New Zealand - RNZAF - RNZAF personnel loading crated vegetables onto the back of a truck - Unknown location - 1942 - RNZAF Official Photo Royal New Zealand Air Force - "New Zealand Warriors of the Sky"; previously Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi, "War Party of the Blue" is the air force component of the New Zealand Defence Force. - It was formed from New Zealand elements of the British Royal Air Force, becoming an independent force in 1923, although many RNZAF aircrew continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until the end of the 1940s. - The RNZAF fought in World War II, Malaya, Korean War, Vietnam and the Gulf War as well as various United Nations peacekeeping missions. - From a 1945 peak of over 1,000 combat aircraft the RNZAF has shrunk to a strength of around 51 aircraft in 2016, focusing on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army. - The RNZAF's air combat capability ended in 2001 with the disbanding of the A-4 Skyhawk squadrons. - The Air Force is led by an air vice-marshal who holds the appointment of Chief of Air Force. (Reference: Wikipedia) --------------------- Image source: PR465e RNZAF Official Air Force Museum of New Zealand https://fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz//fotoweb/archives/5003-Search-the-Collection/Collection/PR465e.jpg.info