// End of Year Reports 2009
Headquarters 485 Wing Report
By GPCAPT Tony Davies (Officer Commanding 485 Wing)
2009 has been a demanding one for Headquarters 485 Wing and has proven the professionalism, dedication and motivation of all our people.
The Headquarters is now home to the growing Directorate of Systems Evaluation (DSE) and the P-3K2 Introduction Into Service team with these departments now sitting alongside Standards and Capability (S&C) and the Directorate of Air Force, Safety and Health (DASH). DSE has concentrated on training a team in the disciplines of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E). Their prime task throughout 2009 has been the completion of tasks for the B757 OT&E and the development of the OT&E plans for the C-130 LEP and P-3K2.
S&C has continued throughout 2009 to provide support as the Operational Airworthiness Authority (OAA) to the RNZAF squadrons, Parachute Training Support Unit and DSE Project teams. Their other role has been to conduct Compliance and Surveillance audits on Headquarters Flying Training Wing, No 3 Squadron, No 42 Squadron, PTSU, and the Hypobaric Chamber at the Aviation Medical Unit, concentrating on authorisation, supervision, orders, instructions, publications, categorisation and training. In addition, S&C has worked alongside the Army and Defence Technology Agency to provide OAA support for the emerging NZDF Unmanned Arial System projects.
DASH has continued to promote a strong safety culture within the RNZAF. The significance of the multi-specialist Directorate was well demonstrated in support of the tsunami victims of Samoa in September. DASH personnel from Headquarters 485 Wing deployed along with the general relief effort providing a detailed health threat assessment for the Samoan Ministry of Public Health Office.
The highlight of the year was the Whenuapai Open Day. While the event was a Base-wide effort, Headquarters 485 Wing dedicated itself to producing a memorable flying display. This event was the largest Open day and Airshow staged at Whenuapai in recent years and attracted a crowd in excess of 50,000 people.
My thanks go out to all members of 485 Wing for the hard work and dedication you have provided in 2009. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and look forward to seeing your safe return in 2010.
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Logistics Report
By GPCAPT Andy Woods (Commander Logistics Group)
Without a doubt, 2009 has proven to be one of the more challenging years the Logistics Group (LOG) has faced in recent times. To our credit, we have continued to deliver serviceable assets and meet the high expectations placed on us. Whether it was supporting flying operations within New Zealand and abroad or progressing one of the many NZDF and RNZAF projects our organisation is currently faced with.
When I reflect on the achievements LOG has made throughout the year—and there have been many—it leaves no doubt in my mind as to the high level of professionalism and commitment of the personnel employed within our organisation, and for that I thank you.
To highlight just a sample of what the Logistics Group has been involved in during the year; 2009 has seen:
- the completion of the Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) for the B-757 and subsequent issue of the Supplemental Type Certification
- a Special Flight Permit issued for the P-3K2
- Aircraft Testing and Evaluation (AT&E) commence
- the first P3 production aircraft inducted for upgrade at Safe Air Ltd
- AT&E continue on the C-130 LEP
- significant progress made on the NH90 and A109 projects
- Airworthiness Certification Management Boards for the P-3 Orion and Sioux aircraft conducted
- numerous modifications for our existing aircraft platforms completed, and
- technical support provided to our flying Squadrons.
Looking forward to 2010, expectations remain high and LOG will continue to be challenged. The first of the upgraded P3 and C-130 aircraft are scheduled to return and commence OT&E, the Defence Transformation and Review 09 projects will begin to take shape, and support for flying commitments will continue to be a priority.
In my role I get to work with people from commercial industry and other military forces from around the world, and I am constantly struck by the unique quality of RNZAF people. There is no question in my mind that our folk are world class, and that is what makes me confident we are more than capable of meeting all of the challenges ahead of us.
As the festive season approaches, I encourage all of you to take the time to enjoy yourself with friends and families, recharge, so when we return in 2010 you arrive refreshed and ready for the challenges we will undoubtedly face.
Finally, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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Training Group HQ Report
By GPCAPT Stephen Davies-Howard
The focus for 2009 within Training Group Headquarters (TGHQ) has been on change—and lots of it—to deliver training to the wider RNZAF more effectively and therefore more efficiently.
Driven by the implementation of a revised manning structure to deliver outputs to the wider Air Force, these changes have focused particularly on TGHQ and Ground Training Wing (GTW). Flying Training Wing has enjoyed a period of relative stability this year.
