FLTLT Beer Bains told the Indian Weekender that going to Antarctica on the very first mission immediately after finishing his Initial Officer training in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is the best start one could have imagined.
“It could not have been better,” FLTLT Bains said in an interview for the Indian Weekender’s series Kiwi-Indians Reaching for the Stars.
“It was quite a surreal experience when the aircraft lands on ice and to know that you are surrounded by white ice.
“It was an important mission in support of our scientific community,” FLTLTBains said.
The Indian Weekender collaborated with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to bring out this series showcasing how Kiwi-Indians are pushing the envelope and contributing in nation-building through careers in NZDF.
FLTLT Bains’ current role is Staff Officer, Technical Support Aeronautical Software for the RNZAF.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender FLTLT Bains said, “I still recall very clearly the day when I was deployed to Christchurch with No. 40 Squadron and was told to get ready for the mission to Antarctica.”
“I was there just for a day, but it is etched in my mind as eternity,” an elated FLTLT Bains said recalling his first mission.
What does it mean to work for the RNZAF?
“It is really amazing to be part of something bigger than yourself and do a job which is diverse in nature and also contribute to society and security of New Zealand,” FLTLT Bains said on being queried about what it means to work for the NZDF.
FLTLT Bains was born in India, before immigrating to New Zealand with his parents, and was inspired to join the RNZAF by his grandfather who is a retired officer from the Indian Army.
“My grandfather joined the Army while India was still under British rule so the culture and traditions he spoke of were very similar to those of the New Zealand Defence Force. I grew up on stories of military service, challenges and adventure,” FLTLT Bains said.
“It’s a perfect job which ticks a lot of boxes: technical/engineering, military service, active lifestyle, camaraderie and I get to work with highly motivated and well-trained people.
“My relatively short time in uniform has taught me many skills, which serve me well in all aspects of life. Joining the RNZAF has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life,” FLTLT Bains said.
Local Papatoetoe boy
“I had moved to New Zealand at the age of 12 immediately after attending military boarding school in India for three years.
“Since then I have lived in Papatoetoe in South Auckland.
“I consider myself as the local Papatoetoe boy where I have lived most of my life in New Zealand and have most memories,” FLTLT Bains said.
After high school, FLTLT Bains studied electrical and electronics engineering at university which allowed him to join the RNZAF as an engineering officer.
He also furthered his education by studying for a master’s degree in software engineering in York, UK.
Connected with Indian roots
“I was born in Rahimpur in Punjab,” FLTLTBains recalled about his Indian roots.
“My family are extremely proud of my career in New Zealand Defence Force, especially my grandfather.
“He came to witness my graduation ceremony and there were tears in his eyes. He was extremely proud of the occasion“.
“I try going back as much as I can as I love to travel, but it’s getting harder with work and commitments here. Now I can’t travel as often as I would like,” FLTLT Bains said. “However I have been back to India about six times since immigrating”.
For more information about a career with the New Zealand Defence Force visit their website at www.defencecareers.mil.nz or find them on Facebook @NZDFDefenceCareers.
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