Family and concrete: Palmerston North man aims for skies as helicopter loadmaster

It was the building site work on an expanding Air Force base that convinced him to choose the wide open skies of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and train to be a helicopter loadmaster.

He has just completed the 12-week recruit course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, where he was awarded the Lawson Cup and the Chris Black Memorial Trophy. 

The Lawson Cup is presented to the best all-round recruit and the Chris Black Memorial Trophy to the recruit who best displays the qualities of determination, enthusiasm and morale building for others, particularly in the areas of training. The recipient is chosen by the course members. 

Aircraftman Fogden, 19, is no stranger to military life – his father served with the Royal New Zealand Navy for 20 years as a communications specialist, so naturally hoped he would follow in his footsteps. 

“I have always had a passion for the Defence Force as I have seen how it has helped shape my dad’s life, his discipline, work ethic and the friends he has made.

“Dad wanted me to join the Navy, I was hesitant at first, but soon came around to the idea – initially I wanted to join the communications trade or as a Navy pilot for the Seasprites.”

But he was inspired towards the Air Force while working for a concrete company in the Manawatū after he left school.  

He worked at RNZAF Base Ohakea on the No. 3 Squadron Hangar and on the new P-8 Poseidon hangar. 

“It was so cool and really reinforced my decision to join the Air Force.”

Aircraftman Fogden said that while he hopes to one day be a pilot flying the NH90s, he was really excited for the next part of his training as a helicopter loadmaster.

“I can’t wait to start my trade training in the A109 light helicopters. I know it’s still going to be a tough journey to get there, but I am also excited for the challenge.”

He said the highlight of the recruit course had been meeting all his fellow aviators and creating friends and memories that he will keep for life.

He also enjoyed firing the Defence Force’s MARS-L rifle and found his work with building computers and remote control cars helped. 

“I noticed this when we took apart and put back together the MARS-L, I could do it really fast and I was used to working with small parts.”

“There have been some challenges though, time management has been hard especially at the start – it was quite overwhelming. But it has gotten a lot easier now as a lot of what we have done has become habit.”

Aircraftman Fogden said those wanting to join the Defence Force should start their application today.

“There is no time like the present.”