Wing Commander Mark Whiteside, DSD, for services to the New Zealand Defence Force
Wing Commander Mark Whiteside was posted to the Airborne Surveillance Maritime Patrol Integrated Project Team in early 2019 and has since been a leading figure in New Zealand’s acquisition and delivery of the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
As the Project Capability Integration Lead, Wing Commander Whiteside’s approach enabled the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) to implement training and infrastructure solutions that allowed a seamless transition from the P-3K2 Orion to the P-8A Poseidon.
He produced an exemplary capability integration plan which is now widely utilised across other projects.
Subsequently, as the Commanding Officer of the Poseidon Transition Unit (now 5 Squadron), he successfully led the transition of the new capability from RNZAF Base Auckland to RNZAF Base Ohakea.
His leadership enabled the new unit to establish a positive culture and identity, resulting in successful integration of up to 170 personnel and their families into the RNZAF Base Ohakea community.
He has overseen the achievement of initial operating milestones and has worked to ensure equity in the conditions of service for those involved with delivering the P-8A capability.
Wing Commander Whiteside’s efforts have helped enhance the RNZAF’s reputation among its partners and New Zealand’s contribution to regional security with introduction of this new capability.