HELICOPTER CREW

Greg Brownson (Helicopter Manager) Nickname Browndog Date started 1983 Background Greg served in NZ Army in Vietnam, 161 battery 1970-1971. He joined Red Beach Surf Club in 1979 gaining surf medallion and first aid and acting as powercraft officer and surf boat crewman. In 1983 Greg joined the Helicopter Rescue Squad as a crewman. . In 1991 Greg joined the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust as a fulltime Helicopter Rescue crewman instructor, HUET instructor and Sea Survival Instructor and become Crew Chief in 1992. In 2000, after 17 years at the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Greg was appointed Helicopter Manager. Greg also has qualifications as instructor in Winch Training, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training and maintaining helicopter crews training standards Best Part of Job Knowing that at the end of the shift you have made a positive difference in someone's life Family Married to Margaret and has one daughter, Natalie, and one son, Ryan Interests Diving, fishing, outdoor sports and spending time with the family

Herby Barnes (Crew Chief) Year started 1994 Background Worked for NZ Customs previous to working as a crewman on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Best Part of Job Meeting and helping people Family Married to Tracy and have two girls, Katie and Holly and one boy, Grayson Interests Fishing, diving and sports

Paul Bryant Nickname Ernie Time Served 8 years Background 13 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (8 years as aircrew) Best Part of Job Making a positive difference to people's lives Family Married to Pauline and have two children - Anna and Hayden Interests Spending time with the family and cooking

Mark Cannell Nickname Tinny Time Served 18 months Background 15 years with RNZAF, initially as an aircraft mechanic then flying UH-1Hs, deployments to Bouganville, Antartica and East Timor Best Part of Job Never knowing what each day will bring. Being able to make a difference to someone's day Family Married to Phillipa Interests Scuba diving, fishing and hunting

Leon Ford

Background Has worked in the Fire Service for over 20 years and  has worked on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter for 5 years. Best Part of Job To work with a great bunch of professionals and to be able to learn something new every day and look after the people of the Auckland City area. Family Two daughters, Danielle and Samantha. Interests Scuba diving, kite boarding, wake boarding, fishing and spending time with family

John Skirrow Nickname     Winnie Time Served 20 years (12 fulltime) Background Started working ont he Westpac Rescue Helicopter as a volunteer in 1986 and became a fulltime crewman in 1994 Best Part of Job The variety of jobs and people we help Family Married to Karen and has one son, Michael Interests Spear fishing, fishing, diving and surfing - anything in or around water!

Dave Morgan (part time crew)

Nickname Master Chief Joined ARHT April 2007 Background 30 years in the Navy including 16 years as a Clearance Diver/Diving Instructor and the last 10 years as a       Helicopter Crewman serving with No. 3 Squadron RNZAF on the Iroquois and No. 6 Squadron operating the SH-2G (NZ) Seasprite.  Currently working with HeviLift based in Honiara, Solomon Islands providing helicopter logistical support to RAMSI where I work month on/month off. Best Part of Job Being able to help others in need and unite families with their loved ones. Family Engaged to Corina. I have three children living with me when I'm home, Alicia, Jon and Lani. Corina has two, Troy and Paige. Interests Flying - I have been pursuing my private pilot helicopter licence, and diving where I have been making the most of the opportunities to dive in the Solomon Islands.