76-626: RNZAF Security Forces is the Royal New Zealand Air Force unit responsible for base security, ground defence, weapons training, and Air Transport Security on RNZAF aircraft. RNZAF Security Forces operates under the RNZAF Operations Squadron. RNZAF Security Forces are more commonly known in the RNZAF simply as SECFOR. They have a similar role to other Air Force units such as USAF Security Forces , RAAF Security Force Squadrons, and
152-536: A Forward Air Control role in Vietnam flying with the USAF 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Da Nang Air Base , and USAF 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base with O-1 , O-2 and OV-10 aircraft. A small detachment of RNZAF ground crew from No. 75 Squadron RNZAF were also attached to a U.S Marine Corps VMA-311 A-4 Skyhawk unit at Chu Lai . RNZAF Base Woodbourne RNZAF Base Woodbourne
228-587: A U-boat on the surface off the African coast. He attacked U-468 but as he did so, the aircraft was hit by the U-boat's anti-aircraft fire and burst into flames. The aircraft continued the attack and sank the U-boat but crashed shortly afterwards, with all the crew being killed. The crew's actions were reported by the U-boat's survivors, and the Victoria Cross was awarded as a result. The first NZ squadron to serve with
304-469: A Security Forces Operator. Currently the Military Working Dog unit is located at RNZAF Base Auckland with plans in the future to expand the dog unit to RNZAF Base Ohakea . RNZAF Security Forces traces its lineage back to the amalgamation of RNZAF Police and General Service Instructors in 1999. Over the years the unit has seen various name and role changes. Today RNZAF Security Forces primary job
380-541: A Territorial unit at Hobsonville, flying Catalinas and later Sunderlands. A Gloster Meteor arrived in 1945, introducing the jet age. The force was equipped from 1946 with the de Havilland Mosquito before the arrival of de Havilland Vampires . Initially used in peacekeeping in Cyprus and Singapore the Vampires were supplemented by loaned de Havilland Venoms and, later, English Electric Canberras , both of which saw action in
456-595: A defensive weapon) in the ready position. The motto of the trade is ”Kaitiaki Kaha”, which literally translates to ”Strong Guardian”. Security Forces is tasked with air transport security (ATSY), protecting airfields and RNZAF personnel, security duties, weapons instruction, drill instruction and CBRN training. Air transport security missions and VIP flights aboard Air Force aircraft are a regular occurrence and exercises overseas have seen many team members of Security Forces travel extensively, both in New Zealand and throughout
532-583: A deterrent around RNZAF bases or when deployed overseas. The Military Working Dogs for the unit are usually sourced from the New Zealand Police , all the dogs are Belgian malinois or German Shepherds . There are plans to expand the MWD unit due to the purchases of new P-8 Poseidon and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The Military Working Dog unit is a specialisation and personnel are selected for this role once they have completed at least two to three years as
608-506: A dramatic maritime rescue and in the aftermath of the Napier earthquake the NZPAF flew in urgently needed supplies and medical equipment. Like other western air arms a major expansion began from the mid-1930s. The NZPAF ordered twelve Vickers Vildebeests in 1933–34 to form two bomber-reconnaissance flights at Hobsonville and Wigram. In 1937 29 Blackburn Baffins were purchased specifically to equip
684-612: A flight of Short Sunderlands and almost 1,000 training machines. To administer units in the South Pacific, No. 1 (Islands) Group RNZAF was formed, with Air Commodore Sidney Wallingford as its commander, on 10 March 1943. In addition to this, several hundred RNZAF personnel saw action with RAF squadrons or the FAA in Burma, Singapore and the South Pacific. By 1945 the RNZAF had over 41,000 personnel, including just over 10,000 aircrew who served with
760-459: A lack of leadership and resentment towards the amalgamation of the two trades. Underlying issues of direction, focus and responsibilities continued to dog the new trade for several years. In 2010 following the civilianisation of many trades in the RNZAF the Air Security trade were also to be changed to force protection. This signified the end of many policing roles. Instead an investigation service
