First RNZAF P3B Orion arrives in New Zealand

[beagle]

This weekend marks the 47th anniversary of the arrival of the first RNZAF P3B to New Zealand

NZ4201. Anyone know who were the crew etc

[camtech]

Captain was Wing Commander Mal Gunton

[camtech]

The first Orion, NZ4201, arrived at Whenuapai 27 September 1966 from the US, captained by Wg Cdr M S Gunton. The aircraft flew to Wellington for the official welcome by the Prime Minister, and returned to Auckland the same day.
Whenuapai History

The second Orion, NZ4202, arrived from the US 10 December 1966, captained by Flt Lt P K Simpson.
Whenuapai History

The third Orion, NZ4203, arrived from the US on 11 December 1966, captained by Sqdn Ldr T E Enright.
Whenuapai History

The fourth Orion, NZ4204, arrived from the US on 12 December 1966, captained by Flt Lt J B Irvine.
Whenuapai History

The fifth Orion, NZ4205, arrived from the US on 14 December 1966, captained by Wg Cdr D B Flintoff.
Whenuapai History

My claim to fame was to carry out the first After Flight on NZ4205 on NZ soil

[beagle]

and empty the first toilet after a nice long flight

[alanw]

I remember going out to the Terminal at Whenuapai, to see my Dad and
other 5 Squadron members returning back from NAS Moffett Field and
see the RNZAF DC 6 pulling up hard in front of the terminal.
The size of the aircraft was amazing but it was the size of that HUGE
front wheel that really got my attention (ony 5 at the time)

After Dad had come from overseas, he received these journals (monthly
I think from memory) on servicing the P 3B Orion. Needless to say the
advent of the Orions were the next best thing to the Sunderland, and
I remember each time a new one turned up I would (after Dad had finished)
avidly peruse the pages (not that any of it made sense then), but I recall
on the back the different USN P3 Squadron badges featured  and that was
just the coolest thing, especialy as Dad had brought back a white
US Steel helmet liner with an Angry Eagle throwing bombs for my brother and I.
Much like the one on this Link
www.history.navy.mil/avh-vol2/chap3-3.pdf

The Journals (all folder bound) are still with Dads things at the family home

Great memories

Regards

Alan