RNZAF 80th Anniversary Air Tattoo

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) celebrated its 

80th anniversary with an

Air Tattoo at RNZAF Base Ohakea 

 25-26 February 2017.

The two day event focused on military aircraft and featured an international Air Force contingent.Aircraft from a number of nations were present. What a feast for aviation enthusiasts.

The event also showcased the Black Falcons aerobatic team flying the T-6C Texan trainers, and many static displays that provided an opportunity to see, and understand, the work of the New Zealand Air Force.

RAAF F18 taxi at Ohakea

I attended with the Jensen Family. Wayne and Sarah came down from Auckland, Sarah's dad came up from Wellington, and George, a retired pilot himself lives in Kapiti. I went completely snap-happy, and wandered around in a contented daze, giving my shutter finger a workout like it has not had in some time. Thank goodness for digital photography. In the old days I would have needed a trailer for all the film!

I too so many photos that it may be best to share them in batches. When the camera's second battery eventually died, I had to switch to my cellphone, which also eventually surrendered under the onslaught. Thought 'd share a couple of photos and some video first !

   

F18s coming to rest

More Chopper porn ! Multinational choppers in action in NZ

Chopper porn: Multinational relief force choppers at work:

What can I say. Some photographers have all the breaks. The stream of images from the NZDF about the relief efforts in Kaikoura just keep coming.

The official photographers have captured amazing images of the workhorses and the forces operating in and around them, and also of the relief efforts.

The magnificent Southern Alp backdrop makes for astounding photographs !

Well done to all the men and women who are bringing relief to those trapped and traumatised people!

 

 

 

Multi-national Chopper and Naval force assisting in Kaikoura Earthquake evacuation

Choppers from 4 Nations assist with evacuation at Kaikoura

More snaps of the multinational military co-operation in evacuating affected people from Kaikoura after the 7.4 earthquake left the popular sea side resort holiday isolated and several thousand trapped.

Australia, Canada, the US and NZ military forces have been deployed to assist with the evacuation of visitors and injured, and resupply the residents. Water supplies were running low in particular, and inclement weather made access from both air and land almost impossible.

Photos from the NZ Defence Force (not mine, shared on their facebook page) show commanders of the vessels arriving, supplies being dropped. A feast for the eyes of naval helicopter observers and aircraft nuts.

I find it interesting to see that protesters were protesting at a military convention in Auckland while their own military and also foreign military were required to save the lives and help in the evacuation of quake affected New Zealanders.

We all rely on the military when things turn to custard. Yup, there is justification on spending money on military hardware. Its not about making war, but also keeping the peace and deterring those who may see us as a push-over. And doing the hard yakka and saving when the chips are down.

Without hawks there will be peace for the doves to coo in.
Who will you turn to when the going gets tough?
Seems memories are very short in peace-time.