Major undertakings for TGHQ this year have included:
- Support to Capability projects and the Introduction Into Service teams: we only train to meet the requirements of the RNZAF and the employment profile work, to which many of you have contributed, is an example of how we identify and meet that requirement.
- A review and analysis of the Group’s ground training outputs led TGHQ and GTW to restructure in order to better reflect the needs of the RNZAF. The result is a task-focused organisation reduced from five Squadrons to three in GTW. As well as making considerable financial savings, the matching of establishment to task has reduced GTW manpower by 14%, ahead of any savings that the DTP might deliver as a result of the HR stream of which Training is part.
- We have put a great deal of energy into developing and expanding existing training partnerships. As a result, next year will see the introduction of a programme whereby Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) will deliver RNZAF pre-employment training ahead of the recruit course leading to a Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals.
- NMIT has also invested in infrastructure at Woodbourne that will expand the capacity of the technical training facilities and strengthen further the relationship. This additional building, along with the training aids and airframes (five MU2 aircraft and six Seasprite helicopters) positions the Group well to meet the training requirements of the RNZAF’s post-upgrade aircraft.
My sincere thanks to all in the training team—your continued high levels of motivation and commitment through times of considerable change are very much appreciated.
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Operational Support Group Report
By GPCAPT Shaun Clarke (Commander Operational Support Group)
It’s been another really massive year for the Operational Support Group, providing support services to the 3,041 RNZAF personnel who work hard to pump out our Operations, Logistics, and Training outputs.
This year we delivered:
- 345 Rescue Fire responses
- 93,000 air traffic movements
- 6 serviceable major NAVAID systems
- 48,000 photographic images
- 10,000 domestic and international travel bookings
- 260 individual VESA programmes
- 24,000 medical consultations
- 3,500 immunisations
- 1,900 PE and RT sessions, and
- 477,000 meals, including in-flights.
And that’s not to mention other team services like Base Ops, Dental, Psychology, Security, Libraries, Welfare, Chaplaincy, Civil Defence/Base Contingency Forces, Public Relations, Discipline, Ceremonial and Infrastructure planning, along with a range of Administration services.
The challenges for us during the year have mainly been about the continual reinvention of service delivery. We have a ‘28-armed Octopus’ of concurrent projects, which are producing improvements and efficiencies in how we support the RNZAF.
Highlights for us include:
- the complete reinvention of the Medical Capability to focus on Aeromedical Evacuation and Search and Rescue
- providing support to Brendon Deere and his Spitfire at Ohakea, including licensing him to build a hangar as the first jig-saw piece in the ‘RNZAF Ohakea Visitor Centre’
- progress by our Admin teams towards merging Admin services into tri-service and other delivery models (with Joint Logistic Support Organisation and Army)
- the purchase of two new ambulances (delivery early next year)
- the near-completion of the new fire appliance process, and
- achieving our first commercial customer at the Aviation Medical Unit’s hypobaric chamber.
Well done team! I hope you have a great break and come back safely for more.
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No 3 SQN Report
By WGCDR Wax Mardon (Commanding Officer No 3 Squadron)
No 3 Squadron has had a very busy and successful 2009; a fact that really only struck home when I reflected on the year and realised the extent of our activities.
Our major activities included:
- Operation Kristy in February/March, which involved assisting the New Zealand Police with their cannabis recovery operations.
- Exercise Peka Peka—our annual special operations training exercise with TG6.
- Exercise Blackbird—the Squadron’s annual pilgrimage to the mountains and snow of the South Island.
- Exercise Tropic Astra—tropical and civil aid training from a field camp in Samoa, deploying to and from via HMNZS CANTERBURY.
- Exercise Steel Talon—tactical training in the Tekapo Region during October, which included support to concurrent NZ Army exercises.
- Operation Tsunami Assist—two Iroquois and three crews re-deployed at very short notice to Samoa.
- Numerous SARs (day and night), and
- Armed Offenders Squad callouts and tasks in support of many and various agencies up and down New Zealand.
The Squadron was very successful in the conduct of all these exercises and activities. We also managed to improve our overall efficiency, producing 20% more hours of Annually Produced Services, despite a 10% decrease in the overall flying rate.
My thanks go to each and every one of the Squadron’s members for their efforts throughout the year.
I commend the Operations team for being safe, effective, and increasingly efficient in the conduct of all air activities.
My hat is off to the Maintenance team for their tireless efforts in supporting the flying, particularly the short notice tasks.
