New Zealand Defence Force

Announcement of new Chiefs of Service, Vice Chief of Defence and Commander Joint Forces 📢 Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced Commodore Garin Golding, Brigadier Rose King and Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb as the chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force respectively. The service chiefs will command their service while reporting to the Chief of Defence Force and advising the Minister of Defence. They are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence.   All three have been appointed for three years from 27 August. Commodore Golding will be promoted to Rear Admiral and Brigadier King to Major General. Air Vice-Marshal Webb, who has been Chief of Air Force since last year, will retain his current rank. The NZDF leadership change is completed by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies’ appointments of Commodore Mathew Williams as Vice Chief of Defence Force and Brigadier Robert Krushka as Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.   Commodore Williams takes up his new role on 27 August and Brigadier Krushka on 30 August. Their ranks will change to Rear Admiral and Major General respectively with their promotions. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gAD4_t_9 #Force4NZ

STORY📰 It’s not often an engineer is told, “you have the ship”, but it’s a role Commander (CDR) Chris Bone is more than ready to take on. CDR Bone recently assumed command of Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana, and will lead the ship through an extended maintenance period at Devonport Naval Base to prepare it for future deployments. It’s relatively familiar ground for CDR Bone, who was the Marine Engineering Officer (MEO) for HMNZS Te Mana between 2020-2023, leading the engineering department through the ship’s regeneration following the Frigate Systems Upgrade in Canada. He was also the Assistant MEO on HMNZS Te Kaha following its Platform System upgrade in 2013-2015. “This posting for me is an opportunity to put the knowledge I’ve gained through being part of two regeneration cycles across both frigates to the best use for the organisation." ~ Commander Chris Bone Read more ➡️ nzdf.mil.nz/cdr-chris-bone #Force4NZ #NZNavy

Nau mai haere mai👋 Last week our sailors formally welcomed the Minister of Defence, Hon Judith Collins KC MP, onto Te Taua Moana Marae at the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy.   Escorted by the RNZN Māori Cultural Officer, WO Ngahiwi Walker, Minister Collins received the traditional warrior challenge before the welcome speeches in the meeting house.   #Force4NZ #NZNavy

STORY📰 Get a close-up look at the new design of our Naval Officer’s sword that represents the Royal New Zealand Navy’s vessels and people. The new sword still maintains traditional elements on one side of the blade, but now includes the silver fern and Southern Cross. The opposing side adds Māori design incorporating elements of Aotearoa New Zealand and its nautical origins. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gnr-v_Ds 📸 LAC J Nomani #Force4NZ #NZNavy

Moving as one 🤝 Exercise Diamond Run has seen our soldiers in the thick of a series of war fighting scenarios alongside our brothers and sisters of the 7th Brigade - Australian Army. During high tempo urban operations, a Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment platoon (attached to 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) led a battalion attack on a prepared enemy in the Urban Operational Training Facility at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Immersive and challenging - the battalion planned and executed attacks on the well trained enemy, in very testing conditions. Ably supported by armoured vehicles and artillery from the Australian Army, and air support from the Royal Australian Air Force. Exercise Diamond Run serves as a checkpoint for our Army building towards Talisman Sabre 2025, continuing our seamless integration with our comrades across the ditch. #Force4NZ #NZArmy

Happy Tonga Language Week 🇹🇴🌺 Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea Faka-Tonga! We’re highlighting the voices and culture of some of our Tongan personnel. “What makes me proud of my language and culture is that Tongans can do the ‘mostest’ and be extra of extras. We don’t shy away from being Tongan, speaking the language, helping others understand our ways and the beauty of our history. I am proud to be from a lineage of people who are unapologetically ourselves, especially in and amongst different and foreign environments.” ~ Aircraftman Tricia Setefano Read more ➡️ nzdf.mil.nz/tonga-lw-24 #Force4NZ // Ministry for Pacific Peoples

READ📖 The latest issue of Army News is out now. Join Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles during their first armoured troop-level fire and manoeuvre exercise in five years, learn all about the role of our Joint Support Group, and take a look at Taskforce Kiwi and the mahi they’re getting up to here and abroad. ➡️ nzdf.mil.nz/army-news #Force4NZ #NZArmy

STORY📰 The Royal New Zealand Air Force and its aircraft have been in the background for much of Aircraftman Pam Paterson’s life – she grew up in Greenhithe, near Base Auckland, and attended Sunderland Kindergarten, which was in the old married quarters in Hobsonville. But it wasn’t until recently that she was inspired to enlist. She had been working in logistics for a small manufacturing company when the spark was a conversation with a work colleague about their son’s journey through training. “I want to serve my country and be a part of something special. I want to show my kids what can be achieved by working hard and making a difference when called upon to help others, no matter the situation." ~ Aircraftman Pam Paterson Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gg-Mzdah #Force4NZ #NZAirForce

Congratulations to our newest aviators 👏 On Friday we celebrated the achievements of the 24/02 Recruit Course at Base Woodbourne. The reviewing officer for the graduation parade was the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Darryn Webb. Welcome to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. 📸 CPL S Spivey #Force4NZ #NZAirForce

STORY📰 Brian Pulefolau’s efforts to serve his country as the Supervisor of Security Guard Forces at Papakura Military Camp have been recognised. Along with his team, he is responsible for providing camp security, which includes duties such as visitor bookings, maintaining emergency administration, escorting emergency services to affected areas, monitoring alarms and ensuring his team is well-trained. Mr Pulefolau has also implemented several healthy lifestyle initiatives at the camp; from physical fitness and healthy eating programmes to financial wellness training. The programmes he has helped implement have resulted in positive long-term wellbeing and health benefits for not only his staff, but their families as well; several of his staff have also purchased their first homes. “He is an inspirational symbol of professionalism and dedication to duty, upholding the finest traditions and championing the values of the New Zealand Defence Force. He is a great ambassador, and a proud member, of the Security Guard Force leadership.” ~ Brigadier Rob Krushka Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g2USnW5D #Force4NZ