836-476: A number of Security Forces Specialists to instruct and train officer cadets and recruits in their initial phases of training. Following trade amalgamation in 1999/2000 Air Security Police moved to a blue brassard with white lettering displaying the name of 'Air Security Police'. When the Air Security Trade transitioned to Force Protection, the trade adopted a square patch with a black field, blue border and
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#1732855065697912-591: A peak of over 1,000 combat aircraft in 1945, the RNZAF has shrunk to a strength of around 48 aircraft in 2022. It focuses on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army . Its air combat capability ended in 2001, with the disbanding of the A-4 Skyhawk and Aermacchi MB-339 equipped squadrons. The Air Force is led by an Air Vice-Marshal who holds
988-509: A ship suspected of gun-running. The bomb did no damage, and the target turned out to be a local missionary vessel. A territorial wing of the New Zealand Air Force was raised in 1930 with three squadrons at RNZAF Station Hobsonville (with flights at Hamilton and Napier), Wellington and Christchurch though without equipment. A fourth squadron planned for Dunedin had not been raised even by July 1939. More creditably, Fairey III Fs made
1064-462: A sole focused policing role, and specialised more in ground defence and base security with policing as a secondary service. A name change to Air Security Police was adopted and the new unit was deployed to East Timor in 1999/2000. However, this proved to be an inauspicious start for the new trade that ended with the Air Security deployment being the subject of a court of inquiry. This inquiry found severe organisational and management problems stemming from
1140-467: A treaty settlement in view of the chemical contamination of the base's land. The compensation settlement was signed in early November 2024. Personnel strength is around 800. 41°31′4.5″S 173°52′12″E / 41.517917°S 173.87000°E / -41.517917; 173.87000 This Marlborough Region -related geography article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This military base or fortification article
1216-563: A unit and completion of the Security Forces Specialists course, Operators then obtain an increase in classification (moving up to LAC), and are redesignated as Security Forces Specialists where team members may move into Military Working Dogs if selected. There is also the option to be posted to the RNZAF Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) training Centre, and specialize in this area. In order to become an instructor at
1292-516: Is a base of the Royal New Zealand Air Force , located 8 km west of Blenheim . Today, Woodbourne is the Air Force's only support base and has no operational squadrons based there. It shares its runways with the Blenheim civil airport, Woodbourne Airport . Woodbourne was established in 1939 as the base for No. 2 Service Flying Training School (No.2 SFTS). Also located nearby during World War II were
1368-498: Is air base protection, security, and weapons training for RNZAF personnel. In 1999–2001 many areas of the Air Force underwent significant change, cost saving and disbandment. The RNZAF Police was no exception and in a controversial move this saw the amalgamation of general service instructors (GSIs) with the RNZAF Police; subsequently many RNZAF Police and GSIs left the service shortly after the almagamation. The RNZAF moved away from
1444-698: Is the aerial service branch of the New Zealand Defence Force . It was formed initially in 1923 as a branch of the New Zealand Army , being known as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, becoming an independent air force on 1 April 1937. The RNZAF fought in World War II , Malaya , the Korean War , Vietnam and the Gulf War and has undertaken United Nations peacekeeping missions. From
1520-499: Is the site of the present Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum . A trickle of new-build Bristol Fighters and other new types joined the NZPAF in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A Lewis gun -equipped De Havilland Gipsy Moth floatplane took part in naval operations against rebels in Samoa . The NZPAF's first action came in 1930 when the Moth dropped an improvised bomb made out of a treacle tin on to
