Officers

SQNLDR Rob Foley nzcf (CFM & 2 Clasps)

Squadron Leader Foley joined 22 Squadron in 1972. He was commissioned as an NZCF Officer in 1983, and took command of the Unit in 1993. He has attended a number of NZCF courses, both as a student and staff member. These have included Gliding, Officers Bushcraft, Range Safety Officers, Commissioning Course, Command Course, Shooting Coaches Course and Officers Instructional Technique Course. His most recent position was as Course Director for the NZCF Officers Commissioning Course.

Squadron Leader Foley is a qualified pilot and member of the Upper Valley Gliding Club where he holds the position of Tow Pilot and Club Captain. He also tows for the Wellington Gliding Club.

Squadron Leader Foley is currently the Unit Commander of No. 22(City of Upper Hutt) Squadron. He brings a huge amount of management experience to the Unit, with particular knowledge in subject areas such as Aviation and firearms training.

Particular milestones in his ATC career include:

Being selected to lead a cadet contingent to London with NZDF for the unveiling of the New Zealand War Memorial London in 2006. Representing NZ as Escort Officer on the 2008 International Air Cadet Exchange to Turkey. Leading 22 Sqn to win the Upper Hutt Business Excellence Awards for 2007 in the educational category.

FLTLT Chris Roblett nczf (CFM & Clasp)

Flight Lieutenant Roblett joined the British Air Training Corps as a cadet, reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer which he held from 1977 to 1981. He was commissioned into the Training Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on 22 March 1984, and appointed as a Squadron Officer at 936 (Hertford and Ware) Squadron. He was promoted to Flying Officer in March 1986 and Flight Lieutenant in December 1988.

He emigrated to New Zealand in January 1997 and paraded with 22 Squadron from February 1997. He was commissioned into the NZCF as a Flight Lieutenant in March 1998 and completed an NZCF Commissioning Course in 1999. He also attended NZCF Management and Range Safety Officer Courses in 2001.

FGOFF James Ferguson nzcf

Flying Officer Ferguson joined 22 Squadron in 1996 as a cadet. He was commissioned as an officer in 2005, after completing the Commissioning Course.

Flying Officer Ferguson is in charge of Squadron "Special Projects". As the Special Projects Officer he is responsible for the planning and execution of the logistics of a successful Training Program for the Squadron.

He has attended a number of NZCF courses, both as a student and staff member. These courses include the Commissioning Course, Instructional Technique and Management, Range Safety Officers, Shooting Coaches and Advanced Leaders.

FGOFF Paul Harland nzcf

Flying Officer Harland joined 2 Squadron (Petone) in 1981. He was promoted to Corporal in 1984 and Sergeant in 1985.

He enjoyed camps at Fernside in the Wairarapa, attended various parades such as the "Freedom of the Borough" parade in Petone.

He also enjoyed shooting, at Keene Range in Petone, gliding on the "winch" system which he says was a "real buzz compared to the tamer tow planes".

RNZAF Base Ohakea has fond memories for Flying Officer Harland. From base visits and Junior NCO courses as well as "Airforce Day 81" air show. Flying Officer Harland left cadets in late 1985 to pursue a career in the timber industry.

By 2006 Flying Officer Harland was once again back in cadets, this time with 22 Squadron as his daughter had become interested. From an information evening he found himself getting involved more and more with the unit. He rejoined officially in September 2007 and completed his Officers Commissioning Course in May 2008.

FGOFF Paul Byrne nzcf

Flying Officer Byrne Joined 22 Squadron as a cadet in 1987 and rose to the rank of Under Officer. He attended Junior and Senior NCO courses, National Flying course, Regional Gliding and National Bushcraft camp at RNZAF Dip Flat. By 1994 he left to pursue other interests.

Flying Officer Byrne is a father of 2 young sons and is married to Mandy. He was educated at St Patrick's College in Silverstream.

Outside of cadets Flying Officer Byrne does body building where he has represented at regional level.

Flying Officer Byrne rejoined 22 Squadron in 2007 and was commissioned in May 2008.

PLTOFF Mark Walshe nzcf

Pilot Officer Walshe joined 2 Squadron (Petone) as a cadet in 1980. After initial training he rose through the ranks, attaining Cadet Under Officer by 1985.

He got involved with cadet life fully, from running basic, proficient and advanced flights to honour guards at ANZAC Day parades. He also attended Junior and Senior NCO courses along with National Bushcraft camp at RNZAF Dip Flat in the Nelson Lakes.

In 1985 as an Under Officer, Pilot Officer Walshe was 2nd in command of a deployment of  New Zealand Air Training Corps cadets to Townsville Australia which he describes as a career highlight.

Due to work and personal commitments, Pilot Officer Walshe left cadets in 1987. 

After the longest "Gap Year" in living memory he is back and eager to pass on the skills he has attained over the years to the current crop of cadets.

Pilot Officer Walshe joined 22 Squadron in November 2007 and completed his Officers Commissioning Course in May 2009.

A/PLTOFF Sam Owen nzcf

Hi I am Acting Pilot Officer Sam Owen. I joined the squadron in 2003 as a cadet and I have enjoyed every moment and aspect of it. I can honestly say that it has been an extremely life changing experience.

When I first joined, I was the quiet one at the back who did what I was told and I admired those with rank and authority. Now, thanks to courses made available to me through ATC, my confidence has increased dramatically and I'm doing things I would never have dreamed of.

Because of the help and encouragement I received over the years from the entire team at 22 Squadron, I have managed to reach Officer Ranks being commissioned in November 2011 so now I get the opportunity to help develop all the younger cadets and help them reach their maximum potential.

ATC has taught me some invaluable lessons and provided me with fantastic skills, which I will retain and be able to use later on in my life.

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