Trade Trophies
By W/O David Arnst
GPCAPT Andy Woods presents the Best Avionics Tradesperson 2007 trophy to CPL Paul Deighton. (OH-08-0346-04).
On 25 February 1995 three trophies were presented to recognise and reward deserving technical trades people serving at RNZAF Base Ohakea. The trophies marked the 25th Silver Jubilee of the introduction of the McDonnell–Douglas Skyhawk into the RNZAF. In 2001, Safe Air Ltd presented a similar trophy for Supply personnel.
Litton Trophy
The Litton Trophy was presented by the Litton Aircraft Corporation to recognise and reward outstanding technical merit, dedication and/or personal qualities by an Avionics Trade Technician.
This year, the Litton Trophy is awarded to CPL Paul Deighton.
While working at No.3 Squadron as a LAC, CPL Deighton demonstrated an excellent level of technical ability in his understanding of the Iroquois and Sioux helicopter avionics systems. He was proactive in his out-of-trade work on airframe and engine systems, gaining authorisations to carry out a number of Iroquois daily servicing blocks relieving work pressure on Aircraft Trade personnel.
CPL Deighton’s standout contribution has been his commitment to the success of No. 3 Squadron’s detachment in East Timor’s Dili where he played a large role in the initial setup of the 3 Squadron hangar facilities.
His adaptability and responsibility while working in difficult conditions are exemplary. For these reasons, he is awarded the Litton Trophy for 2007.
Pratt & Whitney Trophy
The Pratt and Whitney Trophy was presented by the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Corporation to recognise and reward outstanding technical merit, dedication and/or personal qualities by an Aircraft Trade Technician.
GPCAPT Andy Woods presents the Best Supply Tradesperson 2007 trophy to LAC Mel Barkla. (OH-08-0346-07).
This year, the Pratt and Whitney Trophy is awarded to CPL Luke Elliot.
CPL Elliott has been employed in the Maintenance Support Squadron Rotary Bay. Frequent AOG demands that have been placed upon the Bay have required a proactive and dedicated approach. His attention to detail has ensured correct work and safety procedures are followed by his subordinates and he has dealt with tasks and problems in a logical, mature and responsible manner.
CPL Elliott has a strong interest in serving the RNZAF; he is currently an Anti-Harassment Advisor, volunteered to be the Ohakea Quarter Guard Commander and willingly assisted with recruiting expos. He has recently started study towards an NZDE through the diploma scheme.
CPL Elliott’s inspirational leadership and can do attitude is a fine example and inspiration to his peers. For these reasons, he is awarded the Pratt & Whitney Trophy for 2007.
Unicorn Trophy
The Unicorn Trophy was presented by Unicorn International Pty Ltd for Charter Industries of Singapore to recognise and reward outstanding technical merit, dedication and/or personal qualities by an Armament Trade Technician.
This year, the Unicorn Trophy is awarded to CPL Jason Hyland.
CPL Hyland has been employed in the Armament Technical Support Cell processing and monitoring aeronautical and ground Armament technical issues. He has demonstrated in-depth understanding of procedures and an ability to devise improvement while maintaining relationships in a professional manner.
Corporal Hyland’s personal qualities, trade knowledge and dedication to duty are above those that would normally be expected of a Corporal, and have been of great value during a time of major work, when there was limited manpower, low experience levels, and demanding technical issues.
Corporal Hyland’s overall performance is a credit to him and he is an example for his subordinates to follow. For these reasons, he is awarded the Unicorn Trophy for 2007.
Safe Air Trophy
The SAFE Air Trophy was presented by Safe Air Ltd to recognise and reward outstanding technical merit, dedication and/or personal qualities by a Supply tradesperson.
WGCDR Vern Crabtree makes the presentation of CO Materiel Support Wing Commendation to LAC Joanne Harrison. (OH-08-0346-10).
This year, the SAFE Air Trophy is awarded to LAC Mel Barkla.
During 2007 LAC Barkla has been employed in a number of posts within the key area of Supply Chain Management Squadron where she continually demonstrated an excellent level of trade knowledge and adaptability.
She first worked in the Material Master Data Team ensuring personnel involved in the new itemised process were aware that their actions post Project JEMS became the teams standard operating procedure.
Currently, LAC Barkla is employed as the aero buyer for the Iroquois and Sioux fleet where she acts as the conduit between internal and external stakeholders in the purchasing of new aeronautical equipment from the Australasian and US market. LAC Barkla is a competent and ambitious worker who maintains high standards.
Her enthusiasm and dedication has made her an extremely valued member of the Supply Trade. For these reasons, LAC Barkla is awarded the SAFE Air Trophy for 2007.
This year the Litton and Safe Air Trophies were presented by Commander Logistics Group, GPCAPT Andy Woods on 29 May. The Unicorn Trophy will be officially presented to Cpl Elliot at Auckland in July and the Unicorn Trophy will be presented to CPL Hyland on his return from Timor Leste.
CO Materiel Support Wing Commendation
On 29 May COMSW WGCDR Vern Crabtree presented a Commanding Officer Commendation to LAC Jo Harrison in recognition of her hard work and diligent efforts during periods of considerable change for the SCM IRO/SIO team that has ensured the highest possible support for 3 SQN and instilled confidence in Supply support on RNZAF Ohakea. LAC Harrison is a quiet achiever, who prefers to ‘get on with the job’ rather than talk about it, she exemplifies the RNZAF adage of ‘walking the talk’.
In acknowledgement of her personal enthusiasm for challenging herself to perform at a level beyond her rank, and in raising the professional profile of Supply activities on Ohakea, LAC Harrison was awarded a CO Materiel Support Wing Commendation.