1596-594: The 1st Australian Task Force was established at Nui Dat an airfield was built to accommodate the RNZAF freighters so that personnel and supplies could be delivered more directly. Canberra bombers were deployed in a non combat role, with crew observing American operations, and deploying to South Vietnam to conduct joint training with the USAF. As 1ATF expanded, in June 1966, No. 9 Squadron RAAF had gone to South Vietnam and based itself at Vung Tau , equipped with Bell UH-1 Iroquois aircraft. Politically and operationally, it
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#17328550656971672-553: The Bristol Freighter . Bristol Freighter serial NZ5901 crashed in the Cameron Highlands during supply drop operations on 10 December 1956. The aircraft flew into a valley and collided with a 4000-foot fog shrouded ridge . SQNLDR Alexander Tie, FLTOFF William Devescovi, FLTOFF Douglas Nelson and 5 passengers were killed, while a single passenger survived and was later rescued. Antarctic Flight The RNZAF Antarctic Flight
1748-959: The Malayan Emergency and subsequent confrontation with Indonesia . Internal communications and transport and other services were maintained by No. 42 Squadron RNZAF . It supported the Army and Navy using Grumman TBM-1 Avengers , the Territorial Air Force's North American P-51D Mustangs and North American Harvards , the VIPs with De Havilland Devons , also used for support, communications and multi-engine conversion training, and Douglas C-47 , Douglas DC-6 , and Handley Page Hastings for VIP and communications support. Nos. 5 and 6 Squadrons traded their lend-lease Catalinas for Short Sunderland MR5s operating in maritime patrol and search and rescue roles from Hobsonville and Laucala Bay, Fiji . 6 Squadron
1824-569: The RAAF and USAF , a name change to RNZAF Security Forces was more appropriate. The new name also truly reflected the role of the unit. On 1 July 2020 all military police personnel from the Security Forces officially transferred over to the RNZAF Police . Applicants attend a selection course in order to be considered for training on the sixteen-week Security Forces course. After initially completing
1900-459: The RAF Regiment however it is smaller in size compared to their UK, American and Australian counterparts. The primary role of RNZAF Security Forces is to provide the Air Force with security of aircraft and personnel, as well as protection of airfields. The Military Working Dog (MWD) unit provides a further security function, and works closely with their Security Forces team members. The MWD unit
1976-804: The Royal Air Force . The primary role of the RNZAF was to take advantage of New Zealand's distance from the conflict by training aircrew as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme , alongside the other major former British colonies, Canada, Australia and South Africa. For this task large numbers of de Havilland Tiger Moths , Airspeed Oxfords and North American Harvards were manufactured or assembled locally; second-hand biplanes—such as Hawker Hinds and Vickers Vincents —were also acquired, as well as other types for specialised training such as Avro Ansons and Supermarine Walruses . Only when German surface raiders and Japanese submarines became active
2052-462: The Second World War , No. 14 Squadron RNZAF was sent to Japan as part of the occupation J Force . The rest of the air force rapidly divested itself of aircraft and manpower and settled mainly into training and transport mode before the advent of the rejuvenated No. 14 Squadron RNZAF and No. 75 Squadron RNZAF . From 1949 Compulsory Military Training reinvigorated the reserve component of
2128-608: The Territorial Air Force for coastal reconnaissance work. An initial shipment of 16 Vickers Vincent bomber-reconnaissance biplanes arrived in July 1939. More modern British types eventually arrived, including significant numbers of Airspeed Oxfords , Avro 626s , Fairey Gordons . The NZPAF was renamed the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1934 and became an independent service in 1937. At the outbreak of World War II
2204-407: The Air Force. The four Territorial squadrons, No. 1 Squadron RNZAF (Auckland), Wellington, Canterbury and No. 4 Squadron, Territorial Air Force , at Taieri Aerodrome , were equipped with the 30 Mustangs re-activated from storage, along with a few Tiger Moths and Harvards for each squadron. No. 4 Squadron TAF was active from at least 1951–55. From 1952 to 1957 No. 6 Flying Boat Squadron operated as
