For the love of jets

Kiwi-born fighter pilot SQNLDR Jason Easthope returns to New Zealand for the first time in an F-35A Lightning II to fly as part of Exercise Agile Tasman. 

For the exercise, RAAF took its air combat capability to New Zealand and operated an F-35A Lightning II on New Zealand soil for the first time. Working out of RNZAF Base Ohakea, the Australian F-35A Lightning II collaborated with the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and P-8A Poseidon to deliver agile operations. 

SQNLDR Easthope started his military career in the RNZAF in 1989, graduating from 1/89 Pilots Course and becoming an A-4K Skyhawk pilot. 

This fresh-faced, straight-out-of-high-school young man had developed a passion for combat aviation from his mid-teenage years. 

Now SQNLDR Easthope serves in RAAF, flying the F-35A Lightning II as one of its most experienced combat pilots. 

In 2001, New Zealand disbanded its air combat capability, leaving a fast-jet-loving SQNLDR Easthope at a loss. Having been born and raised in New Zealand and married at RNZAF Base Ohakea, he made the difficult decision to move his entire family to Australia to continue the fast jet dream. 

Taking the F-35A Lightning II Australian air combat capability onto New Zealand soil for the first time was an exciting proposition for SQNLDR Easthope. Operating out of the same base he originally trained at as a pilot and running into friends he had not seen for over 20 years meant Exercise Agile Tasman was more than mates training with mates for this aviator. 

SQNLDR Easthope reflected on his 13 years flying with RNZAF and 25 years flying with RAAF, and said he feels the Anzac spirit strongly.

“Being New Zealand born and flying for the RAAF is a really special Anzac connection for me,” SQNLDR Easthope said.

“I loved my time in the RNZAF, and I love my time right now with the Australian Air Force.

“Such a wholesome feeling being back in Ohakea.”

While SQNLDR Easthope may be diplomatically vague about which rugby union team he supports, there is no doubt about the passion he has for air combat capability, his love of both countries and, of course, flying fighter jets.