P 8A Poseidon

10 APRIL, 2024

The NZDF has contributed personnel and maritime surveillance patrol aircraft to help enforce Security Council sanctions against North Korea since 2018.

North Korea continues to launch ballistic missiles in violation of Security Council resolutions. The sanctions are intended to persuade the country to denuclearise and abandon its ballistic missile weapons capabilities.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour, said the NZDF was committed to working alongside partners on enforcement operations, to uphold the international rules-based system and contribute to regional stability and security.

The maritime surveillance and reconnaissance patrols will be over international waters looking for violations of the sanctions resolutions, including illicit ship-to-ship transfers of banned goods such as oil and coal, he said.

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott, said the deployment included several “firsts” for the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s latest aircraft, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon.

“This is the first time one of our Poseidons has been deployed operationally overseas, the first time we have operated in Asia, which will be the furthest deployment away from New Zealand, and the first time we have used this aircraft in support of New Zealand’s contribution to uphold UN Security Council sanctions enforcement.’’

Previous patrols in support of enforcing Security Council sanctions were conducted by the now-retired P-3K2 Orion.

The Poseidon aircraft and crew will be based in Japan, conducting sanctions enforcement flights in support of the Enforcement Coordination Centre. Patrols will be conducted during April and May.

On deployment A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and specialist personnel from No. 5 Squadron have arrived in Japan as part of a recent deployment.

The aircraft and personnel are deployed to detect and deter evasions of United Nations Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against North Korea.

The Poseidon aircraft and crew will be based in Japan, conducting sanctions enforcement flights in support of the Enforcement Coordination Centre. Patrols will be conducted during April and May.

Our Lockheed P-3K2 Orion will be on public

display from 18-21 April at the Air

Force Museum of New Zealand. Come and

see for yourself how good it looks and

learn all about the history of this

extraordinary aircraft.

P8-A

Help!

We’re looking for more information on our fantastic 1/8th scale Lockheed P-3 Orion model. While we know a little bit about its origins, we are hoping some former RNZAF personnel can fill in a few blanks.

We believe the wooden model may have been built around 1965 in the carpenters’ workshop at Hobsonville in time for an open day and air display in January 1966.

It was in original colours back then, but repainted at a later date.

We are using the model as part of an upcoming exhibition and would love to know more. It is beautifully crafted and we’d like to acknowledge the team behind the work.

If anyone can shed some light, please contact communications@airforcemuseum.co.nz

Good afternoon Association,

A merchandise stock take has now been completed and I can confirm there are no further Haere Ra patches or Retirement Port available. Chris Walker has done a phenomenal job of managing the merchandise sales so there are limited numbers of the following:

So, what's cooler than being cool? Chris thinks an Orion dropping a Mk-46 torpedo on an anti-submarine warfare mission stubby cooler is pretty cool.

Stubby Cooler: $15 (2 for $20)

Commemorate countless operations, hundreds of lives saved and 57 years of service with a high-quality A3 sized print.

 A3 Print: $10 (If shipped, $20)

An in-depth timeline on the history of the Orion and 5 Squadron. No doubt there will be some familiar faces and moments for many of you. (Published 2006)

 Kiwi Orions Book: $20

A commemorative coin which includes the brevets of those trades that made the Orion team.

Retirement Coin: $15

A commemorative brew aptly named 'Crew Lube".

Retirement Beer: $25 per six-pack

(100% of proceeds will be going directly to the retirement function for this aircraft)

To order: email p3retirement@nzdf.mil.nz with your merchandise requirements and contact details to arrange payment and delivery. The team manning the inbox will be in touch.

Pickup Base Whenuapai

Shipping is possible, but will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

To keep the prints safe, $5 is the best deal Chris found for a carry tube.

Thanks for the support,

Siale and team

P-3 Commemorative Watch 

Place your orders now! email James Robertson-Bickers @ nzdf .mil.NZ

P3 ORION