New squadron commander gets ready for mission demands and future aircraft

No. 6 Squadron flies the SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter maintained by the Air Force and crewed by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), while conducting missions from the flight decks of RNZN ships. The squadron celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.

Commander Roderick took over from Commander Alex Trotter in a ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai on Thursday 22 January.

His passion for helicopters can be charted back to tourist flights in a helicopter in Fiji as a child, followed by his first familiarisation flights as a teenager while growing up in Auckland.

After leaving St Kentigern College at 17, Commander Roderick applied for the Air Force but wasn’t successful. Instead, he undertook a year-long Certificate of Aviation course with Massey University Auckland, flying the Hughes 300 helicopter out of Ardmore aerodrome.

Upon finishing the course, he wondered what to do next.

“One of my course mates at Massey – who came to the change of command ceremony – read me in about how the Navy were super keen for helicopter pilots. I went through the selection board, got through the hurdles, joined the Navy in 2004, and now here I am, 22 years later.”

Commander Roderick undertook a tour of duty with No. 3 Squadron as a copilot flying Iroquois helicopters in East Timor between 2006 to 2008, then arrived at No. 6 Squadron to take up a variety of appointments as a Seasprite helicopter pilot from HMNZ ships Te Mana, Te Kaha and Canterbury. This evolved to Flight Commander positions attached to ships, earning him a Chief of Navy commendation for his efforts.

He then undertook instructor training at the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury in the United Kingdom, staying on as an instructor for a year to train helicopter pilots.

On return to No. 6 Squadron, Commander Roderick has since served in every executive position in the squadron, including Deputy Training Flight Commander, Training Flight Commander and Executive Officer.

He is fresh from a recent staff appointment with the Maritime Helicopter Replacement team, planning the introduction of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the squadron.

Commander Roderick is excited about the new capability.

“The MH-60R is a great proven aircraft and we will be in good company with partners who have used it for a long time. It’s got a strong operational track record and is much easier to maintain and sustain.”

He says the Seasprite has treated him well.

“I’ve done nearly 3,000 hours on it. It’s a stable, powerful platform that gets you home and does everything you ask of it. But they are getting on a bit, and a helicopter is a big shaking ball of parts. Those parts can break, and it’s hard to get replacements. The staff that have worked on them have been absolute heroes.

“So, coming back, I will see the Seasprite go out in style, and help the squadron look forward to a new machine.”

He is excited to take command.

“It’s not something that everyone gets to do, and it’s really special to be considered worthy. No. 6 Squadron is a unit that has given a lot to me, and I want to give back. It’s a place I know and love, and there’s no workplace I’d rather be.”