issue 178 april/may 2014
TE MANA HOME FROM PIRATE PATROLS
MINE COUNTERMEASURES EXERCISE A HUGE SUCCESS
BASE WOMEN LOSE THEIR HAIR FOR A CURE
T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f t h eour people sea
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contents
NAVY TODAY ISSUE 178 2014
DIRECTORY Published to entertain, inform and inspire serving members of the RNZN. Navy Today is the official newsletter for personnel and friends of the Royal New Zealand Navy, produced by the Defence Communications Group, Wellington, Navy Today is now in its eighteenth year of publication. Views expressed in Navy Today are not necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.
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EDITOR: David McLoughlin Defence Communications Group HQ NZ Defence Force Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand P: (04) 496 0219 F: (04) 496 0290
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mcc log
30 FLEET PROGRESS
TE MANA HOME FROM PIRATE PATROLS
MINE COUNTERMEASURES EXERCISE A HUGE SUCCESS
BASE WOMEN LOSE THEIR HAIR FOR A CURE
T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f T h eour people sea
cover image: A mighty haka is performed on the wharf at Devonport Naval Base as the frigate HMNZS TE MANA comes alongside on 12 March, Ship’s Company lined up in Procedure Alpha, at the end of a seven-month deployment that included anti-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia. Photo: LAC Maria Oosterbaan. Story begins page 4.
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Chief of Navy Rear Admiral J.R.Steer, onzm
yours aye A s we pass the end of the first quarter of this year it is perhaps a good time to look back on what we have achieved so far. Some would say that the NZDF is in an operational quiet time at the moment. I completely disagree.
Our Navy deploys its ships and their people every day of the year. There are obviously highs and lows in the numbers but the fact remains, that out of sight of most New Zealanders, every day our Navy is out there doing what we are required to do. This of course brings its own stresses and strains on our people and on their families. I would like to express my sincere thanks and my appreciation for the way that all of you manage the constant demands of a blue water Navy. Whether you are deploying in a ship or remaining at home, I know it is difficult. Thank you all for the way you manage this. There has been a considerable amount of positive media for our Navy so far this year. The Western Pacific Naval Symposium Mine Countermeasures Exercise that was hosted by us recently was the largest multi national exercise hosted by the RNZN for decades. It was a very well planned and executed activity that involved a big part of our Navy. HMNZS WELLINGTON was also in the news with her stormchasing exploits far down to the south of New Zealand. The manner in which her Ship’s Company managed the foul weather and still achieved the majority of her required tasks was very impressive. They showed every one of the embarked groups and the people of New Zealand that we have very well trained and capable people in our Navy. Of course TE MANA returned home after a seven month deployment. The ship achieved a lot for the reputation of our Navy and New Zealand while they were away. TE MANA’s work contributed to the international efforts to eradicate piracy, a threat
to the trade that travels by sea to and from New Zealand. After all, New Zealand is a maritime nation, dependent on sea trading routes which are critical for our continued prosperity. The return home to the Naval Base was fantastic. The welcome by those ashore and the response by the ship’s company was the best I have seen for some time. It really showed what this Navy of ours is made of. To see the ship’s company and their families reunited after such a long time was a real joy. Of course our Navy is more than the above. Live mines have been found and made safe in the Hauraki Gulf, navigation training has been conducted, new sailors and officers are trained every day, ships are managed through maintenance and upgrades, VIP visits are hosted and courses and training do not stop. We are a busy Navy and that is a good thing. We are also a Navy that has a great history. We are “Warriors of the Sea”, in all the forms that this takes. We put on this uniform to serve the people of New Zealand. We do this in a variety of ways and we do it because that is our duty and because it is right. Be proud of what we have achieved so far this year. There is more to come. There will be many changes made to our Defence Force in the future but what won’t change is the need for a professional and capable blue water Navy. That is what the RNZN is today. He heramana ahau I am a sailor
Above: CN presents LT Tenisha Cawte with a CN Commendation for her hard work towards the Mine Countermeasures Exercise.
yours aye
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HMNZS TE MANA
Fine welcome home for TE MANA after seven months away By David McLoughlin, Editor, Navy Today
The return of a warship from a deployment is always an exhilarating time of joy for the returning sailors and their loved ones who had remained behind, but the return of the frigate HMNZS TE MANA on 12 March after seven months away was without doubt one of the biggest and happiest in recent times, befitting such a long mission.
M
ore than seven hundred wives, husbands, partners, parents and children of the 182 members of TE MANA’s Ship’s Company were gathering eagerly on the promenade at Devonport Naval Base by 9am. This was three quarters of an hour before the ship was due to round North Head on the last leg of a mission that began last August with the ship’s departure for Sydney for the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review, continued with a Work Up in Australian waters and culminated in three months of anti-piracy patrols off the Somali coast. The day could not have been better, with warm sunshine and light winds. The Navy Band entertained the waiting crowds. Many people carried signs and banners welcoming their sailors home from the sea. At exactly 9.48am the ship appeared behind the Devonport ferry wharf, Ship’s Company in their best whites standing tall in Procedure Alpha along the decks. Three Seasprite helicopters soared east to west above the harbour and past the ship. Smoke billowed from the ship’s guns, then came the loud cracks of the 17gun salute as TE MANA cruised past the base. Shore guns replied with a seven-gun salute.
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As TE MANA briefly disappeared from view—shielded by HMNZS CANTERBURY and other berthed ships—the band resumed playing and marched towards the wharf, followed in festive spirit by the hundreds of family members. The ship came slowly towards the wharf. The Maori Cultural Group and a large haka party formed on the wharf. Behind the approaching ship, a big banner was unfurled on the side of CANTERBURY. “Welcome back Lou” it said, a message from the shore Physical Training Instructors to TE MANA’s LPTI Lou Thyne, the Navy’s current Sailor of the Year. Loud cheers began as the ship edged ever closer to the wharf and the lines were thrown. Above the cheering came the dramatic chants and stamping of the Navy haka, welcoming the ship home. The crowd was allowed forward as the haka ended and the gangway—brow—was made ready between wharf and flight deck. The assembled sailors on the flight deck—led by the Commanding Officer, Commander Shane Arndell—responded to the haka with
Above the cheering came the dramatic chants and stamping of the Navy haka, welcoming the ship home. Opposite page: Seasprites soar over Auckland harbour as HMNZS TE MANA returns. Clockwise from Top Left: Flowers in hand, Ship’s Company come ashore. Welcome home sign hung from HMNZS CANTERBURY for LPTI Lou Thyne. Haka to the ship. Leading Weapons Technician Mark Greening’s daughter gets to grips with Dad’s new beard. Haka from the ship.
