dug out of the
snow at Pegasus field, McMurdo Base
Air Force news
15
International
F-22 Raptors.
Photo PACAF
PACIFIC
AIR FORCES
T
his year the Pacific Air Forces will
take part in the 31 March air display
at Ohakea, when our Air Force
celebrates its 75th anniversary.
One American mission familiar to most Kiwis is Antarctic
support. For that role PACAF has command oversight
of the US Joint Task Force Antarctica, whose C-17s and
ski-equipped LC-130H aircraft are a familiar sight as they
stage through Christchurch to the Ice.
Yet New Zealand is just one of 36 countries within the US
Pacific Command, which covers 100 million square miles
and about 60% of the world’s population. The 43,000 men
and women of the Pacific Air Forces provide the air power
to support US actions throughout the vast theatre, which
crosses 15 time zones.
Four individual Air Forces make up the PACAF command:
• 11th Air Force in Alaska
• 7th Air Force in Korea
• 5th Air Force in Japan
• 13th Air Force in Hawaii and Guam
The aircraft deployed range from F-22 Raptor fighters
and C-17 jet transports to RQ-4A Global Hawk surveillance
drones and the versatile UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. There
are many more aircraft types in PACAF service, of course,
while at Guam, the US Global Strike Command maintains a
continuous bomber presence in the Western Pacific with its
multi-role heavy bombers, including the legendary B-52.
16
Air Force news
PACAF’s mission is clear: to provide expeditionary Air
Force capabilities to defend the homeland, promote stability,
deter aggression and swiftly defeat enemies. To achieve this,
their personnel and units engage with regional partners and
senior leaders as well as undertake multi-lateral and bilateral
seminars with Pacific region air forces. In addition, PACAF
hosts exercises and wargames, with the premier theatre
exercise being RED FLAG-ALASKA, held at Joint Base
Elemendorf-Richardson and using the vast spaces of the
training areas in central Alaska to promote joint and coalition
interoperability.
But building regional security is not just a matter of flexing
muscle, PACAF units also ‘wrap their arms around’ people
across the region. Four times a year PACAF personnel, in
conjunction with regional partners, conduct PACIFIC ANGEL,
when medical teams fly in to a remote area and offer medical
and community aid. The concept is similar to the shipbased Pacific Partnership (which has included NZDF staff)
but PACIFIC ANGEL is of course able to reach inland areas,
away from the coast. Recent missions have taken place in Sri
Lanka, Mongolia, Cambodia and Timor Leste.
PACAF’s mission is clear: to provide
expeditionary Air Force capabilities
to defend the homeland, promote
stability, deter aggression and swiftly
defeat enemies.
International
The Headquarters Building of the United States’
Pacific Air Forces carries a permanent reminder
of the impact of war; several walls of the building
still bear the bullet holes and shrapnel scars from
the Japanese attack of 7 December 1941. The
Editor stood in the quiet Memorial Courtyard,
where the bullet holes and more formal plaques
commemorate WWII and the subsequent wars
where the US Pacific Air Forces were hotly
engaged. Air Force News was privileged to
interview General Jon R Shasteen, the Deputy
Commander of PACAF.
MAJOR GENERAL Jon R Shasteen is the Deputy for
Mobilisation to the Commander PACAF. A fighter pilot, he
graduated from the USAF Academy in 1977, and gained an MSc
(engineering) at Columbia University, New York the following
year. He then trained on fighters, the F-4 Phantom II and later
the F-16.
“I have appreciated every hour I have flown on fighters,” he
says. “The F-16 has come so far [since the first A model] it’s
a phenomenal aircraft that can do almost anything we ask of
it—a great flying machine and great technology for its era.”
“I started flying in the F-4. But it took longer to be effective
in the F-4 because of the teamwork needed to be in-synch. We
had a hot intercom and with three other aircraft in the [tactical]
formation—that meant eight voices; you had to be disciplined
in comms, brevity was vital.”
“Comms discipline was drummed in from pilot training;
the fighter community has standards and similar procedures
across units. It’s vital still with the role of the AWACs [Airborne
Warning and Control aircraft directing the air battle] and
similar within a crew of a large aircraft for comms between
crew members.”
GEN Shasteen has deployed five times on operations,
including to Operation NORTHERN WATCH over Iraq (based in
Turkey) and SOUTHERN WATCH, based in Kuwait [following the
Gulf War of 1991]. For one he was the Squadron Ops Officer, on
two others he was the Squadron Commanding Officer. He has
flown 21 combat missions and recalls “The occasional combat,
but lots of waiting!”
One leadership challenge was when his squadron had to
adapt to precision guided weapons in just three months before
a deployment. They had to acquire the targeting pods, align
equipment with their aircraft, and conduct training. With 20
pilots to train, but only two who had the relevant experience,
the Squadron had to develop their training with borrowed
pods. His young pilots were eager, indeed as Squadron CO
his leadership task was to ensure they understood the need
for no mistakes; they had to realise that with tight rules of
engagement and in a limited, but highly political, form of
warfare [directed at the Iraqi air defence system] it was better
MAJGEN Jon R Shasteen USAFR
Photo: PACAF
During Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, GEN
Shasteen commanded an Air Expeditionary
Group of 800, which deployed into Pakistan
to have five out of five weapon drops that hit, instead of 35
out of 40, with the prospect of five errors and consequent
collateral damage.
“But you could sense the peer pressure [the pilots were
under]” he explained. “If an aircraft returned from a sortie with
empty bomb racks, the maintenance crews would cheer—
dropping weapons was validation of all the work by the ground
crews, too.”
During Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, GEN Shasteen
commanded an Air Expeditionary Group of 800, which
deployed into Pakistan to support C-130 transport operations,
Combat Search and Rescue and the early Predator (drone)
operations. Instead of overseeing flying operations, GEN
Shasteen was running a tent city within a Pakistani Air Force
Base. One of the methods for building links with the Pakistanis
was to have the Americans learn to play cricket, while they in
turn encouraged the Pakistanis to play them at softball. He
conceded even then, the Americans never really ‘got’ cricket!
Reflecting on leadership at the top, and being close to
the Commander PACAF, GEN Shasteen comments that key
leadership jobs at that top level need to be backed by the
right kind of experience in the region. But the leadership
qualities he sees as vital are: trust of staff and subordinates,
good selection, and good communications with subordinate
commanders. The challenge he says, is to be able to delegate,
yet remain aware of what is going on, without micro-managing.
Air Force news
17
wartime Air Training –
Tiger Moth, Harvard
and Oxford
One of the far sighted decisions taken soon after the outbreak
of WWII, was to establish a multi-national Commonwealth
Air Training Plan, in which Britain and the Dominions (Canada,
Australia and NZ) trained pilots and aircrew for service
with the RAF. Canada was the focal point for the Plan, since
British airspace was constricted, affected by bad weather
and vulnerable to enemy action. Britain would provide the
training aircraft and assist in setting up aircraft factories in the
Dominions.
In parallel, joint training plans were set up with Southern
Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe) South Africa and, subsequently,
India - each with the goal of providing aircrew for the RAF as
well as for the participating nations’ air forces.
Before WWII, the RAF had a policy of accepting up to 20%
of its aircrew from across the Commonwealth and Empire
and New Zealanders could enter the RAF directly. But as
Nazi Germany asserted its power in Europe, it was clear New
Zealand would have to contribute more to collective defence.
Since 1929 the NZ Government had been subsidising aeroclub
flying training across NZ; in 1937 that arrangement was
reviewed and a Civil Reserve of Pilots set up.
During 1938 the NZ Government offered to train 1000
pilots per year for the RAF; in April 1939 that was increased to
include pilots, observers* and air-gunners, as well as aircrew
for RNZAF service.