2280-858: The Blue") for the previous 12 years. New Zealand 's military aviation began in 1913 when the New Zealand Army was presented with two Blériot monoplanes by the United Kingdom. Both aircraft were handed back after war broke out. In the Great War , New Zealand aircrew flew as part of the Royal Flying Corps (British Army), British Royal Naval Air Service , and the Australian Flying Corps . New Zealand pilots serving with British Empire forces saw service in all theatres. Fifteen became aces , with
2356-522: The F4U. At its peak, in the Pacific, the RNZAF had 34 squadrons – 25 of which were based outside New Zealand and in action against Japanese forces. Thirteen of these squadrons were equipped with Corsairs, six with Venturas, two with Catalinas, two with Avengers and two with Douglas Dakota transport aircraft. The RNZAF also had a squadron of Dauntless dive bombers, several mixed transport and communications squadrons,
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2432-521: The Japanese, including Geoff Fisken , the Commonwealth's leading ace in the Pacific war. Other squadrons flew the elderly but effective Douglas Dauntless and, later, the modern Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber. From 12 October 1943, as part of Operation Cartwheel , RNZAF aircraft joined an allied air campaign against Japanese held airfields and the port of Rabaul. The RNZAF took on a significant part of
2508-507: The MNLA, away from their usual station location in Hong Kong . By the time the aircraft were withdrawn in late 1951, 211 sorties had been carried out, dropping 284,000 kg of supplies. Korean War Although no RNZAF units were sent to Korea, a number of New Zealanders flew with other air forces in the conflict. Two men flew Gloster Meteor jets with No. 77 Squadron RAAF ; one, Vance Drummond ,
2584-671: The Pacific Theatre— initially, in 1942, Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and additional Harvards and Hudsons. The fall of Singapore led to some evacuated RNZAF pilots, that had been serving in the RAF there, becoming available in New Zealand. These men provided an experienced nucleus around which new fighter squadrons, the first being No. 14 Squadron RNZAF formed at Masterton, were established. From mid-1943, at Guadalcanal , starting with No. 15 and No. 14 Squadrons, several RNZAF Kittyhawk units fought with distinction. Several pilots became aces against
2660-789: The RAF base at Changi, Singapore resupplying the Commonwealth forces at the firebases and outposts located on the borders. From 1962, the primary RNZAF contribution to the Vietnam War was No. 40 Squadron RNZAF and No. 41 Squadron RNZAF providing troop transport for military and non-military personnel and resupply runs. 40 Sqn flew from New Zealand or from the RAF base in Singapore, usually via Australia, to Vietnam and elsewhere in South East Asia using Lockheed C-130 Hercules freighters. 41 Sqn flew from Singapore to Hong Kong via South East Asia using Handley Page Hastings , Bristol 170 Freighters . When
2736-586: The RAF in Europe and Africa. In the post war period the RNZAF dealt progressively with demobilisation and disposal of its large obsolete fleet, rearmament to support the Cold War , some loss of training opportunities with the American suspension of ANZUS Treaty obligations in protest at New Zealand becoming a nuclear free zone, social changes which saw women become combat pilots, and the loss of combat capability. Following
2812-501: The RAF itself included pilots, such as the first RAF ace of the war, Flying Officer Cobber Kain and Alan Deere (whose book Nine Lives was one of the early post-war accounts of combat); and leaders such as the World War I ace, Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park , who commanded No. 11 Group RAF in the Battle of Britain and went on to the air defence of Malta (and, in the closing stages of
2888-504: The RAF was not strictly an Article XV squadron. No. 75 Squadron RAF was formed by RNZAF aircrews and Vickers Wellington bombers in August 1939. The squadron later flew Short Stirlings , Avro Lancasters and Avro Lincolns . Through accident or design, other RAF units came to be mostly manned by RNZAF pilots, including No. 67 Squadron RAF (which ace Geoffrey Fisken served with) and No. 243 Squadron RAF in Singapore, No. 258 Squadron RAF in
