RNZAF Number 2 Squadron |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO). See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu. |
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Page dedicated to Number 2 SQN pilots KWF the Skyhawk.
Flying Officer Graham Carter - 24 OCT 1989 - BuNo 157913, NZ-6210 Flight Officer Graham Carter's funeral was held in 75 SQN's hangar on 27 OCT 1989.
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SQN-LDR LCDR Murry Neilson - 16 FEB 2001 - BuNo 154903, NZ-6211 |
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Patch "Whakatopa Kia Mate" = "We swoop to kill". 2nd patch from Gary Verver |
Sources David Weber Phil Thompson |
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Handle No info yet. Heritage
1930: Established as part of the "Territorial Air Force". 1940: "Territorial Squadrons" merged into "NZ General Reconnaissance Squadron. 1941: No. 2 Squadron reformed. OCT 1946: dis-established and assets used to form RNZAF 75 Squadron. 1948-57: existed again as a New Zealand "Territorial Squadron". DEC 1984: New No 2 Squadron established, flying the Skyhawk. JAN 2002: terminated operations. |
Home Ports 1930: Wellington 1938: Blenheim 1940: Whenuapai, Auckand 1943: Espirtu Santo, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougtainville, Green Island and Jacquuinot Bay OCT 1945 - OCT 1946: Ohakea 1948-57: Ohakea DEC 1984: Ohakea MAR 1991: Remote Base: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales, Australia. |
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Air Wings RNZAF |
Aircraft Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: 1938: Blackburn Baffins. 1941: Hudson Bomber. 1943: Ventura 1945 - 1957: Hudson,P-51 Mustangs (1952-55), and others. DEC 1984: A-4G Skyhawk DEC 1984: TA-4G Skyhawk 1985: Douglas A-4K Skyhawk. 1985: Douglas TA-4K Skyhawk.
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Deployments 1943: Espirtu Santo, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougtainville, Green Island and Jacquuinot Bay. 1945: Detachments at Whenauapi and Norfolk Island. MAR 1991: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales, Australia. |
Commanding Officers 2001: SQNLDR Murray Neilson |
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Awards No info yet |
Awards continued No additional info |
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Events DEC 1984: Reformed in December 1984 at Ohakea, No.2 Squadron was equipped with the Skyhawk when it took delivery of ten ex-RAN Skyhawks (8 A-4G and 2 TA-4G) aircraft. These aircraft were later converted to A-4K and TA-4K specifications. While stationed at Ohakea (alonside No. 75 Squadron), the squadron provided pilot conversion and operational training, as well as being tasked for reconnaissance, systems evaluation, and procedures development. 1985: 2 SQN TA-4K 157917 NZ6254, TA-4G 154911 NZ6255, TA-4K 157915 NZ6252, TA-4G 154912 NZ6256. 2 SQN TA-4K 157917 NZ6254, TA-4G 154911 NZ6255, TA-4G 154912 NZ6256 and TA-4K 157915 NZ6252. Pic 1 Pic 2 RNZAF Official from Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 03 JUN 1985: BuNo 155069, RNZAF NZ6218, rolled over while landing at RAAF Townsville. Pilot escaped. Still in it's A-4G configuration from the RAN, it had considerable damage but was repairable. It is not known for sure which squadron it was assigned to at the time. SEP 1989: BuNo 154911, NZ6255, a TA-4K landed short at Ohaeka after it's "Kahu" upgrade and skidded to an arrested landing on it's drop tanks. It was the 1st production Kahu upgrade. It had been delivered to Ohaeka on 12 JUL 1984 from the RAN as TA-4G 880. 24 October 1989: BuNo 157913, NZ-6210, Flight Lieutenant Graham Carter was killed during a practice session of the Kiwi Red aerobatic team when NZ-6210 struck NZ-6211 and crashed on the airfield. NZ-6211 landed safely. FEB 1991: No.2 Squadron moved to Nowra, NSW, Australia, where it provided training for the RAN and conversion of RNZAF Skyhawk pilots. The squadron was equipped with two A-4K and four TA-4K aircraft supported by 50-60 personnel. No.2 Squadron continued to provide air defence training to the Australian Defence Force until November 2001. 