Once war broke out, the British Cabinet set a target of
50,000 aircrew annually for the RAF. Discussions began
with the three Dominions and on 17 December 1939 the
Commonwealth Air Training Plan (also referred to as the
Empire Air Training Plan) was agreed in Ottawa. The CATP was
intended to reach a capacity to train 30,000 aircrew per year by
1942 (5/9ths of the RAF’s requirements).
Under the Plan, New Zealand agreed to provide per year:
• 880 fully trained pilots for RAF
• 520 pilots trained to elementary standard for advanced
flying training in Canada
• 546 observers
• 936 air gunners – initial training in NZ, but flying training
conducted in Canada
The cost of the Plan was to be shared by the three
Dominions in the ratio: Canada 50%, Australia 42%, and NZ
8%.
Article XV of the Agreement required the RAF to form
‘Dominion’ squadrons, as a focus for national pride. Ultimately
six RAF squadrons were formed as (NZ) units Nos. 485-490
18
Air Force news
The flight line for the Central Flying
School at RNZAF Station, Tauranga. The
photo may be from 1941 because none of
the aircraft are camouflaged
Squadrons. Similarly, 44 RCAF and 17 RAAF Squadrons were
formed within the RAF while in parallel, three RAF Squadrons
were designated ‘Rhodesia’ squadrons. However Dominion
aircrew could, and did, serve throughout the RAF.
One other major training initiative in New Zealand was the
formation of the Air Training Corps in 1941, intended to give
boys aged 16½ – 18 years the initial training and familiarisation
to prepare them for joining the Air Force.
After June 1944 it was clear that the CATP could be
gradually run down and in March 1945 the Plan closed. Overall
the CATP trained 131,000 aircrew. New Zealanders were 5.3%
of the total:
• 2910 pilots
• 2700 wireless operators/air gunners
• 1800 navigators, and
• 500 bomb aimers.
All of these were given initial training in NZ then sent to
Canada and on to the RAF.
In addition, NZ fully trained 2743 pilots along with 183
observers and 395 air gunners in NZ for the RAF. During the
War, the RNZAF also trained over 2000 aircrew for our own
squadrons in NZ and the Pacific.
The multi-national training effort ensured consistent
standards of airmanship across the RAF and Commonwealth air
forces and enabled our airmen to be deployed effectively in all
theatres of war.
* Note the term ‘Observer’ was replaced by ‘Navigator’ during
1942. A typical heavy bomber had a crew of 7: one pilot, one
navigator, one flight engineer, one wireless operator, one air
bomber (bomb aimer)/air gunner and two air gunners.
The restored Tiger Moth NZ795 '46' seen over
the Canterbury Plains probably in the 1960s
Tiger Moth
335 Tiger Moths served in the RNZAF from 1939 until 1956; the
majority were built at Rongotai.
Crew: 2, student & instructor
Length: 23 ft 11 in (7.34 m)
Wingspan: 29 ft 4 in (8.94 m)
Height: 8 ft 9 in (2.68 m)
Loaded weight: 1,825 lb (828 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × de Havilland Gipsy Major I inverted
4-cylinder inline engine, 130 hp (100 kW)
Performance
Max speed: 109 mph (175 km/h)
Range: 302 miles (250 nm, 486 km)
Service ceiling: 13,600 ft (4,145 m)
Harvard
One of the outstanding aircraft from the WWII era, 202
Harvards served with the RNZAF from 1941-1977.
Crew: 2
Length: 29 ft (8.84 m)
Wingspan: 42 ft (12.81 m)
Loaded weight: 5,617 lb (2,548 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp
radial engine, 600 hp (450 kW)
Performance
Range: 730 miles (1,175 km)
Armament
Harvard FE-G of Number 2 Operational
Training Unit, flying from Ohakea
Provision for up to 3× 0.30 in (7.62 mm) machine guns
Airspeed Oxford
The RNZAF had in total 302 Oxfords in service between 19381952.
Crew: 3
Length: 34 ft 6 in (10.52 m)
Wingspan: 53 ft 4 in (16.26 m)
Loaded weight: 7,500 lb (3,409 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah X radial
engines, 350 hp (261 kW) each
Performance
Endurance: 5.5 hr
Armament
Guns: 0.303 in (7.7 mm) mg in dorsal turret
Two Oxfords from Hobsonville in formation
Bombs: 16× 11.5 lb (5 kg) practice bombs
Air Force news
19
new zealand SERVICE: 1939-1956
The open-cockpit Tiger Moth was the primary trainer for most Commonwealth air forces,
including the RNZAF. NZ787 became an aero-club aircraft after the War
An Airspeed Oxford from RNZAF Station Wigram, over the Canterbury Plains, showing the
yellow high-visibility paint scheme with camouflaged upper surfaces introduced in 1942
20
Air Force news
Three North American Harvards, NZ936, NZ939 & NZ941, over Port Levy, Banks Peninsula.
They are wearing the standard all-yellow Commonwealth Air Training Plan paint scheme
Air Force news
21
Our People
Two RNZAF
Officers
honoured at
New Year
SQNLDR Keith Bartlett
SQNLDR Russell Kennedy
Five New Zealand Defence Force personnel were among the New Zealanders named
in the New Year Honours. The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD)
has been awarded to:
Squadron Leader Keith Bartlett, who was posted to the Orion P-3 Systems
Upgrade Project in Greenville Texas in 2008. At the time of the posting, he had no
time to qualify as an Orion Qualified Flight Instructor (QFI). His deployment was
continually extended due to unforeseen aircraft flight performance issues. These
challenges required flight testing well beyond the scope, complexity and duration of
the original flight test programme.
With no formal training and minimal preparation, he was also required to develop
and verify flight deck instrumentation and automation procedures, train the flight
deck crew and manage systems engineers and operators conducting mission
systems integration testing onboard the modified P-3K2 aircraft—development
testing events that a senior QFI would be unlikely to encounter during the entire
span of a career. SQNLDR Bartlett’s contribution was instrumental to the successful
completion of the P-3K2 aircraft project.
Squadron Leader Russell Kennedy has served in the RNZAF since January 1978,
during which time his name has become synonymous with flight safety.
He has held various roles as an aircraft investigator and as Air Force Safety
Officer. He has led or assisted in over 25 aircraft accident or incident investigations.
His expertise is also recognised in the civilian flight safety sector and he has been
called on to assist both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Transport Accident
Investigation Commission on many occasions, most recently the crash of the Air New
Zealand Airbus A320 off the coast of France. He is also Secretary of the Australia and
New Zealand Society of Air Safety Investigators. SQNLDR Kennedy’s contributions
to the safety of flight in Australia and New Zealand have benefited the aviation
industry and the general public.
The other NZDF personnel honoured were:
R A Tony Parr ONZM, Chief of Navy
COL John Boswell DSD (CO, NZPRT, Afghanistan)
LTCDR Simon Griffiths DSD (CO, HMNZS WELLINGTON)
In November, the Chief of
Air Force presented RNZAF
personnel with medals and
clasps at Defence House (l to
r): SQNLDR Peter De Rungs,
NZOSM & NZGSM (Afghanistan)
Primary; SQNLDR Maurice
Jennings, NZGSM (Afghanistan)
Secondary; AVM Stockwell; SGT
George MacCoy, Clasp to the
RNZAF LS&GCM; SQNLDR Scott
McKenzie, NZAFA; & WGCDR
Steve Hunt, NZAFA.
22
Air Force news
Our People
CHANGES OF
COMMAND
AIRCDRE Steve Moore receives the USMSM from MAJGEN Talleri
WGCDR G.R. Burroughs
Materiel Support Wing
A ceremony to mark the change of the Commanding Officer,
Materiel Support Wing Auckland was held on Friday 4
November at RNZAF Base Auckland. WGCDR W.S. Butt RNZAF
relinquished command to WGCDR G.R. Burroughs. GPCAPT
Steve Goodman attended, representing Commander Defence
Logistics Command.
