New Zealand, Australia swap senior military commanders

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The armed forces of New Zealand and Australia have swapped deputy commanders at their respective joint forces headquarters, signaling that they consider the defense of their nations an interconnected affair.

New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles welcomed the appointments during the Oct. 2 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) in Auckland.

The two joint forces headquarters are responsible for the planning, control and conduct of their respective country’s military operations.

The appointment of New Zealand Army officer Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan is the highest-level senior posting of an officer from a foreign military into the Australian forces. The corresponding Australian appointment went to Army Brigadier Michael Bassingthwaighte.

Chief of New Zealand’s Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, said: “With this reciprocal arrangement that has seen an Australian Army Brigadier appointed as Deputy Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, I am confident we will continue to work well together as allies to ensure our security.”

Equipment currently operated by both countries includes the P-8 and C-130J-30 maritime and transport aircraft and Bushmaster vehicles. New Zealand’s replenishment ship, HMNZS Aotearoa, is supporting Australian warships as the Royal Australian Navy’s own supply vessels are unavailable until early next year.