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AFN72 JULY 06 www.airforce.mil.nz 1 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.AIRFORCE.MIL.NZ AIR FORCE NEWS ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 72 JU LY 06 NO.3 SQUADRON CELEBRATES TIMOR LESTE PACIFIC PATROL

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Page 1: ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE

AFN72 JULY 06www.a irforce .mi l .nz

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V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E : W W W . A I R F O R C E . M I L . N Z

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NO.3 SQUADRON CELEBRATESTIMOR LESTEPACIFIC PATROL

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MANAGING YOUR CAREER

CPL JASON PRICEPHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR, BASE AUCKLAND

When asked to write the First Word column for this Air Force News the big question going through my mind was ‘what can I put down that will make an impact on people?’ After quite a bit of thought I decided to discuss how fortunate we are as individuals in the Air Force with regard to the opportunities we get and the facilities we are provided with.

When you look at what is happening in New Zealand and also around the globe, the world is turning into a place littered with obesity. It is now being talked about as an epidemic! When the New Zealand Health Minister was last quizzed about the possibility of the dreaded bird ‘flu he replied that bird flu was the least of his worries and that the problem facing New Zealand today is weight gain and obesity. Weight gain not only makes the heart have to work harder for every beat, but it also increases the health risk for disorders such as gallstones, diabetes, cancer and even the possibility of a stroke.

With the opportunities offered to Service people today there is no excuse for letting ourselves get to such an unfit stage that we are endangering our health. Our Service not only supplies us with a top grade facility on every Base/camp in the form of the gyms and fitness centres but it also gives us the opportunity to exercise during the working day! Added to that we can include the chance that everyone gets to attend interBase and interservice sport, which not only enhances fitness but also increases morale.

The use of these opportunities and facilities are quite limited when we consider the size of the organisation that we work for. I put this down to perception. We need to actively change people’s outlook so that they realise you do not need to be super fit and made of muscle to use our facilities. If the problem for people is that they do not wish to use the gym in front of other people, come in during one of the quiet times during the day. If that doesn’t suit, you can even have a programme tailored to complete in your own home. The other misconception is that you have to be extraordinarily talented to attend interbase

sports. One of the aims of attending an interbase is to ‘achieve and maintain a high standard of physical fitness and in doing so, to promote the development of unit morale, espirit de corp and the fostering of teamwork’. Winning is not everything at these tournaments. The main thing is getting involved in a club so that you can meet new people and have fun while you

exercise - even if you don’t always realise it!

Now I know that if people have read this far, they’re maybe thinking that no matter how much they want to, some of the above just isn’t for them. If that is

the case then the following may be enough activity to keep you fit and healthy:

• utilise the facilities we have to offer including squash and tennis courts, the swimming pool and sports fields,

• get out and get involved in your section’s sports teams participating in inter-section competitions,

• talk to your PTIs about organising section sporting afternoons,

• park your car further away from where you need to go so you can walk to the location,

• take the stairs instead of the lift/escalator, or• play with your children for 20-30 minutes a day and you’ll

significantly lift your heart rate for this time period.

At the end of the day, anything that you can do that gets a sweat on or raises the heart rate is better than nothing!

Lastly I wouldn’t be a PTI if I didn’t put in a push for the trade. We are all highly trained individuals who can tailor a programme to any needs that you have. From losing weight to improving your golf swing, we can help. So if you’ve thought about giving us a call and haven’t gone through with it, get on that phone and dial your Base PTIs. That is the first and hardest step done. We will provide some navigational tips and your first hit of motivation.

All of a sudden the ball is rolling!

THE FIRST WORD

We need to actively change people’s outlook so that they realise you do

not need to be super fit and made of muscle to use our facilities

SPORT IS basketball, Rugby

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

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

integrity and teamwork.

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

mahi katoa.

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

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

NZDF HQ Wellington New Zealand

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

Editorial authority: Ian Brunton

Published by: NZDF Public Relations Unit

JULY 2006, ISSUE 72

FEATURES FORMER CDF HONOURED Singapore distinction

QUEEN’S FLYPAST RAF’s Huge formation

HANDLE WITH CARE Army’s Javelins arrive

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS Our high honours

ATC DRILL MASTERS Drill Competition

FINGERING ILLEGAL FISHERS Hunting the hunters

CIRCLING SHARKS No.5 Squadron to the Rescue

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE Wrestling 4WDs THE BIG FREEZE Helping out down South

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HUEY OLD BOYS GATHER A special reunion

SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT Anniversary paint job

A DIFFERENCE IN DILI Timor Leste coverage

FLEET MANAGEMENT New systems in place

AIR MOVEMENT ADVENTURES Thrills and spills

TRAIL-BLAZING WAAFS Revisiting the old haunts

TOUGHIES AND HARDMEN Testing times

MEDALS PARADE Air Staff honours

GRIT AND GUSTO

REGULARS

[email protected] Design and Layout: Steven Fright

[email protected] Editor: Grant Carr

PO Box 61 Palmerston North

Printed by: Keeling and Mundy Limited

Proofreader: Katrina Randerson

A No.40 Squadron C-130 Hercules arrives at Dili airport loaded with soldiers, equipment and supplies.

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Air Force News investigates the Air Force’s 4WD training courses.

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FRONT PAGE: Members of the NZ Army’s 2/1 RNZIR board a RNZAF Hercules at dawn in Darwin, Australia ready to fly them to the troubled nation of Timor Leste.

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Huge Flypast Salutes the Queen

On 17 June the Royal Air Force provided the largest fl ypast of modern times in a spectacle marking the Queen’s 80th birthday following the traditional Trooping the Colour

ceremony in Horseguards Parade, London.Forty-nine aircraft of 15 diff erent types, from the World War II

Spitfi res, Hurricanes and Lancaster, to high-tech Typhoon multi-role fi ghters, which entered front line RAF service this year, fl ew over Buckingham Palace.

One of the nine elements in the fl ypast was a ‘Diamond 9’ formation of Tornado GR4 strike aircraft representing all four Tornado squadrons based at RAF Marham, Norfolk, of which the Queen has been Honorary Air Commodore for many years.

The fi nal element in the fl ypast was the nine scarlet Hawks of the Red Arrows aerobatic team escorting one of the last Canberra aircraft still in service with the RAF. The Canberra will retire at the end of July after 55 years’ service, (or nearly two-thirds the existence of the RAF). Originally built as a bomber, the Canberra has in recent years excelled in the reconnaissance role, particularly in the various Balkans confl icts, and latterly in the Middle East .

Each of the formation elements fl ew over Buckingham Palace at intervals of 40 seconds at an altitude of 1,500 feet starting at 1.00 pm precisely.

The bulk of the fl ypast formation assembled over the North Sea near Southwold on the Suff olk coast before routing to The Mall and onward to Buckingham Palace. The WWII aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight joined the fl ypast route near Fairlop to lead the stream over the Palace before turning right to return to base. The remainder of the formation, fl ying at 280 knots (310 miles per hour) continued past RAF Northolt, Middlesex, and Princes Risborough and dispersed to their home stations in the vicinity of RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

PLANE SPOTTERS DELIGHT: The above photographs were taken by Defence House staff member Mike Scrivener’s son, Jeremy, who currently lives in London and happened to have a camera on hand. TOP: Nine Red Arrows Hawks accompany a Canberra PR9 from No.39 Squadron.CENTRE: A Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft from No.42 Squadron and four Tornados of No.12 Squadron.BOTTOM: A Tristar air-to-air refuelling tanker from No.216 Squadron with two Eurofi ghters of No.29 Squadron and two Jaguars of No.6 Squadron.

FORMER CHIEF HONOURED

SINGAPORE’S HIGHEST MILITARY HONOUR: President Nathan congratulates AIR MSHL (RTD.) Bruce Ferguson after conferring the Distinguished Service Order (Military).

The former Chief of Defence Force AIRMSHL (Rtd.) Bruce Ferguson was conferred Singapore’s highest military award at a

ceremony in the Istana, Singapore.Singapore President S.R. Nathan awarded

the Distinguished Service Order (Military) to AIRMSHL (Rtd.) Ferguson in recognition of his contribution to forging excellent defence ties between the NZDF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Over two hundred guests including Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, SAR CDF LT GEN Ng Yat Chung and senior diplomatic and government offi cials attended the ceremony.

AIRMSHL (Rtd.) Ferguson revealed that he served as a helicopter pilot in Singapore for two years during the 1970s and was posted there for a further two years in the 1980s.

‘One of my three daughters was born here so we do have a Singaporean in the family and that will always make Singapore special to me,’ AIRMSHL (Rtd.) Ferguson told the ceremony crowd in his acceptance speech.

AIRMSHL (Rtd.) Ferguson is currently working as acting head of New Zealand’s Civil Defence.

HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAREAuckland Air Movements personnel will have been certain to

have their kid gloves on when a consignment of twenty-four medium-range anti-armoured weapons, Javelins, arrived at

Base Auckland aboard a B757 on Monday 22 June. The Javelins, complete with indoor and outdoor simulators, are the

latest addition to the NZ Army’s defensive arsenal, were transported by road to their new home at Waiouru Army Camp.

The Javelin is a technologically advanced anti-armoured weapon eff ective in destroying armoured vehicles out to a range of 2500m. It will assist in providing a protective envelope for Army’s soldiers, vehicles and equipment. Its versatility also means the Javelin’s optics and thermal image provides the Army with additional surveillance and target acquisition capability.

CAREFUL (Above and Right): Air Movements personnel carefully unload the Javelins from an Air Force B757.

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Three Air Force officers were recognised in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours List – AIR MARSHAL (Rtd.) Bruce Ferguson, AIR VICE-MARSHAL (Rtd.) John Hamilton and WING COMMANDER Logan Cudby.

Air Marshal Ferguson was appointed Chief of Defence Force in February 2002. He assumed his appointment at a time when the NZDF was operationally more committed than it had been

since the days of Malaya and Vietnam. He personally developed two strategic concepts to guide the NZDF

through a substantial rebuilding of capability. First, his strategic operational vision encompassed four principles: Knowledge Edge, Multi-Mission, Tailor-made Joint Forces, and Network Enabled. These remain the key principles underpinning the NZDF and strategic force development and are the substance which will ensure delivery of the government’s military capability requirements well into the future.

Secondly, his vision of ‘Team Defence: Three Services – One Force’ has become the capstone concept in the development of management, culture and ethos across the NZDF.

He has fervently championed the symmetry of the three Services and the advantages to be gained by drawing on the combined strengths of all three.

Following on from the successes he achieved in his previous appointment as Assistant Chief Personnel, he has relentlessly sought to improve general conditions of service and the attractiveness of military service. Together with his two strategic concepts, his drive to give practical expression to the idea that people are the NZDF’s most valuable assets, has given new and greater cohesion to the NZDF work-force and a revitalised sense of leadership. He also implemented a wider more inclusive model where the NZDF’s capabilities were developed in a context more refl ective of whole-of-government considerations. This drive has led to the government’s recent defence reinvestment programme known as the Defence Sustainability Initiative.

During these years of change and challenge, the NZDF has been required to not only sustain a particularly high operating tempo but to take on other operations often in circumstances hitherto unthought-of.

Under Air Marshal Ferguson’s leadership, the NZDF has deployed units to Iraq and the Gulf region, the Solomon Islands, and given invaluable assistance in the tsunami relief eff orts in Thailand and Indonesia.

Both combat and peace support operations in Afghanistan have also continued with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamian becoming an international example and show-piece for this type of operation. At the same time, he has led, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence, the re-equipment programme for the Services, called for in the Defence Long Term Development Plan.

Today, the NZDF is embarked on extensive change as a result of Air Marshal Ferguson’s leadership. Every operational unit is being redeveloped or renewed.

The NZDF now functions in a community of security-related agencies, and demonstrates high utility and reliability across all its operations. The NZDF is restoring its sustainability and Air Marshal Ferguson’s strategic concepts for force development, teamwork and jointness are now enshrined in doctrine and culture. Over a period of intense change, he has led the NZDF through an unprecedented variety of operational challenges and brought great prestige and reputation to the NZDF and to the country.

It should not be overlooked that when he was appointed Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Ferguson came directly from two ranks below the position. The challenge given to him was unprecedented yet by his vision, strength of character, professionalism, and exceptional leadership, the NZDF is now very well placed to serve into the future with confi dence, pride and capability.

Air Vice-Marshal Hamilton enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 1971 and graduated from Canterbury University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 before

training as a pilot. He enjoyed a very successful fl ying career as a helicopter pilot before undertaking a wide variety of command and staff appointments. He was promoted to his current rank in February 2002 on appointment as Chief of Air Force (CAF). In this role he has been responsible for the full command of the RNZAF and providing advice to the Chief of Defence Force and the government on matters relating to the RNZAF. He was appointed CAF immediately after the announcement to disband the RNZAF’s Air Combat Force. Faced with an Air Force with low morale and an uncertain future, he immediately set about developing a strategic plan for the future that was built around the government’s commitment to upgrading or replacing all of the RNZAF’s operational aircraft fl eets. Through his vision, energy and drive, the RNZAF was given a new lease on life with improvements in personnel recruitment and retention, a focus on operational excellence, and the revitalisation of the RNZAF’s public and internal image. His exceptional leadership resulted in a Service much better prepared to deliver the outputs expected by government. Throughout his four years as CAF, he has been a key member of the New Zealand Defence Force’s senior leadership. With his immediate past background from the Joint Force Headquarters, he has been a strong advocate of an improved joint focus in the New Zealand Defence Force. He has also worked hard to ensure

that the RNZAF has been able to meet its mandated preparedness requirements within the limitations of existing capabilities. Under his guidance, and based on his considerable operational experience and knowledge, the RNZAF has contributed to the force development process to ensure that future capabilities for the RNZAF are fully met. These new and upgraded fl eets will be a fi tting legacy to a CAF who has been instrumental in building the RNZAF of the future.

Q U E E N ’ S B I R T H D AY H O N O U R SQ U E E N ’ S B I R T H D AY H O N O U R S

To be a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM):

Air Marshal Bruce Reid FERGUSON OBE, AFCChief of Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force (Retired)

To be a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM):

Air Vice-Marshal John Henry Staples HAMILTON ONZM, MVOChief of Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force (Retired)

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Wing Commander Cudby was posted to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) as a Military Liaison Offi cer from December 2004 to June 2005. His

role was to provide an interface between UNAMA, coalition forces and Afghani authorities in the eastern region centered on Jalalabad. This posting took place in the early stages of the UNAMA mission and he had to grapple with a limited mission footprint in a region with very poor infrastructure. It was also a high-threat environment characterised by unpredictable attacks by Taliban and other militia forces using improvised explosive devices, mines and small arms fi re. He made a serious eff ort to learn the rudiments of the two local languages, Dari and Pashtu and this, combined with his open manner, sense of humour and excellent interpersonal skills, enabled him to elicit exceptional co-operation from local authorities and local Afghani commanders, as well as international counterparts in the United Nations and coalition forces. During an attack on the Jalalabad Regional Offi ce by a crowd of several hundred protestors, it was his calming infl uence, and the confi dence and support he provided to the local gate guards that prevented a much higher casualty count among the rioters. Throughout the incident he faced signifi cant personal danger without a personal weapon to defend himself. WGCDR Cudby says he faces an even bigger operational challenge with the birth of his first child, a boy, in Wellington on Thursday 29 June. Further (or is that father?) congratulations are in order for WGCDR Cudby!’

