Two noteworthy milestones in 5 Squadron’s recent history have been the heralded physical completion of two P3K2 Orions and a change of command on the unit.

Representatives of 5 Squadron RNZAF Association were invited to attend the formal welcoming ceremony in 2 Hangar for NZ4204 on 2 May 2011, at last back from the US contractor after so many years of    complex modification and testing. Three weeks ago, back from a heavy servicing at Woodbourne, 04 commenced its OT&E (Operational Test & Evaluation) flights from Whenuapai.

NZ4201, the first production update from SAFE AIR in Woodbourne, is now on acceptance tests and NZ4205 is mid-update at SAFE AIR.

On Friday 18 November 2011 I was accompanied by Darrell Simpson, Don Bennington and Peter Burch to witness a  Change of Command parade at the squadron during which the Squadron Colours were paraded and the CAF, AVM Peter Stockwell, took the inspection. 

Wg Cdr Nick Olney, who first joined the unit in 1994, has led the squadron soundly for the past two and a half years through a period of limited assets and operational training challenges. We wish him and his family well in his forthcoming post in London. He handed over to Wg Cdr Robert Shearer, an experienced Orion captain returning to the privilege of command.  I note with interest that Rob is the first pilot to command the squadron this century.

While 2011 has not been a busy year for Association activities, active links have been maintained with the squadron and the committee is gearing up to support the unit as it can during the forthcoming RNZAF 75^th Anniversary celebrations through 2012.

In this regard Neil Wright is undertaking a cooperative melding of our membership lists with those of the squadron, conscious of our desire to keep former members informed, invited and acknowledged during the programme of events. 

 Every member can help here by keeping us informed of address changes and prospective members who should be on the list. Also, if you become aware of the death of any past squadron members please do your best to advise us in case the surviving family might be supported. We also want to keep the Last Post board as informative as possible for all members.  

The association website www.5sqnassn.org.nz/noticeboard  is a first point of reference for association happenings and, with your input, we will do our best to keep good information posted. Pete Culpan is our very capable webmaster.

Your committee this year has been myself, Don Bennington, Deidre Bridge, Peter Burch, Grant Dowie, Vern Reynolds, Darrell Simpson, Greg Taylor, Morris Waters and Neil Wright.  Muddy Waters and Deidre Bridge are retiring undefeated after many years on the committee and on your behalf I thank them most sincerely for their loyal efforts for the association. I am very grateful that the other men are willing to continue through 2012 and hope that manpower support from many members will be freely volunteered to assist the squadron when called upon.

The annual Squadron Commander’s brief on operational matters will update those attending the AGM and include mention of the heavy SAR and EEZ demands the squadron has met this year, along with deployments to SE Asia, Australian and Pacific waters. We are keenly looking forward to a return to RIMPAC next year. The unit morale is remarkably high and the calibre of its personnel is excellent.

The 5 Squadron RNZAF Association Trophy has again been awarded to an outstanding performer this year. The announcement will be made at the AGM and the formal presentation made at a time to maximise peer recognition.

Remember to keep actively marketing “Kiwi Orions” books ($34) for income to support the association’s purposes. Contact any committee member for your supply.

Gordon Ragg AFC JP

Chairman

Gordon.Ragg@xtra.co.nz  

Membership

At the  2011 AGM it was proposed and seconded that 5 Squadron Association annual membership subscription be reduced to zero.  It will only be necessary to complete a simple registration form which you can do here online.

The idea is to spread the net far and wide and snare as many of the long gone plus the still remembered 5 Squadron “family” as possible.

All past and present 5 Squadron Personnel are eligible and are warmly encouraged to register.

Once done, that is it (until you change any contact details). No annual renewal required. Current members will automatically be put onto the registered members list so, for many, it’s even easier. Benefits include fellowship, mailouts of ‘Air Force News’ and occasional squadron support activities.

NEW MEMBERS ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM

The information held is only to enable us to keep in contact with you. We do not give any details to anyone without your say so, but if you do not wish to give us some items that is OK.

5 Squadron Association Trophy 2011

The 5 Squadron Association Trophy is presented by the Association for award annually to a 5 Squadron member whose performance has favourably distinguished him or   herself  from fellow Squadron members.  Members from all ranks, categories or trades are eligible.

The Commanding Officer, 5 Squadron, will select the Squadron member who best meets a number of following criteria:

·        Sets an example of leadership, initiative and inspiration above the level that might be expected of one of their rank and experience.

·        Shows the personal qualities which promote teamwork and uses them to pursue a task to satisfactory completion while enjoying the respect and co-operation of fellow Squadron members.

·        Accomplishes by extra personal effort under demanding conditions a task which has reflected highly on the reputation of the Squadron.

·        Used technical or professional skills with ingenuity and personal time and effort to modify and enhance equipment or components thereby to improve performance and serviceability.

·        Researched and with inventiveness brought changes to procedures which, while maintaining operating efficiencies, have resulted in financial saving.

The award will include a printed copy of citation and an inscribed plaques to be retained by the recipient. 

5 Squadron RNZAF Association Trophy Past Recipients