hmnzs te mana homecoming
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HMNZS TE MANA
Top: CPOSCS Mark Latu gets a rapturous welcome from his sons Christopher and Quinn. Above: Banner on the wharf. Right: CDR Arndell with his wife Alice and daughter Isobel.
a mighty one of their own, to great applause from the crowds on the wharf. Four-year-old Isobel Arndell ran forward into her father’s arms as he walked first off the ship. His wife Alice followed Isobel and after they had all hugged, CDR Arndell was welcomed home by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating. That formality over, Ship’s Company came ashore one by one, each bearing a flower for their loved ones, a nice touch made possible by the flowers being delivered to the ship from the shore before the arrival in Auckland. Few people waited around! Many sailors returned briefly to the ship to change into civilian clothes before leaving with their loved ones. CDR Arndell did some media interviews before changing clothes and heading home—Martinborough in the Wairarapa. “We achieved everything we set out to do and everything that CDF and the Government asked us to do,” he told Navy Today.
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“I am proud as the captain to see my crew turn up as young and inexperienced people and over the months grow up into the fine sailors who have come home today. It was great to see the huge crowds of people waiting for us here.” During the operation, TE MANA steamed past her 500,000th nautical mile since her commissioning in 1999. The frigate’s total of 91 days conducting counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin were with the Combined Maritime Forces Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) and NATO Operation Ocean Shield. “Sending TE MANA half way around the world is part of a global effort and shows New Zealand as an international citizen, playing our part,” CDR Arndell said. “Through the presence of warships in the area the acts of piracy have dropped over the last few years and we are proud to have been part of that.”
TE MANA
TE MANA’s people talk about their mission The seven-month deployment by HMNZS TE MANA to Operation TIKI VI was the success it was because of the 182 extraordinary people who made up the ship’s company. Here, seven of them describe their experiences.
A view from the Engine Spaces By LMT(L) Jack Hargreaves
H
ow was seven months at sea on Op TIKI VI? That’s a pretty tough question to answer considering how much we got up to both at sea and the times we had ashore. However, there are a few poignant moments that come to mind. Our DLOC work-up at the beginning was very high tempo, providing the cause of some epic runs ashore in Sydney which is always a good port visit. After that the stance changed to a more operational mindset, where we focused more on the job at hand— anti-piracy—while stopping in and out of Darwin for a few weeks. Once the training phase was over it was game on, steaming to the Somali coast and conducting the patrols we were designated. Spending Christmas and New Year at sea for the first time was a bit of a new experience. We got our own RSA packages on Christmas Day so the ship was overloaded with 170-plus jars of marmite that we’re still trying to get through. Being an LMT(L) onboard was great, though gaining experience and a Gas Turbine qualification as well as helping the propulsion ratings with almost everything proved to be a bit of a challenge—one that must be overcome in the end. Switching it up in different parts of ship was another part of the job as my roles changed from tuning up the galley/laundry to injector changes on the main engines and being the RHIB maintainer, a job any stoker can “appreciate” at 5am. All in all she was a solid deployment. I got some shiny medals to bring home to the family and friends and dits that I can’t write down so I’ll sign off here.
OP TIKI VI HMNZS TE MANA
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hmnzs te mana
ASCS Songivalu (right) on operations.
View from the Boarding Team By ASCS Filomena Songivalu
O
n 23 November 2013 HMNZS TE MANA entered the Area of Operations in defence watches. Deemed fully mission capable by MOET (Maritime Operational Evaluation Team) just a few weeks earlier, she had reached the Somali Coast and Gulf of Aden. During OP TIKI VI TE MANA conducted frequent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) missions, many approach-andassist and maritime security awareness visits, gunnery serials, replenishment at sea evolutions and much more. All of us onboard were eager and excited to gain as much experience as possible from this deployment, the first such operational deployment for the RNZN since 2008. Once we were in the area of operations, our daily routine consisted of one in two watches, meaning that you were either on watch or asleep. During my on-watch, three other ratings and I would man the Bridge and the Gun Direction Platform under the supervision of a senior rate. We were the eyes and ears for the Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) and his team in the Operations Room reporting aircraft, ships, skiffs, dhows and any other form of relevant information that would help the PWO and the operations team get a better picture of the patterns of life.
I managed to learn a lot. Serving with them was one of my highlights and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills they passed on. One of the main highlights of this deployment was getting to visit ports we don’t usually get to in the RNZN. It was a great experience seeing other cultures and exploring other countries. Some of the ports we visited were Abu Dhabi, Mumbai and Seychelles, however we spent most of our time in Australia for our work-up. My most memorable port was Dubai which is an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi. We visited the Dubai gold market, drove through the dessert in a truck, rode on a camel, went sand-boarding and spent a lot of time shopping. Having access to internet on board was a big perk for the entire deployment, especially when we were at sea for more than three weeks at a time. On ship you can’t ring home and talk to family and friends. A great solution to this was Facebook via the internet. Through Facebook I was able to see what was happening at home and I was able to communicate with family and friends during Christmas and New Year. We were able to use the internet for online banking to make payments, book accommodation and discover more information about our next port.
As a member of the Boarding Team I was also involved in many approach-and-assists or maritime security awareness visits, as NATO likes to call them. I usually spent my off watches doing physical training for about 30 to 40 minutes and then I would dhobe (wash), get my rig sorted and find a few spare minutes to contact home.
Op TIKI VI has been the biggest, longest and most successful deployment of my Navy Career. I was homesick most of the time and there were ups and downs throughout the deployment which challenged me as an individual to excel. I’ve made new friends, learnt from my mistakes within my trade and gained new experience. In my opinion experiencing all of the above has enhanced me in positive ways for my upcoming courses.
Throughout the deployment, I felt my skills improve greatly in both seamanship and gunnery, most of this due to work-up, where we were constantly being assessed by MOET. I had the good fortune to serve with many experienced and senior gunnery ratings from whom
Gulf deployments occur on average once every four years, which is why I’m very grateful and thankful for the amazing opportunity. Overall it was different, challenging and exciting and can now say “I’ve patrolled three miles off the Somali Coast”.