To be an Additional Offi cer of the New Zealand Order of Merit(ONZM):

Wing Commander Logan Charles CUDBY NZGDRoyal New Zealand Air Force

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ATC’S DRILL MASTERS

The much-anticipated annual No.40 Squadron Drill Competition for Air Training Corp (ATC) teams was held in the car park of the Sunderland Lounge at Hobsonville on Saturday 20 May. LTCDR Lana Knaapen sums up this year’s action.

Six teams from the Northern Area turned up to compete for the trophy including five from Auckland and one from the mighty Waikato.

It was fantastic to see Tokoroa’s No.34 Squadron make the trip up to Auckland for the day and they were richly rewarded for their efforts after the competition with a tour around No.6 Squadron organised by SGT Lisa Clark. Come on all of you other out-of-Auckland Squadrons – this could have been you enjoying a Squadron visit! We expect to see you all up here next year – no excuses.

Back to the competition. As Hobsonville’s No.30 Squadron were already dressed, formed up and looking sharp, they volunteered to be first up. They put on a great performance and had obviously done a lot of practice and preparation for the competition. The standard was certainly set high for all of the other teams to try and match and they were awarded an excellent score of 240 out of a possible 265.

Next up was No.3 Squadron from Auckland City. No.3 Squadron won the No.40 Squadron trophy in 2004 so are always a sharp team to watch and this year they did not disappoint. No.3 Squadron impressed our judge SQNLDR Peter Rowe with their mastery of the foot drill movements gaining a score of 58 out of a possible 60 for

this section. No.3 Squadron was awarded 219 out of 265 - a decent score in anyone’s book.

Going back to numerical order: Ardmore’s No.4 Squadron was up next. They fielded a smaller team of nine this year and, as they stated before their performance, kept things simple. They put on a short but sweet show. Unfortunately they missed out the optional drill section and finished with a score of only 177. But it was fantastic to see them here this year. This should serve as a reminder to all other squadrons that don’t bother to turn up unless they have a full team of 12. If No.4 Squadron can make the long trip up from Ardmore with nine keen contenders – so can you. We expect to see more teams next year!

Devonport’s No.6 Squadron from the North Shore were up next with a much-anticipated performance. As soon as it was noticed that the stereo was being set up next to the PA system, interest was piqued. I heard more than one team wonder out loud why they hadn’t thought of putting their routines to music. Good thinking No.6 Squadron. I expect you may have several Squadrons following in your trail blazing footsteps next year. No.6 Squadron fielded a large team and put on an inspired show with some new and impressive moves despite the appearance of some nasty black clouds and a bit of rain. Obviously

some good preparation and out-of-the-box thinking is going on over there on the Shore. In total No.6 Squadron was awarded a score of 187 out of 265.

Auckland’s rain gods decided we had had it good for long enough so a break for early lunch was decided to see if the downpour would pass. No such luck. At 1pm everyone congregated in the No.3 Squadron hangar to watch the two final teams compete. Fortunately for us the film crew had finished up a week early otherwise we may have had to hold umbrellas out over the teams.

No.19 Squadron, also from Mt Albert, was the next team to compete. They were a sharp-looking team and showed that they were serious with a precise and well executed performance. Their optional section was original and some remarkable new moves were well received by the other teams and duly noted and rewarded by the judge. No.19 Squadron were awarded a very impressive 262 out of 265 making them the well-deserved winners of the 2006 No.40 Squadron Drill Trophy.

Last up on the day was No.34 Squadron who, despite fielding a fairly junior team, put on an excellent performance. Their Mexican wave Present Arms was well received and I’m sure will be copied next year. They finished up with a credible score of 213 out of 265.

No.34 Squadron were also the 2006 recipients of the Natara Murray Award for Esprit D’Corps. The award winner was nominated by the other teams competing on the day, so this was an admirable accolade. They listed No.34 Squadron’s general mingling, friendliness and a great standard of teamwork among their positive comments. Well done to them for their commendable attitude.

Some background on the Natara Murray Award for those of you who are not aware: Natara Murray was made a special friend of No.40 Squadron in 2003, two years before she sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 12. The Natara Murray Award was instigated last year and was presented to North Shore’s No.6 Squadron. This year we were honoured to have the presence of Natara’s Mum, Mrs Lesley Murray, who drove up from Thames to present the award. We thank Mrs Murray for taking the time to attend this year’s No.40 Squadron Drill Competition and would like to extend the invitation for her to attend future events.

Congratulations must go to No.34 Squadron and the very best wishes of all of us at the NA office go to No.19 Squadron for the National Davy Memorial Award to be judged later on this year.

Our appreciation is extended to the following people for taking the time out of their weekends to attend and assist with the 2006 Drill Competition. First, CO No.40 Squadron, WGCDR Tony Davies. It was a great honour to have WGCDR Davies available to present the No.40 Squadron trophy and to take the time to observe several performances. Thank you WGCDR Davies. Your presence was very much appreciated. Second, Air Security’s SQNLDR Peter Rowe. As there are very few personnel still on Base who are au fait with the old SLR drill, we are very grateful when someone with such a high standard of expertise in that area volunteers to act as the judge for our competition. Thank you SQNLDR Rowe. We couldn’t have done it without you! Finally, Auckland photographer CPL Nancy Cox. This is the second year in a row that CPL Cox has come out on the weekend to take team photos and we do understand that with Photo Flight being as busy as it always is that she may not be able to claim the time back. Thank you CPL Cox. We are indebted to you for giving up a portion of your personal time to attend our big day.

As an aside; we have heard some appalling boasts from Central Area that their nomination for the Davy Memorial Award, Wellington’s No.1 Squadron, should have the Northern and Southern Areas shaking in their boots. We here at Northern prefer to stay out of the trash talk and concentrate on our Drill. Naturally because of this we are the current holders of the Davy Memorial Trophy with Rotorua’s No.29 Squadron scooping it last year with their performance. No shaking in boots here Central!

No.19 Squadron’s Cadet W/O Richard Bartlett receives the No.40 Squadron Drill Trophy from WGCDR Davies - Commanding Officer, No.40 Squadron

No.34 Squadron Cadet Under Officer Adam Blake receives the Natara Murray Award from Mrs Lesley Murray.

No.19 Squadron, drill coach PLTOFF Darren Bainbridge (second from left) and Cadet W/O Richard Bartlett (second from right), with the No.40 Squadron Drill Trophy and WGCDR Davies, CO No.40 Squadron.

No.34 Squadron, coach and Parade Commander Under Officer Adam Blake, Cadet SGT Scoles with WGCDR Davies, Mrs Lesley Murray and the Natara Murray Award.

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No.5 Squadron recently joined a seven-nation assault on illegal fishing within New Zealand’s backyard, the Pacific Ocean. Defence Public Relations journalist Anna Norman accompanied the Squadron on its latest mission to finger the illegal fishers.

Air Electronics Operator (AEOP) CPL Grace Urlich keeps the aircraft in touch.

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the Kiwis and British do whatever it takes to get the job done. You can cut corners and still be very professional.’

However, there was one noticeable difference between the two forces: the food. While the RAF maritime patrols get a set amount of food per person and frozen, ready-to-eat meals, SGT Clayton was enjoying the variety and amount of food on offer during Operation Island Chief: fresh island fruits, cooked breakfasts, steak, and even an authentic Fijian vindaloo. ‘Here they get bucket loads of food – more food than you can shake a stick at, really!’ Might be hard to return in September, aye?

Did somebody mention fishing? (L-R): SGT Stu Clayton, LAC Pete McGregor, and AC Leith Donaldson have a productive day off on the ground in Majuro.

Tasting the Pacific

continued over

Majuro atoll, in the Marshall Islands

NO.5 SQUADRON

FINGERS

For Operation Island Chief 2006, the RNZAF joined an eight-nation assault on illegal fishing within New Zealand’s

backyard, the Pacific Ocean. During the period 22–29 May, 5 Squadron

spent seven days scouring hundreds of thousands of square kilometres of ocean across the central Pacific Ocean. The operation aims to halt illegal fishing within the Pacific countries’ vast exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

5 Squadron’s P-3K Orion joined the Royal Australian Air Force’s P-3Cs and the US Coast Guard’s C-130 Hercules on the Pacific’s largest maritime surveillance operation. Through JFNZ, the 12-strong RNZAF crew fed aerial surveillance data to Island Chief headquarters in Pohnpei. Island Chief HQ, manned by watch keepers from each Pacific Island nation, channels information through to patrol boats in the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The operation enables Pacific nations

to access the air assets of New Zealand, Australia and the US, greatly amplifying their maritime surveillance resources. When 5 Squadron report an unlicensed or suspicious vessel, the local authority either send a patrol boat to intercept the vessel or investigate it when it arrives at port.

‘The use of long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft greatly enhances the effectiveness of the Pacific Forum patrol boats,’ says Flight Lieutenant Catherine MacGowan, a maritime air operations officer at JFNZ. ‘The range of the Orion means that large areas of the ocean can be searched on a flight and the patrol boat directed to any areas of concern.’

Operation Island Chief 2006 was very successful, she says. ‘The patrol boats boarded 34 vessels suspected of illegally fishing, apprehended five vessels and ordered one to port.’ Illegal fishing includes not recording or under recording a catch, trans-shipping, and shark finning.

Another successful aspect of the operation is the ‘deterrence factor’. ‘Operational

Security was high, ensuring that the fishing community was not alerted to the upcoming exercise,’ says FLTLT MacGowan. ‘It is important for these nations to demonstrate to the fishing community their commitment to policing fishing inside their Exclusive Economic Zones.’

Lieutenant Commander Ben Hemphill, maritime surveillance advisor to the Marshall Islands Sea Patrol, says operations such as Island Chief are essential to the region, which is home to 75 percent of the world’s tuna stock. ‘If [the patrol boats] are not out there protecting [the tuna stocks] then no one else will. You need licensing agreements (which is what the fisheries side of it does), but you need to be able to enforce them. It’s like on the roads, motorists pay for registration but you still need traffic police to ensure all cars are licensed.’

In 1982 the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea created a 200 nautical mile (370 km) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around coastal nations. Although the nations

gained special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources in their EEZ, they also faced the responsibility of policing an area of ocean far larger than their landmass, and with limited resources to do so.

Although Australia gave 12 Pacific Island nations patrol boats to help protect their EEZs, the aerial support provided by countries such as New Zealand is crucial. ‘The biggest thing the region lacks is aircraft,’ says LT CMDR Hemphill. ‘If you don’t have aircraft, the guys [on the patrol boats] just keep plugging holes in the ocean and going around in circles; they only have about 12 to 20 miles of visual range on their radar. But when you put an aircraft up, you can prosecute targets or vessels of interest a lot faster than you can a patrol boat cruising along at 12 knots … chug, chug, chug, chug … An aircraft can come in over the top, take photos, call up: “Is this boat legal?” Yep, he’s good, onto the next one.’

Word of the effectiveness of the operation has spread across the Pacific, he says. ‘More and more Pacific Island countries are signing up [to participate] because they have seen how effective it is for their neighbours.’ An increasing number of nations are also signing subsidiary agreements with their neighbours. Under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreements, Pacific Nations sharing common maritime borders combine resources regularly to help protect their maritime resources and target maritime-based crime and other threats.

FLTLT Keith Bartlett captained the P3-K Orion crew participating in this year’s Operation Island Chief. He says the Air Force can feel intimidating to a small patrol boat. ‘It’s really important to get across to them that we’re just there to provide them information, and that we can be really useful. I think they’ve seen that we can be quite beneficial; they realise there is this magnificent asset out there that can cruise around the skies, and within an hour they can be out there finding boats 600 miles from where they are.’

The crew stopped in Tonga, the Marshall

THE ILLEGAL FISHERS Royal Air Force airman SGT Stu Clayton got his first taste of the Pacific when he joined No.5 Squadron on Operation Island Chief 2006.

Over in this corner of the world for three months on Exercise Long Look Exchange, the RAF’s SGT Clayton is getting to see more of New Zealand’s closest neighbours than many Kiwis do. For eight days in May, SGT Clayton swapped wintery Whenuapai for the tropical islands of Majuro, Vanuatu, Tonga and Fiji. In June, he jetted off to more Pacific Island destinations, while a No.5 Squadron crew few to his home base of Kinloss to compete in Fincastle 2006.

‘It’s great getting to go away to these little Pacific Islands because I’ll probably never get a chance to return. It’s all part of the experience of the exchange: seeing the country and experiencing the culture,’ says SGT Clayton, who also plans to travel around the north and south islands of New Zealand. Although he was looking a little pink after his first day on the ground in Majuro, ‘I have to go back to the UK with a tan, or at least a trace of one, because I’m missing the summer over there.’

He says spending a week on patrol with No.5 Squadron was like being at home. ‘Here, like at home, we take the mickey out of each other, have some banter and a laugh, which makes the job more enjoyable.’ He says the RNZAF shares the same ethos as the RAF. ‘Some other nations, , are very ‘by the book’, where as

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LEFT: On board cook MACR Dave Lark prepares another culinary delight in the Orion’s infamous galley.

ABOVE: SGT Micael Kennedy helps out preparing another on-board meal by chopping onions.

SGT Michael Kennedy installs antennas before a flight.

I S L A N D C H I E F 2 0 0 6

Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji on this Northern Patrol. FLTLT Bartlett says he got a strong impression that the island nations appreciate the support of the RNZAF. ‘For them, it is pretty special that New Zealand P-3s have flown a third of the way around the world to help them out; to look through their fishing waters to find boats trying to steal their fish. Especially going to the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu – I think the smaller the country the more appreciated we are.’

In land-poor countries such as Marshall Islands, maritime resources are an important source of income. Not through harvesting fish – most of fishing vessels in the Marshall Islands’ waters belong to countries such as Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, says Chief Petty Officer, Marine Technician Stephen Marsh, technical advisor to the Marshall Islands. Money from fishing licenses goes into the Marshall Islands’ economy.

Operation Island Chief also benefits New Zealand. As part of New Zealand’s commitment to regional security, the operation helps support regional economic stability and security, says FLT LT MacGowan. ‘The deterrence of illegal activities in the Pacific region contributes to the security of New Zealand and protects our interests.’

LT CMDR Hemphill agrees. ‘Yes, illegal fishing is part of it, but the big sweep is trans-national crime. The fishing boats entering these ports are the ones who have access to the countries’ borders and we don’t know, for example, if they have hooked up with a bunker ship here, offloaded crew, changed crew over or tacked on contraband or whatever, and then brought it into the port. There is a distinct criminal element within the fishing community; they’re always at sea and no-one can really watch what they’re doing so it can be an easy way to move stuff around – people, drugs, alcohol.’

