Chief of Navy
- of Navy, Army and Joint Forces
The Chief of Defence Force LT GEN Jerry Mateparae has welcomed the appointment of a new Chief of Navy (CN), Chief of Army (CA) Commander Joint Forces (ComJ).
‘CDRE Tony Parr’s promotion to RA and CN marks another step in an exemplary career with the Royal New Zealand Navy.
From his first command of the Patrol Craft, HMNZS Pukaki, through to his commands of the frigates HMNZS Waikato and HMNZS Te Mana CDRE Parr has demonstrated an ability to successfully lead his officers and crew and commands the respect of all he has served with.
Chief of Army
I expect him to bring these skills to what looks like an exciting year for the RNZN,’ says CDF.
CDRE Parr says he’s looking forward to the challenges ahead.
‘I‘m absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the Navy and look forward to the challenges that the job will bring. We have six new ships coming into service in the months ahead and it is up to the Navy to demonstrate to the New Zealand public how these vessels will contribute to keeping our country safe and secure as well as allowing us to successfully operate with our defence partners.’
In a second major announcement CDF has welcomed the appointment of MAJGEN Rhys Jones to the position of Chief of Army.
‘MAJ GEN Jones is presently Commander of Joint Forces based at Trentham and is responsible for the operation of all of NZDF’s offshore deployments.
Commander Joint Forces
‘He has been tremendously successful in this pivotal role and I expect him to bring the same qualities of calm leadership matched with an understanding of the strategic goals that all in defence are aiming towards, to his new position as CA.’
MAJ GEN Jones says he’s honoured to be selected as the Chief of Army.
‘It is humbling to be selected to head an Army that is world class in the quality of its people and has a strong reputation going back over one hundred years. I would like to thank those people who have supported me, taught me what I know professionally and been examples of what I should be.
‘We will need to transform the Army to what it needs to be for the future under difficult financial circumstances. This will require prudent management of the Army’s resources.’
Both men will take up their positions from 1 May this year and the NZDF will shortly begin the process of filling the vacancies created by the appointments.
In the first of those CDF announced the appointment of AIRCDRE Peter Stockwell as the Defence Force’s new Commander Joint Forces New Zealand (COM JFNZ). AIRCDRE Stockwell will replace MAJ GEN Rhys Jones who has been appointed Chief of Army.
‘For his new position, AIRCDRE Stockwell will be promoted to AVM and I am sure he will bring valuable skills and experience to the role.’
AIRCDRE Stockwell’s most recent appointments include Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Component Commander, and his current position is Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Intelligence.
AIRCDRE Stockwell says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
‘I‘m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity and am looking forward to the exciting challenges that the job will bring. I look forward to meeting as many as possible of our men and women deployed on overseas missions and congratulating them on the good work they do for New Zealand,’ AIRCDRE Stockwell said.
The Joint Forces Commander is based at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in Trentham, and is responsible for the operation of all of NZDF’s offshore deployments.
AIRCDRE Stockwell takes up his new position on 1 May 2009.