Former senior Air Force aviator embarks on new career as officer
After more than three decades in which he rose to the top role of Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Kerry Williams is now embarking on a new phase of his career as an officer.
24 June, 2025
Originally trained as an Aircraft Technician and spending 37 years as an enlisted aviator, he will now move into the officers’ ranks having just graduated the Initial Officer Training Course at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Woodbourne.
At graduation he was awarded the Robinson Memorial Trophy and the Karl Dobson Memorial Trophy.
The Robinson Memorial Trophy is presented to the graduate who in the eyes of their peers displayed the greatest leadership throughout the course. The Karl Dobson Memorial Trophy is presented to the graduate who epitomised the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and determination whilst displaying a high level of fitness throughout the course.
Flight Lieutenant Williams, originally from Picton and more recently based in Auckland, said that he has enjoyed being back in the field and putting to use his core military skills.
“The highlight for me has been being back within teams and doing my best for the success of others."
“Seeing the development of the direct entry officers over the course has been amazing, with some of them handling weapons for the first time and learning about military processes and all of our operational jargon,” he said.
Flight Lieutenant Kerry Williams enjoyed being back among his fellow aviators during his officer recruit course.
Flight Lieutenant Williams said he has enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends that he will be able to count on over the next stage of his career.
“Being accepted by the team as an officer cadet, rather than who I was in my enlisted career was a nice moment. I felt I could be normal again and just have a bit of fun with the team,” he said.
He said he was looking forward to getting back amongst colleagues and contributing in a different way to his Air Force whanau.
“I hope to be able to share some experiences and contribute to our positive culture and values that have seen us succeed as a force for so many years.
“I am looking forward to contributing to developing high performing teams. I have had good results in my enlisted career so I will carry a positive attitude forward and work hard for others,” Flight Lieutenant Williams said.
Former Warrant Officer of the Air Force now Flight Lieutenant Kerry Williams graduated Initial Officer Training last week at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
In his final leadership exercise of the course he said his major takeaway was being comfortable to let new learning occur and to ‘fail safe’ if faced with difficulties.
“The ability to empower though delegation and responsibilities as a leader was great, but just as satisfying has been the ability to work hard for someone else and see how your positive attitude can impact others and contribute to mission success.”
He said trying not to solve everything and take away learning opportunities for others is something he has been conscious of.
“I have really enjoyed getting back into the tactical application of leadership as an individual and in a team.”
Flight Lieutenant Williams encouraged anyone wanting to join the Air Force not to worry about the ‘what ifs’.
“Embracing the challenge and getting through the tough times day-by-day is a great way to build confidence and find all of the amazing experiences the New Zealand Defence Force has to offer,” he said.
He said a good work life balance is essential and he is looking forward to spending more time with his family again as he heads to Whenuapai for the next phase of his career as an Operational Support Officer.