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OP TIKI VI HMNZS TE MANA
View from the Ops Room By ACSS Joseph Boyle
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joined HMNZS TE MANA halfway through June 2013 as an Ordinary Rate, eager for some real-time operations and training, working towards getting promoted. The ship had recently just completed a trip around Asia so after a short time of crew adjustments and leave periods, TE MANA started her deployment preparations for Operation TIKI VI. The preparation while still alongside Devonport Naval Base included a lot of medical and sea survival refreshers, training the boarding party and getting the Operations Room personnel working together as an effective team. We departed New Zealand mid August in what was going to be one of the longest deployments the RNZN has done in a long time. By the time TE MANA arrived in Sydney we had been given multiple briefs on what we might expect on our soon to be three-month work-up. TE MANA operated out of Sydney and largely in Jervis Bay and the Eastern Australian Exercise Area for the first two months of workup with the ship in defence watches, working seven hours on, seven off, followed by five hours on and five off. We were in company with HMAS STUART and HMAS TOBRUK for a lot of this time, conducting several warfare serials and bridge to bridge tactics. We also had the pleasure of being “attacked” by multiple aircraft at once closing us at approximately 450 knots, which could bring the ship to action stations at any time. While rolling out of your pit and getting dressed into a full fire-fighting suit within seven minutes wasn’t the best way to spend your sleeping hours, it was missionessential for the crew to be at an alert state at all times with our upcoming deployment into the Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden and the piracy threat there. This brought the Operations department to a very high skill level and we soon found out each other’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to being an effective operator. Time alongside was well earned and well spent. Whether enjoying views from the harbour bridge or time in Kings Cross (just up the hill from the Garden Island naval base), I’m sure everyone had a good time. Work-up didn’t just pause alongside though, with friendly Maritime Operational Evaluation Team staff inputting “enjoyable” incidents for the force protection duty watch to respond to. If you weren’t on the upper-decks in full armour and a Steyr, enjoying the Australian heat, keeping a look out for any stray dogs or wandering MOETs in civilian dress, you were probably in a main machinery space fighting a fire. TE MANA’s first big break was over the International Fleet Review period, which was a really enjoyable experience. With at least 1000 sailors marching through the main streets of Sydney, conveniently the march finished next to a popular pub where a few light refreshments may have been enjoyed. Over this period TEM was also open to visitors, with a lot of foreign nationals coming through the ship for a tour and an appreciation of the RNZN. After the IFR we sailed tor Darwin where Ship’s Company took on multiple training challenges set by our friendly Physical Training Instructor, LPTI Lou Thyne, enjoyed the growing heat and once again got ready for another part of work-up, mainly mission-based around boardings and fast moving surface contacts.
ACSS Boyle kitted up in full fire-fighting rig.
After more loss of sleep thanks to ongoing Damage Control exercises in company with HMAS PERTH, TEM was given the go ahead from MOET. After one more rest weekend in Darwin, we sailed for Op TIKI in support of Combined Task Force 151 counter piracy operations. We had a quick overnight stay in Diego Garcia, which was good, as it is not often that the RNZN will do this port visit. TE MANA embarked fuel whilst Ship’s Company enjoyed the relaxing beaches. After Diego Garcia we were officially in the Area of Operations, supporting CTF 151. We patrolled the Somali coastline in search of any suspicious skiffs, whalers or dhows, which are common vessels around Somalia but also used for piracy. This is where the Operations Room played a large part in the feedback we sent to CTF 151. Our embarked Seasprite helicopter was doing coastline searches twice a day, so Combat Systems Specialists were tracking all kinds of small but important vessels. The Electronic Warfare department collected relevant information on any vessels of interest. The boarding team conducted friendly visits to contacts directed by the Commanding Officer. This patrol was a month spent in defence watches, with routines becoming pretty clear and friendships gained quickly as you are literally spending every waking moment with the same people. I personally enjoyed this patrol the most, as it was my first real exposure to operations. It gave more downtime on watch to study instead of closing aircraft from every second direction like work-up. I was able to finish my taskbook and get promoted during this patrol. Abu Dhabi was a well spent break with many tourist activities available. TE MANA left Abu Dhabi not long before Christmas, with the festive spirit also spent on patrol. The next patrol was much the same, still off the Somali coast in support of CTF 151, with the major difference being Christmas and New Year. Many Secret Santa games and Advent calendars made appearances over this patrol. continued on following page...
OP TIKI VI HMNZS TE MANA
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hmnzs te mana ...continued from previous page
Christmas onboard HMNZS TE MANA; POSTD Gordon is one of Santa's helpers.
The second patrol concluded in mid-January with TE MANA coming alongside in Mumbai, which was, I think, a big eye-opener for people who have never travelled to such a poverty filled country like India. We had some of the crew change-out for people to go home and clear leave with families, and also new personnel joining the ship in hope of promotion, much like I had in 2013. Post-Mumbai was a good change as we left the Somali coast and CTF 151 and instead supported NATO in their CTF 508 operations. We spent this patrol in the Gulf of Aden around the internationally recommended transit corridor, on hand and ready to assist merchant vessels in any distress they may have had. We provided an overt patrol presence, always on the lookout for possible piracy. Almost every day we conducted multiple friendly visits to skiffs with our skilled boarding team, with the Operations Room providing complete support to the boarding officer and feeding information to the Commanding Officer. Once we finished patrol 3, the majority of ship’s company had now earned medallic recognition. We headed for the Seychelles, which was a first for the RNZN, a small island chain located off East Africa, with many amazing beaches and local restaurants to be visited. We also had another small crew change out here, for more personnel to head home for a well-earned break. Out-chop from the area of operations came with sailing from the Seychelles towards Fremantle, which came as a big relief for many. It started to become apparent that we were finished, time to go home and spend time with loved ones. Our last stop was Fremantle which was a good adjustment to our “real world” with a similar currency and style of living. As we headed around the southern end of Australia towards Auckland we were finishing a very long sevenmonth deployment, with over 46,000 nautical miles travelled, along with many valuable skill sets and career progressions. To anyone who gets an opportunity for a similar trip, I say take it. You’ll enjoy yourself for the most part, develop your career, see some awesome ports and meet great people.
