Airman of the Year - #242 - New Zealand Defence Force
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Smooth sailing in Enforcing NH90
# 2 42
counter-terrorism UN reaches
exercise sanctions milestone
DEC|21
Airman
of the Year
Contents
04 14 News
18
Regulars
03
Enforcing UN Safety Person Future Force First Word
sanctions of the Year
20 22
Achievement #FacesofyourForce
05 15 24
Afghanistan through the lens
28
Our Heritage
Rescue in the ranges NH90 Milestone 26 33
A view to space Notices
30 34
06 Medallic recognition
31
Photo of the month
Smooth sailing for Learning during lockdown
counter-terrorism
exercise
OUR MISSION Published by
The RNZAF will provide New Zealand Defence Public Affairs
with relevant, responsive and effective HQ NZ Defence Force
Air Power to meet its security interests. Wellington, New Zealand
16
OUR VISION Editor
Rebecca Quilliam
An agile and adaptive Air Force with Email: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz
the versatility essential for NZDF
operations. Design and Layout
Safety and Surface: Defence Public Affairs
Feet on the ground COVER: Printed by
Airman of the Year Bluestar
Private Bag 39996, Wellington
PHOTOGRAPHER:
SGT Maria Eves
Distribution
12
Email: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz
Editorial contributions and ideas
are welcomed. They can be emailed
directly to the Editor and do not need
Airman of the Year to be forwarded through normal
command chains.
Contributions need to include
• writer’s name, rank and unit
• photos provided separate from the
text – at least 300dpi.
Air Force News will hold the copyright
for submitted articles or photographs
it publishes. Articles and photographs
published in Air Force News cannot
be published elsewhere without
permission.
ISSN 1175–2337
NZAirForce
NZDefenceForce
2 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242
FIRST WORD |
First
Word
I
t’s traditional in the final First Word of We also deployed to operations in
the year to reflect on the year behind support of the UN in the North Pacific,
us and to cast ahead to the next. we resupplied the Deep South, we
As I think about that, it’s that C word – supported the South Pacific with
that virus - that seems to overshadow supplies, vaccinations, and resource
everything. But I am going to avoid protection, and we searched and
using that word at all here and instead rescued throughout our region. At home
mention some other words that provide we patrolled, transported and rescued.
a better picture of the year: uncertainty, Our responses to the Canterbury floods
disruption, replanning, flexibility, warrant special mention.
adaptation. I should also mention these: Someone once suggested to me that
frustration, patience, commitment, Air Forces were the original tech startup.
sacrifice, support. That’s an interesting spin on history. It’s
Most in the RNZAF will identify with certainly true that innovation and agility
some or all of these words this year. were vital from day one. These traits
Work life and personal life has been should be central to our DNA, but we
harder. So more than anything I want need to work to keep it fresh. We have to
to acknowledge the extra effort and keep thinking ahead, be ready and hedge
commitment that everyone has invested. for uncertainty. We need to grow the
That effort has meant that we have been environment to challenge and offer ideas
able to continue to deliver in tougher at all levels.
B CHIEF OF AIR FORCE conditions for New Zealanders. As our country moves into its next phase
Y ANDREW CLARK
Most visibly, there was our commitment in managing the pandemic, we will focus
to Op Protect and Auckland border more on our core business, catching up
checkpoints. We took people from all on training and readiness. We haven’t
units across the RNZAF to meet these stopped building our future. The arrival of
high priority commitments. We also our first P-8A is only a year away.
“Someone once closed whole units for periods. I want to Through the holiday period and into 2022
suggested to me that air thank everyone who contributed. It shows
what we can do when extraordinary
we will need to remain agile and ready in
an uncertain environment. To all of those
forces were the original situations call for it. who are committed to our operations
tech startup. That’s We also delivered important operations
within our normal swim lane of military
over the break, and to everyone deployed
overseas and at home planning and
an interesting spin on aviation. We responded very quickly to replanning your personal lives, thank you
history. It’s certainly the Afghan evacuation – an impressive
achievement.
for your ongoing commitment and for
demonstrating in a very personal way
true that innovation what flexibility looks like.
and agility were vital
from day one.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 3
| O P E R AT I O N S
Enforcing I
t is likely to be the final P-3K2 Defence Minister Peeni Henare said the
deployed on this type of mission P-3K2 deployment helped detect and
before the P-8A Poseidons join the deter actions that directly contravened
UN sanctions Air Force fleet and take over the maritime
surveillance missions.
United Nations Security Council
sanctions on North Korea, such as ship-
to-ship transfers of illicit material at sea.
The North Korea sanction resolutions,
A No. 5 Squadron P-3K2 adopted unanimously by the UNSC “New Zealand also had the opportunity to
between 2006 and 2017, aim to persuade work in close coordination with a number
Orion has returned North Korea to denuclearise and abandon of like-minded partners through these
from its deployment its ballistic missile capabilities. continued efforts.”
“Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to The aircraft operated out of Kadena Air
in support of United supporting the maintenance of peace and Base in Japan and conducted maritime
Nations Security Council security on the Korean Peninsula,” Foreign air patrols over international waters in
Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said. North Asia last month.
(UNSC) sanctions on “Our deployments are part of ongoing The P-3K2 is a long-range maritime
North Korea. international efforts to fully implement patrol aircraft and one of its primary
United Nations Security Council tasks is conducting maritime
resolutions. They support the goal of surveillance. The aircrew is highly
the complete, verifiable, and irreversible trained and the aircraft is well-suited
denuclearisation of North Korea.” to undertaking patrols that detect and
deter North Korean sanctions evasion.
The deployment was the fifth, following
deployments in April 2021, October 2020, The patrols identified and monitored
October 2019 and September 2018. vessels of interest and gathered
information on UNSC sanctions breaches.
