Latest news with #Gilmour
Scoop
11 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Naval Officer Recognised For Four Decades Of Service To New Zealand
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force Rear Admiral Gilmour said working for the NZDF was absolutely stacked with opportunities. He said said his career had been an absolute blast. As a teenager, Jim Gilmour left school and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) thinking he'd only be there a few months. Forty years later and now retired, he has been appointed an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the King's Birthday Honours – for his contribution to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) after a storied career as a helicopter pilot, ship commander and finally as the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand. He has led the NZDF response to a range of disasters around the country and Pacific, and major multinational naval task forces further afield. 'I'm honoured and grateful to be recognised. But my thinking is most of it should be attributed to the support of my family through nearly 40 years of service, but also the men and women, in uniform and civilians, I've worked alongside,' he said. Rear Admiral (Rtd) Gilmour joined the RNZN in 1985 as a communications rating and was soon commissioned from the ranks. He trained to be a helicopter pilot. He flew fixed wing aircraft such as the CT/4 Airtrainer and the Strikemaster jet before moving on to helicopters such as the Bell 47, Iroquois, Wasp, Squirrel, Bell 206 and F- and G- model Seasprites. His flying took a back seat in 2004 as his senior career took off. In 2009, as Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, Rear Admiral Gilmour was in charge of New Zealand's response to a deadly tsunami that devastated Samoa. In 2011 Canterbury was again to the fore in response to the Christchurch earthquake under his command. Rear Admiral Gilmour became the first New Zealander to command Combined Task Forces (CTF) 151 and 176 – leading the international counter piracy mission CTF 151 in the Indian Ocean in 2011 and CTF 176 in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2016, which is the world's largest international maritime combined training event. He led the 2016 maritime response to the relief efforts in Kaikōura after the earthquake meant relief was only possible by sea. In 2018, Rear Admiral Gilmour was appointed as Commander Joint Forces New Zealand and was its longest-serving commander with nearly six years in the position. During that time, New Zealand faced events such as the Christchurch mosque shooting, the Whakaari/White Island eruption, the fall of Afghanistan the war in Ukraine and Cyclone Gabrielle. Meanwhile, Joint Forces missions continued in the Middle East, Korea, Europe, Japan, Israel and the Sinai Peninsula, South Sudan and in the Pacific. Rear Admiral Gilmour was born and grew up in Devonport. He attended Takapuna Grammar and also Marlborough Boys' High School. His motivation to join the Navy was more practical than anything else. 'I joined to get free transport back to Devonport from Blenheim. I thought that I would probably last a couple of months so it wasn't obvious that I was there for a ride home. 'And I left 39 years and 10 months later.' Rear Admiral Gilmour said working for the NZDF was 'absolutely stacked' with opportunities. 'I wouldn't have imagined driving a ship let alone commanding one, or frankly riding in a helicopter let alone being a pilot. It's an awesome opportunity to advance yourself through a career.' Rear Admiral Gilmour said his career had been 'an absolute blast'. 'There have been challenges but overall it's been a real adventure. There's adventure around every corner.'
Scoop
13 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Naval Officer Recognised For Four Decades Of Service To New Zealand
As a teenager, Jim Gilmour left school and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) thinking he'd only be there a few months. Forty years later and now retired, he has been appointed an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the King's Birthday Honours - for his contribution to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) after a storied career as a helicopter pilot, ship commander and finally as the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand. He has led the NZDF response to a range of disasters around the country and Pacific, and major multinational naval task forces further afield. 'I'm honoured and grateful to be recognised. But my thinking is most of it should be attributed to the support of my family through nearly 40 years of service, but also the men and women, in uniform and civilians, I've worked alongside,' he said. Rear Admiral (Rtd) Gilmour joined the RNZN in 1985 as a communications rating and was soon commissioned from the ranks. He trained to be a helicopter pilot. He flew fixed wing aircraft such as the CT/4 Airtrainer and the Strikemaster jet before moving on to helicopters such as the Bell 47, Iroquois, Wasp, Squirrel, Bell 206 and F- and G- model Seasprites. His flying took a back seat in 2004 as his senior career took off. In 2009, as Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, Rear Admiral Gilmour was in charge of New Zealand's response to a deadly tsunami that devastated Samoa. In 2011 Canterbury was again to the fore in response to the Christchurch earthquake under his command. Rear Admiral Gilmour became the first New Zealander to command Combined Task Forces (CTF) 151 and 176 – leading the international counter piracy mission CTF 151 in the Indian Ocean in 2011 and CTF 176 in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2016, which is the world's largest international maritime combined training event. He led the 2016 maritime response to the relief efforts in Kaikōura after the earthquake meant relief was only possible by sea. In 2018, Rear Admiral Gilmour was appointed as Commander Joint Forces New Zealand and was its longest-serving commander with nearly six years in the position. During that time, New Zealand faced events such as the Christchurch mosque shooting, the Whakaari/White Island eruption, the fall of Afghanistan the war in Ukraine and Cyclone Gabrielle. Meanwhile, Joint Forces missions continued in the Middle East, Korea, Europe, Japan, Israel and the Sinai Peninsula, South Sudan and in the Pacific. Rear Admiral Gilmour was born and grew up in Devonport. He attended Takapuna Grammar and also Marlborough Boys' High School. His motivation to join the Navy was more practical than anything else. 'I joined to get free transport back to Devonport from Blenheim. I thought that I would probably last a couple of months so it wasn't obvious that I was there for a ride home. 'And I left 39 years and 10 months later.' Rear Admiral Gilmour said working for the NZDF was 'absolutely stacked' with opportunities. 'I wouldn't have imagined driving a ship let alone commanding one, or frankly riding in a helicopter let alone being a pilot. It's an awesome opportunity to advance yourself through a career.' Rear Admiral Gilmour said his career had been 'an absolute blast'. 'There have been challenges but overall it's been a real adventure. There's adventure around every corner.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Sky Sports favourite announces exit after 16 years as major reshuffle continues