2964-568: The RNZAF Recruit Course, successful applicants then move on to Security Forces training which is conducted at RNZAF Base Woodbourne , where personnel learn advanced ground defence, physical fitness, patrolling, camouflage and concealment, bushcraft, survival techniques, base security, weapons, CBRN , and instructional techniques. On successful completion of the course trainees are then posted to an operational unit either at RNZAF Base Ohakea or RNZAF Base Auckland . After two years posted to
3040-499: The Reserve lists. It was initially equipped with the surviving Avro 504 K, the DH.4s, DH.9s and Bristol Fighters . These operated from an airfield outside Christchurch at Sockburn. In 1926 Wigram donated £2,500 for the purchase of modern fighters and Gloster Grebes were acquired. Sockburn was later renamed RNZAF Station Wigram , a name adopted by the suburb which grew up around the airfield. It
3116-562: The Ruru escorted the Piwakawaka and protected the flanks. This was seen as representative of the RNZAF SECFOR role in contemporary operations. The patch is circular in design with a bi-colored field. One diagonal half blue represents the “Air” component and the other colour green, representing the ground defence role of the trade. In the center is the Ruru in flight, grasping a Powhenua (traditionally
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3192-634: The SERE training center, Security Forces specialists need to complete courses in Australia, USA, Antarctica and numerous cold weather courses in the mountains of New Zealand. Security Forces personnel complete military self defence courses annually. Personnel also complete heavy and light 4WD courses to ensure they are competent in all aspects of on/off-road driving. SECFOR are also responsible for all drill and weapons training for RNZAF Personnel. Command and Recruit Training Squadron (CRTS) at RNZAF Base Woodbourne have
3268-462: The South Pacific. The RNZAF was part of the force tasked with securing the line of advance by incapacitating bypassed Japanese strongholds, for example, Rabaul. As the war progressed the older types were replaced with more powerful modern aircraft; Kittyhawks gave way to Vought F4U Corsairs , while Hudsons were replaced by Venturas. At the close of war the RNZAF was planning to bring 320 North American P-51 Mustangs into service as part replacement for
3344-783: The UK. Several Grumman Martlet and Grumman Hellcat units of the FAA also had New Zealanders in their ranks, leading some texts to claim these types were used by the RNZAF. New Zealand Article XV Squadrons included No. 485 , which flew Supermarine Spitfires throughout the war; No. 486 ( Hawker Hurricanes , Hawker Typhoons and Hawker Tempests ); No. 487 , ( Lockheed Venturas and de Havilland Mosquitoes ); No. 488 , ( Brewster Buffaloes , Hurricanes, Bristol Beaufighters and Mosquitoes); No. 489 , ( Bristol Blenheims , Bristol Beauforts , Handley Page Hampdens , Beaufighters and Mosquitoes); and No. 490 , equipped with Consolidated Catalinas and Short Sunderlands . The presence of German raiders led to
3420-506: The appointment of Chief of Air Force . The RNZAF motto is the same as that of the Royal Air Force , Per Ardua ad Astra , meaning "Through Adversity to the Stars". The Māori language name Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa , meaning "New Zealand Warriors of the Sky" or more literally "The New Zealand War Party of the Sky", was adopted in 2009; the name had been Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi ("War Party of
3496-500: The area to the north of New Zealand. With the apparent threat of imminent invasion New Zealand was forced to look to her own defence, as well as to help the United Kingdom. Trainers and airliners in New Zealand were camouflaged and armed and various types, such as the North American Harvard, Hawker Hind , Airspeed Oxford and even the de Havilland Tiger Moth, formed shadow bomber, army co-operation and fighter squadrons for use in
3572-476: The deaths of labour activists killed in police charges. This led to the creation of the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), a communist guerrilla organisation. New Zealand's first contribution came in 1949, when C-47 Dakotas of RNZAF No. 41 Squadron were attached to the Royal Air Force 's Far East Air Force . The C-47s were used to airdrop supplies to British and Malay forces fighting
