Year in Review: Royal New Zealand Air Force
The year kicked off at a high tempo for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), which was maintained throughout.
12 December, 2023
The East Coast suffered a king hit from Cyclone Gabrielle, and squadrons throughout the RNZAF were called to action in the aftermath of the devastating storm.
Our efforts were also needed in the Pacific for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions, we navigated the retirement of our hardworking Orions and welcomed four new P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
We also welcomed a change in top Air Force leadership, participated in major exercises here and abroad, and worked with agencies on a number of operations.
Here are just a few of the moments from 2023.
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle
Air Force provided support after Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle crashed parts of Aotearoa New Zealand in February leaving 11 people dead, roads destroyed, towns and residents isolated and communications systems down. Read more of the Cyclone Gabrielle stories here(external link).
An NH90 helicopter provides support after Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle crashed parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Orion fleet retirement
After 57 years of service No. 5 Squadron’s fleet of P-3K2 Orions came to a rest. As the last two aircraft to touched down at Base Woodbourne members of the squadron bid a haere ra to the planes. Read the full story here.
Three P-3K2 Orion aircraft
Tacex
No. 40 Squadron completed a nearly two-week exercise of tactical flying around the top of the South Island, practising dropping loads of equipment and supplies in remote locations.
A loadmaster watches the drop after it successfully leaves the aircraft
Wigram 100
A celebration of 100 years since the birth of New Zealand military aviation was celebrated at Christchurch’s Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram. Read the full story here.
Some of the Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft.
Mobility Guardian
The Air Force participated in a major international exercise out of Guam designed to test the fast movement of aircraft over long distances. It involved about 3000 personnel and 70 aircraft. Read the full story here.
Aid to Bougainville
A C-130 Hercules flew to Papua New Guinea, carrying aid supplies following a volcanic eruption which has affected more than 8000 people. Ash fall posed challenges for food and water security. Read the full story here.
Operational Poseidons
The final P-8A Poseidon aircraft joined No. 5 Squadron’s whānau in July, just as the fleet became operational. Read the full story here.
Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon
Talisman Sabre
Air Force personnel took part in a large-scale international combat exercise in Australia, forming part of an Anzac unit contributing to an aviation battle group. Read the full story here.
A Royal New Zealand NH90 helicopter during Exercise Talisman Sabre
DoC Traps
No. 3 Squadron delivered 560 traps weighing 4400kg into the Ruahine ranges to support New Zealand Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai pest control operations. Read the full story here.
MWD Facility
A new military working dog facility opened at Base Ohakea, featuring large equipment storage areas, exercise yards and CCTV along the kennel lines, as well as a hydrotherapy pool for the dogs. Read the full story here.
P-8A Poseidon search and rescue
A P-8A Poseidon crew found three Fijian fishers nine days after they were reported missing aboard their 8.5-metre wooden fishing boat. Read the full story here. Read the full story here.
FISHERMEN ON BOARD ON THE LEWA WERE LOCATED BY CREW ON A ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE P-8A POSEIDON.
Change of Command
The Air Force welcomed a new chief as Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb took over the Chief of Air Force role in October. Read the full story here.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force flypast as part of the Chief of Air Force Change of Command ceremony.
Op Antarctica
The New Zealand Defence Force’s long-running support to Antarctica New Zealand and science and research programmes is underway for the summer season as the first Air Force flights to the ice have begun. Read the full story here.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules in Antarctica, the RNZAF’s first flight for the 2023/24 summer season. (Credit: Romina Waller/Antarctica New Zealand)
C-130J paint job
New Zealand's first C-130J Hercules aircraft has been painted, marking a significant milestone in the project to replace the Hercules fleet. Read the full story here.
Mahi Tahi
Nearly 300 personnel from New Zealand’s Army, Navy and Air Force took part in Operation Mahi Tahi, in Fiji, carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training and other tasks. Read the full story here.