A Steward’s View By POSTD Aimee Gordon
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hen we first sailed on 12 August 2013 I had mixed emotions. I was excited and happy to be on the deployment but then again deep down inside I was really upset about leaving my family and loved ones for seven months and I was also scared and worried at what I will miss out on at home. All those emotions soon left me after the first few days at sea as I was kept busy and having my mind set on getting through DLOC work up. I was one of the key members as the Ship’s Standing Sea Emergency Party who led and controlled the fire team through all sorts of exercises the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team threw at us at all hours of the day and into early hours of the morning. It was one of the biggest challenges I have experienced in my life, but I enjoyed it very much and am glad I did it. I had a lot of pressure put on me at times and my stress levels were up to my eyeballs almost every day. My main job onboard as supervisor for the stewards meant ensuring my team were kept motivated, that they were all doing okay and being there for them when they needed support. My daily routine over the seven months was pretty much exactly the same everyday. I got up at 0430 to do PT on the flight deck, did some computer work for an hour or two, work lunch, watch a dit or an episode of Californication, do PT again at 1600 then work dinner and relax for the rest of the night. Yeah I got bored and frustrated about five months into the trip but there wasn’t anything I could do about it apart from trying to find other things to do and focusing on the next port visit and getting home. Whilst we were on deployment we visited many different ports and had a few functions my stewarding team and I had to cater for, which was good for them to get the experience. I think Abu Dhabi was everyone’s favourite port visit because there was so much to do and see there as well as getting involved with some cultural experiences. That was the second time I have visited Abu Dhabi/ Dubai and I really enjoyed it. It was a really good break between our long patrols at sea which were around 27 to 36 days each. Over the seven months I made some really close friends, learnt a lot about myself and others, realised how much I love my family because I missed them so much and how much I love New Zealand and appreciate everything about it!
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View from the Seasprite By LT CDR David Roderick, Flight Commander
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here did we go? The Somali Coast. What did we do? Hunt pirates. As TE MANA’s newly joined Flight Helicopter Pilot, I had my work cut out. It had been a few years since I had last been to sea, and my previous job had me flying a mahogany bomber. Needless to say getting back into embarked aviation (trying to land the big angry turning and burning thing on the small moving bit of real-estate) as well as reacquaint myself with ship life presented somewhat of a challenge. The first part of the trip, in and around Australia, was aimed at preparing the ship and her crew for our upcoming operation. It consisted of two work-up periods, DLOC (with a focus on more conventional war fighting operations), followed by our OLOC work up which focussed more on the roles we were likely (we thought!) to conduct off the coast of Somalia. It was during these two periods that I began my transition to become TE MANA’s Flight Commander (or head of the ship's aviation department). An extremely busy time for all, and the fully prepared grading that Te Mana was eventually granted by the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team was well deserved. Many thanks to my predecessor for providing the necessary guidance and mentorship which allowed me to take up the mantle as FLT CDR as we sailed for the Somali Coast. On passage to Somalia we received our orders from CTF 151, and much to our interest discovered that the helicopter’s mission was primarily coastal Identification, Surveillance and Reconnaissance or ISR for short. This was a task TEM Flight had not previously conducted and we had to learn and develop our SOPs on the fly (pardon the pun). We also had the added challenge of testing and trialling equipment necessary for our mission whilst in theatre (something I would never recommend again). By this stage our helicopter, affectionately known to us as 'Hammerhead', had approximately 120 hours remaining and the
next three patrols would see us burning every one of those hours to further increase CTF 151 and our own understanding of the Somali Coast and potential piracy hotspots. In fact we even named a couple of new ones! Management of aircraft hours fell to me, and providing two sorties a day every day with enough time for rest, food, and aircraft maintenance was not the easiest of tasks. Luckily my team on board, made up of sterling professionals from both Navy and Air, each ensured that TEM and her aircraft provided the best possible service to higher command. We have been lucky enough to visit a few exciting ports during our trip, each more exotic than the next, the small island of Diego Garcia was a whirlwind day trip to break up the 35 day passage before our first true port visit in theatre, Abu Dhabi. Hotel brunch with delectable treats and bottomless champagne were on offer, those who were there will never forget the experience. The end of the second patrol had us arrive in Mumbai, an experience to say the least (“For the last time I will not buy your ridiculously oversized novelty balloon!”), the highlight being a stay in the famous Taj Palace Hotel which can described as only that, had my financial situation permitted I don’t think I would have ever left! Our last two port visits were short and sweet, the island paradise of Seychelles and sunny Fremantle in Australia. Both were enjoyable visits, however by this time the strain of seven months away was starting to show and I wished for them to be over so we could get on our way home. As I sit here writing this, the aircraft tucked away in its hangar (a mere five hours remaining), temperatures slowing on the decline, sea state on the rise I am thankful; thankful to do a job and see things that many people will never get the chance to experience. Thankful to work alongside a group of like minded professionals, and thankful most of all to have had the support of my partner, friends and family back home.
OP TIKI VI HMNZS TE MANA
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hmnzs te mana
A view from the Communicators By ACWS Nicole Booth I was crash-posted to TE MANA 24 days after she sailed from Devonport Naval Base for her deployment. I was so excited—this was my first frigate posting. I was also very nervous as I had never done a work-up before and I was jumping right into one. Upon my arrival onboard ship I was immediately shown my new mess which had eleven other girls in it, luckily I already knew most of them so it didn’t take me long to settle in. Work-up was tiring but looking back it was actually quite fun. I had never done Defence Watches before and there was a lot of information to take in, especially in regards to Damage Control and getting around the ship. At first I got quite lost. I also had to learn all of the frigate communications systems as I had only been on Protector ships prior to this posting. After all the work up-was complete we finally left Australia. We stopped in Diego Garcia. It is a small island which is beautiful! I am stoked to say that I have been there. We arrived on the coast of Somalia a few weeks later, I was on the bridge a lot of the time during the patrols and It was cool to see skiffs and whalers out fishing and we were close enough to land to see people walking along the beach and over the sand dunes with camels. It was also interesting to see their little villages and the kids playing soccer games on the beach! After our first patrol we went to Abu Dhabi which was my favourite port, while we were there most of us visited the Grand Mosque, Yas Water World and Ferrari World. They were all so much fun,
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OP TIKI VI HMNZS TE MANA
especially the World’s Fastest Roller Coaster at Ferrari World that was so awesome! We also did a day trip to Dubai where we went up the world’s tallest building the Burg Khalifa, went shopping in the world’s largest mall and we also did a desert safari where we went on dune buggies and rode camels and ate a buffet dinner in the desert. The other ports we went to were good as well, they all had highlights but Abu Dhabi was definitely the best. During the patrols I learnt a lot more about my job as a communicator. There were many opportunities to be in company with other ships from different navies. We got to practice our skills in flashing light and flag hoist and I got to do a Replenishment at Sea for the first time. I am so happy I got the opportunity to do this deployment.
