No. 6 Squadron RNZAF is a maritime squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It has a history going back to World War II, when it operated flying boats, and has been disbanded and re-formed several times through changes in the country's military structure. The squadron motto is “Vigilance with Patience”.
History
World War II
Following Japan's entry into World War II in December 1941, the Royal New Zealand Air Force had to switch from primarily training pilots to Europe into a combat force. No. 6 Squadron RNZAF was formed as an army co-operation unit at Milson in February 1942 flying Vickers Vildebeest and Hawker Hind aircraft. At the same time, No. 5 Squadron RNZAF moved to Fiji with Short Singapores and Vickers Vildebeest and Vincent biplanes. Modern maritime patrol flying boats were requested under Lend Lease and when the first Consolidated Catalinas arrived a detachment of men from No. 5 Squadron was assigned to convert to these types as No. 6 Squadron. Before the squadron was formed these men completed their first air-sea rescue of a downed US aircrew. From May 1943 No. 6 squadron undertook action against the Japanese. The squadron also conducted search and rescue missions for allied aircrew and seamen, and undertook many open sea rescues. The squadron was disbanded overseas in August 1945. Squadron code letters were "XX". After the war No. 6 Squadron was re-equipped with Short Sunderland flying boats as a Territorial Air Force unit and also operated float equipped Auster light aircraft. The squadron was disbanded in August 1957, with all Sunderlands transferring to No. 5 Squadron prior to their replacement by modern Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft.
Present
No. 6 Squadron was re-formed in 2005 to take over No.3 Squadron's role in operating the Royal New Zealand Navy's air element. No. 6 Squadron operates New Zealand's ten SH-2G Seasprite helicopters. The squadron was re-established on 31 October 2005 by separating the Naval Support Flight from No. 3 Squadron RNZAF. The squadron is based at RNZAF Base Auckland. 6 Squadron is manned by Royal New Zealand Navy observers, pilots and helicopter loadmasters. Navy aircrew are trained by the RNZAF. The aircraft are maintained by RNZAF engineers, technicians and suppliers. RNZAF aircrew can also sometimes be posted to the squadron if required.
Future
The Royal New Zealand Navy has acquired ten SH-2G Seasprites that replaced the existing SH-2G aircraft in April 2016. Eight of the helicopters have entered active service representing a marked increase in capability while the other two are kept as spares.
