Air Force Red Checkers To Fly Over Mt Maunganui

21 March 2012

Air Force Red Checkers To Fly Over Mt Maunganui

The Air Force Red Checkers team will perform an aerobatic display over Mt Maunganui on Sunday 25 March as part its national tour to celebrate 75 years the RNZAF.

Tauranga was an important area for the RNZAF during WWII. From 1942 right through to 1992, Te Rapa served as a dedicated stores depot for the RNZAF. Prior to 1942 most of the RNZAF’s stores were kept at Hobsonville, but after the Japanese entered the war, the Auckland station was considered too vulnerable to attack from carrier-borne aircraft. Te Rapa was chosen as it was sufficiently inland from both coasts to prevent air attack, and was also on the main railway line.

This year the Air Force is celebrating 75 years of service to New Zealand. An Act of Parliament in 1937 made the Air Force independent of the Army and, by the end of WWII, the new Service was a large and effective air arm. “By the actions of its men and women throughout the World War, and in many conflicts and operations since, the RNZAF has created a rich history, of which all New Zealanders can be proud,” says Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell, Chief of Air Force.

This display by the Red Checkers continues the team’s tour to celebrate the Air Force’s 75th Anniversary. They will be flying to towns and cities across the North and South Islands through to April.

What: Red Checkers aerobatic display (weather permitting)
Where: Mt Maunganui
When: Sunday 25 March at approximately 1600

Visit www.airforce.mil.nz and click on ‘What’s On’ for the Red Checkers flying schedule in 2012.

ENDS

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