GPCAPT Greg Elliot with MAJGEN Talleri
Medal
Presentations
GPCAPT Greg Elliot and AIRCDRE Steve Moore were awarded
the United States Meritorious Service Medal, for their work as
senior national officers of the NZPRT in Afganistan; GPCAPT
Elliot in 2009 and AIRCDRE Moore in 2006. They were among
25 NZDF personnel recognised with US medals, which were
presented by MAJ GEN Talleri US Marine Corps, during a visit
to NZ in November.
AIRCDRE Moore commented that the awards were
“recognition of the excellent efforts of all those who
served and continue to serve with the PRT, assisting with
development and ensuring the people of Bamyan province
have a secure future.”
WGCDR Glenn Gowthorpe
No.230 Squadron
The last day before Christmas leave, 16 December, saw
WGDCR Brendon Pett hand over command of No. 230 Sqn
to WGCDR Glenn Gowthorpe (the former Director Systems
Evaluation).
No. 230 Sqn is the former Integrated Mission Support
Squadron and delivers delivers simulation, software, electronic
warfare, intelligence and mission support to force elements
across the RNZAF and wider NZDF. The new CO, WGCDR
Gowthorpe, was the first XO for the former IMSS.
Air Force news
23
Community Support
LAC Joanne Uncles
cleaning oil from rocks
at Mount Maunganui
OP RENA
Beach Clean Up
the RNZAF
Contingent
On 8-9 January, the RENA broke up after
summer storms pounded the ship on Astrolabe
Reef. In the days following, RNZAF personnel
flew with Maritime NZ staff in chartered flights
to monitor the spread of flotsam and pollution.
RNZAF personnel also trained Regional Council
staff to take over the role of aerial observers.
However the shipwreck is in the hands of a
salvage company which had already moved
most of the fuel oil and many of the containers
from on board. The continuing salvage
operation is being overseen by Maritime New
Zealand and other government agencies, thus
there was no immediate need to involve the
NZDF on the same scale as last October and
November. None-the-less the Air Force can look
back with pride on its part in the NZDF’s prompt
and comprehensive support to the pollution
crisis last year.
24
Air Force news
Maritime NZ Operations Manager Scott Read said, late last
year, that “Defence Force personnel have been a part of the
RENA response from day one and they’ve been absolutely
fantastic. NZDF teams worked tirelessly to clean-up the
beaches. We’ve had around 487 personnel involved since the
response began and we’re extremely grateful for their energy
and ability to get the job done.” Mr Read said, “NZDF personnel
have done a brilliant job in aiding the removal of, in total, 922
tonnes of oily waste from Bay of Plenty beaches.”
FGOFF Paul Wright reported that from 3-17 November, 51
Air Force personnel from Ohakea and Base Auckland, along
with 22 Army Reservists, descended on the shorelines at
Tauranga to collect oil and oily waste that had spilled from
the stricken container ship. Nearly 50 tons of oily waste was
removed or relocated by the NZDF team—by hand—over
those two weeks.
RNZAF personnel operated in several locations, including
Papamoa Beach, Matakana Island, Mount Maunganui and
Leisure Island. Wearing overalls, gloves and gumboots, and
armed with poopa-scoopas, butterfly nets and a thick layer
of suntan lotion, personnel crawled up the sandy beaches,
scrambled over rocks and trawled through tons of oil-covered
Community Support
The RENA on 16 January, a week
after the hull split in two
Photo: Maritime NZ
The Air Force team
in action during the
cleanup, 14 November
Cleaning the sand, slow and painstaking!
shell to remove as much oil or oil-coated debris as possible
from the beaches.
The work was generally quite tedious and could vary from
lying on shells picking up ‘treacle’ and moving only 2-3m in a
day, or scraping tar off rocks, to covering more than 10km of
soft sandy beach in gumboots. The RNZAF team also scoured
every inch of the 23km coastline of Matakana Island. The hot
days, sweaty overalls and the physical labour meant their camp
was quiet most nights as people ‘hit the hay’ early, ready for
another day at the beach.
Our Air Force team implemented a number of ideas, such
as suggesting to the oil recovery experts that instead of
removing oily shells from the high tide mark, the shells were
instead relocated to the low tide mark to allow mother nature
to do its job of removing the oil from the shells. “This was
Personnel crawled up the sandy
beaches, scrambled over rocks and
trawled through tons of oil covered
shell to remove as much oil or oil
coated debris as possible from the
beaches.
AC Simon
Wickett after
cleaning
rocks at the
Mount
considered a fantastic idea by Maritime NZ and allowed us to
remove considerably more oily waste from the beaches. We
also recovered dead birds [for DOC assessment] including
penguins, dotterels and oyster catchers. As well, we placed
a staffer at the Mount to explain to the thousands from the
public who were passing through what was happening and why
the beach was closed.”
Most of the NZDF personnel departed from Tauranga on 17
November. Until then, the Defence Force had had an average
of 120 troops on the ground at any one time. W/O Steve
McCutcheon RNZAF described the work as “messy hard work
that just needed to be done”, but said the public response had
been really positive. “Even if people don’t stop, they yell out
‘thank you’. We’ve had a lot of support from local companies
and the community.”
“While the work was character building our RNZAF
personnel approached it with the right attitude and work ethic
to ensure we achieved great results,” said FGOFF Wright. “It
was a great experience for all personnel and we got the job
done with all beaches being opened by the Mayor of Tauranga
the day after the operation was completed. We were praised
by many organisations including Maritime NZ, local Iwi and the
Tauranga press and locals.”
Air Force news
25
Peacekeepers
MFO’s NZ contingent line
the road at the Main Camp
Multinational Force
& Observers, Sinai
By LAC Joel Genefaas
Driver, NZ Contingent
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I arrived in North Camp,
El Gorah in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, several months ago
now. My rotation (03/11) was greeted by the 01/11 and 02/11
teams with the NZDF Haka followed by a Powhiri, and we were
welcomed into the MFO (Multinational Force and Observers)
Kiwi Contingent Family. The next month or so was spent
getting used to the way things operate in the MFO, learning
our new jobs, and trying to adjust to the heat of the desert
summer.
The MFO is staffed by personnel from 11 other nations
and our mandated mission here is to ‘Observe, Report and
Verify’ any violations of the 1979 Treaty of Peace signed by
the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the State of Israel. The Treaty
determines (amongst other things) the quantities and types
of military equipment each country may have in each zone of
the Sinai. So the MFO as a whole works in a Peace Observation
role. We have 31 Observation Posts set up in remote locations
throughout our zone in the Sinai, and that is where the Kiwi
Drivers Team comes into the picture.
I am currently operating within a team of eight Air Force
Aviation Refuellers and Army Drivers. Our mission is to provide
logistic transport for fuel, food, water and other materiel
goods to the remote sites. We also operate within Israel on a
regular basis, conveying personnel and cargo.
The roads in our Sinai Area of Operations are the most
challenging I have seen in my life, due to their poor condition.
The desert is forever trying to claim back the road and so there
are areas where the road has simply fallen away, has become a
sand dune, or has become so undulated that to hit it at normal
highway speeds could be disastrous. Add to this the extreme
changes in weather (from scorching heat, dust storms and then
substantial downpours) and the impact that has on the roads,
26
Air Force news
mean that the abilities of each operator are put to the test on a
daily basis.
To drive off-road would seem to be a smoother journey than
using the paved roads; however driving off-road is hazardous
to one’s health, as Egypt is the single most land-mined country
in the world (with an estimated 23 million unexploded mines
still in the desert sands).
Driving in Israel presents its own challenges also. Not so
much with road conditions or mines, but the mentality of the
drivers is one of constant haste, which means that you really
need to be on your toes.
Our main workhorse is the Mack Pinnacle DayCab,
powered by a 13 Litre MP8 engine with 500HP. This is a vast
improvement on the equivalent equipment we use at home
(the Mercedes 2228 tractor unit) with 280HP. This means that
we can comfortably tow a fully laden 30 tonne semi-trailer and
keep up with the rest of the highway traffic.