4 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242
O P E R AT I O N S |
Rescue in T
he woman had called for help The crew had planned on winching
after falling ill overnight while everyone into the helicopter, however,
staying in the Dracophyllum Hut. there was a space large enough for them
the ranges A Palmerston North rescue helicopter
was tasked to fly in two LandSAR
to hover load, which made the rescue run
much smoother, FLTLT McDowell said.
members to assess her. “It was fortunate because it meant we
B ED ITO R However, low cloud and high wind gusts were able to pick them up and be away
Y R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM prevented the civil helicopter from in a couple of minutes, rather than taking
getting to the ridgeline, so they dropped longer winching people in and risk cloud
the rescue team about 3km west of the rolling in.
In the early evening and location to make their way to the tramper. “We flew her back to a sports field in
in low cloud, an NH90 NH90 pilot Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Tom Levin and it looked like her family were
McDowell said No. 3 Squadron had been there to meet her. Once she got off, she
crew recently rescued given a heads-up they might be needed faced the helicopter and covered her
to collect the woman and rescuers as the face and burst into tears – she seemed
a tramper who became tramper was exhausted and unable to pretty happy to be home and elated to
too unwell to walk out of walk out of the area. see her family.”
the Tararua Ranges by “At that point we didn’t think we would be The medium-sized multi-role NH90
able to get to the location because it was helicopter is large enough to take
herself. in cloud, but we stayed on stand-by.” groups of searchers and equipment, has
winching equipment on board, and its size
By late afternoon the weather had
and power mean it can be called on for
improved slightly with the ridgeline in and
search and rescue operations in remote
out of cloud cover, he said.
areas and rough weather.
“We were airborne just after 6pm – we
thought if conditions were right when
we arrived, there was a good chance we
could help out. Sure enough, the whole
ridgeline was in cloud, but there was a
small opening near the hut and we were
able to pop in there and pick them all up.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 5
| F E AT U R E
Smooth sailing for
counter-terrorism
exercise
WO R D S PH OTO G R A PH Y
R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM COR POR AL NAOM I JAM ES
Ferry passengers on board the Aratere
InterIslander were treated to an unusual
Cook Strait crossing recently as No. 3 Squadron and
NZ Police used the vessel for counter-terrorism
training. It was quite a show.
6 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242
F E AT U R E | AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 7
| F E AT U R E
Waters were calm and
T
he NZ Police launch, Lady
Elizabeth and its dive squad
winds were still as trailed the ferry and the
InterIslander firefighters took the
three NH90 helicopters chance to test their processes in case
arrived in formation. of an accident.
Two of the aircraft It was the first time since the Iroquois
that No. 3 Squadron had been involved
approached the Aratere in this type of training with the ferry.
and 12 armed Special The scenario for the marine counter-
terrorism training was a domestic
Tactics Group officers violence situation where a husband
swiftly fast-roped onto was threatening his wife and other
passengers with a knife.
the deck. They were It’s a scenario all too common in
joined by a Wellington New Zealand and conceivable it could
erupt on the ferry in the middle of the
Free Ambulance medic, Cook Strait, NZ Police Operations
who was winched on Support manager Inspector Freda
Grace said.
board. “Regardless of the scenario, police
need to be well prepared to be able to
respond to it in a timely, professional
and safe manner.”
This type of training is very important
and these opportunities to train in the
maritime environment don’t present
themselves often. It is something police
need to consider as part of their overall
operational environment, Inspector
Grace said.
8 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242
F E AT U R E |
“I think because of
the interaction with
the helicopters and
with so many moving
parts it’s important
to be able to see
that we can put all
those parts together
and we can come up
with the right result.
That doesn’t happen
with any one agency
working on its own.”
– Inspector Freda Grace
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 9
| F E AT U R E
“The reason we were “It’s important that we train the skills that
the officers may need to use.”
“I think because of the interaction with
the helicopters and with so many moving
so close was because It was “incredibly helpful” to be able
parts it’s important to be able to see that
the lower you get, the to use the InterIslander ferry for the
we can put all those parts together and
we can come up with the right result.
training, she said.
less risk there is for “To have that kind of cooperation, it’s
And that doesn’t happen with any one
agency working on its own.”
either someone falling so important to have different training
NH90 pilot Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT)
or the wind blowing or environments. For them to be so positive
to be involved in this kind of training,
Andrew Stewart said in the past for
bending the rope. The while they are operating a service,
that type of exercise, they had used
either Royal New Zealand Navy ships
that’s just so helpful. It highlights great
deck the officers were relationship with our communities.”
or container vessels. The ferry offered
a different experience with about 100
fast-roping onto didn’t It was a good opportunity for passengers on board able to see much
have any safety railing InterIslander staff to be able to talk with
police about what would happen if a
of the action.
around it, so we didn’t major threat was to present itself during
“There were heaps gathered on the
bow of the ship where they were
a sailing, Inspector Grace said.
want them landing “We definitely wanted it to be a two-way
allowed to stand.”
close to the edge and partnership during these types of
During the training the ferry’s captain
kept the passengers informed of what
falling off it.” exercises. The great thing about working
together is everyone getting some value
was happening with the exercise.
– Flight Lieutenant from it.
Andrew Stewart
10 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242F E AT U R E |
Fast-roping onto the large vessel wasn’t The exercise spanned two days and the LEFT
NZ Police launch the Lady Elizabeth
a huge challenge as it was more stable second day the crew had to contend
following the Aratere
than smaller ships, FLTLT Stewart said.. with choppy seas and winds reaching
35 knots. MIDDLE
“It doesn’t pitch and roll like some of An NH90 flying the NZ Police STG
the smaller Navy OPVs (offshore patrol Working with police was important, with team to the Aratere
vessels) that can move around quite a constant cases of violence reported, RIGHT
bit, which makes it harder for us. But he said. The NZ Police STG team and a medic
our main concerns with the ferry are “It will be just a matter of time before on board the Aratere after fast-roping
obstacles, like the mast. we are needed to attend one of those
onto the deck from the NH90
“You’ve got to take it nice and slowly and scenes with police. There’s no reason
make sure you don’t catch any wires, why it couldn’t take place on a ferry.”
cables or radio antennas. It’s always It was a good opportunity for the ferry
good to fly around different vessels to staff as well to see Aratere’s winching
gain an understanding of different ones.” point being used by the large military
The helicopters hovered about 20 or 30 helicopter, he said.
feet above the deck, FLTLT Stewart said. “It was great how hospitable KiwiRail
“The reason we were so close was were for the exercise to take place. We
because the lower you get, the less risk couldn’t have done the training without
there is for either someone falling or the them and the police obviously as well.”
wind blowing or bending the rope. The The exercise means our combat-
deck the officers were fast-roping onto capable squadron can continue to
didn’t have any safety railing around it, contribute to both peace and security
so we didn’t want them landing close to on deployments.
the edge and falling off it.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 11| PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 12 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242
PEOPLE OF THE YEAR |
Airman of the Year
B ED ITO R
Y R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM
A passion for his job, leading him to go above and beyond, has led to
Corporal (CPL) Gareth Nel being named this year’s Airman of the Year.
