End of Year Reports 2008
HQ JFNZ Report
AIRCDRE Gavin Howse
AIRCDRE Gavin Howse, Air Component Commander
While 2008 seems to have come and, is nearly, gone without consciously being aware, a cursory glance reveals that what has been achieved collectively by our operational units is quite startling. Commitment, teamwork and quiet achievement, have been helping pave the way ahead for the transitions to our new and updated aircraft, and have been the hallmarks of each of our Force Elements in 2008.
Priority setting and balance, throughout 2008, have ensured that the flying tasks have been achieved. This has meant some long hours and hard work behind the scenes for the maintenance flights, IMSS and ESS, the wider logistics engine, and those remote from our flight lines. One just needs to look at the variety and tempo of our operations from helicopters in Timor Leste, P3 surveillance in the EEZ and into the Asia-Pacific region, helicopter support to Te Mana on her Middle East tour of duty, and our air transport fleet supporting our overseas missions and exercises, to understand why some of our personnel are rarely home.
Flying operations are what the RNZAF is about, but it has been a challenge with some of our aircraft away on upgrade projects. Thank you for the flexibility and ‘can do’ approach of our Squadrons and support teams – they have grown to be our competitive advantage over others.
I acknowledge to the many Air Force personnel in HQ JFNZ and 485 Wing who are seemingly hidden from view, yet plan, review, adjust, support and monitor all that we do. It’s a team game and I know that all in the RNZAF should reflect with pride on the personal and collective contributions willingly made to get aircraft into the air – directly or indirectly.
The Christmas break has been earned, and is a time to reflect, recharge and share some time with those that energise us and support what we love to do. Have a relaxed Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year, so we can do it all over again!
HQ 485 Wing Report
GPCAPT Edward Poot
GPCAPT Edward Poot, Officer Commanding 485 Wing
If there is one single event that stands out in 2008 for HQ 485 Wing, it is the return of the first B757 and the completion of its Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E). While HQ 485 Wing provided support to the project team in Alabama, it took the lead role once the aircraft returned to Whenuapai. The planning of the B7571 OT&E needed to ensure that all the issues, that it arrived back in the country with, were addressed. What impressed most was how the RNZAF team came together to implement the plan and enable the conclusion of OT&E flying within a month. This was an Air Force wide effort. Those involved crossed the range of operational, logistic and support disciplines and included those on No 40 Squadron, the Wing HQ, JFNZ, Airmovers, Air CIS, the DLC, and the list goes on. We have learnt a lot during this process, and will be much better placed to conduct C-130 and subsequent OT&Es in 2009.
The Directorate of Air Force Safety and Health (DASH) have also been very busy this year. Their work covers aviation safety, occupational safety, health and hygiene, environmental health and assessment and education. Big wins this year include the completion of the working at heights assessment for No 6 Squadron and the purchase of safety stands, which will be in use from the New Year. Equally, preventing hearing damage to our personnel has been another priority. This year, DASH initiated a comprehensive noise education, assessment and management programme, to cover all RNZAF workplaces. The results should translate into better awareness, and changes in workplace practice and equipment that will better protect our people. The Squadron reports will speak for themselves, but behind the scenes the Wing has helped with their airworthiness and getting the resources needed to make their operations possible. Steady progress has been made with aircraft modifications, and with our efforts to maintain operational standards through audits and day-to-day support to the Force Elements.
I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a great crew, both in the HQ and across the Wing. We in the Wing are all looking forward to the Christmas break, before taking on the challenges that lie ahead in 2009. Our thanks go out to the rest of the RNZAF for your support that makes our Air Force operations possible. Without your efforts our work would not be possible. Have a happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
LG Report
GPCAPT Andy Woods
GPCAPT Andy Woods, Commander Logistics Group
2008 has, once again, been a very busy year for the Logistics Group. Preparing for the arrival of new and upgraded aircraft, at the same time as managing the fleet in an environment of tightening resources and a constant high operating tempo, has been challenging. Nonetheless, the Logistics Group has had a productive year. One of the highlights, was the successful completion of Special Flight Permits for the upgraded C-130 and B757 aircraft, enabling them to commence their acceptance test flying and, subsequently, for the B7571 to pass through its operational test and evaluation, and move into service.
