21 Mar 2018

RNZAF to unveil flying boat monument in Fiji

2:06 pm on 21 March 2018

A monument recognising veterans from the Royal New Zealand Airforce's flying boat operation in the Pacific will be unveiled in Fiji on Friday afternoon.

RNZAF ground crew work on Singapore flying boat in Laucala Bay hanger, Fiji.

RNZAF ground crew work on Singapore flying boat in Laucala Bay hanger, Fiji. Photo: Supplied

Number Five Squadron conducted rescue missions, anti-submarine patrols, and reconnaissance missions flying Short Singapore, Consolidated Catalina and Short Sunderland aircraft between 1941 and 1967.

The flying boats were based at Laucala Bay.

RNZAF Sunderland on patrol over Fiji.

RNZAF Sunderland on patrol over Fiji. Photo: Supplied

Defence Force vice chief Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short said flying boat operations were a significant contribution to New Zealand's national security.

"The Laucala Bay station forged a long-standing 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 Pacific," he said.

He said the flying boat operations paved the way for the RNZAF P-3K Orions used today.

The commemorative monument was designed and made in Fiji.

It will be unveiled by Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and New Zealand's Minister of Defence, Ron Mark.

Veterans and current members of the squadron will attend the unveiling at the University of the South Pacific, which now has a campus at Laucala Bay.