T
he citation for the award said CPL However, because at that stage he “I was stoked about the deployment, it
Nel was chosen for his initiative hadn’t been a New Zealand citizen for was my first time on that operation. It’s
and specialist contribution to five years, a career as a signaller, which especially exciting because it’s probably
operations, constant pursuit of excellence, was his preference, was not an option for the final P-3K2 deployment.”
and for being a positive role model. him to pursue. So he left the military for The 35-year-old said his career so far
10 years before returning, this time to the had been better than he could have
“It’s pretty surreal,” he said.
Air Force. imagined and if he was to give advice to
The recognition comes during
“In that time I did some odd jobs and went himself at age 16, he said it was all about
challenging times for not just the military,
to University and completed a computer being passionate about your career.
but the world as the pandemic continues
science degree and got my citizenship. “It’s why I do more, because I’m
its spread around the globe, but CPL Nel
In my last year of study I looked at the passionate about the role. If you do
took the situation in his stride.
military careers page and saw military that, the opportunities will come. To
“I’ll just have to take it as it comes I intelligence in the Air Force was an 16-year-old me, I’d say don’t treat it
suppose. It’s pretty obvious we’re going option, and specifically electronic warfare as a job, treat it as a passion and you
to have to be super-flexible in the current and that sounded pretty good to me.” will go somewhere.”
Covid-climate because, while there are
His Air Force career got off to an exciting
plans in place it just depends on the
start, with postings overseas.
Covid situation to see what goes ahead.”
Once back in New Zealand, CPL Nel
Growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe,
worked on the desktop trainer for
CPL Nel left with his family during the
the NH90 electronic warfare suite,
tumultuous years when the Mugabe
which resulted in him winning a Royal
government implemented a controversial
land reform programme that saw land
Aeronautical Society award.
“They promised
taken from farmers. He is also studying towards a
“I grew up on a farm and went to a
master’s degree in the artificial me travel and they
good school. I actually went to school
intelligence domain as part of the AUT
counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system)
certainly delivered
with Robert Mugabe’s son. But when
the unrest happened, we left and never
programme. This is an area of increasing on that. Early on the
looked back.”
interest to the Defence Force.
courses I needed to go
Additionally, he developed a user-friendly
Arriving in New Zealand at the formative
age of 16, he and his family settled in
fuel planning application to assist No. on were all in Australia,
Auckland’s Torbay and he started high
3 Squadron with long-range flights,
reducing pre-flight workloads, which can
so I spent a significant
school. However the sharp culture
change meant he never settled into study,
be critical in search and rescue missions. amount of time in
so at 17, he left to join the Army. His most recent deployment was on Adelaide. Later I was
Operation Whio where he was based
“My whole family has a huge military
history and served during World War II
in Japan and working with the No. 5 deployed to the Middle
and in the Rhodesian Bush War. So it
Squadron aircrew, flying patrols over the
waters around North Korea monitoring
East – I thoroughly
seemed natural to join the military here.”
UN sanctions against the country. enjoyed that.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 13| PEOPLE OF THE YEAR
Safety Person
of the Year
The Air Attaché at
the New Zealand
Embassy in Washington,
Wing Commander
(WGCDR) Graham
Streatfield, has been
named New Zealand
Defence Force Safety
Person of the Year.
T
he award recognises his “Covid-19 swept across America in Aside from regular reporting up and down
contribution to the health and waves, starting in New York in April 2020, the command chain, WGCDR Streatfield
safety of all Defence Force reaching Florida in June 2020, then developed and oversaw travel risk
personnel and their families in the United the Midwest by September, followed management, sourced and distributed
States during the Covid-19 pandemic. by a massive wave of infection after PPE when in short supply, and influenced
Thanksgiving in November,” WGCDR temporary changes to policy. He took a
When the pandemic began, Defence Force
Streatfield said. proactive approach that enabled a needs-
staff were spread across 11 states, with
based response. Crucially, he delivered
varying levels of community transmission “Very early on it became apparent that
surety during challenging times.
and differing responses from state communicating advice to Defence Force
and local officials to contend with. The personnel and their families was going The Judging Panel noted he went above
pandemic necessitated a co-ordinated to be paramount. The situation was and beyond what would normally have
emergency plan, which needed to be complicated by the sheer number of been expected of him during unique
enacted rapidly – a plan that also needed agencies across the country involved circumstances, while exemplifying the
to be responsive to the rapidly changing in managing the response – Federal, Defence Force values of Courage,
nature of the virus and the corresponding State, county and city bodies all had Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.
impact on the community. responsibilities, and of course the
guidance from the Defence Force
WGCDR Streatfield was able to distil a
also applied.
great deal of information into believable
communication, plan strategies, and “When it came to the vaccine, we
provide advice and decisions based on couldn’t get it from home because of the
science and data. The knowledge and difficulty in acquiring and transporting it,
advice he provided directly influenced so we had to source it locally. Between
the Defence Force tools that were put in February and April of this year, we went
place to ensure the safety and wellbeing from being at the bottom of the list for
of personnel. His commitment throughout access to the vaccine to it being easily
was unwavering, the citation said. available at almost any pharmacy. As the
circumstances changed I was able to
keep our people abreast of their options;
where to go, what vaccine type to get,
how to travel safely, and so on.”
