THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

ADAMSON Carey William

N80420, Air Marshal, Royal New Zealand Air Force

CITATION

Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit

New Year Honours List 1999

Air Vice Marshal ADAMSON enlisted in the RNZAF in January 1961.  He was appointed Chief of Air Staff in September 1995.  He immediately

implemented a strategic plan for the replacement or upgrade of the RNZAF’s operational assets, which involved the replacement of wings and

avionics upgrades of the P-3 Orion aircraft, and equipping the C-130 transport aircraft with a self-protection capability.  Concurrently Air Vice Marshal

ADAMSON has overseen major fiscal and operation efficiencies for the RNZAF by the commercialisation of a number of major RNZAF non-core

activities.  His term as Chief of Air Staff has been distinguished by a high degree of leadership, professionalism and dedication, resulting in the

RNZAF being able to enter the new millennium as a viable and efficient part of the New Zealand Defence Force

Air Force Cross

Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1979

Squadron Leader ADAMSON enlisted in the RNZAF in 1961.  Since his graduation from pilot training, he has been employed mainly in the Air

Transport and flying instructional roles.  During his career he has amassed more Hercules flying hours than any other RNZAF pilot, on three

separate tours of duty with No 40 Squadron, and on an exchange posting with the United States Air Force.  Whilst on his exchange tour Squadron

Leader ADAMSON so distinguished himself that he was recommended by his host for the prestigious Air Force Commendation Medal.  This award

was to be in recognition of his outstanding service as a mission commander on air routes throughout the world and within the United States, and the

contribution he made to co-operation and understanding between the USAF and RNZAF.  His acceptance and wearing of this foreign decoration was however precluded by New Zealand policy.  In the period between his return from the United States in July 1976 and December 1978 Squadron Leader ADAMSON served as the Flight Commander and senior pilot with No 40 Squadron.   This period saw the Squadron beset with critical shortages of experienced pilots and instructors, thus in addition to his responsibilities for Hercules operations, Squadron Leader ADAMSON had to shoulder a large part of the training task.  The success of the unit in meeting all of the demands placed on it during this period is in no small measure due to his unflagging personal efforts, his leadership and personal efforts, his leadership and flying skill.  Squadron Leader ADAMSON has distinguished himself throughout his service.  His enthusiasm, energy and flying ability add up to an outstanding contribution in the field of air transport operations.

KNOWN AWARDS

Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Air Force Cross

New Zealand Armed Forces Award and bar

NOTES

Born 5 September 1942 Fairlie, New Zealand

Died