Post by skyhawkdon on Jun 13, 2010 19:18:01 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/3805627/Return-of-air-force-combat-wing-backed
Return of air force combat wing backed
By JONATHON HOWE - Manawatu Standard Last updated 17:00 12/06/10
A former Ohakea Skyhawk pilot has applauded calls for the Defence Force to reinstate its air combat wing.
Nearly a third of more than 600 submitters to the Defence Review want the air force to have multi-role fighter jets that can launch air strikes, and provide air support to the army and navy.
The air combat wing, including Ohakea-based 75 Squadron, was disbanded by the Government in 2001, resulting in 120 redundancies.
The review's submission summary paper, released by Associate Defence Minister Heather Roy yesterday, showed 175 submitters wanted an air combat wing.
Former Skyhawk pilot Graham Bethell, the president of the 75 Squadron Association, said New Zealand needed a combat wing in order to stop being "bludgers" in the Pacific.
"I think it's a disgrace that we've got an air force that can't fire a bullet. All we are good for is recovering a few trampers off mountains and flood relief.
"It was absolutely clear that the people wanted it in the first place and they cancelled it."
Reviving the air combat wing would stop New Zealand being seen as a "joke" internationally, he said.
"If you are prepared to hold your head up and pull your weight, in Defence Force terms, it can have other benefits.
"Otherwise, we are always going to be sucking the hind tit when it comes to world trade."
While Skyhawks might be too expensive to restore, Mr Bethell said it could be possible to purchase F-18s jets from Australia.
Mrs Roy did not respond to the Manawatu Standard questions by press time, but earlier told media that any thoughts of reinstating the 17 mothballed Skyhawks were "impractical".
In a speech, she said submissions showed how varied people's views on the Defence Force were.
"I am very heartened to find little dissent within the public submissions, in terms of the need for a strong, agile and balanced force."
Thirteen submitters called for helicopters to be armed, eight favoured installing missiles and guns on PK3 Orions and 28 wanted unmanned air vehicles.
Staff from the Linton and Ohakea military bases could find themselves training to be commandos, paratroopers and marines if submissions are heeded.
Army submissions include: training more SAS soldiers, creating a commando battalion and introducing paratrooper and marine-type forces.
Privatisation of buildings at army bases, such as Linton, was the topic of 40 submissions that supported using outside professionals to manage military finance, infrastructure and real estate.
On the other hand, 15 submitters said the Defence Force should retain and manage its own functions with trained staff.
Ad Feedback Local government, including the Palmerston North City Council, suggested the Defence Force work with them to make use of available land and facilities.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said last year accommodation at the Waiouru and Ohakea military bases needed upgrading, and would be featured in the review, scheduled for completion in September.
Return of air force combat wing backed
By JONATHON HOWE - Manawatu Standard Last updated 17:00 12/06/10
A former Ohakea Skyhawk pilot has applauded calls for the Defence Force to reinstate its air combat wing.
Nearly a third of more than 600 submitters to the Defence Review want the air force to have multi-role fighter jets that can launch air strikes, and provide air support to the army and navy.
The air combat wing, including Ohakea-based 75 Squadron, was disbanded by the Government in 2001, resulting in 120 redundancies.
The review's submission summary paper, released by Associate Defence Minister Heather Roy yesterday, showed 175 submitters wanted an air combat wing.
Former Skyhawk pilot Graham Bethell, the president of the 75 Squadron Association, said New Zealand needed a combat wing in order to stop being "bludgers" in the Pacific.
"I think it's a disgrace that we've got an air force that can't fire a bullet. All we are good for is recovering a few trampers off mountains and flood relief.
"It was absolutely clear that the people wanted it in the first place and they cancelled it."
Reviving the air combat wing would stop New Zealand being seen as a "joke" internationally, he said.
"If you are prepared to hold your head up and pull your weight, in Defence Force terms, it can have other benefits.
"Otherwise, we are always going to be sucking the hind tit when it comes to world trade."
While Skyhawks might be too expensive to restore, Mr Bethell said it could be possible to purchase F-18s jets from Australia.
Mrs Roy did not respond to the Manawatu Standard questions by press time, but earlier told media that any thoughts of reinstating the 17 mothballed Skyhawks were "impractical".
In a speech, she said submissions showed how varied people's views on the Defence Force were.
"I am very heartened to find little dissent within the public submissions, in terms of the need for a strong, agile and balanced force."
Thirteen submitters called for helicopters to be armed, eight favoured installing missiles and guns on PK3 Orions and 28 wanted unmanned air vehicles.
Staff from the Linton and Ohakea military bases could find themselves training to be commandos, paratroopers and marines if submissions are heeded.
Army submissions include: training more SAS soldiers, creating a commando battalion and introducing paratrooper and marine-type forces.
Privatisation of buildings at army bases, such as Linton, was the topic of 40 submissions that supported using outside professionals to manage military finance, infrastructure and real estate.
On the other hand, 15 submitters said the Defence Force should retain and manage its own functions with trained staff.
Ad Feedback Local government, including the Palmerston North City Council, suggested the Defence Force work with them to make use of available land and facilities.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said last year accommodation at the Waiouru and Ohakea military bases needed upgrading, and would be featured in the review, scheduled for completion in September.
