Afghanistan service for Palmerston North father and son

Staff Sergeant Chris Watty, father of Corporal Chris Watty.

15 October 2007

When a new rotation of 122 New Zealand Defence Force personnel touch down in Afghanistan next week, two members of a Palmerston North family will be briefly reunited. 

Former Awatapu College student Corporal Chris Watty will arrive in Bamyan Province to begin his six month tour of duty, while his father Staff Sergeant Chris Watty will be packing his bags for his return to New Zealand.

Staff Sergeant Watty has been undertaking the issue, receipt and maintenance of all radio equipment during his time in Afghanistan, and ensuring that the personnel have access to phones to make contact with their families when they are away on patrol.

His son, Corporal Watty, will be conducting operational refuelling and assisting with supply.

Afghanistan is the first deployment for both men, and Staff Sergeant Watty says he has enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with people from different nations, and learn about their culture.  Corporal Watty is looking forward to seeing a country with so much history, applying the skills and knowledge he has gained from his time in the Air Force and helping people in need.

Staff Sergeant Watty says he was pleasantly surprised when his son asked him about joining the armed forces.

“Chris hadn’t really shown much interest in the Armed Forces until the day he approached me to ask questions about enlisting. His mother Janet and I are very proud of what he has achieved so far in the Air Force.”

Corporal Watty says that there was no particular reason he chose the Air Force rather than follow his father into the Army.

“I joined the RNZAF because it sounded very interesting.  I knew Dad would support any decision I made.  It’s great having that common ground between us, and I’m looking forward to catching up with him when I arrive in Afghanistan.  I feel proud to be a Kiwi and I’m excited about my first operational deployment.”

Ends

As at 15 October 2007,  718 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 17 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.

For further information please contact Nicole Munro-Johnson, Defence Public Relations, on
04 529 6033 or 021 569 148.