20 June 1996: BuNo 157906, NZ-6203, F/L A. Fraser ejected safely when his aircraft crashed 10km N of Ohakea after engine failed due to total loss of oil pressure as pilot attempted to return from cross country. 16 February 2001: BuNo 154903, NZ6211, Squadron Leader Murray Neilson, 37, was killed when his Skyhawk crashed near HMAS Albatross, near Nowra, NSW, while practicing a plugged barrel roll with NZ6213 hooked up. At the apex of the barrel roll the aircraft did not maintain the correct roll attitude that commenced at a lower than planned altitude led to insufficient height to recover the maneuver. Neilson's shouted warning allowed Sqn. Ldr. Easthope to safely recover the dive. SQNLDR Murray Neilson, was killed when his A-4K Skyhawk crashed during practice for an International Air Show to be held at Victoria, Australia. At the time of the accident, six New Zealand A-4K Skyhawks were stationed at RNZAF Nowra, New South Wales, Australia providing support for joint training with Australian forces. 13 DEC 2001: The Air Combat Force of the RNZAF comprising, Nos 2, 14, and 75 Squadrons was "officially" disbanded on 13 December 2001. JAN 2002: Number 2 Squadron at the Naval Air Station at Nowra in New South Wales, Australia, terminated operations at the end of January 2002. |
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Unit Photos 1978: 157908 NZ6205 NZ6204 refueling from USMC VMGR-152 KC-130F Hercules tanker BuNo 148247, QD-247, prior to deploying for Exercise RIMPAC, 1978. Photographer unknown, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1985: A-4K 157912 NZ6209 in flight. From Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 1985: A-4K 157913 NZ6210 over Wellington. From Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 1985: TA-4K 157915 NZ6252 by 2 Squadron hangar. From Don Simms via Phil Thompson. Royal New Zealand Air Force #2 squadron Skyhawk BuNo 157917, NZ-6254, parked on the Ohakea ramp. Les Marriage 1985: TA-4G 154911 NZ6255 on the 75 Squadron line. Wemaster's guess is it is next to A-4G 155061 NZ6216. Glen Turner photo via Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 1985: A-4G 155052 NZ6215 taxiing at Ohakea. From Glen Turner. 19 MAR 1986: Royal New Zealand Air Force 2 squadron Skyhawk BuNo 157917, NZ-6254, as she taxis by the photographer. R.A. London 1986: right front view of RNZAF 2 Squadron A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157912, NZ6209, in the hangar at Ohakea. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: 2 Squadron Skyhawk flight line at Ohakea, l-r A-4K BuNo 157913, NZ6210, A-4G BuNo154905, NZ6213, A-4K BuNo 157907, NZ6204 & TA-4G BuNo 154912 NZ6256, 1986. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: right rear view of RNZAF 2 Squadron A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157913, NZ6210, on the line next to an unknown A-4G Skyhawk in its original RAN colours at Ohakea. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: 2 Squadron Skyhawk flight line at Ohakea, l-r A-4K BuNo 157913, NZ6210, A-4G BuNo154905, NZ6213, A-4K BuNo 157907, NZ6204 & TA-4G BuNo 154912 NZ6256, 1986. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: right rear view of RNZAF 2 Squadron A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157913, NZ6210, on the line next to an unknown A-4G Skyhawk in its original RAN colours at Ohakea. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: right rear view of RNZAF 2 Squadron flight line, l-r A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157913, NZ6210, TA-4G BuNo 154912, NZ6256, A-4K BuNo 157907, NZ6204, A-4G BuNo 154905, NZ6213 and A-4K BuNo 157913, NZ6210, in mixed colour schemes at Ohakea. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: right front cockpit close-up of RNZAF 2 Squadron TA-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157914, NZ6251, in-flight over the sea. RNZAF Official, Don Simms collection. /157913-a-4k-ddmmm86-rnzaf-nz6210-mixed-colour-schemes-2-sqn-line-ohakea-glen-turner-photo.jpg">right rear view of RNZAF 2 Squadron flight line, l-r A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157913, NZ6210, TA-4G BuNo 154912, NZ6256, A-4K BuNo 157907, NZ6204, A-4G BuNo 154905, NZ6213 and A-4K BuNo 157913, NZ6210, in mixed colour schemes at Ohakea. Photo Glen Turner, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson.
