Bay of Plenty aviator takes to the sky in new trade

... setting up IT networks and satellites to relay critical information from the aircraft back to headquarters. But soon he will be flying in the Boeing P8-A Poseidon providing that intelligence.

At age 27, Corporal Moeke is making a significant trade change within the RNZAF No. 5 Squadron, retraining as an Air Warfare Specialist. He’ll soon be in the air operating the P-8A Poseidon’s highly advanced sensor systems including its radar, electro optics, electronic warfare suite and acoustic warfare suite. 

Corporal Moeke always knew he wanted a career in RNZAF, joining No. 35 Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) in Whakatāne, at age of 13.

“ATC taught me core skills that would become invaluable throughout my career in the RNZAF – respect, integrity, loyalty and discipline. I was taught how to shoot, outdoor first aid, survival skills, ground and air navigation, radio procedures and drill. I became very good at marching.” 

After enlisting Corporal Moeke began with No. 5 Squadron and training as a CIS technician and deployed twice to Japan on Operation Whio, the New Zealand Defence Force’s contribution to monitoring United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

In his 2024 deployment, he led the team responsible for vital communications between RNZAF’s long-range surveillance P-8A and headquarters. 

“On deployment a CIS technician directs the establishment of IT, satellite and radio networks that support the functions of command and control, intelligence, logistics and communications. Once set up these networks are protected from cyber threats, jamming and interception by adversaries. 

“We also provided radar tracking facility tracking aircraft position for each mission and managed the aircraft’s IT data before and after each flight.” 

In 2025, Corporal Moeke deployed once more, this time as the Operations Officer, coordinating and facilitating the mission objectives for the crew each day.  

“It was a dynamic environment – liaising with our partner nations and working alongside them to achieve our goal.”

“Being part of the RNZAF has been an incredible experience. It’s given me two trades, and I’ve been able to travel around New Zealand and spend time in Japan, America and Australia.  

“What other career offers the same level of training, excitement, potential for travel and where you have the best group of mates for life?” 

Corporal Moeke is set to graduate as an Air Warfare Specialist later this year, continuing to operate with RNZAF Base Ohakea’s No. 5 Squadron.