Wednesday, 14 March 2012, 4:13 pm Press Release: New Zealand Defence Force
14 March 2012
75 Years of Military Aviation HistoryCelebrated
A unique stamp collection, a speciallyminted silver coin, and an official history will be releasedas part of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75thanniversary celebrations at Parliament tonight.
Thespecial event will celebrate 75 years since the Royal NewZealand Air Force was formed as a separate arm of NewZealand’s military forces. from 1 April 1937, it’s beenan organisation steeped in tradition and heritage.
“Tonight is a celebration of 75 years of NewZealand’s military aviation history from the early 20thCentury and the birth of air power, through the world warsand the formation of an independent Royal New Zealand AirForce,” said the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal,Peter Stockwell.
Throughout its history the RNZAF hascontributed to the maintenance of peace, either throughallied contributions in wartime or to peacekeepingthroughout the world.
“His Royal Highness, PrinceCharles, the Prince of Wales, Air Commodore-in-Chief of theRoyal New Zealand Air Force has provided a personal videomessage acknowledging the talent and professionalism ofthose serving in the RNZAF and pays tribute to recentresponses to natural disasters both in New Zealand andoverseas.
“To celebrate this significant milestone arange of events and activities are taking place across NewZealand,” said Air Vice-Marshal Stockwell.
New ZealandPost has developed a special stamp issue portraying therange of services and aircraft throughout the years, fromTiger Moths to the latest NH90 helicopters. They feature airoperations in Europe and the Pacific during World War II, toSouth East Asia and the Antarctic, as well as manypeacekeeping and humanitarian relief efforts.
There isalso a commemorative coin that features the image of a pilotand several Skyhawks flying in a ‘missing man’formation. It is the only New Zealand legal tender coinofficially authorized to commemorate 75 years of militaryoperations in New Zealand. It is a limited edition, puresilver, one ounce coin.
A book covering the RNZAF’shistory was commissioned to mark the anniversary. Thebook Fighting Spirit, 75 Years of the RNZAF, writtenby author Margaret McClure, chronicles the spirit,professionalism and resilience of all those who have servedwith the RNZAF. The book details the birth, formation andtransformation of the Air Force into the force it is today.
A spectacular Air show will take place on 31 March atBase Ohakea. Military and civilian aircraft from New Zealandand around the world will join the Royal New Zealand AirForce to celebrate the 75th Anniversary.
ENDS
75 Years of Military Aviation History Celebrated