Our contingent also keeps busy when we are not on
the road, with several projects going on to upgrade our
accommodation—known as the Woolshed. We have just
completed renovating the interior. North Camp itself is set
up with excellent facilities (gym, pool, library, movie theatre)
and with the volume of inter-contingent social and sporting
activities you need to remember to take time out for yourself,
too.
We were able to take leave whilst on deployment and in
this region there is no shortage of options! I have visited the
pyramids of Giza and many of the temples in Luxor (once known
as Thebes). Karnak was of particular interest, having seen
many documentaries on it. But you just can’t appreciate the
awesome nature of the place until you actually step foot into
the temple complex.
This deployment has given me opportunities to work in a
truly multi-cultural environment; I return home this month and
it is certainly a part of my life that I will never forget.
Peacekeepers
FESTIVE SEASON IN TIMOR LESTE
LAC Carline (in green tee shirt) during the
children’s Christmas party
A
Timorese children on the water slide
ustralian and New Zealand personnel deployed with the
International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Timor Leste
enjoyed their festive season in the tropics. In total,
460 personnel—390 from the Australian Defence Force and
70 personnel from the NZDF, were deployed there over the
Christmas period.
On Christmas Day, ISF members hosted local orphanage
children who were invited to attend Christmas lunch and share
in the festive activities at various ISF bases throughout the
day. NZDF Chaplain Chris Purdie explained that ISF personnel
work with the orphanages in two ways: to work for the
improvement of the property by working bees and, person to
person with the orphans themselves. “Of course Christmas
provided a great opportunity for our people to mix all of that
together by having the orphans from the Dominican Sisters’
Orphanage come to the base.” The ISF commander, Colonel Luke Foster, said on Christmas
night the ISF officers prepared and served a traditional
Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for the soldiers,
sailors and airmen and airwomen of the ISF. ISF members
also had the opportunity to take part in non-denominational
church services as well as attend Mass in local East Timorese
churches.
One of our RNZAF personnel there, LAC Stacie Carline,
wrote that “Santa hats and drinking water weren’t quite what
I had in mind for Christmas 2011, but being in East Timor we
made it fun. It started off at 0700 when our group of six girls
got up and opened our presents from our family and friends
back home, drinking sparkling grape juice, and chatting about
the day’s events. Soon after we got ready for the 25 orphans
who were coming to HPod. ‘HPod’ is Helicopter Pod—it is
an old airfield which became a heli-port ten years ago. No. 3
Squadron was based here previously.
“Once the children arrived the boys went off and had hours
On Christmas Day, ISF members
hosted local orphanage children
who were invited to attend
Christmas lunch and share in the
festive activities at various ISF
bases throughout the day
of fun on the home-made water slide—not only the small
boys but also our big boys! After a quick observation the
girls decided it would be safer indoors, so in we went to enjoy
colouring-in of pictures of Santa and Christmas trees, followed
by a girls’ bonding session painting finger nails and sprucing up
our pictures with sparkling glitter and fancy stickers.
“Time flies when you are having fun and soon it was time for
the BBQ lunch and Santa to arrive. The kids had presents from
all of us in the HPod. Then it was time to say ‘bye to the kids and
hello to Christmas dinner!
“Our night began with a Christmas feast followed by secret
Santa presents. We all watched the individual sections’
Christmas videos and played some games. We were split into
teams made up of Kiwis and Aussies and the games were a
mixture of team building exercises.
“All too soon it was time for bed then back to business as
usual the next day.”
SGT Victoria Fulton RNZAF said that this Christmas was
her first-ever away from family and friends: “Instead I had my
new NZDF family and ADF friends in Timor Leste! We spent
the day with local orphans, before a BBQ lunch and a visit by
Father Christmas. The excitement for the kids brought on by a
soccer ball or Barbie doll was very humbling. The smiles on the
children’s faces made this Christmas one of my best ever!”
Air Force news
27
Fighting Fires
with the Navy!
AC Yvonne Jobsis
By AC Yvonne Jobsis
Back in October, I commenced the
two-week Damage Control Course
conducted by the RNZN at Devonport. It
was a relatively small course with only three
Navy trainees, three personnel from No.6
Squadron, and two CISMECHS from No.209
Sqn, myself and AC Allan-Sloper.
28
Air Force news
A
fter we covered the theory on fire fighting and standard
operating procedures in a ship, we filled our first foam
fire extinguisher and practised our drills on a controlled
gas fire. We were soon practising a range of different attacks in
the Fire Training Unit (FTU):
• Initial attack comprised of two personnel with foam
extinguishers fighting the fire;
• Escaping the smoke with Emergency Escape Breathing
Devices (EEBD)—basically a glorified bag over your head!
• And 4 and 5 strong hose teams, armed with 2 and 3 hoses, in
full fire fighting rig complete with Breathing Apparatus (BA).
We looked just like real firemen ready to save the day.
The training facilities were excellent, with three large units
for fire, gas and flood exercises. Each of these is designed
to mimic a ship and provide a controlled environment to
experience scenarios you would hopefully never face on
ship. For example, the FTU allowed us to experience a lean
flashover. This involved everyone suiting up in full fire fighting
rig and BA while two fires were lit in the compartment, then
they shut the doors and waited. We saw the thermal layers that
develop as the fire grew and how the flames spread along the
ceiling.
Our first week ended with a big exercise that combined
our course with the Team Leaders’ course. Our scenario was
played out in the FTU—an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)
went off below decks and multiple fires broke out. We attacked
in waves, keeping track of how much oxygen the team inside
Personnel for the
Amphibious Task Force
By SQNLDR Brent Bryers
OC AIR CIS
A student is hauled through an escape
hatch in the Flooding Trainer
As I came down the hatch through
a curtain of water I saw someone
being swept swiftly across the deck
by a wave as the unit rolled.
had, sending the next team in to relieve them right on time. It
was a very successful exercise with everyone getting stuck in,
doing the drills as taught, and extinguishing the fires.
Fighting flooding on board came next (which was a highlight
for me). Again theory first, then into the Flood Unit for a dry
run on how to measure, cut, and erect shoring to stop leaks.
That afternoon we re-entered in snazzy grey overalls and on
went the taps as the unit began to roll from side to side. It was
lightly chlorinated water at about 11˚C that came bursting
into the unit from the ceiling, walls and floors (deck head,
bulkheads and deck). We clambered about erecting shoring
as the compartment filled with water. I was on the upper deck
passing down tools and equipment then went down to assist.
As I came down the hatch through a curtain of water I saw
someone being swept swiftly across the deck by a wave as the
unit rolled. With the last shore in place we made our escape up
a small hatch with water from the upper deck bucketing down
in our faces. The Unit was then drained and we dismantled the
shoring before heading off, shivering, to the hot showers.
Later in the second week we underwent CBN (Chemical,
Biological and Nuclear) drills in a CS gas (tear gas)
In August 2011, RNZN career managers approached the
Director of Career Management to enquire about the
feasibility of initiating a secondment of personnel from shore
establishments to ships at the Aircraftsman level. Behind the
initiative is CDF’s strategy map for military capability in 2015
and beyond.
As a first step, two junior RNZAF personnel from the Air
CIS trade will carry out a work exchange programme with two
similarly ranked RNZN personnel. This job-swap is intended
to give our more junior personnel a greater understanding of,
and interoperability with, their trade counterparts in the Navy.
But in order to be considered for employment onboard HMNZS
CANTERBURY or the other helicopter-capable warships,
personnel must first undergo RNZN Basic Mariner and Damage
Control training.
AC Yvonne Jobsis and AC Josh Allan-Sloper, who are
both AIR CIS trade within No. 209 (Expeditionary Support)
Squadron, underwent training at the Naval Base in October.
