Edited by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Images supplied
For a small RNZAF group, Little Rock AFB in Arkansas has become their adopted ‘home’ as 12 maintenance and 12 flight crew come to grips with the new, larger C-130J Super Hercules that NZ is receiving.
RNZAF Avionics technician Sergeant Brett Simpkin calls his time on the base a “once-in-a-career opportunity” to learn – and to experience USAF culture.
“The scale of Little Rock Air Force Base is impressive,” he says. “Dozens of Hercules are based here giving many opportunities to get hands-on with the C-130J and test our knowledge during different exercises.
“A highlight has been working on the Hercules in Hawaii during an air mobility exercise with the USAF, Marines, and Army personnel.”
Corporal Dalton Blatch echoed that sentiment. He sees a big difference between the ‘H’ and the ‘J’ models and considers their training “invaluable”.
“One benefit of the new C-130J model is its modernis avionics system. Part of this is on-board diagnostics, which enables us to quickly find and diagnose aircraft faults,” he says.
“There’s also improved communications systems, new engines, and an added MX-20 imaging turret to learn about.”
Sergeant Tom Cowan faced a steep learning curve in Little Rock, having previously worked on the P-3K2 Orion which the RNZAF just retired.
One of the most impressive aspects of what these aviators do is the sheer absorption of technical knowledge from their USAF hosts.
Corporal Liam Sole said the New Zealand crew were welcomed into USAF squadrons where seven different trades contribute to aircraft maintenance – compared to two trades in New Zealand.
“As an example, they have specialists for engines, hydraulics, and fuel, while one of our trades will perform all of those jobs,” he says.
Their work with USAF specialists strengthened the Kiwi team’s specialist knowledge and will serve them well as a small but versatile maintenance team.
For co-pilots Cody Hughes and Mick Wansink, both Flight Lieutenants, the road to Little Rock was longer.
Their training started in Georgia where they completed four months of class and simulator training at the Lockheed Martin training facility. Then they moved to Rhode Island for two months to fly with an Air National Guard unit that operates Hercules to gain certification allowing them to fly with the USAF.
“Each flight gives us a deeper understanding of the aircraft and the capabilities on offer,” says FLTFT Wansink.
“Our training has recently focused on tactical formation flying, which is not what we generally do in New Zealand, but we still gain invaluable experience.”
FLTLT Hughes adds they’ve adopted a new “philosophy of flying”, noting that the crew on the C-130J drops from six on the ‘H’ to four on the ‘J’: two pilots and two loadmasters.
“The experience we are gaining with the USAF is preparing us well to operate without the engineer and navigator who flew on the previous H model, but it is a steep learning curve.”
For most of the Kiwi crew, the biggest challenge was less about the job and more about the impact on their lives.
For Maintenance Co-ordinator Flight Sergeant Andy Fieldes, the decision to move to Arkansas for 18 months affected him AND his family.
“I’m joined by my wife and two kids here in Little Rock, so we had a lot to consider when we made our decision to move here,” he explained.
“We have rented out our house in Auckland, we sold our vehicles, my wife resigned from her previous role, and we also had to arrange childcare here on base. I’m really glad we made the decision to accept the posting and we have been enjoying making the most of our time here.”
F/S Fieldes’ wife, Squadron Leader Mel Fieldes, has adjusted to life on base.
She finds balance in taking care of the children while also putting her expertise to use, now working as a publication and training support officer.
“I’d previously been to Little Rock on training exercises but it’s different being here as a family. The kids have adapted well to their new home and have made lots of friends.”
FLTLT Hughes also brought his wife and child with him to the US (with another child on the way). The family enjoyed their time in Georgia and Rhode Island but were eager to settle into their house in Little Rock.
The Kiwis occupy 20 of the roughly 900 houses on base which allowed the team to establish a NZ community with 61 New Zealanders based at Little Rock AFB.
“We spend a lot of time together,” said SQNLDR Fieldes. “We’ve developed a tight-knit group. We keep in touch all the time to make sure that everyone is okay – and well supplied with Marmite.”
She highlights the Kiwi-American style BBQ crossovers enjoyed by the families, when the weather has allowed for it. “Most guys have honed their charcoal barbecuing skills so we’re having a lot of ribs, a lot of brisket.”
F/S Fieldes also speaks highly of the southern hospitality they have received.
“We have had a lot of social events and sporting competitions with our USAF friends; one event that stands out to me was our Anzac service that our USAF colleagues attended.
“It was a very humbling experience having USAF pay their respects to the ANZACs, and they were quite impressed with our long-standing tradition of rum and milk to start the day.”
With a population of 13,000, Little Rock AFB features a supermarket, two petrol stations, a Burger King, and a bowling alley.
They have also enjoyed the experience of the numerous on-base events such as family dinners and activities, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
In their free time, the aviators have made the most of their geography in different ways. Many took the time to explore the surrounding states and nations, taking road trips on weekends and during their leave entitlements.
SQNLDR Fieldes spoke for all of them when she mentions home. “It’ll be nice just to see the beach again.”
Tasman Aircraft 