The serviceability rates that were achieved throughout the year on the Iroquois and Sioux types were quite remarkable.
My thanks also go to the many units and personnel who have supported the Squadron and enabled our operations.
Expeditionary Support Squadron get a special mention for the sterling service provided as the mounting unit for Exercises Tropic Astra and Steel Talon.
Have a safe, relaxing and happy Christmas from all of us at No 3 Squadron.
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No 5 SQN Report
By WGCDR Nick Olney (Commanding Officer No 5 Squadron)
2009 has seen No 5 Squadron’s continued evolution of existing and future capabilities. This has placed us in greater demand across a more diverse range of environments and we’ve delivered a broader range of tasks. And there’s more to come!
The prototype P-3K2 Orion has flown a number of sorties in Texas as part of the acceptance, test and evaluation process, and the first production aircraft has begun its transformation at Safe Air in Blenheim. The remaining four aircraft have been deployed globally—delivering and developing capabilities in New Zealand, the South Pacific, South East Asia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Having graduated the largest Orion Conversion Course in some time (with 18 graduates), the Squadron is now finishing the year with a healthy mix of youth, exuberance, age and wisdom—boding well for the challenges 2010 and beyond will bring.
The men and women in the hangar continue to work tirelessly to ensure the Fighting Fifth has the ability to respond at short notice. This was tested with some rigour during the latter half of the year, with quick responses to both the Princess Ashika ferry disaster in Tonga, and then being on scene literally within hours of the Samoan and Tongan tsunami disaster.
Flying the Squadron’s annual allocation of Search and Rescue (SAR) hours in the month of August, while continuing to meet other outputs, is testament to the direct efforts of No 5 Squadron personnel, but also the men and women who support us—refuellers, caterers, Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand staff (numerous), and the vast number of maintenance and manpower support agencies that have helped keep our Orion’s on station this year.
As the year rounds out, and the Air Force looks towards a well deserved Christmas break, the pace at No 5 Squadron continues. Two crews deployed to Perth for the Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise and Principal Warfare Officer’s course in November, which included one exercise torpedo drop. We commenced the next Orion Conversion Course, and will maintain SAR and surveillance cover over the Christmas break, before the next set of deployments commence in January and then February 2010.
On behalf of No 5 Squadron, I thank you all for your continued support, and wish everyone the very best for the festive season and the year ahead.
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No 6 SQN Report
By CDR Jason Haggitt (Commanding Officer No 6 Squadron)
As 2009 draws to a close, No 6 Squadron can reflect on another year doing the incredibly complex business of putting the Air Power into Sea Power. As in other years, it hasn’t come easily but then it’s the challenge we are all up for.
At home the Squadron has worked hard to keep the lifeblood phase going, with considerable help from Maintenance Wing—notably Ohakea and Auckland Structures, Auckland General Engineering Flight, and Materiel Support Wing. And all the while cranking the ‘sausage machine’ turning out qualified crews—including an ex-United States Navy (USN) pilot, an ex-USN tech, ‘Brits’, and with the usual Navy and Air mix —which, combined, all adds to the unique cultural flavour at No 6 Squadron.
The Flights—embarked in HMNZS ships TE KAHA, TE MANA, and CANTERBURY—have enjoyed considerable success in a number of international exercises, national tasks, and humanitarian missions. I take my hat off to the commitment and sacrifice they and their families make in accomplishing these ‘routine’ deployments.
As usual it hasn’t been all blood, sweat and tears, with the teams variously enjoying the hospitality of ports such as Newcastle, Hobart, Perth, Sydney, Townsville, Qingdao, Hong Kong, Singapore, Darwin, Brisbane, Dili, and Apia (which has just about become the home port for CANTERBURY).
At the pointy end, high explosive is what No 6 Squadron delivers best, and it has been another 100% track record with numerous Depth Charge drops and the first night firing of the Maverick missile. This shoot was successful in every respect and proved a major capability for the NZDF which, when combined with night vision goggles, gives us an enviable capability in the night.
It is with reluctance that I hand the Squadron over to CDR James Tayler next month. I have thoroughly enjoyed three years at the helm but must now finally take my turn in the ‘mahogany bomber’ (I can hardly call flying for 19 years on the trot a bad run!).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Squadron for being such a terrific team to work with, and wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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No 40 SQN Report
By WGCDR Sammy Clark (Commanding Officer No 40 Squadron)
As we near the end of 2009 No 40 Squadron can take pride in having achieved more than could otherwise be expected with limited resources. With two C-130s still in the process of being upgraded, careful planning and dedicated personnel have ensured the most efficient use of the available aircraft.
