RNZAF Base Ohakea - Military Service

Military Service

During World War II Ohakea was the RNZAF main training base for operational conversion on fighters, observers/navigators for medium bombers and air gunners. After World War II No 14, No 42 and No 75 squadrons were re-formed at Ohakea, and No.1 Repair Depot relocated from Hamilton.

Since the end of the war Ohakea has been the RNZAF's strike base, with Nos 14 and 75 Squadrons resident. A long-time resident, No 42 Squadron relocated to Whenuapai in 1984 to allow the reformation of No 2 Squadron to HMAS Albatross, Nowra, Australia in 1991. In 1993 RNZAF flying training previously carried out at Wigram by the Pilot Training Squadron and the RNZAF's Central Flying School moved to Ohakea. Also in 1993 a new aviation wing of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum was opened at Ohakea. Nos 14 and 75 Squadrons disbanded in November 2001, and No 42 squadron relocated back to Ohakea in January 2002. There are currently around 650 personnel based at Ohakea.

A plan to consolidate all RNZAF operations at Ohakea was abandoned in March 2009 as part of a change of policy on the part of the incoming National Government who chose to retain two operational air bases, Ohakea and Whenuapai, for use by the RNZAF