Personnel Directorate acknowledges that communication to you of our activities and thinking is essential to the proper performance of our function. Regrettably, we don’t always get that right, and hence DPers F)’s intent is to promulgate key items of interest within PERS CORNER with the release of each version of our excellent Air Force News magazine. Last month we took a close look at what happens at OASB, and this time, it’s DCM’s turn to take the lead for an update on stuff that we’re doing. Over the next few issues we’ll report further on our visits to Bases, talk about policy issues to be given active consideration during the year, including a review of the Advertised Vacancy System and the somewhat contentious CFR B pay issue, and outline the recruiting strategy for FY 06/07. We’ll also update personnel numbers. As we get further into the next financial year, we’ll take a look at issues such as: the relationship between DWCD, DPPA and DCM; workforce planning and the role of DWCD in both workforce modernisation and regeneration; what we intend the ‘People Portal’ workforce and career management tool will do for individuals, command and workforce managers; how we’re going with the ex-RAF lateral recruitment programme and associated matters, and where we are at with the re-enlistment of former-RNZAF personnel; and as we get further into the financial year, we’ll take a look at where we’ve come from over the past few years, what challenges we’ve overcome, update on our response strategies, and perhaps most important of all, give an outline where we going with further workforce regeneration. But first, where are we with our personnel numbers.

Personnel Recovery Management Programme

Let’s be in no doubt, the RNZAF personnel strength has grown considerably over the past 24 months. On 19 Jun 06, there the RNZAF actual strength was 2908, comprising our regular military, civilian, reservist and GSH personnel, plus our TF band and ATC personnel. The net increase of more than 150 personnel over the last year has been the result of a comprehensive and very successful plan comprising a four-pronged approach: Attrition is under control, being about 9% for the past 12 months. 218 personnel commenced recruit courses during the

financial year. 45 pers commenced IOTC. 36 former-RAF personnel enlisted. and 47 of the planned 57 (at the time of writing) former-RNZAF

personnel re-enlisted. Our growth plan for FY 05/06 has been right on track, and we are

filling those hole in our ‘Swiss Cheese’ model. More to follow in respect

PER

SCORNER of 06/07 in due course. In the meantime, an update on some workforce and career management initiatives is under action.

Non-Routine Vacancy System

Hoping to deploy overseas for an operational tour? Wanting to participate in a major exercise? Perhaps thinking of an exchange to Canada, Australia or the United Kingdom? Or even considering a post within HQNZDF or HQ JFNZ to broaden your experience and open up additional career opportunities? Then keep an eye out for the link in Routine Orders to the List of Non-Routine Vacancies as promulgated by DCM. Soon there will also be a link on DCM’s website to make access to the List even easier. Take the opportunity to learn what is available outside of ‘routine’ RNZAF posts, and even if you and command consider that the opportunity for one of these experiences is not likely in the immediate future, register your interest so that DCM can look at when such an opportunity might be available for you downstream. Go on, have a look and think about what else might be available to enhance your professional development and broaden your career opportunities.

W/O Interviews

Following a successful trial earlier this year, DCM has committed to conducting formal DCM interviews for our Warrant Officers. The intent is to eventually provide the opportunity for each Warrant Officer to have a formal interview every year. But noting that DCM resources are limited, it will take some time to fulfil that objective, and we ask for your assistance with setting priorities. If you are not yet aware of this new opportunity, please contact ADCM(A&A) to register your interest. Our thanks to W/O Gell for his insight into the value of this activity, and for his assistance with progressing this WOKEN recommendation.

DCM Interviews

Not a new initiative at all this one, but one which needs some explanation. DCM interviews are not normally intended to be a discussion about the specifics of your next post! Rather, our desire is that you come along prepared to discuss near and medium, and perhaps even long term, goals. The options open to you to achieve your desired career path, your aspirations, constraints, personal considerations, training and professional development opportunities are all key areas to be discussed. Such an interview is more likely to produce much better informed and sound decisions than those focussed on just the next posting.

Changes within DCM

W/O Gary Clark leaves us on 23 Jun 06 after three years of loyal service within the DCM. We wish him well for his new post at DPSC within HQ JFNZ. Welcome to W/O Dale Kutia who will be our W/O Career Management Support. Dale comes to DCM after a couple of tours in recruiting. Further new names and faces will also start to appear over coming months. Following feedback received about the capability required of the DCM, three new posts will be established and one post will be upgraded: ACM(T) and ACM(NT) will be established at the rank of F/S; SO(GO) will be upgraded to senior FLTLT; and ADCM(J) will be established at FLTLT or SQNLDR tbc. The latter will have responsibilities for ‘purple’ plot postings, joint course nominations, operational deployments posts, exercise posts, personnel exchanges, training courses co-ordination, preparation of promotion and extension of service boards and ancillary functions, and hence has a significant and challenging role. The overarching intent of these changes is of course to enhance our DCM’s ability to assist command and individuals with the management of careers.

GPCAPT PETER PORTDIRECTOR OF AIR

FORCE PERSONNEL

ELCOME TO PERS CORNER

P E R S O N N E L

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SUVs, 4X4s, jungle cruisers, Remuera tractors, shaggin wagons – whatever they’re called

people tend to either love them loath them. But, in the right environment there’s no

denying that they are very practical vehicles and, as with all its equipment, the Air Force

has an entirely practical use for its fl eet of 4WDs. They are just the ticket for getting into

and out of diffi cult – boggy, sandy, rocky, tortured - places and have the grunt to haul loads

of heavy equipment, tools and bodies with them.

Air Force News editor Grant Carr asked Base Woodbourne Driving Instructor F/S Andy Hill

about our four-wheeled beasties and their training programme.

Air Force Rescues

The crew of the Orion found the group clinging to debris and with no lifejackets shortly before 1pm. The captain of

the aircraft reported seeing sharks near the group.

A liferaft was dropped from the aircraft, which stayed in the area to coordinate a successful rendezvous with a local vessel at about 2pm.

It was the second successful search and rescue mission for the Air Force crew on that day. The aircraft initially left RNZAF Base Whenuapai at 4.20am after a signal from an emergency beacon was picked up near Tonga.

Once in the search area the Orion discovered the fi shing vessel the Pacifi c Sunrise, which had lost battery power, and coordinated a successful rendezvous with another vessel.

The captain of the Pacific Sunrise sent a message of thanks to the people involved in the search.

‘We would like to express our sincere gratitude with your assistance to us this morning with the help of the RNZAF plane,’ the statement read.

The Orion was on its way back to New Zealand when it was diverted and subsequently found the four people in the water.

The aircraft returned to New Zealand in the evening.

ABOVE: The fi shing vessel Pacifi c Sunrise off Tonga, spotted by a RNZAF P3 Orion on a search and rescue mission.LEFT: The surviviors clinging to debris and after the liferaft dropped to them is picked up by another fi shing vessel, L’esila.

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POWER TO NIUE PEOPLEAn Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft came to the rescue of New Zealand’s neighbour when it fl ew a new electricity generator to Niue on Saturday 6 June. The C-130, which had returned from a hectic schedule of operational taskings in support of the Combined Joint Task Force in Timor Leste, departed Whenuapai as soon as the equipment was delivered and packed for the fl ight. The 4.5 hour fl ight went direct to Niue.

NZAID, the government’s aid and development agency, coordinated the supply of the replacement generator. Three New Zealand-based technicians completed the installation of the generator, control panel and switch-board and repaired the existing smoke-damaged generator.

The fl ight also carried about fi ve tonnes of cabling which was needed to complete the installation.

The Pacifi c Island nation was left in the dark after a fi re at its only power station on 30 May.

LTCOL Robert Campbell (left) presents COABW Ohakea, WGCDR Johan Bosch with a NZ Cadet Forces plaque.

The plaque was presented in appreciation of the valued contribution to the New Zealand Cadet Forces from Base Ohakea.

This is the first plaque of its type presented to Base Ohakea.

‘The NZCF cannot operate without the goodwill and cooperation of NZDF Bases,’ said LTCOL Campbell.

A VALUED CONTRIBUTION

4A P-3 Orion from the Air Force’s No.5 Squadron

helped rescue four people west of Tonga on Friday 9 June

from Circling Sharks

DENTAL RESEARCHTo all uniformed personnel who entered the NZDF between the dates 01/01/04 - 01/01/06, a research project is about to be carried out on existing ‘dental information’.

The research involves the use of dental charts only. This data will be collected anonymously. Names or Service numbers will not be used in the fi nal published reports of this data.

If you have any queries or questions or do not want your Dental Information utilised for this project, please notify Major Tiff any Logan (address below), Principal Researcher.

Tiff Logan, Major, BDS, Dip. Clin Dent ( Perio).Freyberg Building,(04) 4986639 or 021 164 9088

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OFFROAD ADVENTURE

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What is the purpose of the 4WD courses and what are the practical aspects and spin off s?F/S Andy Hill: To qualify both Air Force and Civilian Defence Force employees in the operation of the current light and heavy four wheel drive vehicles in a cross-country environment. Where there is a requirement for vehicle operators to drive cross-country, we provided them with the minimum basic driver training skills required to operate Defence vehicles safely off-road. Practically, we are attempting to place individuals outside their comfort zone, safely, in training and the spin off is the increase in vehicle operation/driving skill at completion of the course. Finally we provided basic driver training skills to individuals, with the long-term goal that individuals will be aptly prepared to drive on overseas deployments.

How many courses are usually run in a year? And how many personnel go through the courses? F/S AH: There are about 12 Light 4WD courses and approx fi ve Heavy 4WD courses run annually, with up to 12 trainees attending each course.

Are all 4WD courses run out of Woodbourne?F/S AH: All 4WD courses are conducted in the Marlborough region Woodbourne.

What sort of vehicles do you use? F/S AH: Light 4WD courses use the 3.0L Nissan Navara as the Hilux is on its way out and for the heavy 4WD courses the Unimog 1700L.

Generally, what sort of skills do you teach and how is that diff erent from normal driving skills? F/S AH: Principally we teach cross-country driving skills, which include: ascending/descending, marshalling vehicles, driving on a sideing, reversing, basic recovery, low friction driving (swamp), and riverbed driving/river crossing.

There are many diff erences from normal road driving, and it empha-sises how important it is to switch to a completely diff erent mindset, before driving in the off -road environment. An appreciation of the inherent dangers involved, and the ability to read the terrain to make an informed decision based not only on vehicle capability, but also the individuals driving ability.

Where are they run – over what sort of terrain(s)? F/S AH: We start on clay-based tracks, initially on terraced farm-land, moving on to fi rebreaks in a forest environment. Low friction driving is conducted in swampland, as is the single tow recovery. We then move onto riverbed driving and river crossing. Unfortunately we don’t encompass any sand driving on the course due to our geographical location.

How can CPL Joe (or Josephine) Bloggs get on a course? F/S AH: If it is a trade requirement, they will be required to attend one or both of the 4WD courses as part of their trade progression. This will be coordinated by DCM. If it is not a trade requirement but commanders deem it necessary for Cpl Bloggs to be qualifi ed on a Light or Heavy 4WD course, nominations can be submitted through individual FLTCDR’s to Training Management Woodbourne (email address: RNZAF Training Management). The individual must hold a Full Class 2 License to be able to attend the 4WD Heavy course.

Are the courses fun - a good time hooning around? F/S AH: We receive very positive feedback from those personnel who have completed the 4WD courses at the school. As for the ‘hooning around’, the fact that both vehicle and environmental preservation are of the utmost importance to us, all aspects of off road driving must be calculated against possible risk and safety is paramount. Instructors

don’t like the use of the term ‘hooning’ as we don’t promote any type of hooning. In our terms it is controlled and calculated acceleration when there is requirement to apply this type of driving. Yes, there are times where drivers are required to apply some controlled aggression type of vehicle driving, predominately during the low friction type activities i.e. swamps. Finally yes, dependent on the environmental conditions at the time, they certainly can be a lot of fun for both students and Instructing Staff observing or demonstrating.

What is the most diffi cult part of the course i.e. which part do students have the most trouble performing? F/S AH: Two problems that spring to mind are: the failed ascent drill i.e. getting off the hill safely if we do not make it up an ascent due to loss of traction and/or momentum: the second being, reversing down a track utilising the vehicle wing mirrors.

Another area of concern with the courses that we conduct is the poor standard of on-road driving by students attending 4WD courses. As Driving Instructors at the school we are being required to provide a lot more driving tuition/advice to the younger drivers, who are holders of a Full Class1 Licence. A proportion of students come to the course with limited on-road driving experience, which is of concern for all our staff here at the MT School.

What is the most common mistake people make with 4WDs? F/S AH: People not being conscious of, not only their own experience level/ability, but also the capability of the vehicle that they are utilising i.e. pushing the boundaries. Failure to conduct good reconnaissance of the area before driving through or over the obstacle.

Base Ohakea Photographer AC Sam Shepherd attended a 2-week live-in 4WD course at the end of March with nine other Air Force personnel (seven Armourers, two Avionics Technicians and one from Air Security) and ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ the experience. ‘It was great fun and gave me experiences I wouldn’t have got otherwise. The course is practically orientated so sometimes that takes you out of your comfort zone. But at least when you face that situation again you’ve done it already so it prepares you for what can happen,’ he says. The instructors, he says, were laid back but they got the job done. And he agrees the course will have a practical application in his job. ‘We are often sent out on our own to diffi cult-to-access places to take photographs so it’s good not having to rely on someone else to transport me.’

One of the biggest lessons AC Shepherd learnt on the course was to generally be more mindful of his driving technique both off and on road. ‘I tend to think more about what I’m doing,’ he says. Before he joined the Air Force AC Shepherd used to own a 4WD but admits he would probably drive it more carefully now.

A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

ABOVE: ‘Yep. That’s stuck.’ A course member attaches a tow-rope to a stuck 4WD. RIGHT TOP: Clearing a path. BELOW: The safe way to ford a river.

continued page 18

O F F - R O A D O F F - R O A D

AC Shephard at the wheel.

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Would it be true to say most 4WD vehicles you see around town rarely if ever get used for their true purpose? Most definitely. It is evident that there are a lot more 4WD vehicles on our roads. What people need to be aware of are the inherent dangers of operating these vehicles, such as the fact that they generally have a higher centre of gravity and are thus a lot more prone to rollover when cornering. They also have an increased stopping distance due not only to their size, but also the amount of cargo that people tend to carry in them. Owners of these vehicles may not be aware how to operate them off road and may have no idea of their vehicle’s capability, different vehicle types perform differently. Some owners may not be aware of how to engage 4WD correctly and this could be dangerous when in the cross-country environment.

What is your background in relation to 4WDs. Do you do this in your spare time or as a sport? F/S AH: Both uniformed and civilian instructors bring a vast amount of 4WD experience to the school. Three staff members are ex-Army with an average of 20 years driving experience in both light and heavy vehicle operation on and off-road. Also a number of the staff conduct training after hours, and a percentage of them own their own 4WDs and drive off road as a sport. This aids with the experience level of the individual instructors, which can also be passed on to students.