Certainly, the return of the first of the upgraded aircraft has been a high profile focus of our efforts this year, but Logistics Group has been active right across our Air Force. Here’s a sample:
Airworthiness Certification Management Boards for the C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orion aircraft were conducted, as part of the ongoing scheduled ACMB process that sees all aircraft types reviewed in turn. The Directorate of Aeronautical Configuration (DAC) has reviewed numerous airworthiness directives, service bulletins, and service letters for applicability to RNZAF fleets, and issued Special Maintenance Instructions (as applicable), to ensure the RNZAF’s fleet is maintained to the highest possible safety configuration. In addition to this work, 39 modifications, both technical and capability, have been completed; and 1,338 publication amendments, 80 new publications, and 81 new RNZAF drawings have also been developed.
Maintenance Wing and DAC have worked hard together to ensure the day-to-day operations of the RNZAF have been conducted in an efficient and effective manner. Highlights include the development of a new machine gun mount for the MAG 58 machine gun for use on the UH-1H Iroquois and SH-2G(NZ) Seasprite aircraft – the latter in time for RNZN deployed operations in the Gulf of Arabia – and the design and manufacture of the T56 engine transport stand for the B757.
Safety and Surface personnel have:
- supported in excess of 750 parachute jumps for the Special Air Service Group and Parachute Training Support Unit
- supported 33 wet drill courses, and
- prepared and painted over 145 items of equipment.
Maintenance Wing personnel have:
- prepared 18 T56 engines
- prepared 30 propellers
- prepared 11 Auxiliary Power Units
- replaced 14 rotary gearboxes, and
- serviced over 100 wheel assemblies.
Ground Support Equipment technicians maintained over 1,150 items of Ground Support Equipment, ranging from aircraft jacks to specialist vehicles.
Armament personnel provided support to No. 5 Squadron for a torpedo exercise in support of the RNZN Principal Warfare Officer course, as well as a high explosive bombing camp. Armourers also provided support to OP Teal and OP Psi Maru.
The Business Software Solutions Applications and Services (SAP) Air Support Unit have:
- closed out 166 change requests
- actioned 450 monthly help desk requests
- conducted 45 SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) and Materiels Master (MM) training courses
- developed 11 business intelligence report data sets, and
- scripted and released, to users, 40 Business Intelligence Reports.
The Logistics Management and Training Centre (LMTC) have continued to balance logistics personnel requirements across all Force Element Groups, as well as Logistics Group units, to provide, given resource constraints, the best balance possible. They have also provided input to the LTDP projects to ensure that adequate training is provided to personnel in preparation for the arrival of the new and upgraded aircraft.
Logistics Group has provided subject matter experts to the new fuel tanker project, from project specification definition and modification, through to delivery and acceptance in October. Additionally, ten aviation refuellers were deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan, Sinai, and Timor Leste.
Materiel Support Wing has worked hard in support of flying operations, with Supply Chain Management Squadron personnel averaging over 100 transactions per person per day. Fleet Planning Unit planned and provisioned for a total of five Group, two C-Check, three A-check, and 40 Phase servicing on RNZAF fleet aircraft. Our Retained Expertise personnel embedded within Safe Air NZ Ltd contributed to seven Group and seven Phase servicing.
From a training perspective, the structure and provision of Supply Officer Training and succession planning, has been overhauled. As a result, the Supply Officers will be better prepared to support air operations. The first revised Junior Supply Officer Course will be run in January 2009. Similarly, a review of Engineer Officer training is also underway, to ensure that personnel are prepared to meet the challenges associated as a result of the new and upgraded aircraft entering service.
Moving back to the LTDP highlights of the year, the Directorate of Logistics Capability has performed extensively, from supporting the MoD Resident Project Teams and Directorate of Air Force Capability from the development of special flight permits, acceptance test programmes and operational test and evaluation programmes for the B757 and C-130 aircraft; to identifying and developing through life support options for the P-3K2 Orion aircraft and NH-90 and A109 helicopter platforms in preparation for their introduction into service. Team Logistics can be proud of what has been achieved in 2008 and I personally thank you and your families for your continued support and hard work throughout the year. What you do every day does make a difference, and I don’t believe I could find a better team of people to work with – professional, committed, pragmatic, and always with a sense of humour!
