Former senior Air Force aviator embarks on new career as officer

After more than three decades in which he rose to the top role of warrant officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), Flight Lieutenant Kerry Williams is now embarking on a new phase of his career as an officer.

Originally trained as an aircraft technician and spending 37 years as an enlisted aviator, he now moves into the officers’ ranks, having just graduated the initial officer training course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne in Marlborough.

Williams was awarded the Robinson Memorial Trophy and the Karl Dobson Memorial Trophy at graduation, says the RNZAF.

“The Robinson Memorial Trophy is presented to the graduate who, in the eyes of their peers, has displayed the greatest leadership throughout the course.

“The Karl Dobson Memorial Trophy is presented to the graduate who epitomised the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and determination whilst displaying a high level of fitness throughout the course.”

Williams, originally from Picton and more recently based in Auckland, says he’s enjoyed being back in the field and putting to use his core military skills.

“The highlight for me has been being back within teams and doing my best for the success of others.

“Seeing the development of the direct entry officers over the course has been amazing, with some of them handling weapons for the first time and learning about military processes and all of our operational jargon.”

Williams says he’s enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends that he’ll be able to count on over the next stage of his career.

“Being accepted by the team as an officer cadet, rather than who I was in my enlisted career, was a nice moment.

“I felt I could be normal again and just have a bit of fun with the team.”

He says he’s looking forward to getting back amongst colleagues and contributing in a different way to his Air Force whanau.

“I hope to be able to share some experiences and contribute to our positive culture and values that have seen us succeed as a force for so many years.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to developing high-performing teams. I’ve had good results in my enlisted career, so I’ll carry a positive attitude forward and work hard for others,” Williams says.

In his final leadership exercise of the course, he says his major takeaway was being comfortable to let new learning occur and to ‘fail safe’ if faced with difficulties.

“The ability to empower through delegation and responsibilities as a leader was great, but just as satisfying has been the ability to work hard for someone else and see how your positive attitude can impact others and contribute to mission success.”

Williams says trying not to solve everything and take away learning opportunities for others is something he’s been conscious of.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting back into the tactical application of leadership as an individual and in a team.”

Williams says he encourages anyone wanting to join the Air Force not to worry about the ‘what ifs’.

“Embracing the challenge and getting through the tough times day by day is a great way to build confidence and find all of the amazing experiences the New Zealand Defence Force has to offer.”

He adds that a good work-life balance is essential, and he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family again as he heads to Whenuapai for the next phase of his career as an operational support officer.

• To learn more about a career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, go to www.defencecareers.mil.nz.