View from the Engineers By LT Tim Johns From round the clock watch-keeping to ensure the plant remained operating at optimum performance, through to providing custom engineering solutions to suit the requirements of some of our counter-piracy tasks, the 35-strong Marine Engineering team’s men and women can be proud of what they achieved on OP TIKI VI. Through the course of the deployment we generated enough electricity to power 288 households for a year, produced enough fresh water to fill 2.8 Olympic swimming pools and used almost 1.5 tonnes of rags keeping our spaces clean. With the sea water temperature constantly around 28°C, temperatures within the spaces remained high and the Propulsion Diesel Engines enclosure was kept toasty at 58°C. The stokers made a significant contribution to boarding operations. As a key evolution during our deployment, it was imperative that TEM’s three RHIBs were kept in good working order. All defects were swiftly seen to by the ME01 gang (including a RHIB engine changeout in Abu Dhabi), lead by CPOMT Andrew Orr and POMT Russ Gillbanks. LMT Brent Taylor and the ME04 team worked extensively on the RHIBs’ electrics. LMT TK Kingi and AMT Lewis Woods were both integral members of the boarding team and were proud to see that they had made the front cover of the last Navy Today. Fuel also kept us busy. We conducted 11 Replenishments at Sea with four different countries and embarked fuel by pipeline, tanker and barge whilst alongside. Our astute tanky, AMT Samuel Shannon, consistently provided accurate figures, essential in assessing our SOA for the long passages to Mumbai and RTNZ. AMT Marc Cooper
“Fuel also kept us busy. We conducted 11 Replenishments at Sea with four different countries and embarked fuel by pipeline, tanker and barge whilst alongside.” has also done a superb job of keeping the F44 flowing, ensuring the helo was able to conduct its vast number of flying hours. It’s been a challenge to balance the operational commitment with our own training objectives, yet we still managed to promote two new Able Marine Technicians, awarded six gas turbine operating certificates, awarded three full aauxiliary machinery certificates, endorsed a further three, endorsed one control room watchkeeping certificate and awarded one. We had some fun along the way too. A number of the department took part in Movember, sporting some great and not-so-great masculine facial hair. LMTs Ryan Stevens, Jack Hargreaves, Kingi and Aaron Rowe were co-organisers of the Sunday afternoon ‘Carnival Day’, which had Ship’s Company apple-bobbing, minigolfing and running three-legged races on the flight deck. Many of the department’s shellbacks were part of King Neptune’s Court for the Crossing the Line Ceremony, in particular, LMT Hargreaves playing a stunning daughter of the King.
OP TIKI VI HMNZS TE MANA
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Fitting Navy send-off for River Plate veteran
VINCE EDMUND McGLONE, NZD 1130 Ex Leading Seaman Quarters Rating 2 23 March 1916 to 13 March 2014
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ne of the Navy’s best known old salts—Vince “Cyclone” McGlone—had a fitting naval funeral service in St Christopher’s Chapel, Devonport Naval Base on 17 March attended by scores of sailors serving and retired, young and old. Vince, a veteran of the 1939 Battle of the River Plate in HMS ACHILLES, died the week before just 10 days from his 98th birthday. Many of today’s sailors have enjoyed Vince’s company, often at his namesake Vince McGlone Galley at the base, where he loved to yarn about his wartime exploits. He attained a national audience in late 2012 when he featured in a new Navy recruitment commercial, reciting the National Anthem, God Defend New Zealand. His casket was carried in to the chapel for the service by six young sailors and afterwards a line of sailors stretched from the chapel to the main gate, saluting as the hearse passed by. Aptly, the last structure Vince passed leaving the base for the last time was the Mk.21 six-inch turret of HMNZS ACHILLES. Vince served in the NZ Division of the Royal Navy and the RNZN from 1932 to 1946 and was a gunner on HMS ACHILLES at the Battle of the River Plate near Montevideo, Uruguay, the first naval battle of World War II. The battle’s 75th anniversary will be marked in December this year.
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RIP VINCE “CYCLONE” McGLONE
He was born Auckland to Barbara and Daniel McGlone and was one of three children. He was raised in the Auckland suburb of Kingsland where his father was the local policeman, and was educated at Gladstone Primary School, Marist Brothers and Mount Albert Grammar prior to joining the Royal Navy (New Zealand Division) as a Seaman in the Gunnery Trade on 15 January 1932 at the age of 15 years and 9 months. The first 12 months of his service time was on the training ship HMS PHILOMEL prior to posting to the light cruiser HMS DUNEDIN from January 1933 until October 1935. Able Seaman Vince McGlone was posted to HMS DIOMEDE on 16 October 1935 and headed to Aden to standby for possible action in the ItalianAbyssinian War. In 1936, whilst in England, he was transferred to HMS ACHILLES, a New Zealand Leander Class Cruiser; remaining onboard until September 1936. Between September 1936 and January 1938 Vince was posted to HM Ships PHILOMEL, WAKAKURA and once more to PHILOMEL prior to returning to ACHILLES on 19 January 1938. On 29 August 1939 ACHILLES became the first vessel to leave New Zealand for war duty. ACHILLES was ordered to join the Royal Navy’s America and West Indies Station in the Caribbean. On 13 December 1939 ACHILLES along with HMS AJAX and HMS EXETER attacked the armoured ship ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE off the
coast of Uruguay. Vince was in the four-inch director control tower during the battle, now known at the Battle of the River Plate. In the 82 minutes that followed Vince and his fellow gunners fired more than 220 shells at GRAF SPEE, forcing it to retreat into the neutral port of Montevideo. The German ship’s captain scuttled it four days later to save the lives of his 1000 sailors rather than re-engage in battle. ACHILLES lost four crew members and many more were injured. In past interviews, Vince recalled being four feet away when a control tower was hit, killing his shipmates. "The SPEE should've blown us out of the water. We were laid down to go 32 knots and in the battle we got up to 35. They weren't expecting that speed and so we put them off their aim." He said GRAF SPEE burnt for three days after the battle as they celebrated the triumph aboard ACHILLES. "Unfortunately there was no open bar on the ship."