It is now time to be with family and friends. Forget about work for a while and just relax. Reflect on the year that has been and recharge the batteries for the year to come. If you think we were busy this year, then 2009 looks even busier! The upgraded C-130 and P-3K2 aircraft are due to return to New Zealand and the NH-90 and A-109 helicopters will be that much closer to being in service.
There are plenty of challenges ahead for us, but for me the challenges are just opportunities for us to continue building and improving our Air Force. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Operational Support Group Report
GPCAPT Shaun Clarke
GPCAPT Shaun Clarke, Commander Operational Support Group
By the end of 2008, the Operational Support Group (OSG) will be almost two years old. We are that unified command covering the wide range of specialised teams – 25 vital enabling functions – needed to provide operational support for air operations, as distinct from training or logistics support.
2008 has been a big year for us. In terms of ‘business as usual’ we upheld our annual rate of delivering or facilitating the following:
- 551,447 meals under contract (plus 19,080 in-flight meals)
- 405 Rescue/Fire callouts including 57 aircraft accidents or emergencies; 92,505 Air Traffic movements
- six major NAVAID systems
- 2,933 NZDF photographic tasks involving 44,817 registered images
- 240 VESA students
- 19,600 recreational library book loans (WP and OH alone)
- over 40,800 individual fitness centre visits
- 2177 vaccinations and 1781 medical boards
- $26.9 million (operating) of infrastructure works (in partnership with JLSO), and so on and so on.
Perhaps the most important achievements though, were in growth and development. For the Strategic Plan we:
- released a Performance Based Contract for future joint Hospitality Services (to include Army) for tender
- formulated three complete security solutions for the Bases (WP trials are proving successful, and both WP and OH personnel will see perimeter fences going up when they get back from Christmas leave)
- developed the very first RNZAF 10-year Infrastructure Plan; completed background work for improved RNZAF Childcare services
- established the ‘Air to There’ OH-WB air service, and
- took the RNZAF’s ‘Ohakea Visitors Centre’ to its next phase with multiple stakeholders.
Next year’s looking exciting too. Besides those projects mentioned above, the ‘big rocks’ scheduled for closure include:
- the purchase of five new fire appliances and four new ambulances (all now funded)
- a trial Childcare Centre at OH
- the completed regeneration of the RNZAF’s medical capability, and
- the complete redesign of PERSADMIN service delivery (well underway).
The people of OSG, through three OSWs, have been proud to serve you in 2008. We hope you have a great break and come back safely for more next year.
No. 3 SQN Report
WGCDR Ian MacPherson
WGCDR Ian MacPherson, Commanding Officer No. 3 Squadron
Usually, No. 3 Squadron is ramping up for Steel Talon in the pre-Christmas period, but this year is different. We currently have 30 of our personnel busy packing up TG MANU and preparing to come home next week, and another 77 personnel, and four Hueys, are in the field north of Townsville participating in Exercise Swift Eagle. While all this is happening, we continue to train and cover our commitments here at Ohakea – quite an achievement!
This past year has been another busy one. SAREX’s and Police tasking dominated the summer season, followed closely by Warbirds Over Wanaka. Immediately after Easter, we deployed two Huey’s on HMNZS Canterbury, to participate in Exercise Croix du Sud, in New Caledonia. The work that went into deploying these two helicopters on board NMNZS Canterbury cannot be understated and our contribution to the exercise was significant, not to mention enjoyable, for the lucky participants.
The winter months were also packed full, with two weeks of Exercise Pekapeka, consolidating night flying skills, and Exercise Blackbird, based out of Dip Flat, honing the mountain flying techniques. The final exercise for the year is Swift Eagle, based out of Townsville, which is the first time in over 10 years that No. 3 Squadron has participated in an exercise of this size and complexity. And it’s the first time we’ve deployed four aircraft at once in a RAAF C-17!
Between all these exercises and TG MANU, No. 3 Squadron continues to support our normal customers – NZ Army, SAS, Police, DOC and more – as well as running back-to-back courses for the endless new arrivals of aircrew and ground trades.