Does the course emphasise safety and if so how is that achieved? F/S AH: Safety is paramount! At the start of the course and at the beginning of each day as applicable, we continuously enforce safety throughout all phases of driving, recovery and river crossings.

What is one of your worst experiences with a 4WD? F/S AH: Generally speaking I am commenting on behalf of all the staff at the MT School. Generally, the most concern as driving instructor

- whom I might add, have a very high threshold level of instructor intervention - we find that it is when a student gets the failure to ascend procedure wrong. As the instructor you are limited physically to correct matters. Also of concern is, when your Unimog at a tare of weight of 6872kg is rapidly progressing rearwards uncontrolled and is varying left or right of the track while you are verbally engaged in some instructor intervention.

There are endless hair-raising moments that keep us certainly on our toes. You know that you’re on the right track as an instructor when you anticipate these “moments” happening before they actually eventuate. As instructors we have experienced a number of scenar-io’s instructing and with our continued debriefing of training at the completion of each days training, we are always looking to keep both students and staff safe, minimising and/or eliminating the risk.

Any other comments you’d like to make about the course, the students or 4WDs in general? F/S AH: Most rewarding for the staff here at the MT school is being able to qualify students as competent in either Light or Heavy 4WD vehicles. Secondly being able to change the thought process of operators when it comes to driving cross-country, which it is not always about charging in with aggression/power, and gut/bust attitude?

We like to think that students depart the course with the skills to be able to make an informed appreciation of the terrain ahead and negotiate that terrain considering the capability of the vehicle they are operating with good reconnaissance prior to driving over or through that particular obstacle. Finally students realising what the task is, can I get myself, passengers and/or equipment from point A to point B safely without injury, loss of life/limb and with all my equipment intact to complete the next task.

A trainee uses ‘controlled and calculated acceleration’ to power through a boggy patch. OH 06-0152-04

Two RNZAF Iroquois helicopters responded to the call of Civil Defence staff in support of the South Islands ‘big freeze’ last month. Detachment commander, SQNLDR Tim Evans said

that the helicopters were tasked by Civil Defence on a case-by -case scenario.

‘The Iroquois were used in a reconnaissance role by flying Civil Defence staff to get an overview of the situation. We also transported staff into hard to reach areas to make contact with families who had not been heard from due to the telecommunication issues. Flying generators into various locations was also a key role,’ he said.

Iroquois support was provided in conjunction with soldiers from Burnham camp.

An Iroquois encounters heavy snow conditions.

ABOVE RIGHT: Service with a smile.ABOVE: ‘Hot’ refuelling.RIGHT: The Huey captures a bird’s eye view of South Island farmland blanketed in snow.

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T H E B I G F R E E Z E

RETURN TO THE SNOWIronically No.3 Squadron returned to the South Island soon after its relief work for its annual mountain flying Exercise Blackbird. Three Air Force Iroquois helicopters and over thirty personnel took part in the exercise in late June.

The mountain flying exercise saw aircrew flying over snow-covered hills in cold, high winds. Operations were carried out around Richmond, inland Kaikoura and the Raglan Ranges.

The exercise gives aircrew exposure to various optical illusions that can sometimes occur during mountain flying - the pilots also use the opportunity to fly and train in challenging weather conditions.

LEFT: An Iroquois hovers on the ledge of a peak in the Raglan Ranges.

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H ISTORIC CELEBRATIONPast and present members of No.3 Squadron gathered at Ohakea on 24 June for an historic reunion. The squadron was presented with a new standard and the Old Boys treated to a superb fl ying display that marked the Iroquois helicopter’s forty years of service with the New Zealand Defence Force. The address - delivered at the Standard Presentation Parade by Reviewing Offi cer, former Squadron CO AVM Klitscher (Rtd)- is reproduced below.

Let me fi rst congratulate Wing Commander Thacker, and all here on parade, for the very fi ne standard of turn-out, even if the drill has been confi ned by the space inside the hangar. Also the Central

Band and the Base Band for the music. And thank you too to the CO Air Base Wing and those not of No.3 Squadron but on parade anyway. Clearly the Air Force can still do things on the parade ground at least as well as anywhere else – or as anyone else.

I am, of course, deeply honoured by the privilege of exchanging this Standard, being mindful that the original was presented by the Prince of Wales in 1981. The original Standard-bearer is among us today but, obviously, Prince Charles is not.

The practice of carrying Colours or unit Standards goes back at least 5,000 years. Their early use was as rallying-points for troops. Later, in the dust and smoke of medieval set-piece battles, the need to sort order from chaos became ever more acute. Over time, battle honours were added, and these very much extended the purpose of such banners. They became a link to the past and a memorial to the fallen and, in that way, they took on great signifi cance for morale.

But there was a less positive consequence of fl ying the colours in battle. As they were a rallying point for units in the fi eld, so equally they were an obvious target for the enemy. They identifi ed the centre of mass, often attracting the most bitter fi ghting. And of course to lose a standard in battle was (and is) a signal disgrace, which is why the banner is always escorted when paraded.

Though they may be rather simple and are probably over-worked, four lines by Sir Edward Hamley remain a telling expression of the sentiments involved:

Some say all this is pure anachronism, or barbarous nonsense glorifying war from bygone years with little relevance to today’s world. After all, nobody rallies to the fl ag in the centre any more, or so it is said.

But this kind of sceptical modernism overlooks something important. It overlooks that it is the symbolism on its own that matters now, not a visual signal in the heat of battle. The symbolism itself has evolved apace with the times. The battle honours such as the fi ve before us today do indeed signify remembrance of those who gave their lives. In that regard, of course, we remember all members of No. 3 Squadron who have died in its service, or since. Far from being outmoded this is very much in spirit with the emphatic public interest renewed in New Zealand (and in Australia) each Anzac Day. The solemn strength of that tribute leaves the nay-sayers fl oundering.

So the Squadron Standard we replace today holds an honourable station in our history and in our hearts. This particular Standard of No. 3 Squadron RNZAF represents everything it has done since it was fi rst formed in 1930, but the fi ve Battle Honours it carries are exclusive to its activities during the Second World War - where indeed, I believe, it was the fi rst RNZAF squadron to engage the Japanese.

There are, however, other honours not on the fl ag but whose outlines rank alongside the ones recorded there. I have just returned from Australia and a reunion of No. 9 Squadron RAAF, with which sixteen RNZAF helicopter pilots from No. 3 Squadron fl ew in combat in Vietnam. A seventeenth was killed during preparatory training in Australia. Five of the sixteen were decorated for gallantry on active service; two were Mentioned in Dispatches.

But there’s more. Something all too often overlooked is that New Zealand Army helicopter pilots also served operationally in Vietnam, most though not all with another Australian unit in Sioux aircraft but some with the Americans in Hueys. These seven also served well. One was decorated; two others were shot down. And all of them of course

Hueys perform an elegant mid-air pas de deux

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had learned their trade here at No.3 Squadron, being as much a part of it as were their airman colleagues.

But because the unit did not serve in Vietnam it cannot have that campaign sewn into its Standard as a Battle Honour. We may quite properly imagine it, however, in ghostly outline up there in the shadows cast by the other fi ve.

In similar vein, nor should we forget the signifi cant number of Army personnel other than aircrew who have been a part of the Squadron over the years. Without their knowledge and assistance, much of what the unit has achieved in the fi eld, even if possible, would have been immeasurably more diffi cult.

There were also the sailors, now branched off to No.6 Squadron. The sailors we saw in No. 3 Squadron were pilots of course, and they too have made a huge contribution to the lore of the unit. But what made the Naval component stand out was not so much the number of sailors who became aircrew as the larger number of airmen who became sailors. They went to sea in HM Ships in all parts of the world and in all circumstances, to serve this country well. They, too, are well represented in the shadows on the banner.

No. 3 Squadron, then, has been thoroughly joint-Service since its reconstitution in 1965 - which also, we should not forget, included Bristol Freighters and Austers. And so, when so much is made today of the merits of a joint-service approach, those of us of No 3 Squadron may be excused for asking ‘What’s the fuss? We’ve known all that for 40 years.’ In view of the heat the subject sometimes generates, that, too may be counted a battle honour!

Otherwise the unit or its personnel whether aircrew, engineers who have kept things airborne, or other groundcrew have of course continued to serve with distinction in other foreign places including the Sinai, Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomons; other parts of the Pacifi c, and Antarctica. And at home, the exploits of the unit are many and legend, which has been recognised by such as the Order of St John. Many of these actions, too, have resulted in individual honours and medals.

Indeed we often hear in the media how well the unit performs whether abroad or at home. And that it should draw these accolades is wonderful to see, especially for us the old boys. It can be a little irritating, however, that plaudits for the military are sometimes framed with an air of surprise, almost as if it has failed an expectation of off ering reasons for criticism; or as if some lesser standard had been expected and had somehow been exceeded only by chance. But those of us who have gone before know beyond doubt that the highest standards are the norm, and therefore we are not surprised that No. 3 Squadron continues to deliver them.

No; surprise is the wrong word. Instead we are very gratifi ed that the legacy we left behind was sound enough to give all of you the means to keep abreast of new tasks, new requirements, some of them of a kind that we didn’t have to face.

And so, in the name of the several shadowy outlines I have referred to on the fl ag that rank alongside the visible Battle Honours, I congratulate you all again on your eff orts today, and wish you well in continuing the work of this very honourable unit as you now re-equip with new aircraft.

‘A moth eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole,It does not look likely to stir a man’s soul,

‘Tis the deeds that were done ‘neath the moth-eaten rag,When the pole was a staff , and the rag was a fl ag.’

ABOVE (L-R): CO No.3 Squadron WGCDR Ron Thacker and AVM Klitscher inspect the guard.Chief of Air Force AVM Graham Lintott picks up the Squadron’s new Standard from the drums.AVM Klitscher presents the new fl ag to the Squadron’s standard bearer.RIGHT: CO No.3 Squadron WGCDR Ron Thacker with the original creator of the Ngarawahia insignia designer Mr Ross Cleverley of Christchurch.

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For forty years the Air Force’s 14 venerable UH-1H Iroquois helicopters have been the New Zealand Defence Force’s reliable workhorses. The Hueys, as they are popularly known,

provide the NZ Army with tactical air mobility and resupply. In addition the Rotary Wing Transport Force forms an integral part of the NZDF’s counter-terrorist capability and undertakes a broad range of non-military services - from search and rescue to disaster relief. Increasingly it has played a role in all-of-government tasks working alongside DoC, NZ Police, Civil Defence, Internal Aff airs to name but a few.

In overseas deployments such as to trouble spots like East Timor, Bougainville and the Solomon Islands No.3 Squadron has formed

an integral and highly valued part of the NZ contingent. But, like all other things, their age is catching up with them and

despite their continued usefulness the era of the Huey is drawing to a close. Their projected replacement is with a new generation of helicopter - the European-built NH90 twin-engined helicopter which can carry up to 16 fully-laden soldiers and a small vehicle and incorporates the latest tracking, communications and aviation technology.

Inspired by No.5 Squadron’s P-3 Orion tail paint job celebrating it’s 40 years of service No.3 Squadron asked the experts at Base Ohakea’s paintshop to come up with a suitable paint design for their tail boom. The superb result can be seen above. ABOVE: MSS staff involved in the painting of Iroquois

NZ3802 in the 40th anniversary scheme. L to R LAC “P” Pedersen, Dan Poultan, Mr Jules Sharrock, Cpl Possum Shute, Sgt Adrian Bennie.RIGHT: Mr Sharrock sands down the surface ready to prime.

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WORKHORSE: The No.3 Squadron Iroquois sporting its specially painted tail boom celebrating the Squadron’s forty years of fl ying UH-1H Iroquois helicopters.

SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT

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DIARY OF A BREAKDOWN■ The watershed act that led to the breakdown of Timor Leste’s fragile civil society was the dismissal in March of almost half of Timor Leste’s defence force. ■ The 595 soldiers, mainly from the country’s west, had been on strike. Led by LT Gastao Salsinha they claimed they had been passed over for promotion and, adding insult to injury, some of the eastern-based former Fretlin members accused them of off ering only token resistance to Indonesia’s 24-year occupation. ■ For four days in late April the now-unemployed former soldiers demonstrated in Dili. ■ 28 April. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri sent in the Army to break up the protests. At least fi ve people were killed and many others wounded in the ensuing bloody suppression that drove the rebels

into the hills. ■ 22 May. The head of the military police LT CDR Alfredo Reinado and 28 of his men, disgusted by the suppression, joined the rebels. ■ 23 May. The Army tries to ambush LT CDR Reinado in the hills above Dili. One man is wounded and another dies later. LT CDR Reinado moves to a mountaintop pousada (inn) 45 km south of Dili.■ 24 May. Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta goes on Australian TV asking for troops to ‘prevent the country sliding into further chaos’.■ 25 May. One of the darkest days in the now open rebellion when army soldiers, avenging an earlier shooting, fi red on Dili’s police barracks. The tense standoff looked set to end peacefully as a deal was done to allow the police to leave the barracks unarmed and move to the UN compound. As the police were walking away, escorted by UN offi cials, a soldier started fi ring into the front of the column. Ten

lost their homes. In the centre of Dili, East Timorese people wait for food, drink and human support.

‘There are still hundreds of people in the food aid line and people seeking refuge wherever an armed patrol is – at the airport, embassies and communal areas – where the presence of the soldiers make them feel safe. The early evening and night seem to be the most dangerous times, with these thugs coming out of hiding and causing mayhem.’

LT CDR Cassin, like all NZDF personnel deployed to East Timor, has had to endure extremely hot and dry conditions, and a diet of ration packs, in Dili. However, the despair of the East Timorese was the hardest aspect of her deployment. ‘I spoke to a 30-year-old woman who is seeking refuge in the Thrifty Compound with her seven-year-old daughter. She told me the despair of having nothing; how she can’t sleep at night –with every noise, every movement, she thinks someone is coming to get them … They have only what is in the very small room at the back of the compound. She told me she is ready to die, but not her daughter. That is a very sobering thought, especially as I am a mother too.’

One New Zealand Army platoon has taken over an old polytechnic building, in the Becora area, where they were sleeping rough and could not even put up mosquito nets. However, the locals were pleased to see them and had arranged for the building’s electricity and air conditioning to be turned on. The troops were in the area digging foxholes beside a roadblock, where they were searching for weapons.

HMAS Kanimbla, berthed alongside Dili, is providing hotel services to the coalition forces at a rate of twice a day – 160 personnel each time – and provides laundry, hot meals, shower and a good night’s sleep.

For the Air Force’s No.40 Squadron the deployment meant they too would be called on to do what they do best – strategic transport using its B757 and C-130 Hercules aircraft.

A second C-130 soon joined in the support eff ort – ferrying in freight and equipment, including some Light Operational Vehicles.

Air Load Teams (ALT) are working in the Darwin heat loading a range of vital stores bound for Dili.

