New chief named for New Zealand air force

The most senior officer of the New Zealand air force was formally named as the new chief of the service Tuesday.

Air Commodore Tony Davies, currently the acting Chief of Air Force, would be promoted to Air Vice Marshall and Chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) on April 20, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said in a statement.

Davies' career with the RNZAF started in 1984 when he joined as an officer cadet and trainee pilot.

He had flown a number of aircraft types including C130 Hercules, Boeing 727s and Boeing 757s.

He had held many roles during his career, most recently as Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Engagements and Air Component Commander at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand.

"The role of a service chief in the New Zealand Defence Force is to lead their service as they work to raise, train and sustain it," said Brownlee.

"It is a vital position and I'm sure that Air Commodore Davies will carry out his responsibilities well."