It’s been my honour to command No. 3 Squadron over the past two and half years. My thanks go to everyone involved (not just on the Squadron) over that period, and especially for your contribution during 2008. Have a great holiday - CO3.
No. 5 SQN Report
WGCDR Andrew Clark
WGCDR Andrew Clark, Commanding Officer No. 5 Squadron
2008 has been a year of further evolution for No. 5 Squadron. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance – ISR as it is known – is in greater demand everywhere. For today’s operations, everyone wants to see more, know more, and react faster, be they commander or corporal. This makes the Orion their new best friend.
For No. 5 Squadron, that means we’ve continued to adapt our operations to support a broader range of agencies – both military and civilian – in both the maritime and overland environments. It’s new, it’s fun, and it’s challenging.
Throughout 2008, we supported more forces and Government agencies in new ways, and our readiness training exercises have also been evolving to keep pace. This included Joint Warrior in the UK, Maple Guardian in Canada and Swift Eagle in Australia, in addition to other more traditional exercises in the region and in South East Asia.
Amongst all of these developments we still kept our eye on the oceans: No. 5 Squadron maintained its commitment to EEZ, South Pacific and Southern Ocean surveillance, as well as maintaining a 24/7 Search and Rescue response. We also stepped in to get the Prime Minister to Tonga, and to help out with a no-notice dash to Antarctica.
Not all of the travel was one way. We hosted visits from French surveillance aircraft, and the first ever visit from two Japanese P-3s. We also made good use of a visit by the Australian submarine, HMAS Rankin.
Looking ahead to next year, the No. 5 Squadron evolution will continue with greater demand, more diverse environments, and a broadening range of tasks. The first upgraded P-3K2 should fly in Texas and return home to us. Meanwhile, we will continue to grow our personnel and adapt our ISR tactics.
But before we take on 2009, No. 5 Squadron will be taking some time to enjoy the Christmas break. We’d like to thank the rest of the RNZAF for all of your support this year and for making all of our operations possible. Merry Christmas to all – we hope you enjoy your own break and we look forward to working with you again next year.
No. 6 SQN Report
CDR J.S. Haggitt
CDR J.S. Haggitt, CO No. 6 Squadron
I might be biased, but 2008 was highly successful for No. 6 Squadron. The year dawned though with some pretty big challenges. Fundamentally, we faced the considerable task of digging our way out of a major phase servicing debt and, at the same time, setting ourselves the goal of raising the standard toward higher excellence in tradesmanship. As it turned out, the two were symbiotic and, with a little outside help to offset stretched manpower, some cash injection and with full support of MWG and MSW, we are now staring down the reality of having all five Sprites off scheduled maintenance by the end of the year and with a healthy stagger to boot.
The Squadron has kept the heat on our raison d’etre too of course with Te Kaha, Te Mana and Canterbury Flights enjoying significant success and international recognition afloat. In the case of Te Mana, the six month deployment to the Arabian Gulf was particularly noteworthy for its almost faultless serviceability (you make your own luck) in an extremely hostile climate (you try frying an egg on the flight deck). It’s not all blood, sweat and tears though with No. 6 Squadron personnel variously enjoying the fruits of exotic ports of call such as Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Mumbai, Noumea, Kemaman, Singapore, Sydney, Queenstown, Port Fitzroy, Kawau and the odd Sunday Sesh at Cottersloe Beach.
Other highlights included the introduction of the Mag58 gun, flight trial of a potential replacement EO turret, and the satisfaction of the big Woosh-Bang with a Warshot Maverick coming off the rails for the first time.
Of course, we couldn’t have enjoyed these successes without the considerable support of units from right across the NZDF which have helped us achieve these results this year. In particular, FPU, DTA, TS Arm, SCMS, MSS (Skin Bay and Machine Shop), IMSS, LMTC and HQ485WG. Also, all you behind the scenes guys like admin, medical, MT and Base Ops – to name a few – we really appreciate what you do for us. Have a Merry Christmas everyone.
