Over and out: flyboys farewell their base

By PAULA OLIVER

A dazzling flying display over the wide open spaces of Ohakea airbase near Palmerston North drew tears from past and present airmen yesterday as the country's air combat force celebrated its final moments with a flourish.

In a day thick with emotion, the official disbandment of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Nos 2, 14 and 75 Squadrons was completed seven months after the Government revealed it could no longer afford to keep the ageing Skyhawks and Aermacchi fighter jets.

The end of more than 80 years of military history was marked with a stunning flypast at just 15m by Squadron Leader Jason Easthope, who put his Skyhawk through a memorable final workout for the crowd lining the roads outside Ohakea and the tarmac within the base.

For many former servicemen, the view was tough to bear.

"We've lost something very valuable, and your generation will have to sort it out," said one.

"It's a bad day for New Zealand. There they are, take a last look."

Surrounding him were hundreds of past and present members of the Air Force, many blinking back tears as the four Aermacchi and six Skyhawk jets touched down for the final time.

Climbing out of his jet with a grin from ear to ear, Squadron Leader Easthope said he had enjoyed the final flight.

"It's a pretty sad moment, but we enjoyed ourselves. It's a great way of saying farewell. The boys were all on the radios talking to each other about how good it looked down there, how many people were there.

"We had some fun. I feel a bit pissed off, but that's how it goes."

In a nearby hangar, an elderly man wandered alone savouring one last look at a pile of Skyhawk parts.

"I flew flyboats. I wasn't one of the flashy boys, but I flew. I've a long association with the base.

"We're going to need these planes again. The world isn't getting any nicer."

Many of the officers spent their lunch breaks donning full-dress uniform, before gathering on the base's parade ground for the ceremonial laying-up of the squadron standards.

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, who presided over the occasion, praised parade members for presenting themselves so highly in difficult circumstances.

Detailing the history of each of the three squadrons, she described past and present members as an inspiration to New Zealanders.

The end for the squadrons came when their squadron standards were finally marched from the parade ground to a nearby chapel. All members of the Air Force gave a final salute, before the flags were laid up for the last time.

"Today marks the end of another chapter in the long and proud history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force," the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Don Hamilton, told the gathering.

"In the time I have I cannot do justice to the history of these squadrons. The full story belongs to the people who have been part of the air combat force.

"We have always had the best people, and they have served us well."