LOVATT John William

K91227, Wing Commander, Royal New Zealand Air Force

CITATION

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration

New Year Honours List 2008

Wing Commander LOVATT assumed the role of Senior National Officer with the second rotation of No. 5 Squadron to the Middle East in August 2003 as part of New Zealand’s contribution to Operations there.  During this deployment, he developed a number of niche roles for the detachment. In November 2003, he became the NZDF’s Liaison Officer to the US Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain, where he continued to represent New Zealand’s interest with innovation and enthusiasm.  He assumed command of No. 5 Squadron in May 2004. Over the two and a half years he held this post, Wing Commander LOVATT implemented significant and enduring improvements which enhanced the RNZAF Maritime Patrol Force’s specialist capabilities.  He demonstrated dogged determination to provide the most effective outputs from his resources.  He also faced a number of challenges which he embraced with compassion and aplomb, one example being the genuine and caring way he led the Squadron through the loss, resulting from motorcycle accidents, of three young airmen under his command.

KNOWN AWARDS

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration

New Zealand Operational Service Medal

New Zealand General Service Medal Afghanistan (Secondary)

NOTES

Born

Died

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