Expeditionary Support Squadron
ESS Change of Command
Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Darryl Cockroft was farewelled on 16 June 2010 from Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS), where he had served as the Officer Commanding of Air Communication & Information Systems (OC Air CIS) since 2001, when the Squadron was formally known as Operational Support Squadron.
Outstanding contribution
During his ‘extended’ tour to ESS, SQNLDR Cockroft:
- completed an operational posting to Afghanistan
- attended Senior Staff Course at the NZDF Command and Staff Collage
- carried out the Lead-planner role for various NZDF deployments, as well as
- performing the normal daily role of OC Air CIS across a very geographically dispersed flight.
In recognition of his dedication to duty and outstanding contributions towards the Squadron and Military Air Operations, SQNLDR Cockroft was awarded the Commanding Officer Expeditionary Support Squadron’s Commendation. Wing Commander Karl Harvey (COESS) spoke of SQNLDR Cockcroft’s sound leadership, mature judgement, effective decision making, as well as his outstanding initiative and commitment to duty. WGCDR Harvey also highlighted that SQNLDR Cockroft continually endeavoured to improve the effectiveness of his Flight and the entire Squadron, encouraging innovation and a drive to succeed at all levels. WGCDR Cockroft is now on another operational tour and has handed over the role of OC Air CIS to SQNLDR Brent Bryers.
ESS Command Conference 2010
Commanding Officer Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS), Wing Commander Karl Harvey recently hosted a Command Conference at Base Auckland to bring together senior leaders from within the Squadron—no mean feat given the Expeditionary Support Squadron’s (ESS) wide geographical dispersal of units throughout New Zealand.
ESS senior leadership team
The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Safety and continuing to shape ESS in order to meet Military Air Operations’.
During his opening address, WGCDR Harvey acknowledged the Squadron’s high work rate and excellent achievements and encouraged the attendees to take time to ‘”sharpen the saw” during the conference. He also urged those present to continue demonstrating strong leadership, with credibility and loyalty being key elements at all levels.
The Conference provided a full programme, with presenters providing both an update from their particular area, as well as highlighting opportunities to further enhance their interoperability for and with ESS. Presenters included personnel from:
- 485 Wing Headquarters
- Operational Support Wing
- No. 5 SQN
- Directorate of Air Safety and Health
- No. 40 SQN
- Directorate of Career Management
- Materiel Support Wing
- Integrated Mission Support SQN
The passion shown by many presenters generated much discussion and, as a direct result, a number of positive outcomes and action points were highlighted. The Conference was a success and ESS extends their heartfelt thanks to all involved.