LSQR2 Vince McGlone posted off ACHILLES on 17 November 1942 and continued his service time onboard PHYLLIS, PHILOMEL, CLAYMORE and GAMBIA until he returned to ACHILLES in September 1945 for what was to be his last tour of duty prior to his discharge from the now Royal New Zealand Navy on 18 June 1946. Vince was awarded the following medals in recognition of his service time: 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal, NZ War Medal, NZ Operational Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal. Vince married his wife Patricia on 24 June 1944 and together they raised six children, who subsequently presented them with 12 grandchildren. Patricia died five years ago. Opposite page: Vince McGlone during a visit to the Navy Museum in 2011. Opposite page (inset): Vince McGlone as a young sailor. Top left: Sailors carry Vince McGlone’s casket into St Christopher’s. Top right: The funeral service. Below: Vince McGlone leaves Devonport Naval Base for the last time.
A line of sailors stretched from the chapel to the main gate, saluting as the hearse passed by. Aptly, the last structure Vince passed leaving the base for the last time was the Mk.21 six-inch turret of HMNZS ACHILLES. RIP VINCE “CYCLONE” McGLONE
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Mine Counter-measures Exercise a huge success By Mark Sleeman, Navy communications manager, who attended the exercise
Six-hundred sailors and five ships from 14 nations descended on the Devonport Naval Base and Hauraki Gulf during February and March for the Western Pacific Naval Symposium’s Mine Counter-measures Exercise.
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he three-week long exercise was designed to test the participants’ ability to work collaboratively in delivering emergency aid to the fictional Barclay Islands in the Pacific, following a devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Explosive Ordnance Device (EOD), Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and fitness skills.
It was the first time our Navy has hosted the annual exercise and it was the largest exercise hosted by the RNZN in decades.
The final week of the exercise was the real life scenario. The Task Group’s mission was to clear a path for aid to flow into the Barclay Islands, a mission made easier through the previous two weeks of integration and capability building between the participating nations.
The exercise began on 17 February with an opening powhiri at the Navy Marae. Throughout the first week the nations spent time training and getting to know each other. A vibrant social hub was set up at the Navy’s Ngataringa Sports Club where divers and sailors could mix. The cultural night proved an especial success. Everyone was blown away by the performance of the South Korean Navy whose martial arts display and mass Gangnam Style dance fest proved the night’s biggest hit. The second week saw the exercise move to the Navy’s Tamaki Leadership Centre on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula where the nations had a chance to hone their diving, underwater, small arms,
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WPNS MCMEX 14
There was a competition on the firing range with the exercise’s Top Gun trophy awarded to a member of the Chinese contingent.
“Being able to provide aid to nations affected by disaster is one of the core responsibilities of a modern day military,” says exercise director CAPT Tony Millar. “We’ve seen many examples in recent times where the RNZN and NZDF have made some major contributions to emergency events in the Pacific and here in New Zealand. For this particular scenario an international task group was set up to clear debris and explosive remnants of war which were blocking shipping channels and hampering the arrival of aid into a fictional Pacific Island.
WPNZ MCMEX 14
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“Divers also had to keep an eye out for a rebel group who were aiming to disrupt the flow of aid and make it as difficult as possible for the international task group to complete their mission. “The exercise was a huge success and the feedback we’ve received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.” Our Navy’s Operational Dive Team is no stranger to the dangers posed by obstacles and explosive remnants of war having cleared over four tonnes of leftover explosives in the Solomon Islands during Operation Pukaurua in 2013. New Zealand is not immune from the dangers posed by left over World War II ordnance—this exercise suddenly became a real life operation when an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) team from the United States Navy found two mines on the seabed left over from the war. A further two mines were found after investigation from New Zealand and Japanese divers and Australian mine hunter HMAS GASCOYNE. “We know there are still unaccounted mines in a few New Zealand harbours,” says Operational Dive Team Commanding Officer LT
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WPNS MCMEX 14
CDR Trevor Leslie. “But, it was still a bit of a surprise to find four on the seabed during the exercise. “We also know that it’s unlikely mines from World War II would pose a threat to recreational boaties and divers, but when mines are found we take it very seriously and work to ensure they are definitely safe. At the end of the exercise we went down and had a look at the first mine and made it safe, then we went back and took care of the other three. “It was a real world reminder of the risks we face from explosive remnants of war in the Pacific and a great example of nations working together, which is exactly why we host and participate in exercises.” Next year the exercise will be hosted by Singapore, and the divers are already looking forward to a chance to work together again. “The Operational Dive Team have been buzzing since the end of the exercise. It was a great experience and the organisation and planning team who pulled the exercise together did an amazing job. It really proves that even though we’re a small Navy by international standards, we can achieve anything we put our minds to,” says LT CDR Leslie.
A diver’s view of the MCMEX By CPODR Rangi “Schmoo” Ehu The participating members of WPNS MCMEX14 were given a powerful first impression of New Zealand with an enjoyable, scenic dive at the Goat Island marine reserve. However if the dive teams had been expecting diving worthy of tourist magazines they were soon brought back to earth. The subsequent dives took place in and around the Devonport Naval Base where strong currents, muddy bottom and no visibility are common occurrences. The RNZN Diver Trade (including some old divers bought back from retirement) were split into five different areas to enable participation, real life support, exercise control and whitecell (Safety and scenario/task enabler). The Surface Supplied Breathing Apparatus Team onboard HMNZS MANAWANUI had a mixture of Canadian and Malaysian divers attached to it. The scope for this team involved the laying and recovery of the Mine-Like Objects (MLOs) to support the exercise and the achievement of other Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Canadian Navy MCMEX training objectives. This team along with MANAWANUI were very busy with over 50 dummy mines laid and recovered over the course of the exercise. The second Operational Dive Team was attached to HMNZS CANTERBURY and were the main RNZN ODT team participating in the MCMEX. Week two comprised of a round robin circuit at Tamaki Leadership Centre for all 14 nations. The different tasks included such activities as Pouncer Operations (water entry from a helicopter and placing a small over-pressure charge on to a floating MLO); Rapid Environmental Assessment Dives; demolitions on the TLC Range; small arms weapons handling and firing and maritime Improvised Explosive Devices disposal of targets placed on Tiri Tiri Matangi jetty.