1986: right front cockpit close-up of RNZAF 2 Squadron TA-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157914, NZ6251, in-flight over the sea. RNZAF Official, Don Simms collection. 1986: A-4G 155052 NZ6215 taxi silver bucket. 1986: A-4G 155061 NZ6216 on the line at Ohakea. 1988: Left side view of RNZAF 2 squadron TA-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157917, NZ6254, on the ramp next to British Aerospace Bae 146-100 s/n G-BSTA. Unknown Photographer via W. Mutza 1988: The RNZAF "Kiwi Reds" demonstration team over Australia's Sydney Harbour. Photo from Phillip Thompson, former RAN FAA Skyhawk Pilot. Date unknown: BuNo 157904 (a 2 Sqn jet at the time) flying past a RAN FFG 01 (HMAS Adelaide) during a joint maritime strike exercises with the RAN. RNZAF Official Photo from Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 1986: A-4G 155061 NZ6216, A-4G 154904 NZ6212 & unknown A-4K formation take-off. The two A-4G aircraft are former RAN 874 and 883. A-4G 154904 NZ6212 back on deck after an in-flight loss of the canopy. From Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 1986: left front view of RNZAF 75 Squadron A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157907, NZ6204, in the background as 2 Squadron ground crew bid farewell to 2 pilots. Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1986: A-4G 154904 NZ6212 in the 2 Squadron hangar in bare metal finish. 1986: 154912 TA-4G NZ6256 when she was still in RAN (TA-4G) colors and before conversion to TA-4K configuration. DEC 1986: BuNo 154912, former RAN -TA-4G, partially coverted (no squared off tail yet for IFF Ant.) to a TA-4K. She is in a "test" paint scheme prior to a final paint job for the RNZAF 50th Anniversary. Next photos will show a "trial" stripes configuration. DEC 1986: Pic1, 2 Squadron TA-4G 154912 RNZAF 6256 being prepared for repainting for the 50th anniversary of the RNZAF. Note the paint "comments" before starting on the next effort. Pic2, 2 Squadron TA-4G 154912 RNZAF 6256 being prepared for repainting for the 50th anniversary of the RNZAF. Pic3, 2 Squadron TA-4G 154912 RNZAF 6256 being painted with stripes for the 50th anniversary of the RNZAF. Pic4. 2 Squadron TA-4G 154912 RNZAF 6256 being painted with stripes for the 50th anniversary of the RNZAF. Pic5, 2 Squadron TA-4G 154912 RNZAF 6256 with new stripes for the 50th anniversary of the RNZAF.
