Warrant Officer Keith Gell, MNZM
The Warrant Officer of the Air Force for the Royal New Zealand Air Force took up this position in March 2004. W/O Keith Gell was born and raised in the Hutt Valley and is of Ngati Rakai Paaka descent.
Warrant Officer of the Air Force Warrant Officer Keith Gell
He was educated at Wainuiomata College. In October 1974 he enlisted in the Air Force at RNZAF Base Wigram. Following recruit and Junior Trade Training he was posted to RNZAF Base Wigram as an Engine Mechanic to the Pilot Training School. Following a two-year period of on the job training he returned to the trade training school and completed his Technicians course in 1978. On completion he was posted to RNZAF Base Ohakea and was employed at the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. In 1980 he was promoted to Corporal and also had his first overseas deployment with No 75 Skyhawk Squadron on Exercise Vanguard.
In 1983 he was posted to No 3 Helicopter Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland working on Sioux and Wasp helicopters. In 1984 he was posted to HMNZS Canterbury for a period of two years maintaining the Ships helicopter. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1985 and was back on No 3 Helicopter Squadron following completion of duty on HMNZS Canterbury. In 1987 he was posted to Wellington and was employed within the Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance. In 1990 he was promoted to Flight Sergeant and was posted back to RNZAF Base Auckland in 1993. In 1994 he commenced duties at No 42 Andover Squadron and was there until the retirement of the Aircraft in 1998.
That same year he was promoted to Warrant Officer and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queens Birthday Honours. He was also posted into the Air Power Development Centre where at the same time he completed a Junior Staff Course at the Command and Staff College. In 2001 he completed a tour of duty in East Timor as the Camp W/O with No 3 Helicopter Squadron. In 2003 he was posted to No 5 Orion Squadron as the Squadron Warrant Officer and completed an operational tour as the Engineering Officer for Operation Troy in the Middle East.
He is married to Robyn and has one daughter Billie.