Opposite page clockwise from top left: Participants in MCMEX being welcomed onboard. Powhiri for the participants. Divers at a dummy mine. Participants with the air supply equipment onboard HMNZS MANAWANUI. Above: Participating ships led by HMNZS CANTERBURY.
At the end of the exercise, Commander Simon Griffiths, LT Commander Yvonne Gray and LT Tenisha Cawte were awarded commendations by the Chief of Navy for their roles in bringing it together. “Simon, Yvonne and Tenisha all did an amazing job,” says Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Chief of Navy. “The work they and the rest of the planning team put into the exercise was phenomenal and they’ve enhanced the international reputation of the RNZN with their hard work and dedication.” Commander Griffiths was also recognised for his work in developing the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ability to operate in Antarctic waters.
The feedback on the range and complexity of all the activities outlined above was extremely positive. The remainder of the ODT including and not to be forgotten the 12 Ordinary Divers were part of a real-life support and whitecell team responsible for real-life support, exercise safety and activity co-ordination . An unplanned but positive consequence of WPNS MCMEX 14 was the finding of four live unexploded remnants of war. We were tasked to re-acquire and identify two of these contacts. Both contacts were identified as ‘L Mark 1’ British Controlled Buoyant mines. One of the mines was overpressurised using a small cutting charge. In summary, hosting MCMEX 14 was a huge task for the RNZN. I believe our point of difference from past WPNS MCMEX was our Kiwi good host attitude, personal buy-in and the degree of effort by all RNZN units and personnel to ensure the collective RNZN reputation was enhanced. Without some key units this could not have occurred, CANTERBURY, the Small Arms Training Unit, the physical training instructors, 1 EOD Squadron and PHILOMEL Boats all played key supporting roles. As the focus of the activity was Mine Countermeasures and Military Diving, a significant overhead was placed not only on the Operational Dive Team but also the Mine Counter-measures Team and the work horse of the RNZN, MANAWANUI. So BZ to all.
WPNS MCMEX 14
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NAVY OPEN DAY
About 10,000 people visited Devonport Naval Base in glorious sunshine for the 29 March Open Day. A great time was held by all. Here is a selection of photos from the day. 20
Our People
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09 1. Visitor Greg Knight throws a heaving line under the watchful eye of LSCS Tony Gordon. 2. CDR Dave McEwan, Commanding Officer of HMNZS TE KAKA, the Dazzle Ship Winner, receiving his winner’s sash from Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer. 3. Visiting children with the Dazzle Ship displays. 4. OCSS Laki Faleofa and OSCS Kiana Turanga enjoy rainbow slushies and doughnuts. 5. OCSS Shannan Namana shows a visitor how to tie knots. 6. POSCS Chris Cocksedge on Force Protection at Cruiser Block, helped by his son George. 7. WOMM Mick O’Carroll selling Fallen Heroes charity wristbands, raising $1455. 8. An outstanding performance by the Navy’s Kapa Haka group. 9. OMT Dyllyn Evans surprised many with his uniform!
our people
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Hair goes for a good cause
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wo Devonport Naval Base women wowed the Navy when they had their hair shorn in public to raise money for charity.
HMNZS PHILOMEL Commanding Officer CAPT Corina Bruce and Naval Police Administrator Mrs Marcia Wilson stepped up to the clippers on the base promenade on 21 March for “Shave for a Cure,” Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s signature fundraising event. By the time Navy Today went to print, CAPT Bruce had raised $6078, well above her initial target of $1000, and Mrs Wilson had raised $1055.36, well above her target of $600. CAPT Bruce decided to join Mrs Wilson just before 11am on the day of the shave, which was due to happen at 1pm. The base sent an email round the Navy community seeking $1000 in sponsorship. A message went up on the Navy Facebook page. It took less than 30 minutes for $1000 to be pledged so CAPT Bruce upped her target to $5000. A crowd of Navy uniformed and civilian staff gathered on the promenade at 1pm. CAPT Bruce and Mrs Wilson were joined by ACWS Paulette Doctor, who had finished a chemotherapy course only the day before and thus was already hairless—that is the symbol behind Shave For a Cure, as chemotherapy for leukaemia and other cancers makes one’s hair fall out. ACWS Doctor led CAPT Bruce like a lamb to the shearer and in moments, SLT Nikita Lawson produced scissors and asked: “Are you ready?” To cheers the CO replied “yep” and in a flash her long ponytail was gone. The rest was soon shaved away by ACWS Doctor deftly wielding electric clippers. As CAPT Bruce with her new Number One watched happily on, Mrs
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Wilson’s locks were taken care of by her husband, LCH Paul Wilson. “It came about because the son of one of the people I work with was recently diagnosed with leukaemia,” said Mrs Wilson. “And my cousin in Canada has leukaemia as well.” CAPT Bruce said Mrs Wilson had done an awesome job putting herself out there for such a good cause. “I decided I would also put myself out there. My sister had cancer and lost her hair so this is a dedication to her.” Both women said their new style felt fine. CAPT Bruce said she had not told her husband beforehand. “So I’ll be tapping him to put some money in to the cause as well.” The three Navy Facebook posts on the shave drew a combined 36,500 views and scores of comments and shares. The comments came from across the Navy community and included ones from CAPT Bruce’s two daughters who wrote “Go mum!” And ACWS Doctor wrote: “Was a wonderful event. Well done to both beautiful brave ladies and they look so gorgeous with their haircuts. The ceremony was done with such poise too. Thank you for letting me take part and for all the support and compassion you have shown me and my whanau.” Clockwise (from top): Mission accomplished. Mrs Wilson, ACWS Doctor and CAPT Bruce. Like a lamb to the shearer—ACWS Doctor leads CAPT Bruce to her hairremoving destiny. LCH Wilson goes to work on the hair of his wife Marcia while the newly number oned CAPT Bruce watches.
Warriors of the Sea—Te Taua Moana
initiative launched Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer has launched another initiative to move the Navy forward—Te Taua Moana, Warriors of the Sea. It includes posters, cards, stickers and notebooks for distribution around the Navy and to visitors to emphasise our seagoing warrior status. In this article RA Steer describes the vision behind the initiative.
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here is one theme which consistently comes through whenever we talk about our future, and that is our purpose. What are we here for? What do we stand for?