14 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242MILESTONE |
NH90 O
ur high serviceability rates allow Alongside all the maintenance, the
us to fly more hours per aircraft team has produced its own corrosion
than any other nation and is prevention and control programme, which
milestone enabled by our maintenance, logistics
and engineering teams.
means they spend less time dealing with
corrosion issues.
No. 3 Squadron’s Maintenance Flight “We have an excellent deeper
B ED ITO R Commander, Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) maintenance team, which does one of the
Y R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM Jamie Wallace said they were the global fastest 600-hour servicings in the world.
fleet leader – flying more hours per aircraft They have built a special sequencing
than any other fleet in the world. tool that sequences the thousands
Our NH90 helicopter “Two thousand flying hours is a milestone
of tasks involved avoiding significant
3302 is the first in the and it was good to be able to celebrate
repetition. Our line maintenance teams
also do an excellent job with the
maintenance success.”
world of its type to reach routine maintenance activity and defect
The reason the squadron’s helicopters rectification. We are proud of the quality
2000 flying hours. fly more hours per month than anyone of our technicians.
else is because of the amount of time the
“We also maintain a very close
aircraft are serviceable, he said.
relationship with the NH90
“For us it’s an opportunity to recognise manufacturers. When we have defects
the efforts of the team on the ground or problems, we have one of their
across logistics, our planning teams, the representatives on site, essentially as
maintainers and our engineers. All that part of our team, who can contact the
consolidated effort enables us to extract a right people immediately,” he said.
whole lot of flying out of a very small fleet.”
“Our supply team spends a lot of time
For every hour of flight, there is about forecasting to try to anticipate parts
15 hours of maintenance on the ground, shortages and problems and prepare
which is less than other nations, SQNLDR for that.”
Wallace said.
These efforts ensure that the squadron
“It’s a very complicated maintenance is always ready to deliver military
programme, and a significant amount of helicopter operations for New Zealand
effort is invested in carefully planning such as disaster relief, counter-terrorism,
to ensure that servicings are aligned battlefield support and search and
PHOTO
No. 3 Squadron maintenance crew with to minimise the burden and maximise rescue, SQNLDR Wallace said.
NH90 3302 after it completed 2000 availability. Planning and collaboration
flying hours is key.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 15| GROUND TRADES
Feet on the
ground
B ED ITO R
Y R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM
In this issue we shine
S
afety and Surface incorporates The course had been challenging, with
a range of skills and this month a the latest Covid lockdowns extending it
the spotlight on the group of six will have mastered the by a month, SGT Ackroyd said.
final one before being posted into one of
Safety and Surface the roles. They have been studying the
“We’ve got students from Auckland and
they can’t go home and see their partners
trade, in particular, craft of aircraft painting, which is a highly or family and that’s been challenging.”
technical skill, vital for the upkeep of our
the technical training. aircraft fleets. Following graduation of the course, the
team will be posted to the paint shops,
It’s the first in a series “We teach them about removing coatings, safety equipment or parachute sections,
inspecting and preparing surfaces and
highlighting our ground then applying protective coatings. Jobs
where they will work on their craft and
master it.
crews – the backbone of can vary from small components to whole
“What’s next on the cards is they
aircraft,” Safety and Surface instructor
the Air Force. Sergeant (SGT) Scott Ackroyd said. will go from Aircraftman to Leading
Aircraftman and looked at as experienced
“It’s a far more in-depth and technical technicians,” SGT Ackroyd said.
process than most people think. It’s
painting to specifications, so coatings Aircraftman (AC) Lucy Regan said she
need to be applied at a certain thickness was drawn to the diversity of the trade.
and to certain gloss levels. It comes down “You could be packing a parachute one
to an understanding of those principles day or packing a life raft, or sewing, you
and how paint helps prevent corrosion. could be painting an aircraft – it’s a lot of
“The main aim is to keep aircraft in the different things.
air as long as possible by preventing “It’s been interesting learning the different
corrosion. The second aim is to have techniques in painting. We’re painting, but
well-presented aircraft marked with our we’re also paint stripping, we’re putting
unique markings, such as the RNZAF decals on. It’s not as easy as I thought,”
kiwi roundel.” she said.
PHOTOS
The Safety and Surface students
mastering the paint trade
16 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242GROUND TRADES |
“Next, I’ll be posted back into the paint
shop as soon as we finish the course.
“So I’ll be packing parachutes – which
I enjoy. It’s really physical. I’m looking
“I came to the base
I’m able to work fewer hours so I can forward to settling in there and getting and a family member
spend time with my two daughters. This
is a great advantage as it allows me to
to understand my bay that I’ve been
posted to.”
took me around to the
balance both being a mum and spending AC Nani Koro was nervous at the start trades. At Safety and
quality time with my girls - and it enables
me to achieve my career goals and
of the course, because she had no
knowledge of what the process was
Surface I saw people
ambitions.” regarding aircraft painting. who were the same age,
AC Donna Martin had felt the effects of
the Covid lockdown, unable to visit her
“But it’s been good having an instructor gender and ethnicity
who really knows what he’s talking about
partner or sister in Auckland. and people who work in the environment as me. When I went to
“My partner works at No. 40 Squadron
and he did come down for work, but we
also help us if they see us struggling. So
it’s comforting to know there are people
Auckland and saw the
weren’t even allowed to give each other a we can ask. trade, it was the exact
hug because of the restrictions.” “There are a lot of variables we need to same thing wherever
She was encouraged to join the trade think of in terms of safety, it’s not just
because of the diversity of its personnel. slapping on paint. We’ve got to think I went. I wasn’t by
“I feel like the people make the job easier.
about the temperature of the paint before
it’s mixed. Have we mixed up the paint
myself, I wasn’t the only
I felt comfortable with who I was working
with, so I felt like I was starting to grow
with the right ratios, have we tested to girl or the only Māori
in the work department as well. I was
make sure it’s not too runny or thick.”
girl anywhere I went.”
