Post by flyjoe180 on Jun 13, 2007 17:52:36 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4091466a22376.html
A south Auckland airman has been named in the Queen's Birthday honours list as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Decoration for a lifetime of service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
During his career Squadron Leader Jim Rankin has had full responsibility for flying instruction standards throughout the New Zealand Defence Force in his roles as commanding officer of the Pilot Training Squadron and the Central Flying School.
The Distinguished Service Decoration recognises distinguished military service by regular, Territorial and reserve members of the New Zealand Defence Force, including command and leadership and service in an operational environment, or in support of operations.
The decoration acknowledges Squadron Leader Jim Rankin's 'instrumental role in developing and managing the standards and organisation to support RNZAF display flying activities, including leading the Red Checkers formation aerobatic team'.
"His expertise is also widely acknowledged in the civil flying community where he is closely involved with the professional development of civilian pilots and instructors through a variety of training and development work sponsored by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority."
Squadron Leader Rankin says the award was totally unexpected.
"My daughter got the mail and said: 'Here's one for you dad from Government House'. It's surprising to be recognised like this when I work with such a lot of talented people in an area I've always enjoyed."
The decoration will be officially presented by the governor-general in September.
A south Auckland airman has been named in the Queen's Birthday honours list as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Decoration for a lifetime of service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
During his career Squadron Leader Jim Rankin has had full responsibility for flying instruction standards throughout the New Zealand Defence Force in his roles as commanding officer of the Pilot Training Squadron and the Central Flying School.
The Distinguished Service Decoration recognises distinguished military service by regular, Territorial and reserve members of the New Zealand Defence Force, including command and leadership and service in an operational environment, or in support of operations.
The decoration acknowledges Squadron Leader Jim Rankin's 'instrumental role in developing and managing the standards and organisation to support RNZAF display flying activities, including leading the Red Checkers formation aerobatic team'.
"His expertise is also widely acknowledged in the civil flying community where he is closely involved with the professional development of civilian pilots and instructors through a variety of training and development work sponsored by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority."
Squadron Leader Rankin says the award was totally unexpected.
"My daughter got the mail and said: 'Here's one for you dad from Government House'. It's surprising to be recognised like this when I work with such a lot of talented people in an area I've always enjoyed."
The decoration will be officially presented by the governor-general in September.
