Commendations

CAF Unit Presentation

No 17 (City of Christchurch) ATC Squadron was recently awarded a CAF Unit Commendation by AVM Graham Lintott. AVM Lintott inspected the unit and presented the prizes at its final parade for 2007. He was accompanied by WOAF, W/O Keith Gell. This was the first ever presentation of a CAF Unit Commendation and to have the first one ever presented to an ATC Squadron is quite an accomplishment. This award is recognition of the achievements of No 17 Sqn, which has operated at the highest levels for some time, having held the ATC National Efficiency trophy for the past five years and coming a close second to No 30 (Hobsonville) ATC Squadron in 2007. Following is an account of the presentation from the newest officer at No. 17 Sqn, A/PLTOFF Kendyl O’Regan:

After a busy 2007, No. 17 Squadron, City of Christchurch, Air Training Corps were thrilled to be awarded the first ever Chief of Air Force Unit Commendation on our final parade for the year. The CAF Unit Commendation is awarded to those units (Regular Force and Cadet Force) that show outstanding zeal, teamwork, professionalism and devotion to duty.

No. 17 Squadron is one of the largest in the country. We regularly recruit a significant number of new cadets each year and more importantly, are able to maintain a high percentage of attendance throughout the year. We have a volunteer staff of about eight Commissioned Officers, and 20 Non-Commissioned Officers whose enthusiasm and dedication have greatly contributed to the overall success of the unit and receipt of the Commendation.

For the past five years running (prior to the 2007 judging), No. 17 Squadron has been judged the most efficient ATC unit in the country, a feat never previously achieved by any unit.

The Cadets participate in a three year training programme which includes drill, aviation studies, leadership, bushcraft, community service, first aid, RATEL procedures and general service knowledge. The Unit holds training camps, tramps and activities regularly throughout the year with the intention of encouraging the Cadets to use the skills they have learnt, interact positively in the community and (not to be overlooked), have fun.

Many of the ATC Cadets will then move on to the Air Force, with two from No. 17 Squadron entering in the first intake for 2008.

The Officers and Cadets of No. 17 Squadron greatly appreciate the huge honour and recognition that we have received and would like to thank our Parent Support Committee and the Southern Area Office of New Zealand Cadet Forces for their continued support and assistance, and look forward to a successful 2008.

On Tuesday 18 December 2007 at Defence House in Wellington Chief of Air Force AVM Graham Lintott presented the following personnel with awards as listed (L-R):

Image right: SQNLDR Peter Rowe (Clasp to the NZ Armed Forces Award); SQNLDR Chris Moody (NZ Armed Forces Award); W/O Dennis Moratti (Clasp to the RNZAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal); SQNLDR Jennifer Atkinson (NZ Operational Service Medal); F/S Virgil Clair (NZ Operational Service Medal, NZ General Service Medal [Afghanistan] Primary); SQNLDR Owen Clarke (Chief of Air Force Commendation). OH-07-0861-43-tn.jpg.