// First Word
-Reflections on 2009
Chief of Air Force
AVM Graham Lintott
By Chief of Air Force AVM Graham Lintott
As we prepare to head away for a very well-earned Christmas holiday, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our Air Force family’s 2009.
I’d like to thank each and every one of you for all your efforts in what, I know, has been a very challenging 12 months. This year has been unlike any other I can recall. We’ve continued to show how dedicated and professional we are in delivering military air operations and support, while at the same time progressing towards the introduction into service of our new or upgraded aircraft.
This is our reason for being and has remained our primary focus. In addition, many of our strategic initiatives around waste elimination, smarter work practices, and innovation are being implemented.
These initiatives and changes are unsettling for many of us but are necessary for us to remain operationally relevant, to be valued by the government and people of New Zealand, and to manage in a future that will be dominated by financial constraint. Overarching our Air Force change programme is the Defence Transformation Programme and the Defence Review.
Tsunami relief for Samoa
All of these create an environment of uncertainty, so it is more important than ever that we focus on our core function, communicate effectively with each other, provide leadership at all levels, and that we look after each other.
On reflection, I couldn’t be more proud of how well you have performed in these circumstances during 2009. This is a year that has required us to be more innovative and creative than ever before—and we have done just that.
While I am not able to list all the outstanding achievements of each individual or team, they have been numerous. (Have a read of the team updates to find out more). This is a testament to you all.
This was clearly demonstrated in our rapid response to the tsunami in Samoa and Tonga. Our ability to promptly deliver aid and support was excellent, and we should all feel proud of the huge difference we made to our Pacific neighbours.
A close up look at the Iroquois
We should feel proud too of the contribution we continue to make on the world stage. Our work in Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, and the ongoing Antarctic programme is a valuable and integral part of the NZDF’s overseas operations. On this note, we should all spare a thought for our mates serving overseas this Christmas, and especially their families.
Next year our focus will continue to be on operations, with safety and efficiency always being at the forefront of everything we do. It will be a year that will no doubt bring its own challenges, but we have proven time and again that we are resilient and can cope with challenges well.
The Air Force leadership and I thank you for all your hard work, and also acknowledge the support of your families in our success.
Dianne and I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a very safe and relaxing break!