RNZAF woman of note retires—GPCAPT Cox
The retirement of Group Captain Mary Cox was marked by a Dining In event, held at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea on 24 February 2010.
GPCAPT Cox completed 37 years in the RNZAF; commencing in 1970 as a Clerical Typist in the Women’s RNZAF. After an initial engagement of three years, followed by four years of travelling overseas, GPCAPT Cox re-enlisted in 1978 as a Pilot Officer in the Secretarial Branch.
GPCAPT Cox’s career saw her serving at RNZAF Bases Wigram, Auckland and Ohakea, as well as a two year posting to Singapore. One of her most memorable contributions to Ohakea was decorating the Officers Mess in pink—a sight that will never be forgotten!
Highlights of her career included a tour as the Manager of Scott Base Antarctica in 1992 and an operational tour to Bougainville in 1998 where she was the Women’s Co-ordinator.
In a series of ‘firsts’ for women within the RNZAF, GPCAPT Cox was the first to be appointed to the rank of GPCAPT (2001) and also to serve in the capacity of Defence Advisor/Attache to Malaysia and the Philippines. GPCAPT Cox was recently awarded the Outstanding Achievement Medal by the Secretary of National Defence (Philippines) for her efforts in enhancing military relations.
The RNZAF extends GPCAPT Cox the warmest wishes for her future endeavours.