Milestone week in the History of the RNZAF

The 25th June 2007 marked a significant day not only for the three graduates of Orion Conversion Course 06/1, but for the Air Force as a whole. On this day the last three Air Electronic Operators (AEOPs) graduates - Corporal (CPL) Rebecca Wilkins, and CPL Maria Captein, and Sergeant (SGT) Richard Milne - were awarded their brevets.

CPL Captein was also awarded the Clark-Hall trophy for achieving the highest aggregate marks on the basic AEOP course.

Right image: AEOPs tradesmen in front of P3 Orion, prior to the formation of the new Air Warfare trade.

Left image: Nav trademen in front of P3 Orion, prior to the formation of the new Air Warfare trade including CO 5 SQN WGCDR Cudby and ACC AIRCDR Peter Stockwell.

CPL Captein and CPL Wilkins both enlisted in the RNZAF on the 17th January 2006 and commenced training as AEOPs on No.5 Squadron in August 2006. Both CPLs are really looking forward to going away with their crews and putting what they have learnt so far to use.

SGT Milne remustered from Aircraft Mechanic to AEOP. He has spent time at No.14 Squadron, Maintenance Support Squadron and working on the Orions before he thought he would try his hand at operating them.

These three graduates made it as AEOP’s by 5 days before the new Air Warfare (AW) trade took over on the 1st July.

The Air Force hasn’t seen a change of trade this significant since the 60’s when the AEOP trade was first formed to recognise the different aircrew roles.

This Air Warfare trade change was marked by a function held on the 28th June 2007 at the Hobsonville Sunderland Lounge. The function was attended by past and present Navigator’s and AEOP’s from 5 and 40 Squadron including senior Navigator Air Component Commander (ACC) Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Stockwell, both current Commanding Officers, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Cudby (No.5 Squadron) and WGCDR McEvoy (40 Squadron), and senior AEO WGCDR Bosch (Director of Air Force Safety and Health).

Right image: AEOP and Nav tradesmen in front of P3 Orion, prior to the formation of the new Air Warfare trade.

Many stories were told, past times remembered by looking back through photo boards and the new AW brevet was officially presented to ACC and blessed by the Base Chaplain. The new brevets were marched in accompanied by two Maori warriors, to signify the fighting ethos of No.5 and No. 40 Squadrons.

Although all past Navigator’s and AEOPs can proudly look back on where we have come from, and respect the brevet we were awarded, we are now looking forward to the future as Air Warfare Officer’s or Air Warfare Specialists.