Since then they returned to their units and are to join
CANTERBURY this year, when they will participate in ‘whole
ship’ harbour training, before sailing as fully fledged members
of the CANTERBURY’s company into the South-West Pacific.
environment. The operators made sure there was so much
gas in the room they would surely know if you took shortcuts
in the drills—like opening your eyes or taking a sneaky breath
before the respirator was on. On completion of the drills,
our instructors ‘kindly’ gave us the opportunity to remove
our respirators before we exited. Knowing that CS can cause
excessive salivation and vomiting and a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, and as I’d already felt some effects
of the gas, this didn’t sound like much fun. I didn’t think the
others would be keen, but I was wrong—everyone else put
their hand up! As the only Air Force female on the course I felt a
certain responsibility to show no weakness. So we all removed
our masks and stumbled through the door with tears and snot
streaming down our faces, spitting out copious quantities of
saliva. What fun (not)!
The last Friday was our final theory exam, with the Air Force
coming out on top! All that was left was cleaning up after
the course, giving feedback and saying goodbye. It was an
enjoyable course with valuable skills to be gained. The group
got on well with the instructors and they said they enjoyed
taking our course. Morale was good with plenty of banter which
created a fun learning environment for our motivated group.
It was good to see the different Services working together to
gain new skills. I look forward to more opportunities to get out
and participate in exercises and operations and see where the
Air Force can take me.
Air Force news
29
Training & Education
The RNZAF group at the Learning State graduation ceremony last
year: (back row l to r) F/S Malky Hamilton, National Certificate in
Business (First Line Management) Level 3 & 4; SGT Malcom Walshe,
NCB (FLM) L3&4; CPL Scott Cameron, NCB (FLM) L3. (Front row l to
r): Mr Michael Naus, National Diploma in Adult Education & Training,
W/O Denis Moratti WOAF; FLTLT Dave Timbs, NCB (FLM) L3&4
The 11/01 W/O Promotion Course at the Navy Marae (during the Cross
Functional Networking Tour). Back row (l to r): W/O D. Lee (Course
Director), F/S A Fry, F/S A Julian (Directing Staff), F/S S Munro, A/W/O A
McPhee, F/S C Jowsey, F/S C Thomson, F/S G Lidgett; (front row l to r):
F/S B Kropp, F/S T Brown, SMSGT N Johnson USAF, F/S K Nikau, 3WO NG
Kok Wee RSAF. Absent: A/W/O D Smith
By Michael Naus,
Air Force
Qualifications
Presented
Qualifications Developer, Defence Qualifications, RNZAF Base Woodbourne
Warrant Officer Diplomas
Late last year in Auckland the OC 485 Wing, GPCAPT Davies
presented NZ Institute of Management Diplomas in Front Line
Management to six graduates of the RNZAF Warrant Officer
Promotion Course, recognising the skills they have attained
through their RNZAF service and training. The recipients
included W/O Nicky Douglas, W/O David Gibson, W/O Richard
Mosley, W/O Glen Rastrick and F/SGT Steve Douglas (now a
W/O) and F/SGT Kerry Williams.
The W/O Promotion Course is benchmarked with the
NZ Institute of Management (NZIM) Diploma in Front Line
Management. This application-based diploma is aimed at
people who have a high level of responsibility for the outputs
of larger groups and projects. The skills encompassed in this
qualification include management of workplace relationships,
professional development, team effectiveness, projects,
30
Air Force news
personnel, risk, workplace safety, workplace learning and
continuous improvement. These are all skills we expect of our
Warrant Officers and they are explored and enhanced on the
W/O Promotion Course.
Reflecting its rigour and relevance, the course meets the
requirements for 9 of the 11 papers required for the Diploma.
To complete the Diploma, a two-day NZIM ‘top up’ course
is facilitated each year by Defence Qualifications at Base
Auckland or Ohakea. This course provides the academic
requirements for personnel to complete the assignments for
the two remaining subjects.
200 National Qualifications
During 2011, almost 200 NZDF personnel gained at least
one—and some up to three—National Qualifications through
pathways developed by Defence Qualifications and Learning
State (the Industry Training Organisation for the Public Sector).
Training & Education
Holding their W/O diplomas are W/O Nicky Douglas and F/
SGT Steve Douglas, with their sons Aaron and Logan
The National Qualifications awarded ranged from Adult
Education & Training through to Business Administration and
First Line Management.
A graduation ceremony, attended by representatives
and graduates from Government departments and public
sector organisations, was held to celebrate and recognise the
effort and commitment put in by the graduates in attaining
their qualifications. The NZDF graduates were represented
by five Wellington and Woodbourne-based personnel with
the Warrant Officer of the Air Force W/O Denis Moratti
and Defence Qualifications Manager Mr Ian Bateman in
attendance. Congratulations to all our graduates and the
workplaces that supported them.
Defence Qualifications
With the centralisation of many personnel and training
functions across the NZDF the Air Force Qualifications
Officer from Training Group HQ (the author) has joined
colleagues from Army and Navy to form the External Relations
and Qualifications (ERQ) team within the NZDF Training
and Education Directorate. Informally known as ‘Defence
Qualifications’, the qualifications team is focussed on
delivering high class services and qualifications for all NZDF
personnel.
Defence Qualifications is woking with Learning State to
make more qualifications available for our military and civilian
personnel. Our team is moving from a single Service focus to a
sector-based approach; as the former Air Force Qualifications
Officer, I am now the Qualifications Developer for the
Southern Region and will primarily support Aviation and Sports
& Fitness across the whole of NZDF.
For further information on Defence Qualifications go to the
Training and Education Directorate intranet site and drill down
from NZDF/HQNZDF/Defence Personnel Executive/Training
and Education Directorate to Training and Education Services/
External Relations and Qualifications.
SQNLDR Mike Parry in his academic gown and cap, with
WGCDR Ron Logan (NZ Defence Staff, Canberra).
RNZAF Officer Top
of Class at UNSW
Squadron Leader Mike Parry has graduated top of his class
following a year of postgraduate study at the University of New
South Wales (UNSW). He was awarded the Australian Society
for Defence Engineering Prize for the most outstanding
overall performance of a student completing the Master of
Engineering Science degree. SQNLDR Parry’s year of study
was completed full-time at the UNSW Canberra campus
located at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
“The pairing of the University with the Academy was
particularly beneficial for me as a military officer. Not only
did I have a very satisfying academic year but I also had
the opportunity to engage with a large number of current
and future ADF leaders. Living in the Officers Mess and
participating in Academy sports teams were great ways to get
to know a wide variety of people.
“One of the significant attractions of studying with UNSW
is that the University offers degree programs in military
specific disciplines. The Masters programme I completed
was in C4ISREW, directly aligned with my specialisation as a
Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Officer.”
Once accepted for entry into the UNSW Masters’
programme, SQNLDR Parry applied through his chain of
command to study full-time and funding was approved by the
Deputy Chief of Air Force.
“I had a fantastic year in Canberra. Being away from my
family was hard but studies and Academy life were most
enjoyable and kept me very busy. I am very grateful to the
NZDF for the opportunity that has been provided to me and
now look forward to putting my newly acquired knowledge
to good use within the C4ISR Working Group of Capability
Branch.”
Air Force news
31
Resolutions
Changing
Habits
By SQNLDR Maurice Jennings RNZAF,
Senior Psychologist (Air Force), Defence Personnel Executive
It’s the New Year and hopefully you are keeping
true to your resolutions: the diet you hope to
maintain, the commitment to exercise or the
promise to be organised at work. But for many
of us, we have probably struggled to follow
through on our good intentions.
One reason is that willpower is a limited resource. In one
experiment, participants had to resist eating chocolates and
cookies, but doing this caused them to give up faster on a
subsequent frustrating task, compared to others who did not
have to resist (Baumeister, et., al., 1998). This finding has been
replicated across a range of tasks and situations.
