ALLEN, Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert James (Rob)
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration
For services to the New Zealand Defence Force.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen was seconded to the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) as the Foreman of Works in the Engineer Squadron in 2023, and over 12 months as the senior technical Advisor to the VMF, he significantly improved the capacity of the VMF Engineers and Engineering Squadron.
During this time, WO2 Allen also led responses following the Vanuatu earthquake and an Air Taxi plane accident. When a light plane crashed in a remote area of Port Vila on 15 July 2024, he assembled a team of VMF engineers to respond. Under his direct leadership they extended an access road for ambulances and rescue services to attend the scene, enabling the evacuation of the four injured passengers. On 17 December 2024, a seven-point four magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, collapsing a three-storey building in the city. He tasked his team to conduct a search and rescue of possible victims in the building while he coordinated with Vanuatu official first responders. Over three days he coordinated local recovery efforts, provided technical guidance, and organised logistical support. His leadership was critical in immediately rescuing two trapped victims, another four survivors subsequently, and the recovery of four deceased victims. WO2 Allen’s leadership during these incidents helped save lives and reinforced the New Zealand Defence Force’s reputation in Vanuatu.