Nelson aviator keen to make a difference with Air Force career

Aircraftman Findley Barker was one of 55 recruits who recently graduated at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and is about to begin a career as an avionics technician. 

The 18-year-old joined because it was a chance to make a difference and “have a fulfilling career doing what I love”.

He came to the Air Force with his eyes wide open. He is gaining his private pilot’s licence and spent five years in his local Air Cadets unit, 23 “Ghost Squadron”.

“The Cadets experience gave me the opportunity to travel around bases all over the country to meet Defence Force personnel.”

Now Aircraftman Barker said he is looking forward to learning new skills and taking up as many opportunities that life in the Air Force offers. 

“After my trade training at Woodbourne I would like to be posted to No. 6 Squadron to work on the new Seahawk helicopters, which greatly interest me, then returning to Woodbourne for further training.”

The past few months on the recruit course threw some challenges at Aircraftman Barker, with two close friends who enlisted with him, leaving the course before graduating. 

“But I quickly figured out, I could turn to the people around me when I needed to, although we had only known each other for a few months we had each other’s backs. I also missed my girlfriend at home, but I knew I would rather see her at my graduation after finishing the course than get homesick and leave early.”

The field phase of the course was a highlight for the new aviator, with exercises held at the RNZAF land at Dip Flat Military Training Camp in the Wairau Valley. 

“The recruitment course tests everyone, but you will look back and it will be some of the best memories you have. Joining the New Zealand Defence Force means you have an enormous amount of fun alongside having an interesting and fulfilling career.”