3648-449: The event of invasion. Hudsons moved forward into the South Pacific while No. 5 Squadron, at RNZAF Station Laucala Bay in Fiji, commenced operations against the Japanese despite its obsolete equipment. In New Zealand preparations intensified and in 1942 three Groups were established to direct air and, if necessary, air defence operations. The vulnerability of New Zealand to Axis naval activity
3724-428: The flying schools, barnstormers and commercial operators. The importance of aviation in warfare was belatedly recognised, largely thanks to the efforts of visionary parliamentarian Sir Henry Wigram . On 14 June 1923 the New Zealand Permanent Air Force was gazetted: a part of the Army initially staffed by a total of four officers and two other ranks as full-time staff, plus the New Zealand Air Force with 102 officers on
3800-464: The formation of New Zealand-based combat units—initially rearming types, like the Vildebeest, and hurriedly converting impressed airliners, such as the de Havilland DH.86 to carry bombs. Lockheed Hudsons were obtained early in 1941 to take over this role. No. 5 Squadron with Vickers Vincents and Short Singapores was sent to protect Fiji. In December 1941 Japan attacked and rapidly conquered much of
3876-610: The ground training camps of the Delta. In 1942–43, No. 16 Squadron RNZAF and No. 18 Squadron RNZAF Squadrons flying Curtiss P-40 Warhawks used the satellite Fairhall field. In 1945 No.2 SFTS was closed and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Central Flying School and some ground training units, including the Officers' School of Instruction were relocated to Woodbourne. In 1949, The Aircraft Repair Depot RNZAF
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#17328550656973952-450: The lettering FP in the center embroidered in white. The tradesmen and women were then referred to colloquially as FP’s. The final iteration of the trade was the transition to Security Forces (SECFOR). The new trade insignia was based on the traditional Maori story of the ’battle of the birds’. In this story, as the piwakawaka approached the battle (representing the flying squadrons of the RNZAF),
4028-474: The maritime reconnaissance task with Catalina (and later Sunderland) flying boats and Hudson bombers. The role of the RNZAF changed as the allies moved onto the offensive. The Americans, leaders of the Allied nations in the Pacific, planned to bypass major Japanese strongholds , instead capturing a handful of island bases to provide a supply chain for an eventual attack on Japan itself. The Allied advance started from
4104-473: The name and now trades under Airbus Asia Pacific. Airbus is currently finishing the last of the Air Force's C-130 Hercules airframe refurbishments. This will see the most highly houred C-130 Hercules (NZ7002) remain in flying service. In 2024 the three local Māori iwi (tribes) entities Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia and the Rangitāne o Wairau Settlement Trust decided to accept $ 25 million for
4180-673: The newly created Far East Strategic Reserve . On 1 May 1955, the air force carried out its first strike mission since the end of World War II , and its first with jet aircraft , using de Havilland Vampires of No. 14 Squadron RNZAF . In 1955, the squadron was re-equipped with de Havilland Venoms and carried out 115 strike missions. The squadron was replaced in 1958 by No. 75 Squadron flying English Electric Canberras from their operational station in Tengah . In July 1955 No. 41 Squadron returned to Malaya and resumed supply dropping operations in support of anti-guerrilla forces, this time using
4256-605: The outbreak of World War II . Others returned to New Zealand and, serving part-time, provided the nucleus of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force (NZPAF). At the close of hostilities Great Britain offered an Imperial Gift to each of the Dominions of a hundred war-surplus combat aircraft. New Zealand was the last to respond and least enthusiastic. When the 33 total aircraft, Avro 504s , Bristol F.2 Fighters and, De Havilland designed, Airco DH.4s and Airco DH.9s , did reach New Zealand they were either placed in storage or loaned to
4332-453: The primary equipment of the RNZAF was to be 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered in 1938. The aircraft were completed, and RNZAF crews were training on them in the UK in 1939; but with the outbreak of war in Europe increasingly likely, the New Zealand government offered the aircraft with their crews to the United Kingdom in August 1939. They became No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF within No 3 Group. Many other New Zealanders were serving in
