New Deputy Chief of Air Force and Ohakea Air Force Base Commander take up posts
After two years as Base Commander at Ohakea, Group Captain Peter Gibson handed over the role to Group Captain Mark Whiteside last Friday. He has been appointed Deputy Chief of Air Force, and took up his new post this week, on promotion to Air Commodore.
22 January, 2026
Looking back, Air Commodore Gibson said that during his two-year tenure he was able to see key strategic outcomes realised.
“Highlights for me include the introduction into service of the P-8A Poseidon and the opening of its purpose-built building; extending the MC-12K King Air’s maritime surveillance into the Pacific and being better placed to assist our strategic partners and neighbours; and overseeing the nearly completed new fuelling depot, which will triple the amount of aviation fuel available to aircraft at Base Ohakea,” said Air Commodore Gibson.
He said those achievements would not have been possible without the talent, dedication and hard work from his leadership team and Commanding Officers, and the level of effort every day from every single person on base.
“Having such a dedicated workforce has made my job so much easier and allowed me to focus on the bigger strategic picture.”
As well as the strong friendships he has forged at Base Ohakea and in the wider community, Air Commodore Gibson says he will miss living in Manawatu and seeing what he describes as “a huge expanse of sky” overlooking Mount Ruapehu, Mount Egmont, and the Ruahine Ranges.
Change of Command ceremony at RNZAF Base Ohakea last week where outgoing Base Commander Group Captain Peter Gibson was farewelled. In the background is a Beechcraft T-6C Texan.
At the Change of Command ceremony last week, the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, thanked Air Commodore Gibson for all his hard work and welcomed his successor, Group Captain Whiteside.
Air Vice-Marshal Webb said the role of Base Commander is a pivotal one.
“Base Commanders are not just symbolic figureheads who quickly sort out problems and provide elegant solutions – instead they are immersed in the challenging and complex daily issues, providing often least-worst solutions that requires pragmatism, flexibility and compromise."
He said Base Commanders need to be able to view issues through a strategic lens and then develop outcomes that keep in mind they affect the lives of the people they serve and live with.
"They must have thick skins, but at the same time demonstrate empathy and compassion. They must have the best interests of the mission and the people uppermost in their minds, balancing those two, often contradictory requirements,” he said.
He said Air Commodore Gibson has been an excellent Base Commander and over the past two years developed and delivered a clear plan for Base Ohakea.
“While the shiny hardware can clearly be seen on the airfield tarmac, Pete’s focus throughout has been on the people, his people – the thing that motivates all of us to do the best we can every day.
Base Ohakea continues to be a vital part of Defence. Alongside Linton and Waiouru, it forms a cornerstone of the central Defence triangle, and it is from here that much of our preparedness and responsiveness is generated,” he said.
Outgoing Base Commander Group Captain Peter Gibson hands over the role to Group Captain Mark Whiteside after being appointed Deputy Chief of Air Force, taking up the post this week, on promotion to Air Commodore.