3 Squadron Quarterly Letter - 2nd quarter 2011

Members of the NO.3 Squadron Association,

I hope this letter finds you well. Even as winter takes its hold we continue to press on with the high tempo we began the year with. Flying continues unabated as does tasking support.

Since my last letter 3 SQN has completed a tactical night flying exercise based in Waiouru and Exercise Blackbird, our annual mountain flying exercise. We have also completed a number of operations with the Police, NZ Army and performed the odd SAR.

The tactical night flying exercise gave the squadron an opportunity to go onto a night cycle of operations while also gaining experience in tactical formation troop movement using night vision goggles. This was a highly successful exercise which was given an extra boost of operational realism due to the recent return of SQNLDR Marcel Scott after a three year exchange flying Chinooks with the RAF.

Once again Exercise Blackbird was a great experience for all those that took part. With its challenging but enjoyable flying and difficult conditions on the ground the squadron always comes away as a more cohesive unit.  The weather did its best to put a damper on the exercise but the squadron and its support units managed to achieve their objectives and can again chalk this exercise up as a success.

The focus of the squadron will now shift somewhat. With the Rugby World Cup 2011 just around the corner the squadron will start to focus on its night flying once again in support of the NZ Police. This will begin with an exercise in August in order to prepare crews for potential deployment around the Rugby World Cup 2011. Additionally we will continue our support to other government agencies with tasks around the country as well as maintaining our training to the usual high standards.

The squadron is in a state of flux at the moment with the first personnel identified for transfer over to the new helicopters, either overseas being trained up, or conducting maintenance and flight testing on the aircraft which are already here.

Many of you may have seen on the news that the RNZAF’s newest aircraft has now arrived and is conducting test flying in New Zealand. The A109 is a leap into the future for the Air Force and is a fantastic aircraft to lead into the NH90 which will arrive later in the year. The acceptance and testing of these aircraft is currently being conducted in Ohakea by the Helicopter Transition Unit, which will slowly acquire all the personnel from 3SQN in its transition to becoming the 3 SQN of the future. While we will all be sad to see the departure of the Iroquois it is safe to say that the new helicopters will offer a significant advancement of our capability.
 
Finally, it seems that the end of the year is rapidly approaching again and that means our Annual Function will be on us before we know it! Due to Rugby World Cup 2011 commitments we will be holding this year’s function on the 16th of November. It will be held here in Ohakea and will provide an opportunity for you all to see the new aircraft in the flesh. More details will be available shortly so stay in touch.

I will sign off there but please remember to keep us informed of your details by filling in our online registration form at:

http://www.airforce.mil.nz/contact-us/ex-service-personnel/general-info/3sqn-assoc/default.htm

Sincerely,

Mike Adair
Flying Officer
Vice Chairman 3 SQN Association
RNZAF OHAKEA