No. 40 SQN Report
WGCDR Darryn Webb
WGCDR Darryn Webb, Commanding Officer No. 40 Squadron
The 2008 landscape here at No. 40 Squadron has been dominated by the Fixed Wing Transport project work. The arrival of 7571 home in August signalled the conclusion of an extensive upgrade and the commencement of rigorous validation work to an optimistic schedule, with high expectations. The signing of the Special Type Certificate is an acknowledgement of the outstanding contribution made by many quarters of the RNZAF, but in particular, by No. 40 Squadron’s Boeing Flight Commander SQNLDR Dicko Beaton, and ALM leader W/O Scotty Harding. I know the arrival home of 7572 is keenly anticipated, and Boeing Flight is poised ready to deliver airlift with unprecedented levels of utility and reach.
Not to be outdone, the ubiquitous C-130 has soldiered on, meeting directed tasks and readiness training throughout the year. Having two of the five aircraft under refit has proved extremely challenging.
However, I have been both proud and amazed at the results produced from SQNLDR Pete Franken’s industrious maintenance team. Support has been provided to Operations Crib, Manu, Gyro, Rata and Antarctica, as well as key Unit activities such as Maple Flag, AATTC, Skytrain and Tacex – not to mention many others.
The training wheel has also continued unabated, with special mention made to the tireless Training Officer SQNLDR Andy Scott in generating ongoing personnel capability.
Somewhere in between all that tasking, the Unit also found time to support those less fortunate than ourselves. Under the guidance of the outgoing CO WGCDR (now GPCAPT) McEvoy, No. 40 Squadron has become involved with a wide range of youth support activities, that have proven to be as rewarding for us as for them.
As you can read above, no airlift operations would have been achievable without a superb team; operating at work and supported at home, and for that I say thank you. Like you, I am ready for a Xmas recharge and all of us at No. 40 Squadron look forward to being part of your plans in 2009.
Ki Nga Hau Eh Wha.
To The Four Winds.
Expeditionary Support Squadron Report
WGCDR Tony Millsom
WGCDR Tony Millsom, Commanding Officer Expeditionary Support Squadron
As 2008 draws to a close, it is time to reflect, once again, on the Expeditionary Support Squadron’s (ESS) busy year. While there may be some aircraft away being upgraded, the pace of our outputs has not slackened. All personnel on each of the flights – Air Security, Air Communications Information System (CIS) and Air Movements, along with the aviation refuellers we have deployed – have worked hard in support this year. They served virtually everywhere that the Force Elements deployed, and successfully enabled expeditionary air operations. In addition, many personnel have faced extra challenges with the Operational Testing and Evaluation on the B7571, and a myriad of other capability projects including Weapons Replacement and Upgrade projects, CIS infrastructure projects, and load trials on varying equipment.
As we look forward to the future RNZAF upgraded aircraft capabilities, ESS has continued to build its own capability to provide support.
This year we:
- completed the Light Operational Vehicle project within Air CIS
- completed two Deployable Bulk Fuel Installation Capability Projects, including the introduction to service of the new fuel labs and, for the first time in-country, lab training for RNZAF personnel
- completed the first instalment of the Expeditionary Pack Up Project
- consolidated Auckland elements into an ESS ‘Hub’ with HQ elements and two of the sections co-located, and
- introduced the refurbished and modified Tactical Air Support Loading Unit fleet into service to support the modified B7571.
On 5 December 2008, WGCDR Karl Harvey will have been welcomed to the team and taken over the CO’s chair. So, this is my last chance to thank all ESS personnel, their families and our supporters, for their hard work, not only this year, but also since I have been CO.
Thanks Team – it has been a distinct honour and pleasure! On behalf of ESS, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Training Group HQ Report
GPCAPT Greg Elliot
GPCAPT Greg Elliot, Commander Training Group
Training Group Headquarters (TGHQ) has had another busy year, with four priorities under the Strategic Plan – RNZAF growth, modernisation, effectiveness and efficiency. Training numbers have all been up as the RNZAF has surged to grow.
Ground Training Wing (GTW) put through 1,200 students this year, with daily numbers reaching over 350. Pilot courses have broken records with the largest ever Kingair course, and the highest monthly hours ever flown by the CT4 (650). To top it off, Training Group also received the ATTTO Aviation Industry ‘Outstanding Achievement’ Award for excellence in workplace training. A transformation has been underway at GTW with the Training Aid Replacement Programme (TARP) project seeing significant investment in training aids, simulation, new airframes, and engines, soon to come.