Even too many choices can wear down reserves of selfcontrol, which can reduce our willingness to persist (Vohs,
2008). So it’s no wonder that we fall back into old habits; they
are automatic and don’t require much effort—the path of
least resistance. Many infomercials take advantage of this
phenomenon by encouraging you to buy their product (along
with the 30 day money back guarantee) knowing that you
probably won’t return it because of the energy required.
So what can you do? The good news is that research also
shows that self-control is like a muscle; the more it’s used, the
stronger it becomes.
Here then are just a few practical strategies that you can use to improve the likelihood of keeping your New Year’s
resolution and build your reserves of self-control, so by the end of 2012 you will be able to reflect on your success!
1. Write down your goal, focusing on what you will be doing
differently. Break it down into smaller steps that are
specific, measurable, realistic and time based. Then
identify the benefits and a reward for each step of the
way; and tell your friends and family. It’s been shown that
those who do this are more likely to stick their promises
(Wiseman, 2009).
2. Visualise your goal using doublethink (Oettingen,
et. al., 2001). This is where you alternately visualise
the benefits of your goal with an assessment of the
problems you might encounter. Start with thinking
about the top benefits of achieving your goal followed
by the biggest barriers. Then pick the top benefit and
imagine how life will be better, followed by the biggest
hurdle and what you would do to overcome it. Repeat
this process for the next best benefit and next biggest
barrier, etc.
3. Reduce the energy you require to perform the new
habit or increase the energy to stop the unwanted one.
If it’s getting up in the morning to go for a run, then get
all your gear ready and put your shoes by the bed. Put
the behaviour you want to perform on the path of least
resistance so it takes less energy to start it than to resist
it. For the unwanted habit, make it harder to perform by
increasing the amount of effort you require to do it. So
if you want to cut back on those biscuits, put them in a
place where it is hard to get at or just leave them out of
the grocery shopping altogether (Anchor, 2010).
4. Decrease the number of choices you have to make to
perform the new habit (Anchor 2010). That’s one reason
why having a gym programme is really helpful, there’s
no decision as to whether you do weights or cardio, let
alone which weights, or whether you run, cycle or row ….
5. Set up decision rules in advance so that you are free
from having to make choices which might deplete your
willpower. For example, only checking emails once/hour,
or not driving when you have had more than one drink.
These kinds of decision rules remove the uncertainty of
making a judgement call (Anchor, 2010).
References
Anchor, S. (2010). The Happiness Advantage: the seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work. Crown Business.
Baumeister, R., Bratslavski, E., Muraven, M., & Tice, D.M. (1998). Ego Depletion: Is the active self a limited resource? Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 74, 1252-1265.
Oettingen, G., Pak, H., Schneeter, K. (2001). Self-regulation of goal setting: turning free fantasies about the future into binding goals. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 80, 736-753.
Vohs, K.D., et al. (2008). Making choices impairs subsequent self-control: A limited-resource account of decision making, self regulation, and active
initiative. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 94(5), 883-898.
Wiseman, R. (2009). 59 Seconds: think a little, change a lot. MacMillan. 100-101.
32
Air Force news
Base Auckland
Base Auckland Amenities Centre—
a new beginning
By GPCAPT Adrian Collins
Logistics Commander (Air)
and W/O Ash Wilson
Command Warrant Officer, Operational
Support Wing, RNZAF Base Auckland
The concept of the Base Auckland Amenities Centre is to
have an area where all base clubs and welfare interests can
be catered for, in a range of buildings and facilities tailored to
meet the needs of Base personnel and their families. Many of
these facilities were previously located at Hobsonville, but
since that Base closed there has been a need for appropriate
facilities for Base clubs in Whenuapai.
The Amenities site was cleared by the end of 2011 and
we started building the foundations for the first large
multipurpose building this year. The existing buildings are
currently being refurbished by the Hobbies Club folk and they
will then start unpacking some of the equipment and getting
the club going again.
The project will be delivered by relocation of disused
buildings and gaining funding from a mixture of Welfare funds
and donations as well as a lot of self-help. The Auckland Base
Welfare Fund (BWF) has already allocated $162,000 towards the
project and Facilities Management arranged for the clearing
and preparation of the site. This (otherwise) largely disused
area contained a number of old storage sheds, car ports, glass
houses, shade houses and was also used to store green waste.
The Amenities site is located behind the PAE compound on the
western boundary of the Base. [PAE (New Zealand) Limited is
the company that provides specialist Facilities Management
services for the Base.]
While BWF and other organisations are contributing to the
initial development of the Amenities Centre, it will eventually
be operated on a self-funding basis, with the aim of developing
its own income stream to fund future development. The end
shape of the Base Auckland Amenities Centre will be dictated
by the needs of our personnel on Base and the plan shown here
has been developed to allow for the positioning of services and
the commencement of Stage One.
On 18 November AVM Stockwell visited the site of the future
Amenities Centre. He explained: “There are currently lots of
stresses and strains on our personnel and it is vital that we do
everything we can to maintain the cohesiveness of the RNZAF
and our Bases. The creation of a Base Auckland Amenities
Centre is a great initiative and one that will benefit many
personnel both today and into the future.
“While the public purse cannot fund the entire development
of a venture like this, there are many sources of funding
and resources that we can tap into to make this vision a
reality—and I fully support this initiative. I ask that all Air Force
personnel, wherever they work, do what they can to progress
this project with all speed and assist the core team. This is one
very tangible thing we can do to benefit Service personnel of all
ranks and trades and their families, for today’s and tomorrow’s
Air Force.”
Stage One of the project commenced at the end of 2011 and
consists of clearing the site, renovation of existing buildings,
installation of site services, and the placement of the first
multipurpose building in the form of a large shed.
Stage Two will include the fit-out of the shed and the
relocation of other smaller buildings that are already on
site. Further stages will include shaping the site to include
BWF facilities that are currently scattered around Base and
modelling the Centre in line with the wishes of Base personnel.
There have been all sorts of ideas of how this could develop,
such as agricultural clubs, car washing facilities, club meeting
rooms as well as the already-established Hobbies and
Engineering clubs. Ultimately, it will be up to individual clubs
and organisations to sponsor their own development project
within the Amenities Centre, but for now there is a centralised
push to get it up and running.
While the concept of the Amenities Centre had been on
the books for some time, progress was slowed by all the
organisational change going on in the wider NZDF. However,
early last year a team with an interest in getting this concept
up and running joined forces and made a proposal to Base
Auckland management and the Welfare Fund that they should
be appointed as a sub-group with direct responsibility for the
development of the Amenities Centre. This happened in March
2011 and despite some postings, the core team of Clint Barnes,
Hamish Terry, Ash Wilson, Grub Winslow and Craig Walker
remain to push the project forward for the benefit of everyone
at Base Auckland.
So there is plenty to do! If anyone wants to join the team and
help progress this, please give the team a shout and join in with
developing this great facility for Base Auckland personnel—
current and future.
Air Force news
33
Our Heritage
Celebrating
70 Years of
Women in
Air Force
Blue
RNZAF uniforms on display
BELOW: Objects representing various trades:
Motor Mechanic, Radio Operator, Clerks and
Shorthand Typists, while the flying brevet and
aircrew gloves were worn by women aircrew
By Michelle Sim,
Archives Technician, Air Force Museum of New Zealand
In April 1941, the first women entered service in support of
our Air Force during WWII. Initially, they were given no formal
training or uniform and had to find their own accommodation.
However, they quickly proved their capability and by the War’s
end, WAAFs (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force members) could be
found in 39 different Air Force trades.
These trailblazing WAAFs paved the way for thousands
more women to serve in an ever-increasing variety of roles.