With New Zealand involvement in the Australian led operation likely to stretch on for some months the continued support of No. 40 Squadron and the Air Force’s ALT’s will play an important part in what is hoped to be a safe and successful mission.

RIGHT: Local woman Maria Antonia Gomez, embraces COL Mcleod of the NZ Army.

Households throughout her neigbourhood had been torched by roaming mobs of youths. TOP and ABOVE: New Zealand Defence Force personnel disembark

from a RNZAF C-130 Hercules aircraft at Dili airport ready to help separate the warring factions

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Although rival gangs of youths continue looting and torching houses, these are becoming fewer as the presence of the New Zealand, Australian and Malaysian defence forces stabilise Dili.

On 31 May, 124 Delta Company soldiers arrived in East Timor with four Pinzgauer LOVs, tasked with security roles that assisted in establishing law and order in the eastern suburbs of Dili. The company commander, MAJ Eugene Whakahoehoe, said his Becora-based troops were detaining about a dozen people daily for brief periods, while investigating sporadic outbreaks of violence and confi scating weapons.

The second deployment joined a 39-soldier infantry rifl e platoon already in Dili. The platoon secured the New Zealand Embassy on 28 May, protecting the New Zealand ambassador and NZDF personnel accommodated in the Embassy, and are on task at Taci Tolo, with checkpoint and roadblock duties, and protecting and containing personnel. Most of the 170 soldiers are from 2/1 Battalion, RNZIR.

Eight military police from Linton are providing security protection to the New Zealand Embassy and staff .

NZDF Public Relations Manager LT CDR Barbara Cassin deployed to Dili with the fi rst contingent. ‘The roads to the airport are lined with people seeking refuge, they have set up make-shift “homes” – the sight is incredible – the despair, the general conditions are horrendous. But still amid the chaos, you hear Kiwi, Kiwi, help us,’ she said.

In the fi rst few days the Australian troops confi scated 300/400 high powered rifl es, hand guns, shot guns, plus other weapons such as machetes and warry (slingshots). COL Stuart Jarvis, the British DA, publicly acknowledged the professional assistance and support, and such a fast response from the Australian, New Zealand and Malaysian defence forces.

LT CDR Cassin said the troops had made an immense diff erence and the mood around the city was more positive. “People are out strolling in the streets, the supermarket is open, street vendors are out, roadside shops and a hardware store are open, and children are playing in the playground.

‘The people are delighted to see the Kiwis (and Aussies) out in the streets; they remember us from last time and have faith in us to restore law and order,’ said LT CDR Cassin. ‘The presence of the armed guards, APV, military vehicles, landrovers and the New Zealand Army LOVs out on the streets are welcomed, with the people waving, cheering and clapping.’

Although the troops may have brought optimism to the war-torn country, about 100,000 people (three-quarters in Dili) have

New Zealand Defence Force’s have brought a spirit of optimism to the streets of Dili, as well as a measure of calm and stability.

IN DILI

MAKING A DIFFERENCET I M O R L E S T ET I M O R L E S T E

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WITNESS TO ANew Zealand Army MAJ Ian Martyn - serving in Timor Leste with the United Nations as a Military Training Advisor - was an eyewitness to a bloody massacre of ten unarmed Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) on 25 May. The massacre was the catalyst for the burning, looting and score-settling that was to follow.

MOB VIOLENCE: Flowers mark the place in a house where the body of a woman clutching her dead baby, was found burnt. The fire was started by a mob.

MAJ Ian Martyn: Eye witness to a bloody massacre of unarmed police.

T I M O R L E S T E

The massacre, described as one of the worst atrocities committed in Timor Leste since 1999, began at about

1230hrs when the PNTL Headquarters in Dili came under attack from elements of the Timor- Leste Army (F-FDTL).

‘The UN Chief Military Advisor, his deputy and I drove to the F-FDTL MP HQ, about 100 meters from Obrigado barracks, where we got a ceasefire and safe passage assurance from the Timor-Leste Defence Force Chief GEN Tuar Matan Ruak on the proviso the Police disarmed,’ says MAJ Martyn.

They then made their way to the PNTL HQ, passing unhindered through an intersection, waving at the F-FDTL soldiers carrying weapons who would shortly be responsible for the massacre at that same intersection. When the now sporadic firing had ceased, the UN Advisors rounded up and disarmed the 90 or so Police with the plan to walk them down the road under UN escort to the Obrigado barracks.

‘The PNTL officers were very nervous and not happy about disarming but they eventually complied when they saw the column forming up,’ he says. ‘The column set off very slowly, lights flashing and UN flag held high in a convoy of nine UN cars (four either side and one at the rear) providing cover for the policemen on foot.’

As the column approached the first intersection MAJ Martyn spotted a soldier ‘twitch his head as if he recognised someone in the column. He raised his weapon and I saw another soldier opposite him also respond. They started shooting automatic bursts into the front of the column. I saw one soldier step forward and fire into police who are already fl at on the ground. I was stunned, trying to register what was happening.’

‘Most of the column had hit the ground. Two UIR (Rapid Intervention Unit – riot squad) police officers had jumped into my car which is full of weapons and ammo making it an obvious target.’ He eventually made it into the rear of the PNTL HQ without being hit. When the firing stopped they returned to the scene to help retrieve the dead and wounded and take them to Obrigado barracks.

The final toll was 10 dead – 5 killed outright, 4 died soon after and one PNTL was found the next day in a ditch. 27(including two UNPOL) were wounded – 18 critically.

At first the PNTL seemed to blame us (the UN) for the massacre, since it had been us

who had convinced them to disarm, thus removing their means of personal protection. Disarming however was non-negotiable – it was a condition of the agreed ceasefire that had been stipulated by General Ruak. The PNTL thought (as did we, since we had spent some time convincing them) that they would be safe moving as an unarmed, UN protected and led column on foot’, says MAJ Martyn.

‘If we (the UN military in Obrigado Barracks - only three of us at the time) and the UNPOL had not done something to help the besieged PNTL officers in their HQ, there was nothing surer than they would

have eventually all been killed, such was the intensity of the attack. The F-FDTL clearly did not understand, comprehend or choose to observe the expected sanctity of those moving under UN protection, despite a lengthy negotiation with the attacking soldiers prior to the column moving off. They [the F-FDTL soldiers at the intersection] were in no doubt the PNTL were unarmed (it had been communicated in English, Portuguese and Tetum)’ said MAJ Martyn.

’Control of some elements of the F-FDTL had clearly been lost,’ he says. ‘Irrespective of the CDF’s (General Ruak) assurance of safe passage, the soldiers who attacked the column obviously had another agenda and chose to blatantly disobey him.’

The following days at Obrigado Barracks were ‘tense and focussed’ says MAJ Martyn until Australian Defence Force support arrived on 28 May.

On 26 May MAJ Martyn volunteered to fl y air security to extract most of the surviving 61 to safely but after only two sorties the civilian Russian (MI-8) pilots called it quits because of increasing danger of being shot at by the rogue F-FDTL elements when they realized what we were doing – MI-8s had never put down into Obrigado Barracks before. With PNTL ‘targets’ still inside the barracks it could have been attacked at any time and the number of ‘targets’ increased as more PNTL surrendered their weapons in return for the relative safety of the barracks.

All were eventually flown to safety.

MAJ Ian Martyn is a former RNZAF Warrant Officer.

policemen were killed and more than 27 others wounded in the massacre (see Witness to A Massacre).■ With the security forces in a bloody standoff over 20,000 Dili residents (out of a population of 100,000) had fled the city and the streets became the playground of rudely armed street gangs fighting running battles over territory and settling scores.■ 25 May. F-FDTL soldiers launch a sustained attack on the PNTL (Police) National Headquarters in Dili.■ 26 May. The rebels launch attacks against military headquarters at Tasi Tolu, 6 Km from Dili.■ 26 May. 150 Australian Defence Force (ADF) special-forces secure Dili airport and occupy the Obrigado police barracks.■ 26 May. A RNZAF C-130 Hercules leaves Christchurch with 42 soldiers from 2/1 Battalion normally based at Burnham Army Camp,

bound for Darwin.■ 27 May. A RNZAF B757 leaves with over a 120 personnel on board bound for Townsville.■ 28 May. The rebels lift their siege of Dili and pull back to Aileu.■ 28 May. A contingent of 42 NZDF soldiers arrive in Dili and secure the New Zealand Embassy.■ 29-31 May. A 1300-man ADF contingent begins an accelerated deployment and to fan out to trouble spots. Australian Navy ships appear in the harbour.■ 31 May. A second RNZAF C-130 joins the support effort – ferrying in freight and equipment, including some Light Operational Vehicles. Air Load Teams (ALT) were also dispatched to Darwin loading a range of vital stores bound for Dili.

T I M O R L E S T E

LCPL Glen McGuire of Westport searches a detainee, suspected of looting and arson.

An example of one of the many weapons confiscated by Kiwi Patrols.Rounding up the street gangs

MASSACRE

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F L E E T M A N A G E M E N T R E V I E W

GEN Tuar Matan Ruak, Commander-in-Chief of Timor Leste’s fragmented Army, praised the actions of New Zealanders WGCDR Craig Basher and LT CDR Wayne Burtton, who rescued two of his injured soldiers when fi ghting broke out. WGCDR Basher describes the action.

T I M O R L E S T E

Following the riots outside the government buildings our advisory roles were dispensed with, and we spent our days monitoring the situation and passing information back to Wellington. On 23 May 06 we were advised that the F-FDTL (Timorese Army) had set up a roadblock on the Dili Hill. LT CDR Wayne Burtton and I drove there to investigate. On arriving at the crest of the hill we were hastily waved through by agitated soldiers. We drove for 250 meters when a fi refi ght broke out between what we now know to be the rebel soldiers led by MAJ Alfredo Reinado and the F-FDTL. The engagement involved automatic and semi automatics weapons

on 25 May (see Witness to A Massacre, page 27). There was ‘little evidence of civil unrest before the sacking of the 595 F-FDTL soldiers,’ he says. ‘The so-called “Petitioners”, headed by the sacked F-FDTL offi cer LT Salsinha and the majority of the 595 group agitated and protested to have the circumstances of the sacking reviewed.’

‘The youth gangs that have emerged seem to have been encouraged and fi red up to support the East-West equation with some suggestion that this is being orchestrated. The East-West issue is largely about groups that were either pro-Indonesian integration ( Westeners) and those who were pro-independence prior to 1999 and the subsequent independence in 2002,’ says MAJ Martyn.

‘Hence F-FDTL and PNTL rogue elements, ex-Falantil jungle fi ghters, the sacked 595 group of soldiers and those who form the “Petitioners” of this group, martial arts groups, youth gangs and a host of other disaffected groups subsequently joined the melee to force a schism in government ranks. They either support President Gusmao or Prime Minister Alkatiri with the primary agitators wanting Alkatiri to resign.’

Where to from here? WGCDR Basher, who has since returned to New Zealand, remains optimistic the deep wounds of the recent violence can be healed and that, with international help, all is not lost on the island paradise:

‘The arrival of the Australian troops was treated with jubilation by the Timorese. They gathered on the waterfront in their thousands to watch the Australian ships sail

and the use of grenades and continued for the next two hours.

While we were observing the confl ict and reporting back by cellphone two wounded

soldiers appeared on the road. We assisted them back to our vehicle and ascertained they had both been shot and required medical assistance. We evacuated both soldiers to the Army base at Metinaro, ringing ahead to organize the medical centre. On arrival the soldiers were assisted by the Australian medics. One soldier had been shot in the stomach and the other had been shot in the upper leg. Once stabilized we arranged through the UN, for them to be transported by ambulance to Dili Hospital. During that day the Australian medics were kept busy stabilizing wounded soldiers and evacuating them to Dili or Baucau hospitals.

WGCDR Basher LT CDR Burtton

into the harbour. The troops were cheered as they disembarked from their aircraft. Similarly the Kiwi troops were greeted with cries of ‘Kia Ora Kiwi’, with children waving and yelling as the troops go by. While it may sound corny it makes you feel proud (patriotic) that we are able to make such a signifi cant diff erence to peoples lives. Over the past few days I have noticed a gradual return of street vendors selling cigarettes and phone cards along with an increasing number of small businesses opening. I am hopeful that over the next few weeks we will see a gradual increase in business and market activity, and that the people will feel secure enough to return to their homes and continue with their lives. ‘

ABOVE: ‘Kia Ora Kiwi.’ Locals were keen to reacquaint themselves with the Kiwis.BELOW RIGHT: A father and his baby at the Don Bosco Monastery where up to 13000 people sought sanctuary from violence and reprisals. The monastery is run by Father Adriano along with local volunteers.

continued from page 28

Observers agree the recent violence in Timor Leste appeared to come out of the blue. Grant Carr reviews the impressions of NZDF personnel who were stationed with the United Nations.

New Zealand’s Senior National Offi cer (SNO) in Timor Leste at the time of the outbreak of violence, WGCDR

Craig Basher, recalls sending an email back home soon after his arrival in December 2005 advising that in comparison with Afghanistan, Timor Leste was a ‘wee sleepy hollow’.

‘One of my staff had been posted to Afghanistan and his emails painted a bleak picture of conditions there, whereas I found myself in tropical island paradise - 30 degrees plus each day, beautiful beaches and crystal clear coastal waters with an abundance of coral reefs and tropical fi sh.’

‘My initial thoughts of the people were that they were wonderful - laid back, content, and moving to a diff erent beat than I am used to. It took me considerable eff ort to adjust to their pace. There was little to indicate that in four months the community would be torn apart by rioting and looting.

‘The often talked about East/West tensions were not apparent. I recently spoke with an 83-year-old priest from Goa who had been in Timor Leste for the past 52 years. When I asked him when he had fi rst realized that the East-West tensions were of concern he thought for a moment and answered – April. That’s an indication that even those closest to the people were unaware of the potential for conflict between East and West,’ says WGCDR Basher.

That there was no sign of trouble brewing is echoed by SQNLDR Robin Chambers who ran the streets of Timor Leste’s capital Dili most evenings when he was stationed there for six months last year providing UN logistical support to Military Training Advisor’s Group. ‘There would be pockets of ten to twenty unemployed youths just hanging around street corners,’ he says. In hindsight they were probably the precursor to the rampant armed gangs that have terrorised much of the city in recent weeks, he says. But back then they were little more than a vaguely malevolent nuisance and a sign of the fl edgling nation’s unemployment crisis.

Indeed, the situation was stable enough for the UN to be scaling down its involvement and planning to pull out by 20 June, he says.

So, what caused the trouble in paradise? NZ Army MAJ Ian Martyn was part of a team of 15 UN Military Training Advisors responsible for training and mentoring the Border Patrol Unit (a sub-unit of the Timor Leste Police). He was also a witness to the terrible massacre of unarmed policemen

T I M O R L E S T E

The NZDF’s new Pinzgauer Light Armoured Vehicle is unloaded from the Air Force C130 Hercules after it touches down at Dili Airport.

Children at the Don Bosco Monastery greet the Kiwis.