comfortable to ask questions and push AC Koro is being posted to the paint shop
myself more knowing I had a good team after graduation. – Aircraftman Donna Martin
behind me. Definitely the people drew me “I’m looking forward to consolidating what
to the trade,” she said. I’ve learned and putting into practice what
After graduating, AC Martin will be posted I’ve learned throughout the course and
to Auckland into the parachute bay. just get better at my job every day.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 17| LEADER ENGAGEMENT
A visit to the States
B PER SO N A L STA FF O FFI C ER TO C H I EF O F A I R FO RC E
Y SQ UADRON LE ADE R K AR I NA CH I PMAN
Four days after the Delta
H
e attended Key Leader The highlight of the Jacksonville visit
engagements and Chiefs’ was a barbecue with all of the families,
variant was detected conferences and caught up with which included an opportunity to present
the team who will be the first to fly and Squadron Leader Ben Woodhouse with
in New Zealand and be instructors for our new P-8A Poseidon his Armed Forces Award. It was a great
our country went into aircraft. It was his first opportunity in 18 opportunity to chat with them all and hear
months to meet with his international about their experiences living in a country
lockdown, the Chief of counterparts in person. where they have had to adapt to living
Air Force (CAF) Air Vice- With some disrupted travel plans,
with Covid widely spread across their
community and the United States.
(including a three-hour wait in a bus
Marshal Andrew Clark shelter – it’s not always Koru lounge Next up was the Space Symposium and
was due to depart for the privileges for CAF!) we were finally Space Chiefs Conference in Colorado
underway and made it to Jacksonville, Springs. This was a packed three-day
United States. Florida to meet with the NZ P-8A engagement with many companies and
Personnel Exchange Program team like-minded military chiefs. The Space
and whanau. Chiefs’ conference was the first held
since the creation of the United States
A visit to United States Navy VP 30
Space Force, attended by 23 different
Squadron included a briefing with the
nations’ space chiefs.
Commanding Officer, a look through the
P-8A and a demonstration with the Kiwi The next part of the trip was a visit to
crew in the Flight Station Simulator and Boeing in Seattle. The visit included
the Weapons Training Centre (back-end a discussion about the specific
SIM for the P-8A). CAF’s tactical New Zealand P-8A programme, a tour
coordinator days submarine hunting through the mission systems installation
came flooding back and you could see hangar, and a tour through the 737 and
the sparkle in his eye, wishing he could be P-8A production line.
back in the hot seat.
18 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242LEADER ENGAGEMENT |
Our frames are not due on the production Overall a very worthwhile two-week LEFT
line until early next year, but CAF took trip. Knowing we had the two weeks in CAF with all the Kiwi crew and families in
great delight in stepping on board the a managed isolation facility on return, Jacksonville
almost complete Royal Air Force (RAF) we ensured CAF had a full schedule MIDDLE
P-8 before their chief had. (There may to optimise his time away from the (L-R) P-8A Logistics Acquisition Manager
have been a cheeky signed photo of CAF office. It was a strange feeling travelling WGCDR Chris Pearn, SQNLDR Karina Chipman,
CAF, Air Attaché WGCDR Graham Streatfield and
standing beside it passed onto the RAF internationally, attending conferences
P-8A Engineering acquisition Manager, SQNLDR
Chief.) with thousands of people all wearing Phil Ziesler, at the Boeing factory
masks, and Covid just very much part
The last part of the trip was to Joint Base RIGHT
of their day-to-day lives. But it also
Pearl Harbor-Hickham for the Pacific Air CAF presents SQNLDR Ben Woodhouse with his
highlighted the importance of face-to-
Chiefs Symposium, where the Warrant Armed Forces Award
face engagement, to build and maintain
Officer of the Air Force, Warrant Officer
relationships with our most important
Toni Tate joined us. This was a great
military partners.
opportunity for CAF to reconnect with
the Chiefs from all across the Indo-Pacific And finally, a shout out to the managed
region. The week included a full-day isolation staff and the Army personnel
humanitarian aid and disaster relief table who were running the facility in
top exercise, panels on regional security, Christchurch. It was great to see the
air domain awareness, and numerous professionalism in which they carried out
bi-lateral and multi-lateral engagements. their duty, and to also get an appreciation
CAF concluded his US trip with a visit for the entire MIQ process and the
to US Coast Guard District 14, which commitment our people have shown to
is currently transitioning their fleet of Op Protect.
C-130H to C-130J. It was a useful visit, to
relate on a similar scale and hear about
their capability transition journey.
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 19| ACHIEVEMENT
Reflecting on
being WOAF
B WA R R A NT O FFI C ER
Y TON I TATE
The position of Warrant Officer of the Air Force (WOAF) is special. As a Senior Non-
Commissioned Officer (SNCO), I always wanted to be a Warrant Officer. I wanted to
represent people in a positive way, to influence leaders and be part of change that
will make an impact and improve our Air Force.
I
t has been a privilege to represent The power of connecting through In 2019, we introduced the facial hair
you, our Air Force people, as your networks is well known. I was pleased to policy, quite a culture change but very
Senior Enlisted Leader. To achieve sponsor a leadership conference series: well received and a huge boost to morale.
this appointment is a career highlight and Warrant Officer Conference (2018), Despite the fact that I can’t grow facial
I am especially proud to have balanced Junior Leaders Forum (2019) and the hair, this has been a highlight!
raising my two sons, who I am incredibly SNCO Leadership Forum (2021). This Connecting through relationships
proud of, while being able to accomplish was a way I could give something tangible and engaging with people has been
a successful Air Force career. There have to our enlisted cadre and get them in very rewarding. Visits with Air Cadets,
been sacrifice and challenges along with front of senior leadership. All conferences accompanying our Invictus whanau
wonderful opportunities and a sense of had a common theme: informing Air Force to both Toronto and Sydney Invictus
achievement. current priorities and command intent, Games, award ceremonies and parades
discussing challenges and opportunities, celebrating success, Base visits,
People and culture are at the core of
and providing tools and skills to navigate international engagement and of course
the WOAF role. It is a role of influence,
them. The valuable networking these our exceptional recipients of “Airman
one that listens, connects, builds and
conferences provided also created new of the Year”. I wish to specially mention
maintains relationships and one that
cohorts of people to bounce off and the recipients I have worked alongside:
takes action. The past four years have
develop peer mentors. Carlin O’Neill, Kim Gilbert, Reiner Angelo
raced by and I have kept my foot on
the accelerator right to the end. I am I believe in the strength of a diverse and and Dennis Tommy. They have great
passionate about continuous learning inclusive workforce. Diversity of thought character, demonstrate competence and
and professional development and benefits planning and contributes to have been an inspiration to me.