1987: BuNo 154904 NZ6212, 2 Sqn, at Camp Swanson. Don Simms photo. 1987: Unknown TA-4K on the 2 Squadron line at sunset. Glen Turner via Don Simms via Phil Thompson. APR 1987: TA-4K 154912 RNZAF 6256 with her RNZAF 50th Anniversary paint. Pic 1, Pic 2. RNZAF Official Photos, via Don Simms via Phil Thompson. 08 APR 1987: TA-4K 154912 RNZAF 6256 with her RNZAF 50th Anniversary paint, in the lead with two RAN FA-18 Hornets. RNZAF Official Photos, via Don Simms via Phil Thompson. APR 1987: A very mixed formation for RNZAF 50th Anniversary Airshow of A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 154908, NZ6214, TA-4K BuNo 154912, NZ6256, unknown F/A-18A Hornet, Dassault Mirage IIIO(F), A3-44, and P-51D Mustang NZ2415, 1987 at the RNZAF 50th Anniversary Airshow. 1987: BuNo 157910, NZ-6207, in pre-Kahu configuration carrying dummy weapons. RNZAF Official courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1987:2 Squadron A-4G BuNo 157904 NZ6212 Camp Sanson. By Don Simms. 1987: BuNo 155063 NZ6217 take-off with 500 lb bombs by Don Simms. By Don Simms. 1987: RNZAF 2 Squadron A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157905 NZ6202, with a MER and 6 bombs on the center-line and what looks like 2.75" FFAR launchers on the wing stations. By Don Simms. Date unknown: BuNo 157905 NZ-6202 parked on the ramp. From Gary Verver Date unknown: BuNo 157908 NZ-6205, parked on the ramp. From Gary Verver. OCT 1988: RNZAF 2 Squadron TA-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157917, NZ6254, Kahu Prototype at Richmond for ABAS, October 1988. From the front to back: 2.75' CRV-7 rockets in 19 shot pods, BDU-44 hi-drag and BDU-33 lo-drag practice bombs on PMBR (6-bomb Practice Multiple Bomb Rack), AIM-9G Sidewinder missile on LAU-7 launcher, AGM-65B Maverick missile, GBU-16 1,000lb laser guided bomb. RNZAF Official. 1988: No. 2 Squadron pilots in front of NZ-6205, BuNo. 157908. RNZAF Official courtesy of Phil Thompson 14 SEP 1989: Coming up short! 14SEP89: TA-4G BuNo 154911, NZ6255 did a wheels-up landing on its drop tanks at Ohakea after tearing off the RH main landing gear touching down short of the runway threshold. Here in a Ohakea hangar, it was repaired and returned to service 12 March 1990. Glen Turner photo, via Don Simms via Phil Thompson 1989: BuNo 154911, NZ6255, in the hangar leaning due to a left wheel in a hole? Or is it just a flat? :) From Don Simms via Phil Thompson. DEC 1989: RNZAF A-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157908, NZ6205, and TA-4K Skyhawk BuNo 157917, NZ6254, and 2 Squadron personnel. Photo RNZAF Official, Don Simms collection, courtesy of Phil Thompson. KIWI RED formation. Courtesy of Gary Verver. KIWI RED A-4ks over Taupo. Courtesy of Gary Verver. The "Kiwi Red" flight demonstration team flying the A-4K Skyhawk lasted just a few years; 1987 to 1990 (?). Pilots were from the 2 and 75 squadrons. 1990s- early: BuNo 155063, NZ6217, over Australia's New South Wales south coast. From Phil Thompson. 25 SEP 1996: No.2 squadron New Zealand Air Force Skyhawk BuNo 154912, NZ6256, in-flight with AIM-9L Sidewinders. RNZAF Photo FEB 1999: BuNo 157915 (52), 154912 (56), 157914 (51), 155052 (15), 155063 (17) are the first five. Shots showing 15 Skyhawks at Nowra (RAN base in Australia that 2 Sqn was based at in 1999. It was a combined 2 and 75 Sqn Fleet Concentration Period (FCP) exercise with the RAN and RNZAF. All 15 jets flew a maritime strike on the day this photo was taken. 