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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 29, 2010 2:39:07 GMT 12
Air force chief tipped to be next head of Defence Updated at 5:59am on 28 August 2010 An associate professor in political studies is picking the head of the RNZAF to replace the outgoing chief of the Defence Force. Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae will take over at the Government Communications Security Bureau in February. Associate Professor Steve Hoadley of Auckland University says it's not the first time a top ranking officer has gone on to take a job in the area of Government intelligence. He says the top Defence position is rotated among the three services and this time it could be the head of the airforce, Graham Lintott, the most experienced of the three commanders. www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/55371/air-force-chief-tipped-to-be-next-head-of-defenceCopyright © 2010, Radio New Zealand |
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Post by Barnsey on Aug 29, 2010 17:37:21 GMT 12
I had a beer with him on Friday night at the Ohakea O's mess (or more correctly, near him!) and he showed a good poker face when the topic of the shuffling at the top came up...!
I asked about the state of the Macchis, and there is talk of possibly bring some back as an advanced trainer, along with possibly the PC-9 or 21, due to the shortcomings of the Kingair as an advanced trainer BUT as ususal it's all awaiting the outcomes of the politicians and their defence white paper.
Hoss had another opportunity recently to come up with the funds, surprisingly a no-show again, but there's now interest from a Canadian company.
3 Sqn was christening their new hangar on Saturday night, and Ohakea is starting to look like a different base with the new construction around the main gate area.
All in all, no good rumours to spread unfortunately!! Had a good night reminiscing at the Ohakea bar though - for those in the know, the mess spa pool has gone (would've required a hazmat team to dispose of it!!!)
I managed a rating in a Cherokee and flew a few circuits at Ohakea for old times sake - remembered to flare thankfully!
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Post by kiwiscanfly on Aug 29, 2010 17:49:26 GMT 12
I so hope we do get advanced trainers like the macchi's, Tucano's or PC21's. And I heard a rumour when I was talking to someone in the Navy about the AVM becoming the CDF, wish him all the best in getting the job.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 29, 2010 18:05:29 GMT 12
Canadians eh? Is it a serious prospect of a sale?
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Post by Chris F on Aug 29, 2010 18:38:27 GMT 12
Its good to see positive talk about the PC-21 type this would be a great advanced trainer with the capability to provide ground attack role aswell.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Aug 29, 2010 18:55:40 GMT 12
Barnsey - is the Canadian interest in the Skyhawks, Macchis or both? A Canadian company called Northern Lights looked at the Skyhawks in 2002. Anyone know who has the current contract for Canadian Defence Force support flying and what they fly?
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Post by the_flying_surfer on Aug 29, 2010 19:11:02 GMT 12
Don. these are the guys we play with up there in the C-130 www.topaces.ca/Most are ex F-18 Pilots with upwards of 2000hrs on type, real good bunch of guys who manage some amazing things with the Alpha Jet (which btw is very very hard to spot with the naked eye!!!) |
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Post by skyhawkdon on Aug 29, 2010 20:41:53 GMT 12
Thanks for the link. I wonder if it is these guys who are interested in the Skyhawks or someone else? I wonder what ever happened to Northern Lights? Last I heard they had bought a heap of Hawker Hunters instead of our Skyhawks, but then they missed out on the Canadian Air Defence Support contract.
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Post by Barnsey on Aug 29, 2010 21:01:20 GMT 12
No names were mentioned, sorry Don.
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Post by corokid66 on Aug 29, 2010 22:20:59 GMT 12
Actually I thought it was going to be the Navy’s turn this time as CDF as their last guy was Humpty Teague in the early nineties. Both the Army and the RNZAF have had two guys in the top slot since then. Jack Steer the current VCDF? Has been around a long time including a stint as Joint Commander so he could be in the running. That said the AVM has plenty of experience and I see on the NZDF website he got promoted to Group Capt 15 years ago which I dare say he would have been pretty young at the time.
Speaking of those who have done the top job. Why was it that Carey Adamson never got his gong (not even the Helen Clark version) when he retired as CDF. He got the usual mid level gong from Jenny Shipley a CNZM during his stint as CAF but on retirement from the big job he got zip. Was the dear leader too preoccupied in the back seat of a speeding LTD to notice at the time or something?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 29, 2010 22:42:33 GMT 12
Do you mean Admiral Sir Somerford Teagle rather than Teague?
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Post by corokid66 on Aug 29, 2010 23:40:42 GMT 12
Do you mean Admiral Sir Somerford Teagle rather than Teague? Ah yes thats the name. I know he was called Humphrey rather than Somerford but I thought his last name was Teague. Heck it has been awhile. Nevertheless he was the last Navy guy to hold the post. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 29, 2010 23:52:57 GMT 12
I didn't realise it went that far back to the last Navy Chief of Defence.
I personally think that AVM Lintott has made a marvellous CAF and it will be a shame to see him go anywhere, but if he has to go up a rank I'm sure he'll do a fine job.
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Post by 30sqnatc on Aug 30, 2010 18:01:39 GMT 12
Actually I thought it was going to be the Navy’s turn this time as CDF as their last guy was Humpty Teague in the early nineties. Both the Army and the RNZAF have had two guys in the top slot since then. Jack Steer the current VCDF? Has been around a long time including a stint as Joint Commander so he could be in the running. The historical process of sharing it between the services in rotation has gone. There is now a selection process to get the best person for the job. A new VCDF and CDF at the same time would not be a good idea. |
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 4, 2010 7:21:32 GMT 12
I had a beer with him on Friday night at the Ohakea O's mess (or more correctly, near him!) and he showed a good poker face when the topic of the shuffling at the top came up...! I asked about the state of the Macchis, and there is talk of possibly bring some back as an advanced trainer, along with possibly the PC-9 or 21, due to the shortcomings of the Kingair as an advanced trainer BUT as ususal it's all awaiting the outcomes of the politicians and their defence white paper. I also hear the rumour that the PC-21 was looked at as advanced trainer to supplement the King Airs in near future... truly hope those rumours will come true  Cheers |
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Post by kiwiscanfly on Sept 4, 2010 15:04:03 GMT 12
Kiwirico that is exciting news but do you mind giving us a hint were this rumour came from?? not disclose anything you can't through of course  Just curious to know how much hope we can place on this rumour |
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 4, 2010 19:06:58 GMT 12
Well, I am not sure I can mention the name of the source, but actually he is flying in the Red Arrows team and born in NZ. He flew both Macchi and A-4. I met him this year at the Dutch Air Force Open Days in June and had a very nice chat with him. He told me about his time flying jet aircraft in New Zealand and of course the tragic moment that the NZ Govt. to withdraw the fighter squadrons. However, he told me that he is still in good relation with many RNZAF officers and he told that the RNZAF might return some new aircraft in near time, as he mentioned that Pilatus trainers are looked at for training, which should be (most likely) the PC-21. Also he told me that the fleet of Macchi's are in very good condition and he (personally) thinks that a number of them could be return to active duty in next years. He was well informed and very nice guy to meet... Hope that's enough to keep the hope high on this matter Cheers from Holland KiwiRico |
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Post by luke6745 on Sept 4, 2010 19:19:50 GMT 12
Simon Rea?
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Post by kiwirico on Sept 4, 2010 20:01:45 GMT 12
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Just curious to know how much hope we can place on this rumour 