Reflecting changes over time in wider society and in the armed
forces, women continue to push though the ‘glass ceiling’
imposed by social attitudes.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Celebrating 70 Years of Women
in Air Force Blue is the latest special exhibition to open at the
Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Drawing on the personal
experiences of both past and present servicewomen, it tells
the changing story of women in the RNZAF through 70 years
34
Air Force news
of war and peace. The story is followed through four key time
periods:
• World War Two: 1941-1945,
• Post-War Women: 1946-1976,
• Times of Change: 1977-1999,
• Into the New Millennium: 2000-2011.
Uniforms from each period are displayed, representing the
changing nature and role of women’s service in the RNZAF, and
personal stories help give visitors an insight into service life
through the decades.
The Museum team gratefully acknowledge all service
personnel, past and present, who contributed to the
preparation of this exhibition. The exhibition remains on
display at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Wigram,
Christchurch, until April. Free Admission.
Building Redevelopment and Earthquake
Recovery at the Air Force Museum of New
Zealand
The future aircraft gallery
By Charlotte Robertson,
Commercial Administrator
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand Trust Board and staff
were excited to see the first stages of construction for the
Museum’s new 4190 square metre aircraft gallery, with the
ground being prepared for the laying of the foundations.
When completed, the $14 million redevelopment project will
contribute to a brighter future not only for the Museum but for
Christchurch as well.
The new gallery will transform the Museum and the way
that we display our aircraft. With a larger part of our collection
on display, the redevelopment will also enhance the space in
which our aircraft are restored and give the public a better
look into what we do behind the scenes with our restoration
projects. (Our restoration team commits thousands of hours
every year to the restoration and preservation of former
RNZAF aircraft.)
The plans for a redevelopment of this scale have been
underway since 2003. The new gallery will enable us to share
more of our collection and better tell the important history of
our Air Force. Over the past 25 years the museum has proudly
grown, sharing our stories and expanding collection with
the public. This has been achieved by a refurbishment of our
history gallery, educational programmes, and both travelling
and in-house exhibitions, such as the current one ‘Breaking
the Glass Ceiling’. The new development is an appropriate
means of celebrating the Air Force Museum’s 25th anniversary
in the same year as the Air Force’s 75th.
However, in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake,
the Museum has assisted in the reclamation and storage
of many artefacts and artworks from regional museums,
art galleries and cultural centres damaged in the ’quake.
Therefore our current intent is to delay our new aircraft
displays, so that the new space can be utilised by the
earthquake-affected organisations to restore their objects for
future display within their own centres.
The redevelopment will send a strong message to the
tourism community around the world that Canterbury is not
only rebuilding but also investing in new infrastructure. This
is a building for the community; as a free-admission museum
we aim to help boost the tourism industry in the Canterbury
region.
History Unearthed!
By Simon Moody, Research Officer
The new building ground works gave us
an opportunity to investigate the early
history of our historic Sockburn site.
Originally the land was part of Plumpton
Park and used for hare coursing, until
1884 when a horse track was built
for racing and trotting. Horse races
took place regularly until the owners,
Canterbury Park Club, took up the lease
of the present Addington Race Course
in January 1922. Soon after, the land
was acquired for an airfield by the NZ
Government.
The contractors uncovered a rubbish
pit just east of the Museum’s present
main aircraft hall—the large pit is
clearly visible in early photographs of
the aerodrome. Matthew O’Sullivan
(the Museum’s Keeper of Photographs)
and I (a former archaeologist) could
not resist a real-life archaeological
investigation at our own work-place!
What was uncovered was mostly rubbish,
of course, but pieces of porcelain
with the Canterbury Jockey Club and
Metropolitan Trotting Club badge were
found, as well as bottles, two horse
shoes and a stirrup.
Scrap metal, other ceramic pieces,
tools, tyres, corrugated iron, barbed
wire and fence posts made up much of
the fill. A layer of charcoal indicated that
the contents had been partially burned
and there was evidence of oil probably
Bottles recovered during the dig; inset are
fragments marked ‘Canterbury Jockey
Club’ and ‘Metropolitan Trotting Club’
being dumped there. The pit was finally
covered over during the mid-1930s as
the airfield was levelled and further
developed.
The Museum will record the
investigation and preserve the best
examples of what was recovered, as
evidence of the early use of our site
before it became an aerodrome.
Air Force news
35
Sport
Inter-Base Touch 2011
By LAC Richie Staunton,
Base Auckland Touch Committee
The weekend of 29 – 30 October saw Inter-Base Touch 2011 kick-off in Auckland.
DAY ONE. Rain affected play but thankfully it didn’t last; teams were able to play
more expansively in the afternoon. The Women’s Division: all games ended in draws
or one point wins. Auckland finished the day on top, followed by Woodbourne then
Ohakea.
The Men’s Division was hotly contested: the Auckland A side came out on top
followed by Ohakea, Woodbourne, then the Auckland ‘Killer B’s’. The Over Thirties
(OT) Grade were quite tired after all their planning, so they had Saturday off. That
night we enjoyed the tournament festivities.
DAY TWO. A very hot day …the Women had another round-robin to determine
the finalists, who proved to be Auckland and Woodbourne. The Men’s semi-final 1:
Auckland A against the Killer B’s. The B’s were right in the game until the last few
minutes when the A’s managed a couple of tries to take the game 3-1.
Semi-final 2: Woodbourne vs. Ohakea. It was a very tight affair at 1-1 until the
last minutes when both teams managed a couple more tries to go straight into a
drop-off. Woodbourne came out hard on attack but the defence was good, until
rookie Ben ‘will do as I’m told’ Wyness bamboozled the Ohakea defence and scored.
The Over Thirties decided they could start playing … in lieu of an Ohakea OTs
team, an Ohakea Queen B’s team made up the numbers for the round-robin.
Auckland took out top honours and set up a final with Ohakea.
FINALS. OTs kicked off the finals and put some entertaining Touch together, but a
superior Auckland side ran out 7-1 winners.
The Women’s final saw two very confident teams take the field. At full-time the
score was 3-3. A drop-off! Fierce battle commenced and the drop-off got down to
three players, when a try to Keisha Osborne sealed victory for Auckland.
Seeing both the OTs and the Women get wins for Auckland, the Auckland men
with coach Adrian Grey were under pressure! Woodbourne came out firing, with
‘old-head’ Garner Gulliver being Stephen Donald-like in his composure. Auckland
survived in the first set then gave a clinical display to run out winners, 8-2.
Tournament awards went to:
• Over Thirties grade - Auckland
• Open Women’s grade - Auckland
• Open Men’s grade - Auckland
• Player of the tournament, OTs – SGT Brad Marra
• Player of the tournament, Women – LAC Keisha Osborne
• Player of the tournament, Men – AC Blair Patterson
Thanks to all who made the weekend a huge success, and to our sponsors:
DHL
Repco
Noel Leeming, and
Blackwoods Paykels
36
Air Force news
AC Laura Kestrup at bat
AC Laura Kestrup at 1st base against Army
RNZAF Women’s Team 2011
Sport
Tri-Service
Softball at the
ADSA Anniversary
Tournament
W/O Graham Chard
gets high fives
Gavin Kotua and FLTLT Rob
McKenzie in action
LAC Jason Thomas was
Catcher against Army
RNZAF Men’s Team 2011
By SQNLDR Mark Waters,
OIC RNZAF Softball
The NZDF Tri-Service Softball Tour, to compete in the Australian Defence Softball
Associations (ADSA) 25th Anniversary Tournament in Melbourne, started as an
off-hand comment in 2010. It culminated in each of the three Services sending their
respective Softball Teams to Australia during 28 October – 06 November 2011.
The trans-Tasman Softball relationship is warm—RNZAF Softball had toured
Australia five times (1991, 1995, 2002, 2006 & 2009) and the ADSA have been hosted
by the RNZAF twice (2003 & 2006). The NZ Army and the RNZN have similar records;
places on such tours are hotly contested. The 2011 tour also included our annual
Inter-Services Softball Tournament; this added an extra competitive twist!
