Turning Passion into Profession: Whakatāne Corporal Joins Next Generation of P-8A Poseidon Aircrew

Bay of Plenty serviceman is taking his Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) career to new heights, swapping life on the ground for the skies aboard one of New Zealand's most advanced military aircraft.

Corporal Jordan Moeke, 27, from Whakatāne, is retraining as an Air Warfare Specialist with RNZAF No. 5 Squadron after beginning his military career as a Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Technician.

His new role will see him operating the sophisticated sensor systems aboard the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, including radar, electro-optic surveillance, electronic warfare and acoustic warfare equipment used during maritime patrol and intelligence missions.

Corporal Moeke is graduating as an Air Warfare Specialist, and joining the crew of the P-8A Poseidon. IMAGE // New Zealand Defence Force

For Corporal Moeke, aviation has always been part of the plan.

He joined No. 35 Squadron Air Training Corps in Whakatāne at just 13 years old, where he developed many of the skills that would later shape his military career.

"The Air Training Corps taught me core skills that became invaluable throughout my career in the RNZAF– respect, integrity, loyalty and discipline," he said.

He credits the organisation with teaching him everything from first aid and survival skills to air navigation, radio procedures and drill.

After enlisting in the RNZAF, Corporal Moeke joined No. 5 Squadron as a CIS technician, responsible for establishing secure communications networks that support air operations.

His expertise saw him deploy twice to Japan as part of Operation Whio, New Zealand's contribution to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

During his 2024 deployment, he led the communications team responsible for maintaining vital links between the RNZAF's long-range surveillance P-8A Poseidon and mission headquarters.

"A CIS technician establishes IT, satellite and radio networks that support command and control, intelligence, logistics and communications," he explained.

"Once those networks are established, we protect them from cyber threats, jamming and interception. We also manage radar tracking and the aircraft's mission data before and after each flight."

The following year, Corporal Moeke returned to Japan in a different capacity, serving as Operations Officer and coordinating daily mission requirements for aircrew.

"It was a dynamic environment – liaising with our partner nations and working alongside them to achieve our goal," he said.

Corporal Moeke joined No. 35 Squadron Air Training Corps in Whakatāne at just 13 years old. IMAGE // New Zealand Defence Force

Now, he is preparing for another major milestone.

Later this year, Corporal Moeke will graduate as an Air Warfare Specialist, joining the crew of the P-8A Poseidon and taking on a frontline role in New Zealand's airborne surveillance operations from RNZAF Base Ohakea.

Reflecting on his career so far, he says the opportunities have exceeded his expectations.

"Being part of the RNZAF has been an incredible experience. It's given me two trades, and I've been able to travel around New Zealand and spend time in Japan, America and Australia.

"What other career offers the same level of training, excitement, opportunities for travel and where you have the best group of mates for life?"

From a teenager learning to march in the Air Training Corps to soon flying aboard one of the world's most capable maritime patrol aircraft, Corporal Moeke's journey highlights the diverse career pathways available within the RNZAF, and shows how dedication and a willingness to embrace new challenges can take you to remarkable heights.