Sky Sports' summer exodus is continuing, with Paul Gilmour confirming he has joined the growing list of presenters and reporters to leave the broadcaster this year Sky Sports presenter Paul Gilmour has announced his departure from the broadcaster. Gilmour had been part of the furniture during 16 years with the company, including on Sky Sports News' transfer deadline day coverage. "After 16 brilliant years in N Ireland/London with @SkySportsNews, it's time to leave," Gilmour wrote on social media. "Was proud & grateful to cover major finals, tournaments, 25 Deadline Days, domestic games & become a PL commentator. Thank you to everyone I've worked with over the years. It's been a pleasure." A number of his former colleagues shared messages of support following the news. Others, meanwhile, spoke of it being a "huge loss" for Sky Sports. "Hard-working, honest & humble - what a brilliant tenure at Sky Sports News!" former Sky Sports News regular Bryan Swanson wrote. "The fresh-faced rookie from Carrick went on to deliver great scoops, big-name interviews, commentaries and everything in between over the years. The consummate professional, you should be proud. Best wishes for the future, Paul!" There was also a message of support from Gilmour's compatriot and Northern Ireland international striker Conor Washington. "Some man! All the best pal," the Derby County star wrote. Gilmour isn't the only long-serving presenter to move on. Rob Wotton has been with Sky Sports for 27 years, but this season will also be his last. He recently hosted The Football Show, which is being cut from scheduled, and also appeared on Sky Sports News' regular broadcasts. "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks," Wotton said in an emotional farewell speech. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Several other exits have also been confirmed this week, including those of Melissa Reddy. Jeremy Langdon and Fadumo Okow. Reddy, who spent the last three years with Sky as a senior reporter, has opened up on her future plans following her exit. "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them," Reddy wrote on Instagram. "But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Carrickfergus reporter leaves Sky Sports News after 16 years: ‘My highlight was when Kyle Lafferty soaked me in beer'
Gilmour is the latest high-profile figure to leave the station following the departures of Melissa Reddy, Rob Wotton, Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor. The 39 year-old cut his teeth commentating on Irish League games on BBC Radio Ulster's flagship Sports Sound show. During that time he served as Sky Sports News' Northern Ireland correspondent, where one of his first assignments was reporting on the Steel and Sons Cup Final on Christmas Day. He joined the staff of the popular station in 2012, where he soon became a familiar face, interviewing the likes of Antonie Conte and Jose Mourinho. He also commentated on Premier League, international and Irish League football for Sky Sports. The Carrick Rangers supporter now intends to work as a freelance sports reporter and commentator. One of his career highlights was an infamous interview with Kyle Lafferty, after Northern Ireland qualified for Euro 2016. He said: 'After 16 unforgettable years at Sky Sports News, it's time to say goodbye and look ahead to a new challenge. 'I've been fortunate to cover major tournaments, Champions League finals, and Premier League heavyweight clashes as well as interview some of the biggest names in world football. 'A personal highlight was following Northern Ireland, reaching a peak when Kyle Lafferty soaked me in beer and mocked my shoes on air after they qualified for Euro 2016. 'In that same interview, he (jokingly) said he wanted Northern Ireland to be drawn against either Argentina or Brazil…in the European Championships. Never a dull moment. A special group of players and staff, and the current side is shaping up nicely too.' Other highlights for Gilmour including interviewing England captain Harry Kane and a parrot that sang football songs. 'There were plenty of other standouts: sitting down with England captain Harry Kane multiple times over the course of his career, a quickfire 1 minute 37 second interview with Erling Haaland, and stepping into the world of Premier League commentary, something I'm keen to continue. 'And then there were the lighter moments… a feature about a dog that went viral for balancing things on its head, and a parrot that sang football songs. We waited three hours in the owner's house before it finally delivered. 'Growing up watching Sky Sports News, I'm incredibly proud to have played a small part in our history. I'll be forever grateful to my SSN colleagues and friends for their guidance, passion and humour over the years. 'Now, I'm stepping into the freelance world to see what's next. I'm open to opportunities'
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Moment Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour celebrate Napoli title party in a KITCHEN
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND stars Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour partied in the KITCHEN of a top Naples restaurant as they celebrated winning the Italian league. The pair joined team-mates at the Terrazza Calabritto where they sang the classic chant: 'It's us, it's us, we are the Champions of Italy!'. 2 Gilmour and McTominay getting in the party mode with kitchen staff 2 They celebrated the title triumph in style Excited diner staff took selfies and joined in the celebrations as the Scots pair enjoyed the occasion. McTominay, 28, and Gilmour, 23, helped Napoli won their fourth title in history, the second in the last three years, on Friday after beating Cagliari 2-0 at the Stadio Maradona. Celebrations all over the city started right after the final whistle and will continue for many days to come. McTominay and team-mate Gilmour became the first Scots to win the Serie A title in 120 years. The party had already begun when McTominay struck before the interval to break the deadlock. It's been a remarkable season for McTominay who left Manchester United last summer in a deal worth around £25million. He was awarded the MVP Serie A player of the year at full-time. The pair have already had pizzas created in their honour. And stylish street art depicts them as warriors in the famous light blue of Napoli. Speaking after the trophy lift, McTominay admitted his time in Italy so far has been a dream come true. He said: "I'm lost for words. "It's incredible you know, the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause. "The people deserve it because they've been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