ABOVE: The NZDF’s Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle on patrol.

RIGHT: Weapons confi scated by New Zealand soliders who detained and processed suspected arsonists and looters.

PARADISE LOST ? PRAISE FOR SOLDIERS’ RESCUETIMOR LESTE:

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On 1 July 2006, Logistics Wing and the Directorate of Aeronautical Procurement ceased to exist. In their place stand two newly formed Wings: the Maintenance Wing and the Materiel Support Wing. These are the fi rst steps in implementing the RNZAF Logistics Fleet Management Review. WGCDR Gary Walford looks at the changes.

What is the Fleet Management Review?The RNZAF’s Logistics organisation and delivery mechanisms have evolved over the past decade. They have needed to. To be the best we can be requires constant improvement and adjustment against an ever changing environment. During the analysis to implement Project JEMS, however, it became apparent that the current organisation, while functioning

reasonably well, will not be adequate to take Logistics into the new era of upgraded and replacement aircraft and improved management systems.

Pr o j e c t J E M S ( J o i n t E n g i n e e r i n g Management Systems) which introduces SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) into the RNZAF will impact every aircraft tradesman and supplier within the RNZAF, from the 4 September 2006 when the system goes live across the

RNZAF. SAP PM will enhance the RNZAF’s ability to manage its technical airworthiness and through life support responsibilities in support of Operations. This is achieved through the provision of better information, management tools, processes, and reporting functionality to all Logistics personnel.

Under the Fleet Management Review Hewlett Pack ard NZ Ltd have been engaged to undertake a review of Logistics organisation and processes and implement a new structure and processes that would provide improvements in both planning and workfl ow management in the new SAP PM environment.

The New Logistics StructureThe main change to the Logistics organisation recommended by the review revolves around the replacement of the current Logistics Wing and DAP structure with a Maintenance Wing (responsible for maintenance workshops, Force Element (FE) engineering monitoring and, in combination with DAC, airworthiness) and a Materiel Support Wing (responsible for aeronautical contracts and procurement, fl eet planning, and supply chain management).

Main focus of the ReviewAs depicted in diagram 2 at left, the logistics chain required to ensure aircraft are available for tasking involves a number disparate functions. The key to coordinating and managing these functions to ensure aircraft availability is the ability to eff ectively plan aircraft maintenance and the availability of the material required. This has therefore been the major focus of the Fleet Management Review.

The Planning FunctionThe fleet planning concept, whilst not new, has previously been owned and accomplished by each individual Squadron. This has resulted in numerous fl eet plans with many owners and little coordination between them from a logistic support perspective. The lack of an integrated fl eet planning function within Logistics - with no integrated plan and

no ownership of that plan - has resulted in ad hoc, disparate and uncoordinated Logistics support to the operating Squadrons.

A new Logistics unit, the Fleet Planning Unit, will be organised on an aircraft fl eet basis, and with accountability and responsibility for the delivery of logistics support to the operating squadrons. This will see these legacy issues disappear and better support being provided. The result will be: improved aircraft availability on each operating Squadron.

The unit will take the aircraft servicing schedules developed by AMPU and develop a long term Maintenance Programme for each fl eet. This will help to identify the any longer term strategic and fi nancial management issues that this programme involves. This will, in turn, allow time for mitigation strategies to be developed.

Closer to the planned maintenance event the Fleet Planning Unit will, in close consultation with the FEGs, develop the maintenance schedule to programme exactly when the work will be done. Any additional work required as part of the servicing; such as maintenance deferred by the FE, embodiment of modifications, and Special Maintenance Instructions; will be incorporated into the detailed work breakdown of the schedule using a sophisticated SAP tool call Maintenance Event Builder. The tasks required to complete the servicing will be closely examined to identify any rotables or other material needed to complete the servicing. These will be pre-ordered and the demands for this material closely monitored to ensure the

material is available prior to the scheduled servicing induction date.

Once the scheduled servicing is underway the Fleet Planning Unit will monitor progress to ensure that the task is completed in the time planned. This will be particularly important for servicings carried out by external contractors.

Component Control and PlanningAllied to the co-ordination and planning of major aircraft servicings is the control and planning of the maintenance required to ensure components are available to the FEGs. With the introduction of SAP PM, the Component Control teams within the SCMS will have visibility of all internal and external repairs, as they will all be in one system, SAP. This will enable them to schedule repairs

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1. Planning discipline in each of the FPU and SCMS will provide more accurate forecasted replacement rates for components, both planned and unexpected.2. Material reservations may be made against a servicing well ahead of the generation of the servicing package - enabled through JEMS status fi elds. This will identify any resourcing issues earlier than is currently possible, so plans can be made to address any shortages identifi ed.3. Contractors will be provided with more accurate and timely forecasts of upcoming workloads enabling them to better plan their resources accordingly.4. RNZAF Repair Bay capacity will be visible in SAP, enabling workloads to be allocated according to that capacity on a daily basis, whilst still providing for contingency for AOG situations.

IN A NUTSHELLThe changes will deliver effi ciencies in four key areas:

through the bays, or external vendors, based on the priority of the repair and the availability of resource within the Repair Bays, to ensure the optimum availability of components to meet aircraft availability requirements. The Fleet Management Review TeamMany tasks to be completed prior to JEMS implementation on 4 September. A dedicated team is managing the changes:WGCDR Gary Walford (Project Director)Mr Damian Moody (HP NZ, Project Manager)SQNLDR Matt Abbott (Project Offi cer)Miss Phillipa Tonks (HP NZ, Analyst).The team can be contacted at:http : //projec ts/a i r - logf leetmanage/TeamPageLib/Default.aspx

The review will make the job of people like Engineering Offi cer, FLTLT Alex Cox - seen here looking at plans of the C-130 – a lot easier.

OVERVIEW OF FLEET PLAN/SERVICING

DIAGRAM 1

DIAGRAM 2

DIAGRAM 3

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The Eru Brown Gymnasium, Waiouru Camp, was this year’s venue for I/S BBALL. Following an intensive weekend

training camp at Ohakea, the RNZAF teams headed to Waiouru during a small window of opportunity between road closures due to snow. Waiouru treated us to the beautiful and picturesque panorama of the Camp cloaked in snow, and a warm offi cial welcome at the likewise beautiful Army Marae.

The Air Force men t ipped off the competition with a hard-fought victory (83-65) over a determined Army team, which was well supported by an enthusiastic home crowd. Air Force Ladies fought a hard match against Army before succumbing to accurate opposition shooting. After a one-match break Air Force Ladies were back on court facing the Navy. This time the Air Force Ladies were triumphant with AC G. Liua’ana standing out with a great performance. The Air Force Men took the court next against

a Navy team that led until the 4th quarter before the Air Force’s combinations clicked, with Mr S. Morris & W/O P.C.P Davies leading the way. After a strenuous day the teams then headed out to the luxurious surrounds of the Powder-Keg in Ohakune to relax and unwind with a swim and a few beverages.

Day 2 started in a fi erce encounter, with the youthful and courageous Army Men’s team fi ghting for a place in the fi nal. Army held the upper-hand for most of the game, but in a ‘nail-biting’ fi nish, FLTLT Craig Searle stepped up to hit crucial free throws, which combined with weather-tight Air Force full court pressure defence, to secure an Air victory by just 3 points.

The Air Ladies then faced the Navy in yet another tight game, decided in the last two minutes as AC B. Moohan nailed 2 free throws to secure the lead for Air, with her team- mates playing hard, to seal the victory (56-53). Following a one-game break the Air Force Ladies faced the Army in another good

game, but with Army Ladies dominating for the win. Air Men then faced Navy who, having lost a key player to injury, and having secured a fi nals berth with an outstanding earlier eff ort against Army, were happy to trade shots, resulting in a comfortable victory for Air. That evening the entertainment was a quiz that mixed up the three Services, and new friends were made, before the teams headed back to barracks in the snow to watch DVD’s and chill out before the fi nals the next day!

Finals day - trophy time! Air Ladies were pitted against the defending champions Army, and in a tense, and the closest encounter in a decade, Army prevailed to win their 10th title in a row. Congratulations. Well done Army women! The men faced a brave Navy squad who came out fi ghting, leading the first half of the match. The Air Men weathered the storm then inexorably ground their opposition down, coming through strongly to take the match in convincing

Our mighty men in (light) blue have done it again! LAC ‘Jonesy’ Jones describes the action at this year’s Interservice Basketball Tournament held at Waiouru Army Camp.

style, making it 9 consecutive interservices titles in a row. Well-done team!

Well done to AC’s B. Gardiner and G. Liua’ana for outstanding individual performances that saw them win the MVP and Rookie awards respectively. Finally, unprecedented in living memory, congratulations to W/O P.C.P Davies and to AC Brendon Davies, for their selection to both the RNZAF and NZDF teams as father and son combination. Davies Senior has made a unique contribution to RNZAF basketball, but he’s quite cleverly topped even himself this time, and we look forward to similar from Junior.

Air Force personnel to be selected for the NZDF team were:

No, guys. It’s not rugby. But this photograph illustrates the intensity of the match.

Men’s Team SQNLDR T. Coromandel (Coach)LAC B. Jones (Manager)FLTLT C. SearleW/O P.C.P DaviesMACR S. SchroderSGT G. KotuaAC B. DaviesAC B. GardinerMR S. Morris

Women’s TeamF/S L. Turner (Coach)FLTLT J. AdlamAC T. DriverAC B. FrueanCPL T. Hollis (Non travelling)

Men’s Winners:Tournament: Air ForceMVP: AC B. GardinerRookie: OMT A. HarfordWomen’s Winners:Tournament: ArmyMVP: LCPL S. CosgroveRookie: AC G. Liua’ana

I S B A S K E T B A L L

A. AC Brendan Davies going strong to the basket.B. Outstanding defence from CPL Chris Lindsay…C. Bombs away… the hot hands of tounament MVP AC Ben Gardiner... under-defended.D. FLTLT Craig Searle scything to the basket.

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AIR FORCE MEN MAKE IT NINE IN A ROW!

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FLTLT Andy Foster

Following on from the unfortunate loss of the Base Auckland Offi cer’s Cricket Team to the SNCOs earlier in the year, the challenge was laid down between the messes in the ultimate

code, the nation’s national game – Rugby. What occurred on Wednesday, 21 June 2006, was a tightly contested battle of the titans, dubbed, ‘Any Given Wednesday’.

For the enthusiasts among you, let me briefly set the scene: a typically fine Auckland winter’s day with not a hint of rain, a predictably light NW of about 10 knots, an immaculate pitch, half the Base on the sideline, and of course, 50 fi ne athletes preparing to lay it all on the line for victory.

After much deliberation, the rules were amended to ensure the game was a spectacle. Moderated ruck laws, a two-try limit per player, golden oldie scrums, and 35-minute halves. A high-scoring, wide, expansive spectacle it was meant to be, a tight tussle it was…

The Offi cers kicked-off in the fi rst-half, and to their surprise the SNCOs signalled their intention using the prodigious left boot of SGT Garner Gulliver, plugging the corners to good eff ect. The Offi cers on the other hand, captained by fi rst fi ve FLTLT Adrian Grey, were intent on running the ball from almost anywhere. After the fi rst 10 minutes, the SNCOs had the better of the Offi cers, turning over less ball and stringing together several phases of play. It wasn’t until the 20th minute that the Offi cers really forced themselves into the game. After sustained pressure through numerous phases and superb teamwork, all the hard work was done and the captain put the fullback (yours truly) through a giant gap to take the Offi cers out to a 5 – 0 lead. Unfortunately, the rules stated that the try scorer must convert, and although skinning the left upright, I missed, meaning the score would stay at 5 – 0. The rest of the fi rst half saw the SNCOs apply sustained pressure and come close to scoring on a couple of occasions. It was only the big defence of FLTLT Charlie Beetham, SQNLDR Nick Olney and FLTLT Charlie Wood (among others) that prevented a breach in the Offi cers’ defence. Heading into the half-time break, the Offi cers led 5 – 0.

The second stanza saw much of the same. With increased vigour

and teamwork, the SNCOs dominated possession and territory, looking good on attack. The Offi cers however, defended heroically, managing to just hold their counterparts, and even the colossal SGT Brad Mead, who was lured out of retirement for the encounter, couldn’t cross the chalk. The fi nal minute loomed and the Offi cers had a scrum 5-metres from their own line; the ball popped out, and SGT Garner Gulliver scooped it up and dived for the line. What followed has been described as reminiscent of the George Gregan/Jeff Wilson drama of 1994, as FLTLT Adrian Grey gave SGT Gulliver the stiff est arm ever witnessed and duly knocked the ball loose, and Gully unconscious. With that try–saving act, the fi nal whistle blew and the Offi cers celebrated a hard-fought 5-0 victory.

At the end of the day, COABW staged a great occasion, and both the players and spectators enjoyed the festivities. Thanks to all of the guys who fronted up and played hard, thanks also to both the Offi cers and SNCO Mess Committees, and of course the cheerleaders. Standby for next year.

S P O R T

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‘EVERY KIWI THANKS YOU’The Minister of Veteran’s Affairs, Hon Rick Barker, took the opportunity to present Veteran’s Lapel Badges to NZDF members on Tuesday 24 May in his office at Parliament. LT GEN Mateparae, CDF; Air Vice Marshal David Bamfield, VCDF; LT Russell Metge (Navy), MAJ Pete Stitt (Army), FLTLT Kelli Williams (Air Force) and Mr Simon Eaton, a member of the NZDF civilian staff, all received their badges from a very grateful Minister. The six are all veterans and eligible to wear the special badge during this year, the Year of the Veteran.

‘Thank you, this is for your service,’ said Hon Rick Barker. ‘Every Kiwi thanks you – you all do a great job.’ The Minister of Veteran’s Affairs specifically recalled his time spent in East Timor where he got to see the work the NZDF was doing in the country. ‘You were fantastic,’ he said, ‘I was proud of what you did and proud to be a Kiwi.’

CDF thanked the Minister for his support for veterans – to those younger veterans who are currently serving in the Defence Force as well as those older veterans. The Lapel Badge, which honours and commemorates all eligible veterans, ‘means a great deal to all of us,’ LT GEN Mateparae said.

The Lapel Badges are being distributed to all eligible veterans. Uniformed NZDF members do not need to apply individually to Veterans Affairs (VANZ), although eligible civilian staff members may need to if their administrative units have not applied for them already. VANZ are processing and dispatching veterans Lapel Badges to all eligible people. There are plenty of badges available.

CDF has directed that the badge is to be worn by all entitled personnel when wearing uniform (DPMs excluded), and is worn centrally above the name badge, but below any Commendations worn (including Australian MUC). The badge is to be worn for the duration of 2006.

Further details are on the VANZ website.

Minister of Veterans Affairs, Hon Rick Barker presents (top) Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice Marshal David Bamfield and (above) FLTLT Kelli Williams with Year of the Veteran lapel badges in appreciation of their service overseas.