this has been a focus. As sponsor of operational effectiveness. Inclusion I have a lot to be grateful for, it is worth
promotion courses and recruit training, enables people to feel accepted and pausing and considering this as we
I have been eager to influence the best empowered to work together for don’t always invest in reflection time and
quality training for our people. Project common goals. In 2018, we developed the appreciate what we have. I am thankful
Mana Tangata provided the vehicle for Air Force Creed, a belief statement that for this fulfilling opportunity, I have
improvements and as a result, all courses describes what it means to be an Airman, thoroughly enjoyed being the current
have been refreshed. When I have binds us together and acknowledges our custodian of the WOAF role and will
visited the courses, I have been thankful sense of duty and shared purpose. What treasure this experience always.
for course members to be open and is great about the creed is that it was
straightforward, to tell it like it is. developed by you, for you.
20 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242ACHIEVEMENT |
The path to
Logistics
Commander (Air)
B G R O U P CA P TAI N
Y SUSI E BAR N S
I joined the Air Force straight
from Taihape College on my
18th birthday. The disciplined
and structured lifestyle
appealed, having been brought
up by a solo mother with a
‘work hard’ mind-set.
A
t that time, the most appealing On reflection, the three-year posting in In parallel, it is important to have interests
part of an Air Force career was the UK was also a positive experience outside of the workplace. For me, this
the free education on offer, for my whānau. I was lucky enough to is normally an audacious fitness goal/
through the NZ Certificate Trainee have my husband (Shaun) and children event that focusses my training and more
scheme. As I have enjoyed the variety of (Bryahna and Trae) supporting me. recently reinvigorating my Te Reo Māori
roles on offer through the Air Force the learning journey.
In 2017, I deployed as the Senior National
educational opportunities have continued. As I look ahead to my next role the
Officer in the Middle East for Op Troy.
I joined to gain a National Certificate in Our team looked after all Defence Force transformational change associated
Business Studies and many years later I personnel deploying in/out of the region. with modern aircraft platforms is
achieved a Master’s in Engineering. Along Sadly, the six-month deployment was cut unprecedented. The future Air Force
the way, I have also participated in the short, with a phone call from my husband logistics workforce will be driven by
Global Women’s Breakthrough Leaders advising that he had been diagnosed with information, supported by modern
Programme and most recently the an aggressive form of cancer, one month technology, integrated with commercial
OnBoard 2020 Programme. into my deployment. partners and networked with
international allies.
Looking back on my career pathway, With my world turned upside down, I
there are a few highlights. The spent the next 10 months focussing on As such, my focus for the next few years
diverse employment opportunities (in my husband’s treatment and supporting will be to lead the logistics workforce
New Zealand, deployed on operations our whānau through his cancer journey. through this change, in a manner that is
and internationally), world class training The Air Force was incredibly supportive empowering, encourages curiosity and
options, development and networking over this time, I will always be grateful leverages off an innovative and agile
through sport, the rewards of hard work for the genuine and practical way this approach to change. The future of the
and commitment and an organisation that was offered. When we lost Shaun to Air Force and, indeed the Defence Force
genuinely supports work/family balance. cancer, my children lost an incredible is bright. The path towards this is one I
These highlights underpin a career Dad and me, my soul mate. However, the feel privileged to be on, with the broader
that has kept me challenged, excited, lessons we gained along the way, still Air Force logistics team in support.
engaged and motivated towards further weave through my fabric of being today, E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi,
contribution in my next role as Logistics underpinning who I am as a mum, female He toa takitini.
Commander (Air). in the military and authentic leader.
My strength is not as an individual,
I was also posted to the NZ Defence At this stage in my career, my biggest But as a collective.
Support team in London, as the NZDF thrill is around giving back. I do this
Logistics Adviser. through mentoring and coaching, and the
development of my subordinates. I am so
lucky and grateful to be working with an
exceptional bunch of people.
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 21| # FAC E S O F YO U R FO R C E
From school
to the skies
B ED ITO R
Y R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM
Taking part in the
T
he 21-year-old has recently “I wanted to do something different and
graduated the Air Force’s Wings exciting that would push me and this
Air Force’s School course as a pilot. It was a career definitely ticked all those boxes. Joining
she never imagined taking on. the Air Force forced me outside of my
to Skies programme comfort zone, which was challenging and
“I was very apprehensive applying to
showed Pilot Officer become a pilot, there was a lot of self-
at the time I didn’t always love it, but it has
truly been the most incredible experience.
Ali McKain that being doubt. I never in a million years thought
I was going to make it and I was very
My advice to everyone is do something
part of the military is intimidated by the challenge of Wings
that scares you, you will never stagnate.”
course,” she said. PLTOFF McKain will now be training in
nothing like the movies. the A109 helicopters at No. 3 Squadron,
“It was my dad who convinced me to take
which was also her father’s influence.
the shot because he said I wouldn’t want
to spend the rest of my life wondering if I “The whole idea of being a pilot started
could have. He more or less told me to stop because of my dad. He came back from a
being a wuss and put my name down.” hunting trip in the South Island where he
was flown into the Alps by a young female
But it was the School to Skies
pilot. He thought that was pretty cool and
programme that helped Pilot Officer
said, ‘That could be you! You should learn
(PLTOFF) McKain understand what life
to fly choppers and then you can drop me
would be like in the Air Force.
in to go hunting’.”
“I didn’t have a huge insight into what
PLTOFF McKain is looking forward to the
defence life was like – my expectations
search and rescue missions, which are
had been strung together watching
“potentially life changing for people”.
gung-ho American war movies, where the
gallant war heroes who were depicted, “No. 3 Squadron get to do some
far from represented me. I have always awesome flying. I am absolutely fizzing to
been a bit of a nerd, super-uncoordinated operate in the mountains and see more of
and not at all athletic. I thought I would our beautiful country,” she said.
never fit in,” she said.