During 2009 resourceful planning between HQ JFNZ and 40 Squadron was critical to squeeze every last hour out of the aircraft on hand. The ability of the Boeing 757 to pickup some C-130 work has allowed Hercules Flight to concentrate on what they do best. Close coordination of maintenance demands, tasks, and crew training has resulted in probably the most efficient use of the aircraft we have seen yet. At a time when funding is more critical than ever and personnel are being stretched to cover a multitude of projects, innovation between HQ JFNZ and 40 Squadron personnel have demonstrated an ability to do more with less.
There have been numerous achievements by the Squadron over the year, but it has been the last minute tasks and the back-to-back operations that have placed the biggest demands. Tsunami relief in Samoa, a Medivac to the Antarctic, search and rescue in the Pacific, and unscheduled VIP flights to name a few. On top of this is the regular support we provide for all of our fixed wing transport customers. As ‘Truckies’, our primary job is providing essential airlift so you can do your core business anywhere in the world.
Of course we cannot do this alone so a big thanks to all of those units who have worked with No 40 Squadron over this year to help make it such a success. Too many to name, each of you has contributed directly to No 40 Squadron delivering the goods. Only through your backing and participation could we collectively, as an organisation, get through such a busy year.
Finally, thank you to the individual members at No 40 Squadron for your determination and for the support of your families and partners. Please pass on my sincere thanks to those at home. If we expect our personnel to sustain the same rates of effort in the year ahead, it is crucial that we remember to maintain a family-work-life balance. We are a large family that includes those not in uniform. Without the huge support from home we would struggle to do our job so well.
Thanks again to all, and have a very Merry Christmas.
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ESS Report
By WGCDR Karl Harvey (Commanding Officer ESS)
Reflecting on the Expeditionary Support Squadron’s (ESS) past 12 months, 2009 has seen excellent achievements due to outstanding efforts from the team.
The year kicked off with the Headquarter (HQ) element coming together for the first time since ESS was formed.
The new HQ building meets all expectations and the efforts of the OC’s, ADJ, CWO and Ops/Plans team have proven the concept time and again. Also, units of the Auckland Air Security and Air CIS have moved to a new working accommodation and crew room, close to the HQ.
While meeting our ongoing day-to-day operational commitments, ESS has also made a major contribution and again proven its role as a ‘Mounting Squadron’, while supporting No 3 Squadron in their Exercises—Tropic Astra in Samoa, and Steel Talon in Tekapo.
Other achievements for the Squadron in 2009 include:
- key support to the RNZAF Base Whenuapai Open Day
- increasing the Military Working Dog capability with more dogs and handlers
- restructuring of the ESS ASY C2
- improvements to Terminal infrastructure and Ground Handling Equipment
- deployment of one of the new DBFI labs to Samoa
- enhancing our relationship with the Combat Support Group, RAAF via visits and exercises
- support to Operation Tsunami Assist, and
- support to Operation Antarctica.
ESS has ‘stepped up’ and to be honest, 2009 has been a year filled with great opportunities for ESS.
I have been truly impressed and proud of everyone’s individual and collective commitment toward supporting the Squadron, our Bases, RNZAF Force Elements, and the wider NZDF.
As the Christmas break approaches, my sincere thanks to the ESS team for their achievements and efforts this year, and to their families for their ongoing support and commitment.
To the wider RNZAF, thank you for your support and on behalf of the ESS team, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
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IMSS Report
By WGCDR Brendon Pett (Commanding Officer IMSS)
For the Integrated Mission Support Squadron (IMSS), 2009 has been an incredibly busy year as we supported Force Element (FE) operations and prepared for the delivery of new capabilities.
Within the training environment, we developed and conducted the very first RNZAF Basic Air Intelligence Course, graduating our first Intelligence Specialists. Upon graduating, they were quickly inundated with work supporting real-world operations for the RNZAF and the wider NZDF.
On the software engineering front, we celebrated our first year in partnership with Beca Applied Technology (BAT) as an embedded part of IMSS. Brand new software engineering processes and procedures were developed from scratch, then tested and validated, to deliver our very first complete standalone software module for the
P-3K2 Orion.