Chapel’s new Papakura homeOn Friday 19 May the building was rededicated at its new site, close to the camp’s Special Services Memorial. In the meanwhile it had been extensively and lovingly restored, and it is ‘as new’ if not better, says Chaplain Mr John Harford.

Former parishioners were delighted to see it in its new role, and were grateful that the SAS retained its name, even continued to call it a ‘Station Chapel’ and had placed a plaque to state its former history.

Like nearly all Service chapels this one was built in 1942 at Hobsonville using money from the Patriotic Fund. In peace time it was used more by Catholic and Anglican chaplains. Local Anglican farming families used it almost as their parish church. Whenuapai chapel, only 2 kilometres away, was used by the Protestant chaplains.

I t had a particularly beautiful site, surrounded by trees and gardens, adjacent to Mill House, the original farmhouse on the Base. It was painted black with white trimmings, to match that house. After the closure of Hobsonville as an operational airfield some services were held there, but it became essential to find another home for the building.

The former chapels at Papakura Camp were

lost when much of that camp was demolished. The SAS had fond memories of the building, applied for it to be transferred, and the then CDF AIRMSHL Ferguson instructed that this should take place . A service of farewell was conducted at Hobsonville, and, after some delays the building was removed.

Unfortunately, little is known of the chapel’s history. The Whenuapai chaplains would be very grateful for any material anybody might send to help in this project. We would value any documents, photographs, and reminiscences, and will return them ASAP. Please send your contribution to:

Tania GordonChaplains OfficeRNZAF Base Auckland, WHENUAPAI

The chapel’s new home at Papakura Camp

B R I E F S

AIR MOVEMENTS’ ADVENTURESWith the hectic pace of the Operation Antarctica season behind them, the team at Christchurch Air Movements thought it was a great opportunity for a week of training. The Christchurch Corporals report on their ensuing adventure in Hamner Springs.

The beautiful but freezing Hamner Springs was selected as the venue of choice, and being the good bunch

that we are we invited the Wellington Air Movements section along, as their section had also not had the chance for any adventure training for some time.

Most of the meticulous organisation was completed by SGT Grizz Pryce, and before long we were all ready and keen to depart. The trip ran from Monday 15th May through to Friday 19th May. All up there were nine members from Christchurch and three from Wellington, there was also a special guest appearance from our OSS boss, SQNLDR Pete King who joined us for two nights.

Our accommodation was in cabins at the Mountain View Lodge, this was a perfect base, there was plenty of room to set up our marquee and BBQ area, and this was only a stones throw from the hot pools. We packed for winter conditions and we were all glad that we did, with the temperature staying around 5 degrees all week. Luckily the hot pools were a bit warmer than this.

Our first activity was a tramp over Mt Isobel, we climbed through the fresh snow to an altitude of 3920 ft, where the view’s of Hamner were amazing. LAC Anj Maliko got some great shots with her digital camera. We stopped and ate lunch at a 140 ft waterfall and then descended down via the Dog Stream track. We were all feeling quite proud of our achievement until we were passed by a group of primary school children also completing the same tramp.

Next was Wednesday, we woke to a crisp Hamner Springs morning and began preparing for a 28 km mountain bike ride up Jacks Pass Road, through the Molesworth Farm Park, then down Jollies Pass Road back to the lodge.

As most of us were still struggling out of bed, W/O Warren Tindall and F/S Tom Kelly had already completed the ride. They quickly laid down a challenge, for anyone to beat their time. The challenge was accepted but soon after setting off on the ride, it became obvious to everyone that this was going to be quite a challenging climb. Before long there was a lot of ‘bike walking’ occurring due to an arduous 9 km uphill ride. Unfortunately the lads time was under no threat of being beaten. All up everyone took around two hours, give or take a few minutes.

Everyone had been looking forward to Thursdays activities the most, and with good

reason, as this was the day we were completing our ‘combat training’ with a game of paintball and an afternoon of quad biking.

For the paint ball we split into two teams: the ‘young ones’ versus the ‘oldies’, with a lot of pre-game trash talk from both sides.

The battle started out quite even but the ‘oldies’ began to take control and were soon venting all of their life’s frustrations on the other team. This was far too much to defend against for team ‘young ones’ and soon their fort fell to the ‘oldies’. The final score, 4-2 to the ‘oldies’, is something the ‘young ones’ may never live down.

That afternoon we went quad biking, through the dirt tracks and streams of the

Hamner valley. We all got in there and got nice and dirty, there were a few close calls but luckily nobody came off or flipped their quad. Everybody had a really good time and didn’t want to stop when we were told our time was up.

We finished off an awesome day with a soak in the hot pools, followed by an Olympic themed Happy Hour and fine session run by the Corporals, which involved four teams – Jamaica, Texas, Tonga and Mexico fighting it out at four difficult events to become the world champions.

On Friday we all woke a little jaded, packed up and returned to Base. All agreed it was a very successful and enjoyable adventure.

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ABOVE: The Christchurch Air Movements team arrive in Hamner Springs ready to enjoy a week of adventure training.R IGHT: Their timing was right - before the big snow made places like this inaccessible. Atop Mt Isobel L-R: SGT Grizz Pryce, CPL Shaz Macks, LAC Anj Maliko, CPL Shane Salmons, CPL Jaso King

A D V E N T U R E T R A I N I N G

A former Air Force chapel has a new home at the SAS’s Papakura Camp.

Christchurch personnel were joined by Wellington Air Movements for a roaring good time on the quad bikes. L-R: F/S Tiny Madeley, LAC Ross Mosley, CPL Jaso King, F/S Tom Kelly, CPL Tony Perriton, MACR Warren Tindall, SGT Shane Drummond, SQNLDR Pete King, CPL Shane Salmons, CPL Mikey Hillson, SGT Grizz Pryce. On their bikes were LAC Anj Maliko and CPL Shaz Macks.

Air Force people are such a comely lot, with personalities to match. Just to prove it, pictured here is FLTLT Catherine Pollock and new husband Andrew MacGowan at their Base Woodbourne wedding making yet another lovely couple. FLTLT Catherine MacGowan – yes she went the trad route and took her new hubbie’s surname - currently works at Joint Forces near Trentham, Wellington.

ANOTHER LOVELY PAIR

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TRAIL-BLAZING WAAFS RETURN A visit by members of the Ex WAAF Association to Base Auckland in May gave them an insight into how far women have come in today’s Air Force and a reminder to serving Air Force personnel that these women laid the foundation stones and were the trail-blazers for women proudly serving in today’s Air Force. SQNLDR Marie Peters reports on the visit.

Gate-crashing somebody else’s party always comes with consequences, but I ’m pleased to advise the

consequences of my/our misdemeanour couldn’t have achieved a more appropriate and rewarding outcome.

The EX WAAF Association held a reunion in Auckland over the weekend 25-26 March, which SQNLDR Nancy Kirby and I gatecrashed. As we are both still serving members of the RNZAF, offi cially we shouldn’t have been there, but following discussions with one of the event organiser’s she agreed to accept our registrations for the event, owing to our length of tenure – ‘we just forgot to retire’ I think was the way I phrased it. The reunion really bought home to me that it was these ladies who had laid the foundation stone/s for the women serving in today’s Air Force, and in many respects we have now come full circle – the women that served during the war years served in many trade areas that were subsequently placed off-limits to women for approximately the next 60 years; however over the past 20 years

we have again seen every trade within the RNZAF being opened up to women.

By way of payback for our small indiscretion and with the support of CO ABW Auckland (WGCDR John Cummings) an invitation was extended to members of the Auckland Branch of the Ex WAAF’s Association for a visit to Base Auckland. The visit took place on Thursday 25th May, 2006, with a group of approximately 44 ladies returning to Base Auckland, for what was for many, their fi rst

Flight (OCISF), where CPLs Kirsten Keene, Kate Staunton and Lizana Muir (CISTECH) provided a brief overview of the operational aspects of communication and information systems, including equipment types and deployments undertaken.

The ladies were then taken on a quick windshield tour of Base and it was interesting to note that many of the sections are still in the same location. The ladies, along with female representatives from the majority of trade groups within the RNZAF were then hosted to lunch by WGCDR Cummings. Lunch gave the ladies an opportunity to mix and mingle with servicewomen from today’s Air Force. This was a time to swap stories of not only how things used to be, but also the changes that have taken place. Changing times have seen barracks becoming co-ed, resulting in the demise of bed checks (which some of us still remember), the opportunity to continue serving while both married and raising a family, and opportunities to deploy on operational missions. The only drawback to the day was that it was over too soon.

The feedback that I have received from the ladies and the servicewomen indicates that the visit was a resounding success. Not only were the number of Ex WAAFs in attendance more than double their normal attendance

offi cial visit to an RNZAF Base since leaving the organisation. Periods of service for these women commenced in the 1940’s through to the 1970’s and they came from a wide range of trade backgrounds including telephone operators, safety and surface, administration, accounts, typists, medical, radar ops, mess stewards, drivers, aircraft fi nishers and aircraft salvage operators, to name but a few.

The programme for the day consisted of visits to three Base Units. The fi rst stop was at 5 Sqn, where FGOFF Karina Chipman (NAV), provided background on the roles and numbers of female aircrew who have served in the RNZAF, before moving on to the roles and functions of 5 Sqn. Karina was assisted by CPL AEOP’s Cat Lawrie and Rachel Buckingham, who look the ladies on a tour of the Orion. This was followed up by a visit to 6 Sqn, where F/S Nicci Brown (Avionics) provided an overview of her career and role on 6 Sqn. And the final visit was to the Operational Communication and I nformation Systems

for outings, I was overwhelmed with the number of servicewomen who volunteered to assist with hosting duties; it was just unfortunate that I was unable to utilise them all. Perhaps like me they were interested in learning how the past has impacted on ‘our’ future. While job titles and opportunities may have changed, I believe that we all came away from the day realizing that the ‘culture’ of yesteryear is still very prominent in today’s Air Force; this is certainly supported in the comments that I have received from two of the ladies:

● ‘Our years spent in the Air Force gave us so much – and the memories and friendships are very precious to this day. … meeting with today’s W.A.A.Fs makes a lovely feeling of still belonging!’ - Rona McIndoe (1943-46)● ‘It was great to meet all of those young dedicated airwomen and although I listened with envy, I also realised that we also had a wonderful culture when I served in the 60’s.’ - Colleen Towgood (1964-67).

FootnoteDespite its name, membership to the Ex-WAAF Association is open to all women who have served in the Air Force – WAAF, WRNZAF and RNZAF alike. From the recent re-union

it was disappointing to note that of the large attendance, there were only 37 women who had served post 1970 and of that only six of us were post-1980. As Rona notes, the memories and friendships that we develop throughout our Service career become precious as we mature. Membership of the ExWAAF Association helps keep these alive. Action is currently being taken to include an Ex WAAF Association page on the RNZAF Internet Site which will provide information concerning the Association and points of contact. In the interim if you know of anyone who has previously served and if you are interested in fi nding out more, contact:Mrs S.M. Hendstock – President Northland ExWAAF Assoc. 5/5 Waiatawa Road, Kensington, WhangareiMrs M. Palmer – Secretary Canterbury ExWAAF Assoc. 30 Woodbury Street, Avonhead, ChristchurchMrs Rona Bentley – Secretary Tauranga ExWAAF Assoc. – 23B Kulim Avenue, Bureta, TaurangaMrs Elaine Parkinson – Secretary Wellington ExWAAF Club – 42 Amritsar Street, Khandallah, WellingtonMrs Chris Wheeler – Secretary Auckland ExWAAF Assoc. – 548 Ponga Road, RD4 Papakura

AEOP CPLs Catherine Lawrie and Rachel Buckingham examine Mrs Bobbie Hepworth’s (Transport Driver) scrap book from her time in the Air Force

Mrs Marie Dowden (Pay Accounts) & Mrs Glenis Elliot (Medical) on the Orion’s fl ight deck.

CPL Rachel Buckingham (AEOP) talking to a group of ladies before boarding the Orion

Thoughts on our return to RNZAF Base Auckland Fran Woods Oh if only I was 40 years younger and could join up as a woman in the RNZAF of today with the exciting trades open to women and the opportunities, not available when I joined in the 1960’s.

It is great to see that the foundations that have been laid by the ex Airwomen of previous years have come to fruition in the 21st century. The enthusiasm that the present day serving women showed for their occupations and their life means that morale of the RNZAF is high. It seems to be a case of ‘let’s get on with the job in hand and the aircraft we have’, and make our roles very eff ective in our modern world of peacekeeping.

Our trip to 5 Squadron, tour through the Orion, Communications and the newly formed 6 Squadron gave the ex Airwomen an insight into the role the RNZAF played in the world theatre in these times. To talk with the present serving women was very interesting and I

am sure we all admired how eff ectively they carry out their chosen trades in the modern world.

The opportunities the women have today in the RNZAF are endless and I really think the public of New Zealand needs to be informed of their eff ectiveness in the New Zealand Defence Forces.

We were advised that the barracks are now unisex and when ex F/S Allie Simpson, WAAF Admin, was asked to comment about how would it have been to bed check under those circumstances? She replied “it would have been an interesting experience”. I am sure some of our ex NCO’s would have been horrifi ed to know that there charges would be living in the same barracks as men.

Our thanks for the visit go to SQNLDR Marie Peters and the women who guided us around Base. It was a most enjoyable day and the lunch provided was superb. Thanks guys and to WGCDR John Cummings, CO, Air Base Wing Auckland for the hospitality shown to us.

A group photograph of the Ex WAAF Association members who visited Base Auckland during their reunion. A P-3 Orion is in the background.

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A shorter but more challenging course was set this year, unbeknown to the entrants. The race was started

slightly late by CO Air Base Wing WGCDR Bosch after he mistakenly fol lowed the fireys on a complete tour of the Tangimoana township.

From the start point there were 300m of undulating sand dune running before the fi rst of many steep climbs. This separated the pretenders from the contenders. Emerging from the dunes participants had a short run to the surf where they were welcomed with waist deep freezing water and waves for approximately 300m.

Once out of the water there was a 600 metre trek back to the start point, on the way negotiating a cargo net crawl, high box jump, deep pit run and more steep dunes.

20 individuals and 7 (4 person) teams completed 4 laps of this gruelling course. The PTIs encouraged the participants to smile as much as they could, but it was generally not well received as the sand and cold water took its toll.

Outstanding performances on the day came from SGT Baz Bennett, SGT Aaron Carr and AC Tash Cameron. FGOFF Scott Griff en got the gentleman award allowing FLTLT Heather Peart to use his back as a step to get over the high box. Her next eff ort over the box was ‘questionable’.

AC Brayden Grant took out the Open Men’s title gutsing out an 11 second win over Mr Consistent CPL Cam Pengelly. SGT Grant Ellis clocked in third 2 minutes behind the leaders. In the women’s section FLTLT Heather Peart stayed in front from the start to fi nish 90 seconds ahead of CPL Anj Ball with the same gap back to CPL Kelly Waite.

Armourers finished first and second respectively in the teams event, with medical being the only all female team to complete the course. Ohakea will be sending a contingent of competitors to the annual Tough Guy and Gal challenge in Rotorua in August and look forward to meeting up with other Defence personnel there.