100 percent serviceability! FEB 1991: BuNo 155069, NZ6218, and BuNo 157908, NZ6205, over RANAS Nowra (RAN air station Albatross). No.2 Squadron moved to Nowra, NSW, Australia, in FEB 1991 where it provided training for the RAN and conversion of RNZAF Skyhawk pilots. The squadron was equipped with two A-4K and four TA-4K aircraft supported by 50-60 personnel. No.2 Squadron continued to provide air defence training to the Australian Defence Force until NOV 2001. Photo from Phil Thompson. 1992: BuNo 157908, RNZAF NZ-6205. RNZAF Official courtesy of Phil Thompson. 1992: BuNo 157908, RNZAF NZ-6205. RNZAF Official courtesy of Phil Thompson Manning up TA-4K 251, BuNo 157914. 1999: Number 75 And Number 2 Squadrons Diamond A combined effort of RNZAF Skyhawk Squadrons 2 and 75 during a 1999 Fleet Concentration Period at Nowra. 75 Squadron deployed nine Skyhawks to Nowra to meet up with 2 Squadron's six Scooters. All fifteen RNZAF Skyhawks fly past in a trim Diamond. Photograph by Don Simms FEB99: Deployment Flight Line - Feburary 1999 RNZAF Number 2 and Number 75 Squadron's Skyahwk aircraft are shown on the Darwin, Australia tarmac during a major Navy exercise. Photograph by Don Simms 2001: No. 2 Sqn celebrates 7,000 hrs. by BuNo 154905. Y2000: NZ-6205 peels away from the photographer. RNZAF Official courtesy of Phil Thompson. A-4K pulls in behind. Courtesy of Gary Verver. Former A-4G with RAN as "876", transferred JUL 1984. Courtesy of Gary Verver. 09 NOV 2001: RNZAF Cpl. Corrie Everest sporting a fly stopping Aussie cork hat, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 09 November 2001. 12 NOV 2001: RNZAF 75 Sqn. Flt. Lt. Darren Smith and 2 Sqn. Fg. Off. Kelly Logue relax between sorties, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 12 November 2001. 14 NOV 2001: RNZAF Shift One briefing, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 14 November 2001. 09 NOV 2001: RNZAF Cpl. Paul Blondell fixing a light on an unknown 75 Sqn. A-4K Skyhawk, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 09 November 2001. 08 NOV 2001: RNZAF 75 Squadron pilot Flt. Lt. Darren Smith and 2 Squadron Fg. Off. Kelly Louge signing out their A/C with Sgt. Glen Turner, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 08 November 2001. 09 NOV 2001: RNZAF Sgt. Jay McIntyre sorting through A/C paperwork, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 09 November 2001. 08 NOV 2001: RNZAF 75 Squadron CO Wg. Cdr. Nick Osborne signing out his aircraft, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 08 November 2001. 07 NOV 2001:Base Commander (RAAF Pearce) Group Captain Johnston meets RNZAF 2 Sqn. CO Sqn. Ldr. Jason Easthope, Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 07 November 2001. 07 NOV 2001: Base Commander (RAAF Pearce) Group Captain Johnston meets RNZAF 2 Squadron CO Sqn. Ldr. Jason Easthope and 75 Squadron CO Wg. Cdr. Nick Osborne, Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 07 November 2001. 07 NOV 2001: Base Commander (RAAF Pearce) Group Captain Johnston meets RNZAF 2 Sqn. Air Crew for a briefing, Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 07 November 2001. 07 NOV 2001: RNZAF 75 Sqn. A-4K Skyhawks BuNo 155063, NZ6217, BuNo 155061, NZ6216 and BuNo 154905, NZ6213, on the line, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 07 November 2001. 07 NOV 2001: RNZAF 75 Sqn. A-4K BuNo 155063, NZ6217, on the flight-line during its 56 Day service, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 07 November 2001. 07 NOV 2001: RNZAF Cpl. Aaron Jefferies in the cockpit of 75 Sqn. A-4K BuNo 155063, NZ6217, on the flight line during its 56 Day service, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 07 November 2001. 09 NOV 2001: RNZAF LAC Dale Ellington packing a A-4K Skyhawk drag chute, RNZAF 2 Squadron Last Exercise, RAAF Pearce, 09 November 2001.> Y2002: NZ-6252 in the RNZAF AMS Hangar. Off-Duty Photos No info yet. |