Software Simulation Support Flight (SSSF) took delivery of the first of our new simulation devices. The A109 Virtual Interactive Part Trainer at Ohakea and the C-130 Life Extension Programme (LEP) Part Task Trainer at Whenuapai are both up and running, supporting No 3 Squadron and No 40 Squadron respectively.
Mission Support Flight (MSF) has been kept extremely busy throughout the year supporting FE’s. This included various deployments in the Middle East, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Australia, and Samoa, along with supporting various exercises within New Zealand.
The Samoa tsunami effort saw significant effort by the Intelligence team to turn around No 5 Squadron’s imagery rapidly. This culminated in over 1,100 reports being generated for distribution across a range of national and international customers. MSF has also been working alongside other Government agencies and our sister services on various operations and activities.
For IMSS it has been a huge team effort this year working alongside the FE’s, Expeditionary Support Squadron, Directorate of Aeronautical Configuration, Maintenance Wing, Joint Force HQ and almost every element of the RNZAF. We are looking forward to 2010—the delivery of the P-3K2 Orion and C-130 LEP—and furthering our range of operational support to the warfighter.
On behalf of the IMSS team, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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Flying Training Wing Report
By WGCDR Tim Evans (Commanding Officer Flying Training Wing)
2009 has been an extremely busy and productive year for Flying Training Wing (FTW). Expected outputs have been met, and there has been an underlining focus of how to do it better. Each unit has faced its own challenges, nevertheless our personnel have stepped up and found a way to continue to meet their goals.
We are striving to do our current business better—ensuring that we have safe flying practices.
Coaching methodologies, introduced at Command and Recruit Training Squadron, have been introduced at the Pilot Training School with the aim to get the best possible performance from our trainees.
Summary of FTW outputs:
- The Pilot Training Squadron (PTS) continued to train three basic pilot courses.
- No 42 Squadron provided:
- advanced pilot training
- consolidation for multi-engine pilots
- two Airman Aircrew courses, and
- output to JFNZ in the way of VIP and standard air transport,
- The Central Flying School continued to provide the RNZAF with:
- high quality flying instructors
- close relationships with the Force Elements, and instructional oversight over all RNZAF Flying Instructors.
- The Red Checkers had a fantastic season, completing 25 displays. These received some great feedback, and their value in enhancing the RNZAF’s profile and professional image should not be underestimated.
- The Survival Training Centre (STC) had an extremely busy year conducting established and new courses for numerous customers within Defence. A reorganisation now places STC as the centre of excellence for all things ‘survival’ within the NZDF.
A number of key relationships progressed this year, most significantly with Air New Zealand, Air Nelson, and our continued close relationships with the Australian and Canadian Militaries in respect to our Air Warfare Officer training, conducted offshore.
It’s been a great year—only made possible by the hard work, vision, innovation, and initiative of the FTW Squadron Commanders and its people. Thanks for all your hard work everyone, and have a well deserved Christmas and New Year break.
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Ground Training Wing Report
By WGCDR Nigel Sainsbury (Commanding Officer Ground Training Wing)
2009 has been an interesting and challenging year for Ground Training Wing (GTW).
Like everyone else in the RNZAF and NZDF, we have been acutely aware of the financial impact and constraints placed upon us by the current economic and fiscal climate.
We have focussed on how we can do our business better, smarter, and in ways that will maximise our training, minimise costs, and increase overall effectiveness and efficiency.
Inevitably, this focus and approach has resulted in a number of changes being implemented across the Wing.
Some of the changes this year include:
- Number of courses and timing
The reduction of Recruit courses from 3 to 2 this year, to better meet current needs.
- Timetable restructure
This initiative resulted in time savings and resulted in shorter course lengths.
- Implementation of timetabling/resource software applications
The implementation and use of the RNZAF Scheduler and Resource Management System applications by Training Plans have been huge enablers for Training Plans and the Wing staff.
- Introduction of new courses
A range of new and revised courses have been introduced to provide stepping stones along a development continuum for all GTW instructors and training managers.
- GTW restructure
The major reorganisation and simplification of our structure will provide a foundation to deliver training with a focus on eliminating waste and streamlining Wing throughput.
Despite all the changes that have taken place, we did manage to find time to conduct our core business of training! We delivered 165 training courses this year across the spectrum of trades and branches, and graduated some 1,520 personnel into the RNZAF.
This achievement is only possible because of the dedicated instructional and support staff within the Wing, and those units that have supported us from other Bases throughout the year.
Thank you all for your efforts and contribution to our success. I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and look forward to working with you all in the New Year.