4408-435: The strategic alliances at the time. The arrival of the Bell 47 introduced the helicopter to the RNZAF. In 1964 New Zealand began helping Malaysia to fight Indonesia’s attempt to wrest control of the North Borneo territories in what was known as Confrontation . This role, which continued until 1966, saw New Zealand soldiers from 1RNZIR and NZ SAS mount covert cross-border raids into Indonesia. RNZAF flew continuous missions from
4484-440: The summers of 1956, 1957 and 1958 before disbanding in 1960. Operations in Antarctica resumed in 1965 when a Hercules flew the first of what have become annual summer flights from Christchurch to the continent. To the present day, the RNZAF operates both Boeing 757 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules to Phoenix Airfield . Post-war Modernisation The Chief of Air Staff appointed in June 1962 was Air Vice-Marshal Ian G. Morrison , who
4560-469: The top scorer being Keith Caldwell having, depending on how it is counted, more than 24 victories. The government assisted two private schools to train pilots for the conflict. The Walsh brothers flying school at Auckland was founded by Leo and Vivian Walsh —pioneers who had made the first controlled flight in New Zealand. From 1915 pilots trained on the Walsh Brothers Flying Boats including Curtiss machines, aircraft of their own design and, later in
4636-403: The war, Commonwealth air units under South East Asia Command ) and Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham Air Tactical Commander during the Normandy landings in June 1944 (Coningham and Park had remained with the RAF after WWI). Three RNZAF pilots were awarded the Victoria Cross while serving with the RAF. James Allen Ward , a Sergeant Pilot with 75 Squadron , was first, when he climbed out onto
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#17328550656974712-431: The war, the first two aircraft made by Boeing . In 1916 Sir Henry Wigram established the Canterbury Aviation Company at Sockburn, Christchurch , and purchased Caudron biplanes from Britain for pilot training. He gave the aerodrome, later Wigram Aerodrome , to the government for defence purposes. At the end of the war many New Zealand pilots stayed with the new Royal Air Force and several had attained high rank by
4788-418: The wing of his Vickers Wellington bomber to smother an engine fire in flight on 7 July 1941. In 1943 then Wing Commander Leonard Trent continued to lead an extremely hazardous, but vital, attack at the head of 487 Squadron until every aircraft was shot down. The same year, Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg , serving with No. 200 Squadron RAF was piloting a Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber when it encountered
4864-472: The world. A Security Forces unit is usually commanded by a junior officer such as a flight lieutenant and a Senior NCO such as flight sergeant acting as a 2IC. Sergeants then manage the Security Forces teams. Usually a corporal will command a four-man operational Security Forces team with a leading aircraftman (LAC) acting as the 2IC. Royal New Zealand Air Force The Royal New Zealand Air Force ( RNZAF ; Māori : Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa )
4940-445: Was advantageous for the RNZAF to assist the RAAF , who were facing a shortage of available pilots. In all, 16 RNZAF officers would serve in operational service in Vietnam with No. 9 Squadron RAAF . Flight Lieutenant Bill Waterhouse, the RNZAF's only Māori helicopter pilot at the time was killed in January 1969 flying an Iroquois in Canberra while preparing for service in South Vietnam . The RNZAF additionally provided assistance in
5016-400: Was demonstrated when a submarine-launched Japanese float plane overflew Wellington and Auckland , where it was chased ineffectually by a Tiger Moth. As few combat-capable aircraft were available at home and Britain was unable to help, New Zealand turned to the United States and signed a Lend-Lease agreement. Gradually at first, America was able to supply New Zealand with aircraft for use in
5092-418: Was disbanded while 5 Squadron received P-3B Orions in 1965. A research flight helped develop Aerial Topdressing . In 1957, the Territorial Air Force (TAF) was formally disbanded following a review of New Zealand's local defences. Malayan Emergency The Malayan Emergency was declared by the British government on 18 June 1948 after several rubber plantation workers were killed in a revenge attack over