“When I went to School to Skies and met
a great range of airmen I realised they
were just normal people. There was a
hugely diverse range of individuals who
found a role to suit them and a way that
they could showcase their strengths and
work with their passions.
22 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242# FAC E S O F YO U R F O R C E |
Long road
to becoming
a pilot
B ED ITO R
Y R E B ECCA Q U I LLIAM
H
owever, his determination to fly “I did those things because I still had
Pilot Officer won through as he passed the the idea of becoming a pilot in mind.
Wiri Ironside-Mateparae Air Force’s challenging Wings
course and had his wings presented to him
But I also gave insurance a go to see
if working in the corporate world is
had some obstacles in his at a ceremony at Base Ohakea recently. something I wanted to do, but the draw
of becoming a pilot was too strong.”
path to becoming a pilot. After growing up in Christchurch, Pilot
Officer (PLTOFF) Ironside-Mateparae Being presented with his wings was
joined the New Zealand Army. He stayed momentous and a huge achievement,
for a few years before his eyes started he said.
looking to the sky and he began thinking During his training PLTOFF Ironside-
about a career change. Mateparae developed a preference to fly
“I initially talked with a recruiter, who gave helicopters with No. 3 Squadron, so was
me some advice around how challenging thrilled when he was chosen to continue
it was to become a pilot and what I with the rotary section.
needed to do before applying,” he said. “I’m really excited to get that going.”
“I had only done half a degree at that There were a few factors that made the
point, so he said I had to finish my squadron an attractive option, including
degree, do some travel and fly a plane or the search and rescue work, PLTOFF
helicopter for an hour or so to see if I’m Ironside-Mateparae said.
still interested.”
“But the flying itself is appealing – I like
So over four years PLTOFF Ironside- the idea of flying in confined spaces and
Mateparae started ticking those things off. flying close to the terrain and around
“I finished my degree and I met my different environments, whether it’s
current wife and we travelled to London around the Tararua ranges, Waiouru or
and around Europe for a year. Then I around the South Island.
came back and worked in insurance and “We did some low-level and mountain
flew a helicopter for half an hour. flying with the Texan during the course
and it was some of my favourite flying.”
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 23| O P E R AT I O N S
Afghanistan I
n that short period I experienced It was an early flight and as I boarded the
a rollercoaster ride of emotions. C-130 I was handed my rifle and crammed
Excitement, fear, doubt, sadness, into the webbed seats. All the emotions
through the exhilaration, pride to name a few.
Having seen the situation in Afghanistan
and fears I felt previously had vanished.
I felt prepared and calm as I anticipated
lens
unfolding on television, the chaos on the our arrival into Kabul.
airfield, and people hanging off planes,
As we got close I climbed up to the flight
travelling there was a terrifying thought.
deck and watched from behind the pilots
My flight landed in Dubai on a hot, dark as we approached Kabul. The landscape
B NZD F PH OTO G R A PH ER morning. Our group, jetlagged and trying was breath-taking. We flew high up over
Y SE RG E ANT MAR IA EVES
to keep our eyes open, navigated our a craggy mountain range, before diving
way out of the airport and onto the bus to down, making our approach and landing
Al Minhad Air Base. As soon as the bus on the airfield.
I found out I was being pulled up at Kiwi Lines within the base it
The airport was full of grey, military
was all go. The Army (SAS) troops moved
deployed to Afghanistan around the base with purpose, getting
aircraft, with orderly rows of people
boarding each one. It all seemed
on the mission to rescue kitted up, and their weapons ready to go
surprisingly orderly. I couldn’t hear or see
and on an Australian C-17, flying straight
evacuees three days into Afghanistan.
any conflict, and the only people I could
see around the airport were in queues.
before I boarded a flight At Kiwi Lines, the team made
We parked up right outside the terminal.
preparations to evacuate New Zealanders
to the Middle East. and approved foreign nationals from
With the engines still running, the ramp
slowly lowered. Immediately a 4x4 raced
Afghanistan. We didn’t know how many
up to the back of the ramp and loaded
opportunities our aircraft would get to fly
some supplies off the aircraft for the
into Afghanistan, so I knew I had to be
team on the ground. Next a ute pulled
on that first flight if I wanted to get any
up, and the medical team helped lift an
photos at all.
elderly lady in a wheelchair up the ramp,
onto the aircraft.
24 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242O P E R AT I O N S |
I stepped out of the aircraft with the They all looked so peaceful. In that Our C-130 pilot handed out food and held
loadmaster and stood to the side moment I was just so happy that we had little babies, the navigator helped collect
photographing everything that was rescued these people from the chaos in rubbish and load people’s bags onto
happening. By now, a row of people, led Afghanistan. pallets, others played with the children
by one of our Female Engagement Team and the sound of laughter echoed
After a long flight, the aircraft jolted as we
were approaching the aircraft – families, throughout the terminal.
touched down in Dubai. The passengers
children, babies and the elderly. stepped out into the glaring sunlight, I spoke with many of the passengers
Passengers filed onto the plane and smiling and shaking hands with the crew. who were happy to be safe, but sad
were directed by the loadmaster to sit in They were escorted into the Evacuation about everything and everyone they had
rows on the floor. It all happened so fast, Handling Centre, where they had their left behind. One young girl in a beautiful
I felt like we were only on the ground for documents checked, and provided teal dress and red scarf stopped in front
10 minutes. medical attention before being given a of me and stared into my eyes. “I love
place to stay. your eyes,” she said. “They are blue.”
I was seated on the side of the aircraft,
She pointed to my camera and asked if
in front of all the passengers. At my feet When I visited one of the accommodation
we could have a photo together. One of
was one of the happiest little boys I had camps, people were lining up for a meal,
the few photos of me during the whole
ever seen. He had a huge toothless grin playing football, and socialising. I was
operation.
on his face for the whole flight. Everyone surprised at the number of people who
on board was immaculately dressed, in approached me, gesturing that they It was an operation in which we really made
what looked like their best clothes. And would like me to take their photo. I was a difference in people’s lives. I have never
that’s when it hit me, this was all they had. happy I could do something to add a little been so proud to be a New Zealander.