After months of planning the RNZAF squad boarded the flight to Melbourne
(coincidentally with the Navy team, too). Our squad consisted of 36 personnel, AC
through to SQNLDR (plus three civilians) with an age span of 20 - 55 and representing
15 different trades or roles.
From the outset the Tour was memorable; for the first time the ADSA held an
Aboriginal Smoke Ceremony prior to the NZ contingent’s Powhiri, with a rousing
rendition of the NZDF Haka. The Tournament was structured for each team to
play each other once for overall Tournament points, then the Australian and NZ
contingents would play national finals. With five Men’s and six Women’s teams the
draw required careful planning. Unfortunately the first day was completely washed
out!
The first day of play saw the RNZAF Men’s team unbeaten at the end of the day
after playing NZ Army (5-3) and Navy (21-0). The RNZAF Women lost to arch rivals NZ
Army (0-5) however they won (7-0) against Southern States.
Next morning was Melbourne Cup Day—a great day for us, including interviews
on Aussie Channel 7 as well as making the TVNZ and TV3 News and the front page of
various Melbourne newspapers.
Back to the diamonds: RNZAF Men overpowered Queensland (27-0) and NSW
(16-0), while our Women played three games, winning (17-6) over Navy but losing to
Queensland (5-7) and ACT (3-11).
Finals day: both RNZAF Teams played the NZ Army for Inter-Services honours.
The Men beat Army (12-4) and retained the Inter-Services Lauthala Bay Cup for the
third year in a row. Our Women however, tripped at the final hurdle, losing 23-0. The
Army Women were deserving winners of the NZ Inter-Services Prendergast Cup.
The final playing day saw test matches between NZDF and the ADF. In front of
a big crowd, the Women lost narrowly (5-10) but our Men won (15-5), to retain the
‘International Trophy’. Both NZDF Tournament Teams had a high proportion of
RNZAF players selected, all of whom performed creditably in the Test Matches.
The Tournament closed with a black tie dinner, with presentation of trophies and
certificates to many deserving players and teams.
Many thanks to those who toured and all those who made the tour possible. It was
an excellent tour which not only fostered our relationship with the ADSA but one
which promoted the Softball code across the RNZAF (and NZDF) and provided our
teams with high levels of competition.
Air Force news
37
Notices
Fighting Spirit:
75 Years of the
RNZAF
By Margaret McClure
Random House, NZ
Publication date Friday, 02 March 2012
Price $55.00
ISBN-13 9781869796105
Marking our Air Force’s 75th anniversary, next month
Random House will publish this lively, well-written history of
the RNZAF, focusing on people and the way in which the Air
Force has shaped a distinctive can-do national character. The
new book traces the broad sweep of the Air Force from the
early 20th Century to the first decade of the 21st, and extends
beyond the romance of early military aviation and the drama
of WWII to describe the diversity of roles it has undertaken in
recent decades.
The account begins with the gift of a Blériot aeroplane
to New Zealand in response to the first awareness of the
potential of military air power. Early experiments in flying
were followed by a rush of young New Zealanders to the
dangerous adventure of flying over the battlefields of Europe
in WWI. Then came the formation of an independent Royal New
Zealand Air Force in 1937.
Two years later, the Air Force galvanised to train thousands
of aircrew for the war in Europe and also to defend our nation
in the Pacific. The difficult days of peace brought further
radical changes for the RNZAF: dismantling wartime aircraft,
demobilising most of its personnel, and forging a post-war
identity.
The RNZAF's most turbulent years came in the 1980s and
1990s, when governments cut ANZUS ties with the United
States, reduced the number of bases and personnel, decided
to focus on peacekeeping, and disbanded the air combat force.
From 2001 the 'war on terror' reintroduced a global outlook,
along with hectic deployments and leaps in technology,
paralleled by the stress of cutbacks in personnel.
Author: Margaret McClure is a public historian who has written
this book for the Ministry for Culture & Heritage and the RNZAF.
She has published widely in the fields of social history and the
history of government policy.
1/8th scale Iroquois visits No. 3 Squadron
By F/S Baz Bennett No. 3 Sqn Maintenance
During the Squadron Family Day on 04 December, a group of
aircraft modellers visited No.3 Squadron to get ‘up close and
personal’ with the mighty Iroquois.
Mr Brett Cudby, the owner of a scale replica of NZ3801 was
able to see the details of the real NZ3801 so he can continue
to detail his model. The model was originally built by F/S Jason
Cunningham (Rtd) who sold it earlier in 2011.
The model Iroquois generated significant interest within the
Squadron, along with several others—a Kiowa, a Cobra, an A109
(still under construction) and a magnificent scratch-built BK117.
All are flyable radio-control models; it was a win/win experience
as Squadron members were just as impressed with the detail of
the models as the modellers were with the real aircraft.
38
Air Force news
THE ‘LONG WAY DOWN’ CHARITY
CHALLENGE ASSISTS DECLAN COOPER
By SGT Pete Barrass,
Force Protection Team Auckland
The Force Protection Team Auckland commenced their
‘Long Way Down’ Charity Event in aid of the Declan Cooper
Appeal [see AFN 130 October] on Saturday 19 November with
a charity collection and demonstration to the general public at
the Westgate Shopping Centre. Members of our team cycled
and rowed on their equipment for 8 hours to raise awareness of
the event, which was due to commence the following Monday.
Monday soon arrived and the Force Protection Team
commenced their ‘Cape Reinga to Bluff—Long Way Down’
Challenge with a rigorous one hour PT session in the Base
Gymnasium, with all the team mounting their rowing machines,
cycles and running machines to chip away at the 2047km target.
After five days of one hour sessions the end was in sight and
the team was cheered over the finish line within the gym by No.
209 Sqn’s Commanding Officer, WGCDR Cockcroft.
Our Force Protection Team’s efforts over the week, and
subsequent charity collections, have raised $2585. Further Air
Force-wide contributions from Air CIS Auckland and Capability
Branch Wellington have taken the current total for the Declan
Cooper Appeal to over $2835.50. The team hopes to build on
last year’s effort with new initiatives planned for this year, to
further aid Declan.
Donations to the appeal can be made to pay the Waipapa
& Districts Lions Club Charitable Trust at any ASB Bank (12
3091 0191167 00) or through NPF Base Auckland.
Hobsonville Old Boys
Association Reunion
and Hobsonville
Memorial Dedication
28 April 2012
• A permanent memorial to “All who have passed this way”
will be dedicated at the ex-RNZAF Station Headquarters
Hobsonville on Saturday 28 April 2012.
• This ceremony will be conducted in conjunction with the
Hobsonville Old Boys 67th Reunion and the RNZAF 75th
Celebrations.
• All ex-Hobsonville military personnel and families welcome.
For more information and registration details contact;Ian Ronalds (Chairman HOBA)
[email protected]
or
Mr P. Burch
P.O. Box 58170
Botany
Auckland 2163
75
QU
S
SQ
Q
UADRON
AS
A
SSOCIATION
ooff
NE
NE W Z E A L A N D
B
BIIENNIAL
R
EUNION
RE
220
012
P
ALMERSTON NORTH
PA
330
0, 31 MARCH, 01 APRIL
C
ELEBRATING
CE
T
HE HISTORY OF THE SQUADRON FROM
TH
775
5 (HOME) RFC, 1916-1919
775
5(BOMBER) RAF, 1937-1940
775
5(NZ) RAF, 1940-1945
775
5 RNZAF, 1946-2001
CONTACT THE SECRETARY, GLEN TURNER, Mob: 021732835
EMAIL: [email protected]
WWW.75squadron-raf-rnzaf.com
Air Force news
39
40
ceLeBrATinG 75 YeArs OF SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND
Air Force news

February 2012, Issue 133 [pdf 4.30 mb, 40 pages]

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