News | NZDF

Air Force Veteran thrown into Gulf War in first few months of service

15 January, 2021

Wing Commander Paul Cockerton was 18 years old when he deployed to Saudi Arabia with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Scud Missile memories amid scars of Gulf War

15 January, 2021

Flight Sergeant Mike Cotton was 19 years old when he deployed to the Gulf as part of the Royal Air Force’s 9 Squadron RAF (Tornado bombers) ground crew.

Gulf War a first step in medical career for NZ Army Major

15 January, 2021

Major David Foote was 21 years old when he deployed to the Gulf as part of the New Zealand Defence Force contingent in 1991.

Massive effort to keep RNZAF Hercules flying during Gulf War

15 January, 2021

Warrant Officer Mark Harwood was the flight sergeant in charge of the maintenance team for the Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules aircraft during the New Zealand Defence Force’s deployment to the Gulf.

Gulf War a life-changing experience for Army Major

15 January, 2021

Major Ken Coombes was 32 when he deployed to the Gulf as the Admin NCO and it was the first of three Middle East missions during his NZ Army service.

Flying into the smoke of the Gulf War

15 January, 2021

Tom Tuke was a 23-year-old flying officer captaining a C-130 Hercules when he deployed as part of 40 Squadron to the Gulf War. 40 Squadron originally deployed with three crews but this increased to four later on due to the high tempo of flying.

Survey flights over Fiji completed after tropical cyclone Yasa

21 December, 2020

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has successfully completed two survey flights of Fiji and remains ready to respond to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Rotorua brothers begin Navy legacy for family

17 December, 2020

In the wake of a tourism downturn in Rotorua, two brothers have moved from a performing arts family business to embrace careers in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).

Flying high, above and through the water

16 December, 2020

Leading Aircraftman Patrick Haybittle is keen to get to sea to help his helicopters fly, but as well as being a high-flyer above the waves, he may also be winging his way towards the Olympics in an emerging sport.