5168-399: Was first established in 1972 as part of the RNZAF Police when the RNZAF purchased six P-3 Orions ; due to the high tech nature of systems and equipment on these aircraft, the RNZAF Police military working dogs were seen as the most effective form of security. The MWD unit holds extra responsibility for RNZAF aircraft and plays an important role in protecting them from sabotage and acting as
5244-461: Was formed in 1956 to assist the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition , equipped with an Auster Mk.7c purchased from the UK Air Ministry (NZ1707), De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter (NZ6081), and a De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver (NZ6001, changed to NZ6010 to remove overlapping numbers with an RNZAF Gloster Meteor ), with hardened and equipped with skis . It helped transport men, dog teams and supplies, and carried out geological mapping over
5320-632: Was it realised that a combat force would be needed in New Zealand in addition to the trainers. New Zealanders serving with the RAF The majority of RNZAF personnel served with RAF units, six RNZAF Article XV squadrons , which were RNZAF units attached to RAF formations, and the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA). They served in Europe, the Mediterranean, South East Asia and other theatres. Commonwealth personnel under RAF operational control were pooled for operational practicality and many RNZAF airmen also served with Royal Australian Air Force or Royal Canadian Air Force Article XV squadrons. New Zealanders in
5396-419: Was provided and a new focus primarily on providing security services to the RNZAF. On 1 December 2014 all Military Police duties were removed from Force Protection and taken over by the newly established New Zealand Defence Force Military Police . In March 2016 RNZAF command decided that the Force Protection name was a very broad concept and to better align itself with other western Air Forces, predominately
5472-531: Was relocated from Ohakea , and in 1951 the Boy Entrant School was established at Woodbourne. The Ground Training Wing was created in 1995 from existing units at Woodbourne and those relocated from Wigram and Hobsonville , and is responsible for the training of recruits ( General Service Training School ), initial officer training ( Command Training School ), trade training (except aircrew, medical and photography training) and command training. Woodbourne
5548-542: Was shot down and captured. A New Zealand Army artillery lieutenant was attached to a USAF tactical control unit as an observer in light aircraft. New Zealand born Alan Boxer , later a British air marshal, flew B-29 Superfortress missions on USAF attachment. One New Zealander flying in Korea as a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy from HMS Ocean , Cedric Macpherson, was killed on 11 February 1953 when his Hawker Sea Fury
5624-678: Was shot down by ground fire. Five New Zealanders took part in Royal Australian Navy missions over Korea from the Australian carrier HMAS Sydney . Some of these pilots were former RNZAF members, others joining directly the British and Australian forces. Far Eastern Strategic Reserve (FESR) In 1955, the RNZAF established bases in Singapore and Malaysia. No. 41 Squadron moved to Changi , while No. 14 Squadron relocated to Tengah . These two squadrons represented New Zealand's air contributions to
5700-541: Was the Air Force's only heavy maintenance facility for the repair of aircraft airframes, engines and avionics systems. This squadron was responsible for reconditioning airframes of RNZAF aircraft. It was known as the Airframe Reconditioning Squadron RNZAF. The unit was commercialised in 1998 and was managed by SAFE Air Ltd. In 2015 SAFE Air Ltd was purchased by Airbus and it continues to maintain military aircraft. SAFE Air Ltd formally relinquished
5776-471: Was to oversee the modernisation of the RNZAF. Greener stated that Morrison '..saw the three elements of the Air Force—strike capability, transport, and maritime patrol—as being of equal value, and sought improvements in aircraft in each area. The following aircraft were purchased or put on order. Morrisons modernisation programme saw the RNZAF switch primarily from British to American aircraft, reflecting
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