Monument to be unveiled in Fiji for RNZAF flying boat veterans
A commemorative monument is to be unveiled in Fiji on Friday to recognise the service of veterans from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) flying boat operations based at Laucala Bay, from 1941 to 1967.
RNZAF’s №5 Squadron conducted anti-submarine patrols, maritime reconnaissance and transport and air-sea rescue missions, flying Short Singapore, Consolidated Catalina and Short Sunderland aircraft.
The monument, designed and made in Fiji, will be unveiled by Fiji Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama and New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark at the University of the South Pacific, on the land that was formerly home to the RNZAF №5 Squadron.
Laucala Bay veterans, a contingent of RNZAF personnel, including current members of №5 Squadron, the band and Maori culture group, are travelling to Fiji to attend the commemorations, which are part of the University of the South Pacific’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short, said the RNZAF was delighted the service of Laucala Bay veterans was being acknowledged with a memorial.
“The flying boat operations were a significant contribution to our national security,” Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short, who was an RNZAF №5 Squadron navigator and captain in his early career, said.
“The Laucala Bay station forged a longstanding relationship between New Zealand and Fiji militaries, and the New Zealand Defence Force remains committed to contributing to regional security and stability in the South West Pacific.”
“The flying boat operations paved the way for the RNZAF №5 Squadron of P-3K2 Orions today, which continue to contribute vital surveillance support in the South West Pacific, conducting maritime patrols, search and rescue and reconnaissance operations.”
At its height Laucala Bay station was home to 600 deployed RNZAF personnel and it was also a large employer of Fijians in a variety of roles.
The RNZAF left Laucala Bay in 1967, with the flying boats returning to Hobsonville, Auckland, where they were replaced by P3B Orion fixed-wing land-based aircraft.
The air base land and infrastructure became home to the University of the South Pacific (USP), which opened in 1968. Vice Chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra will deliver a speech at the unveiling.
“This commemorative monument to the №5 Squadron of the RNZAF recognises the contribution provided by the New Zealand Government and Fiji over the past 50 years to USP,” Professor Chandra said.
“Not only have we benefited from the legacy of the infrastructure left behind by the RNZAF, but the New Zealand Government has continued to support USP throughout our history.”
