History
3 Squadron formed as a Territorial unit of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force based at Christchurch in 1930.
Pilots attached to the squadron used NZPAF aircraft based at Wigram until No.3 Squadron got its first aircraft Blackburn Baffin torpedo bombers, in 1938.
Following the outbreak of war the unit was equipped with Vickers Vincent and Vickers Vildebeest torpedo/patrol bombers and was tasked with protecting shipping entering Lyttelton harbour.
The squadron received modern aircraft in the form of Lockheed Hudsons converting to the patrol bomber role and in November 1942 became the first RNZAF squadron deployed forward in full strength to engage the Japanese, operating from Henderson Field at Guadalcanal in the South Pacific in a reconnaissance role. They replaced dive bombers and long range heavy bombers in this role. Despite being lightly armed, a Hudson of F/O Gudsell twice saw off attacks by three Japanese aircraft; Gudsell was awarded the Air Medal (US).
The Squadron subsequently re-equipped with Lockheed Venturas and saw service from Espiritu Santo, Bougainville, Emirau, Green Island and New Britain.
From 1948 to 1957 No.3 Squadron reverted to being a territorial squadron, based at Wigram with de Havilland Tiger Moths, North American Harvards and P-51 Mustangs. It subsequently operated transport types such the Bristol Freighter and Army co-operation types such as the Auster AOP, before becoming a dedicated helicopter squadron in 1965, based at Hobsonville, Auckland, and equipped with Bell 47s, and from the end of the year Bell UH-1 Iroquois, a type it still operates.
The Squadron's Naval Support Flight flew helicopters for the Royal New Zealand Navy's frigates from 1966 until October 2005, when the role was transferred to 6 Squadron. The flight flew Westland Wasps, and later Kaman Seasprites of the naval air wing attached to the squadron from 1966 to 2005.
Pilots from No. 3 Squadron served in Vietnam and in UN peace keeping in the Sinai. The Squadron served in East Timor. For many years a detachment was based in Singapore, to support the New Zealand Army presence there, and combat Indonesian insurgents. Detachments have recently served in the Solomon Islands and Antarctica.
No. 3 Squadron UH-1s transported the participants on the first episode of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.
Today, No. 3 Squadron provides tactical air transport for the army. The Iroquois are scheduled to be replaced by NH90s.
Read more about this topic: No. 3 Squadron RNZAF
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