The pilots course has begun conversion to Computer Based Training, and the Kingair replacement project is out to tender. CRTS have implemented the new IOTC officer course and follow-up intermediate modules, thereby completing the new ‘Air PMD’ leadership framework that started with SNCO courses two years ago.
TGHQ has continued to work with industry training organisations to recognise RNZAF training courses, and our people have now begun to receive National Certificates across a range of technical trades and NZIM credits for professional development (SNCO) courses.
TGHQ has been busy reviewing the HQ structure, supporting training design for the IIS programme (particularly the P3 and NH90), while investigating a range of initiatives to streamline more efficient training through reducing course lengths or leveraging technology.
Strategic dialogue has continued with Air NZ, NMIT and others under the DTP. Expect to see a pilot secondment initiative with the airlines in the new year.
I thank all of Training Group and the many RNZAF personnel who have contributed to successful training outcomes during this very busy year. Look after yourselves over the Christmas break and arrive refreshed for the New Year as we continue to surge training numbers, introduce new technologies and establish the RNZAF’s reputation for ‘leading edge’ training in the NZ aviation sector.
Flying Training Wing Report
WGCDR Paul Stockley
WGCDR Paul Stockley, Commanding Officer Flying Training Wing
The Flying Training Wing (FTW) has, once again, happily met its targets. Throughout 2008 our achievements included:
- an increased percentage of student graduates
- many exercises and operations both conducted and supported
- technologies introduced and implemented
- increased involvement within the wider aviation community
- partnerships fostered
- increased numbers and audiences of flying displays, and
- record flying hours being flown - just to name a few of the many successes this year.
To be honest, the statistics from all of the FTW units – Central Flying School, Pilot Training Squadron, No. 42 Squadron, Survival School and the offshore AWO elements in Australia and Canada – are pretty impressive.
However, statistics alone don’t tell the real story of the wing over the year. Behind the statistics are the:
- challenges that wing personnel have to overcome on a daily basis
- long hours accepted as par for the course
- understanding and support of family members
- motivation, enthusiasm and optimism that prevail
- pro-active natures of all the units within FTW, and
- levels of initiative, competency, hard work, ethos, commitment and sheer dedication of all the individuals.
The on-going drive and desire by these Units to achieve more, with the same resources – often actually achieving more with less – is astounding.
I believe FTW has attained high levels of success this year, and will continue to do so in the even busier year to come, solely through the widespread excellence of our people, all of whom deserve credit.
Ground Training Wing Report
WGCDR Carol Abraham
WGCDR Carol Abraham, Commanding Officer Ground Training Wing
Ground Training Wing (GTW) has had a year of ‘good problems’, in the form of ever increasing intakes at Command and Recruit Training Squadron (CRTS) and the flow-on into trade training Squadrons ATS, ETS and STS. It has been a year of innovation in the classroom, field and barracks, as new classroom-based technology has been embraced across the wing and a change in culture takes hold. Fantastic solutions have been developed in-house for electrical rigs, glass cockpit trainers, recruiting displays – you name it – innovative people in GTW have built it or made it better.
The other stream has been the coaching methodology, introduced by F/S Si Lamb, which, combined with Phil Bedford’s ‘treat people well’ culture initiative and a strategy of trainee self-responsibility at CRTS, has captured the imagination of instructors,. Through inclusion in IT courses, ‘coaching’ is gradually making its presence felt more widely. A structured system of professional development for instructors will be a key focus for 2009. Elsewhere, there are tailored solutions every day to get individuals trained (and retrained) to meet workplace needs.
Staff have participated in conferences and courses at home and abroad, with tangible benefits for the unit. New courses have been developed and run under pressure and, sometimes, in incredibly short timeframes. This years’ roundup would also not be complete without a mention of the fantastic work being done by the Training Aid Replacement Programme (TARP) project team and Air Staff! New training aids are arriving, new ways of training are being devised, and the ground-training aircraft element is out to tender.
As we close the year, there is a shift in thinking from effectiveness to efficiency. We need to harness the proven capacity for innovation, step up and make sure we all contribute to solving the challenges facing the wider Air Force in 2009. The wing has fantastic people who serve with professionalism, integrity and teamwork every day – we can, do, and will succeed.