All their possessions now fit into a small joy to their day. Being part of this operation is something
bag, and whatever they were wearing. I will remember forever.
When the time came for the evacuees to
Everything else they had to leave behind. travel to New Zealand on a charter flight
Despite the loud hum from the aircraft it was heart-warming to see the number
engines, it seemed very peaceful on the of Defence Force staff volunteer to help LEFT
aircraft. Two sisters rested their heads the passengers have a good send off. SGT Maria Eves with a little Afghan girl
on each other’s shoulders, young couples RIGHT
held hands and fell asleep on each other. SGT Maria Eves (right) at Kiwi Lines
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 25| S PAC E
A view to space T
he space domain is not just
ingrained into our daily life, but is
heavily embedded into most facets
of military operations. Communication,
B FLI G HT S ERG E A NT positioning, navigation and timing such as
Y DAVE CR ESSWE LL GPS, and imagery are some uses of the
space domain as an enabler to Air Force
squadrons and Defence Force units.
A disruption in the space domain can
The space domain is akin to a power grid, cause disorder to a cell phone network,
vastly complex and necessary in most facets cause aircraft to operate in a degraded
state or units to default to using business
of daily life. When the power goes out right continuity plans to maintain operations.
on dinner time, you begin to realise how The space domain is a critical enabler
to the Air Force and its operational
important electricity is, and appreciate how outputs. Today, aircraft operators use
complex the entire power grid is in ensuring the space domain to operate efficiently
and effectively. Current use of the space
your household runs smoothly. domain is demonstrated during Operation
Antarctica where the C-130 Hercules
relies on data collected from satellites for
weather modelling to carry out mission
planning and forecasting.
26 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242S PAC E |
Communications on board the aircraft The NZDF Space Program was created The course is made up of a range of
are provided by satellites, through the to facilitate the integration of space personnel from different services,
SATCOM Network; the aircraft internal domain awareness and space capability ranks and trades, building a cohort of
Navigation system is assisted by the into the Defence Force. It educates the space-minded people who can use the
GPS Constellation and its trilateration force, growing subject matter experts, knowledge from the courses in their units
and timing to provide accurate flight enabling and integrating space systems in and provide support to the programme.
management while the aircraft flies to the military, and developing doctrine and “Space course was a great way to
and from the ice continent. policy for space in the Defence Force. expand my knowledge in the space
The Space Program continues to build industry and engage with professionals
The space domain is also used in other
and maintain the working relationships on the subject. I thoroughly enjoyed the
Air Force outputs, including search and
and networks between Defence Force opportunity to learn more about future
rescue and humanitarian aid and disaster
units and agencies, foreign militaries, innovation and how it can be of use to the
relief. Use of the satellites provides
as well as government, academic, and Defence Force,” Flight Lieutenant Mikaela
communication assistance, navigation and
commercial sectors in the space industry Christian said.
imagery, allowing our aircraft to be more
in New Zealand.
effective in supporting those in need. The programme and its cohort of
In August the NZDF Space Program service personnel has already been
New Zealand is growing in the space
ran a Space 100: Introduction to used to provide advice and support to
domain. The NZ Space Agency
the Space Environment and Space non-government organisations, provide
was formed in 2016 following the
Systems course, which covered orbital support to the Defence Technology Agency
advancement of commercial space
mechanics, spacecraft design, launch and liaise with our coalition partners.
operators. These developments have
component and the space environment.
turned New Zealand into one of the few The NZDF Space Program runs courses
The intensive course is designed as
countries in the world that are considered throughout the year. For more information
a building block to Space 150: Space
to have a space capability. This comes check the NZDF Space Program DDMS
Systems Introduction course and Space
with the responsibility to ensure the page (search Space Capability Training
200: Space Operations Planning course,
New Zealand interests in space are Management).
which are designed around the use and
maintained and protected.
management of space operations.
AIR FORCE NEWS #242 | 27| O U R H E R I TA G E
A very Air Force Christmas
B A I R FO RC E M U S EU M O F N E W ZE A L A N D
Y LOU ISA HOR MAN N , ARCH IVES TECH N ICIAN ,
As we head into another Party Time at Wigram, 1938 Pacific celebrations, 1943
Children’s Christmas parties have long In keeping with military tradition,
festive season, it’s a been a highlight for Air Force families. Christmas Day meals for No. 1 Fighter
good time to reflect The first Christmas party for the children Maintenance Unit (14 Squadron) at
of officers and airmen at RNZAF Wigram Espiritu Santo were served to airmen
on the long tradition of was held on 17 December 1938. The Unit by the officers. After “pistols, parachute
celebrating Christmas History records: flares and rifle fire going all night” on
Christmas Eve, LAC Gordon Fenwick
Children’s Christmas party held for
in our Air Force, even in the first time in barracks. All married
described in his diary a more cheerful
Christmas Day:
the darkest of times and officers and airmen’s children attended
with their parents. After games and tea, On early morning duty crew. Had swim
far away from home. This during which time “Father Christmas” sports at Turtle Bay in afternoon. A
is a small selection of (impersonated by the Commanding
Officer) spoke to the children by means
good menu today. Breakfast – bacon
and egg. Lunch – tomatoes, lettuce and
stories from the archives of wireless telephone from the Oxford tongue. Dinner – turkey, cranberry sauce,
aircraft in which he had taken off from potatoes, peas, pudding and fruit salad.
of the RNZAF Museum, the aerodrome. The children were taken Also four bottles of beer. Boy, what a
reflecting some of the over to the flying field in lorries and the shock to the system – the best meal yet
aircraft with Father Christmas and his pilot and served by the officers and the two
experiences of service landed – after the reception the whole nurses who arrived here yesterday.
personnel and their party returned to the barracks where all
the children received presents from the
families at this special Christmas tree.
time of year, in times
gone by.
28 | AIR FORCE NEWS #242You can also read