PE&RT wish to thank the Ohakea Base Welfare fund for donating 3 trophies for the day’s winners. These will be awarded each year to the winner of the Open Men’s and Women’s race and one for the team’s event.

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THEY’RE OFF: WGCDR Bosch starts the race in near perfect conditions.

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Pamela Anderson eat your heart out! AC Kathryn Page is all concentration as she exits the surf.

Women’s winner FLTLT Heather Peart powers her way to victory.

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AC James Keer-Keer is loving every minute, as he emerges from under the cargo net.

Winner AC Brayden Grant and runner-up CPL Cam Pengelly look forward to soup and a hot shower.

HOBBIE ’S HARDMANA day after Ohakea’s Tough Guy/Girl Challenge Base Auckland personnel gathered on a cold and wet 25 May morning to fi nd out just which man or woman deserved the title of ‘Hobsonville Hardman’ in the inaugural AESF-organised competition. CPL Dean Jolley reports.

Watching the 20 eager competitors drive down the hill I realised they didn’t really know what they were getting themselves into. They had heard talk of kayaking, relay runs and orienteering. Little did they know they were about to eat frozen pies, ride bicycles with no tyres or brakes, toss a caber and perform dingy to dingy transfers in Auckland Harbour!

CMF, MSS and AESF social clubs were invited to compete in the evenT which was held at the Hobsonville waterfront apron area and fi nished with a BBQ and prizegiving at the Hobsonville Yacht Club. Twenty brave souls in teams of two were encouraged (tricked) into competing, and although it seemed pretty bad when they realised what was in store for them at fi rst, the smiles all round told us it was a success.

After a walk through the course and PTI safety brief the fi rst two teams began. They raced from the starting line to event number one - eating the frozen pies. In case you’ve never tried it - the pastry has a texture similar to eating clay, and the mince is like… well…not the tastiest!

Once all the pie was in their mouth - it was onto the bikes, sliding around the cones and over the see-saws, all with a mouthful of slowly defrosting pie.

The next change-over saw them running

along the wharf and down the steps to the waiting dinghys, only to realise there were no oars to be found for them to get out to their second dingy moored in the channel. No one was sure which was funnier - watching them try to get from one dinghy to the other without getting wet - or realising that the longer they struggled the further the tide took them away from land. This was the event where some of the more ‘serious’ teams took advantage of a shortcoming in the race brief. No one had said you had to actually be ‘in’ the dinghys, so for some eager competitors it was off the bikes, down the wharf and straight into the water - not the warmest on a cold May morning!.

The fastest teams were out of the water about three minutes later, straight up the ramp, where the caber toss awaited. This event gave them the opportunity to take valuable seconds off their overall race time depending on the distance thrown. Teams used a variety of techniques, from the spin around ‘Faumina’ to the more un-coordinated two-person biff – with varying results. Then it was a quick sprint to where a warm fl at drink was downed – signalling the end of their race.

The fi nals were a mixed blessing for the two top teams. They may have won the glory of competing for the top prize, but they also

had to eat another frozen pie… this simply gave them another chance to prove their hardness by eating them in under a minute and scorching around the course in record time, breaking all previous records and crossing the line less than six minutes later.

Congratulations go out to the eventual winners AC Simon Turner (COMPTEC) and AC Mase Tai (AEROMW) both from AESF, proving, without doubt, that they were worthy winners, and the new Hobsonville Hard men 2006!

Thanks once again to everyone who helped out and made it a great day. Next year’s event promises to be even better!

O H A K E A ’ S T O U G H G U Y / G I R L C H A L L E N G EH O B S O N V I L L E ’ S H A R D M A N

LAC Swede Smedly demonstrates his one-armed caber-tossing technique

ABOVE LEFT: LAC Ben Farmer (left) and LAC Kurt Donaldson show their mastery of the sea.LEFT: And the winners were AC Simon Turner and AC Mase Tai. ABOVE: Frozen pies. a stomach-churning experience for LAC Lydia Savage.RIGHT: AC Simon Turner about to take a bike for a bone-jarring jump.

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OHAKEA’S TOUGHIES FIGHT IT OUTBase Ohakea’s annual Tough Guy/Girl Challenge kicked off on Wednesday 24 May when 48 hardy personnel travelled to Tangimoana Beach. PTI CPL Warren Mant reports on the action.

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AFN72 JULY 06www.a irforce .mi l .nz

43U P C O M I N G

NO. 29 AIRMEN CADET SCHOOL INTAKE 197235th Anniversary19-21 January 2007RNZAF Base WoodbourneContact: John [email protected]+64 3 577 119

MALAYSIAN MEMORY TOURMerdeka 50th AnniversaryAugust 2007Contact: Russ Byrne56B Hynds Road,Greerton, Tauranga

RNZAF MARINE SECTION REUNION (MOTOR BOAT CREW)18 August: WO/SNCOs MessBase Whenuapai19 August: Duders reception lounge, DevonportContact: Roger Johnson07 5747144 or Glen Graham 09 4450262

OHAKEA OLD BAGGIES REUNION 1978 & 1979Base Ohakea17-18 November 2006Contact: Chrissie [email protected] for registration forms06 3515127

RNZAF NETBALL REUNION28-30 July 2006 in conjunction with Interbase, Base OhakeaContact: [email protected] check the website http://www.airforce.dixs.mil.nz/latest-info/whats-on/reunions/default.htm

We have been advised of the following departures from RNZAF Service. Best of luck in your new endeavours.

BASE AUCKLANDSGT T.T.J. RIDDERINGEnlist: 9-01-96Terminate: 9-07-06OSS

AC W.T. SHAWEnlist: 13-01-04Terminate: 20-06-06MTOPS

SGT A.A. TROTTEnlist: 6-04-94Terminate: 21-06-06ABWAK

BASE OHAKEACPL M.D. HARDMANEnlist: 05-01-99Terminate: 30-07-06MSS

BASE WOODBOURNE SGT B.E. QUAIFEEnlist: 05-01-83Terminate: 16-07-06LOG WING

SOCKBURN SCHOOL50th Anniversary27-29 October 2006PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST WITH NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS - PLUS ANY FAMILY OR FRIENDS 34 Springs Road, Christchurch 8004 ORE-MAIL: [email protected]

A LONGLOOK VIEW

F/S Chris Cobb RAF(UK) Longlook Exchange 2006 recently spent time away from the rigours of his core trade (Logistics) and embarked on a week long visit to the Air Training Corps Squadrons in the Northland Area. His trip included visiting No 57 Sqn (Dargaville) ATC, No 25 Sqn (District of Kaikohe) ATC, No 64 Sqn (Kaitaia) ATC and No 20 Sqn (City of Whangarei) ATC.

While at the ATC Squadrons F/S Cobb gave a brief on his position in the Royal Air Force and some of his experiences during his 28 years of service. F/S Cobb also drew on some comparisons between the two Air Forces, which bought on a few oooohhhhs and aaahhhs from the attentive cadets.

The Northland ATC Squadrons thank F/S Cobb for giving up his time to meet with them and wish him an enjoyable stay in New Zealand.

Aside from the visits to the ATC Squadrons F/S Cobb was able to view the Northland area’s famous beautiful countryside including a visit to the Waipoua Forest, Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands and everything in between.

Longlook Exchange 06 RAF member F/S Chris Cobb with his Northland ATC ‘admirers’.

DEPARTURES

RNZAFA ACTIVITIESMr Les BruceThe RNZAF Association (Wellington branch) supports the Air Training Corps (ATC) in many ways. One such event is the annual award of two flying scholarships (valued at $500) plus a certificate.

The joint winners for 2006 were CDT F/S John Chapman from No.41 City of Porirua Squadron. F/S Chapman was also selected to go to Canada as part of the International Cadet Exchange later this year.

The other recipient was CDT F/S Scott Gazley from No.1 City of Wellington Squadron.

The fund for the award was started several years ago from the proceeds of a function held at Government House plus annual and other donations received from members.

For your diaryOn Sunday 16 July a luncheon will be held at the Old Flame Restaurant Petone 11.30 am. Cost $19.50 pp. Send cheques to 84 Newlands Road before 8 July.

Sunday 3 September a luncheon is planned for 11.30am at the West Plaza Hotel followed by the Air Force Proms Concert at Wellington Town Hall 2pm. Tickets are available from Ticketek Ph: 478 478 7082 by Saturday 26 August.

On Sunday 17 December a service celebrating the

Battle of Britain at Wellington Cathedral will be followed by a luncheon at Wallaceville House.

On Sunday 3 December the Wellington branch will be holding its Christmas party. Details to follow later.

Presentation of the cheque for $500 and certificate L-R: Wellington Branch Treasurer Mr Peter Graham ; President, WGTN Branch, Mrs Mary Blackwell and F/S Scott Gazely.

Presentation of the cheque for $500 and certificate . President,

Wellington Branch, Mrs Mary Blackwell

and F/S John Chapman.

Chief of Air Force, AVM Graham Lintott presented 11 Air Force personnel with medals, commendations

and parchments at a ceremony held at Wellington’s Air Staff on Friday 9 June.

SGT Andrew Hill was presented the Chief of Air Force Commendation, awarded to all ranks and civilian employees of the Royal New Zealand Air Force for outstanding zeal and devotion.

The commendation recognises SGT Hill’s conscientious and professional work to improve the availability and effectiveness of the Transmitter Station at Operational Communications Information Systems Flight, RNZAF Base Auckland and its consequent enhancement of the RNZAF’s operational capability.

FLTLT Alan Baker was awarded the Officer Commission Parchment with effect from 9 December 2005.

W/O Mathew Kerr was awarded the Warrant Officer parchment with effect from 7 November 2005.

Clasps to the New Zealand Armed Forces Award were presented to WGCDR Richard McDowall and GPCAPT Peter Randerson. Clasps are awarded for each additional fifteen years service to the NZ Armed Forces Award medal, which is awarded to regular officers of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) who have completed fifteen years service.

SQNLDR Adam Death and SQNLDR Glenn Davis were presented with the New Zealand Armed Forces Award. The award was first instituted in 1985 Regular Officers who complete 15 years service in the New Zealand Armed Forces.

F/S Kim Schmack was awarded the New Zealand Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. First instituted in 1985 the medal is for award to Other Ranks of the RNZAF who complete 15 years unblemished service.

F/S Tash Mana was awarded the New Zealand Operational Service Medal (NZOSM) and the New Zealand General Service

Medal (NZGSM - Sinai).SQNLDR Clayton Willocks was awarded the

New Zealand Operational Service Medal.The NZOSM was instituted in 2002 to

provide distinctive New Zealand recognition for those who have been awarded a campaign medal or who have served seven days or more on operational service since the end of the Second World War.

The NZGSM (Sinai) was instituted in 1992. It was issued in bronze to recognise service in non-warlike operations for which no separate

New Zealand, British Commonwealth, United Nations or NATO campaign medal was issued. By the time it was replaced in 2002, twelve clasps had been issued for non-warlike (peacekeeping) operations since 1954 in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Winner of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Association 2005 Prize was LACDT Anthony Knight from Base Auckland. The award was made by AIRMSHL Crooks (Rtd) from the Royal New Zealand Air Force Association.

WELLINGTON AWARDS

THANK YOUA big thank you to all our loyal readers who filled out and returned the Readers’ Questionnaire enclosed in the June issue of Air Force News. I have a swag of responses already with more arriving each day. The results will be analysed and the results published later this year. If you forgot to fill it in there’s still time and extra copies are available on the Air Force Website as a printable .pdf.

Grant Carr, Editor.

A W A R D S

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Our Air Force is an equal opportunity employer. That means putting policy into practise in the workplace rather than it merely being a worthy but empty policy statement. So it was that when stroke survivor Angela Thompson was looking to return to the workforce - with the help of Workbridge and the RNZAF - she became a valued full-time member of Base Auckland’s Administrators team.

When Angela Thompson had a severe stroke in 1995 she suddenly found she could no longer walk, talk, or write.

In the decade since then she’s worked hard to get those functions back and has made remarkable progress. She’s also been able to return to full-time work, with assistance from Workbridge.

Angela had the stroke, which affected the right side of her body, after surgery to remove a brain tumour.

She subsequently launched herself into extensive rehabilitation, and is now able to walk unaided and use her right arm, although she has to keep working at it.

Angela has also had to tackle aphasia, a common condition resulting from strokes which makes it difficult to put thoughts into words. She can now communicate, although it’s still not particularly easy.

Angela was also determined to work again, so it was a dream come true when Workbridge placed her in an administrative job at Base Auckland.

The placement was made under the State Services Commission’s Mainstream Programme, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to work in state sector organisations for two years. The aim is to prepare people for long-term employment.

After 18 months on the job, Angela was offered full-time employment, which she was delighted to accept.

‘It was such a boost for my confidence. It was amazing,’ she says.Angela says she still gets a real kick out of her work, which involves

managing staff files and carrying out other tasks such as internal mail deliveries.

‘I’m a systematic person, I like organising things,’ she explains. ‘And I just like the atmosphere here. You just get on and do your

work and people are easy to approach.’Under the Mainstream Programme, Angela has also been able to

access speech language therapy, which has helped her improve her communication skills.

Angela’s speech language therapist, Elle Glazer, says it’s very unusual for someone with the level of impairment that Angela has to be able to return to work full-time.

‘But Angela is a high-energy person. She works hard and she’s very self-motivated,’she says.

As for Angela, all she asks is for people to be a little patient when she’s trying to communicate with them.

‘Sometimes it comes out OK and sometimes it doesn’t,’ she laughs.

Angela’s supervisor at Base Auckland Administrative W/O Chris Naylor agrees that Angela gas been a positive addition to the Administration workplace.

‘Right from the onset it became clear to the Auckland Admin staff that job motivation would never be an issue for Angela. One of the first comments she made to some of the staff was that most people sit in their office longing to be outside, I’m the opposite, I love being

ANGELA THOMPSON: Hard working and self-motivated.

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in an office environment. Never was a truer word spoken and Angela thrived in the Admin environment right from the start.

‘Angela has always been up front (as well as being able to see the humorous side) about her disability,’ says W/O Naylor. ‘The brain works fine, the mouth works fine but sometimes getting the two to connect can be a problem’ .

And Angela’s determination and grit has motivated other Auckland staff says W/O Naylor.

‘It’s been a rewarding experience watching Angela’s confidence, both in a personal and work sense, grow in the past two and a half years. This progress is almost solely due to her hard work and self determination. Angela has become a vital cog in Auckland Administrative Flight who’s reliability and keenness are an example to others. Not bad for someone who found she could no longer walk, talk or write just 10 years ago!’

- With permission of Workbridge

‘It’s been a rewarding experience watching Angela’s confidence, both in a personal and work sense, grow in the past two and a half years. This progress is almost solely due to

her hard work and self determination. ‘

- W/O CHRIS NAYLOR

GRIT AND GUSTOO U R P E O P L E - P R O F I L E D

REWARDED