We are “Te Taua Moana—Warriors of the Sea”. This phrase embodies who we are and what we do. It is a principle that compels us to strive for excellence in all we do. It is a commitment that reflects the warrior ethos of the profession of arms we all belong to. Let me explain. Our Navy is the guardian of New Zealand’s Maritime Domain. It is our job to ensure safe passage for New Zealand’s shipping, to safeguard our maritime environment and to protect our fisheries and other resources. After all, New Zealand depends on the sea trading routes and our maritime environment and resources for its existence. We are a Maritime Nation. We work with our friends and allies to help make the South Pacific safe, stable and prosperous. We contribute towards stability in South East Asia and provide force projection around the world. We are ready to respond to humanitarian missions and natural disasters whenever the need arises. We work tirelessly to protect our nation’s interests whenever we are called upon to do so. We are prepared and able to go into harm’s way in combat; it is the high end of what embodies our fighting spirit and an expectation of those for whom we serve, all New Zealanders. We have a proud naval history of fighting for freedom; through two world wars and numerous other campaigns; and always we have been willing and effective combatants who have stood alongside our friends and allies in the face of danger. Along with our brothers and sisters in the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force we work together to provide the military capability that New Zealand requires to promote and protect her national interests. This unique capability, always ready, always willing, is what we contribute to our nation. This is the difference that we make. Mastery of the Maritime Domain is the critical enabler that our Navy makes towards the safety and security of all New Zealanders. As Warriors it is our duty to work for the good of our nation, to protect those who need our help, and to stand up for what’s right. We are here to serve the people of New Zealand. This is what the men and women of our Navy do 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. I know all of you work hard to best represent the Royal New Zealand Navy as we go about our work. Every day I am inspired by the wonderful men and women we have in our Navy. Every day someone in our Navy does something amazing.
Above: One of the posters used in the initiative. The three warriors are (from left) ASCS Hayden Newport, POSCS Josh Tatana and LWTR Jolene Stewart.
The Royal New Zealand Navy Is the guardian of our seas Serves the people of New Zealand Is combat capable Protects our resources Works with allies and friends Provides force projection around the world Responds to local and regional disasters Protects our nation’s interests Feel free to use the “Warriors of the Sea” posters and other items to promote and educate others about who and what our Navy is. Remember, “We have been, are today, and always will be ‘Warriors of the Sea’”.
WARRIORS OF THE SEA
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Navy Band’s new album
CDF Message LTGEN Tim Keating, Chief of Defence Force
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he Chief of Navy is always telling me how wonderful and professional the people in the Navy are and from what I’ve seen in my short time as CDF, I understand why.
I recently had an opportunity to visit the Mine Countermeasures Exercise held in the Hauraki Gulf. It was one of the most well-run exercises I’ve seen. For a small Navy like the RNZN, to be able to conduct such a well coordinated exercise of this size is truly remarkable. The sailors from other nations I spoke with were very impressed with the exercise and the amount of positive media exposure it gained for the Navy and the Defence Force was testament to a job very well done.
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he Royal New Zealand Navy Band has recorded a CD of its music—“He Waiata Moana, Sea Songs.” The album was launched in mid-March by Chief of Navy RA Jack Steer at a sunset ceremony at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. The CD captures the essence of the band’s versatility. “It is something for everyone, similar to what we may present in a concert,” says the band’s Director of Music, LT CDR Owen Clarke. “You will find some jazz and vocal numbers, but also classical, band and traditional music as well.” Featured musicians include the international tenor Simon O’Neill who sings the famous aria “Nessun Dorma”. Given the quality of the band and its popularity with the public, it is surprising that it had not made an album since way back in the vinyl days of 1982, when it completed the recording of a jazz LP called “Swing Time.” But in 2013 the band went back into the studio. “There are amazingly talented musicians in the band who can play anything from traditional military music to shredding guitar solos” said LT CDR Clarke. In the past year the band has worked with high profile musicians ranging from Hollie Smith (a fabulous music video “For Today” for the NZ Olympic team) to Dame Malvina Major, one of New Zealand’s most loved sopranos. This profile has led to the band being in demand nationally and internationally. However it will still be seen often on the parade ground at Philomel Naval Base or at the Navy Museum performing a Sunset ceremony.
I was also invited by CN to welcome the crew of TE MANA when they returned from their seven-month deployment working with the international task group off the Horn of Africa. This was the first time I’ve had an opportunity to witness a ship coming home from a long deployment and it is an experience I’ll never forget. Our entire Defence Force is proud of what TE MANA’s crew achieved while they were away. New Zealand as a trading nation is reliant upon open sea lines for our exports and imports. TE MANA's contribution to the international effort to protect vital trade routes from modern-day piracy therefore has a direct connection to this country’s prosperity and signals New Zealand’s willingness to play its part. The thunderous welcome home our people received from their loved ones and their colleagues was a fitting way to end such a successful deployment. It was also great to see the Navy personnel on TE MANA working so well with their Air Force colleagues who serviced the Seasprite helicopter. It reinforced to me how joined up we must be as a Force on operations and the constant need for us to train together so we understand how to deliver the joint effect that lies at the heart of our operational doctrine. To everyone involved in the MCMEX and the crew of TE MANA, I’d like to extend a big thank-you. You truly are a force for New Zealand. BZ.
The CD is available on iTunes and Amazon as well as nationwide at The Warehouse, JB HiFi or Marbecks in Auckland. THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY BAND
Above: The band performing at the CD launch ceremony Left: The band’s new CD “He Waiata Moana, Sea Songs”
CDF with LT CDR Kerry Driver, CO HMNZS MANAWANUI, during the MCMEX.
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WON REPORT rrant
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Warrant Officer of the Navy Steve Bourke
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s sailors of the Royal New Zealand Navy do we really know the sailors, or for that matter the other Army, Air Force and civilian personnel who work beside us, or who are part of the division that we have responsibility for? Do you know what his or her likes and dislikes are? Do you know about their family? What their background is? What are their interests? What their goals and aspirations are? Have you noticed anything that is out of character?
Chief of Navy RA Jack Steer pins the WON badge on WOCH Steve Bourke.
Steve Bourke the new WON
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OCH Steven Bourke assumed the role of Warrant Officer of the Navy—the WON—in a ceremony in the Vince McGlone Galley at Devonport Naval Base on 21 February. WOCH Bourke replaces WOSA Lennie Shailes as the WON. The Warrant Officer of the Navy is an important post, as the WON is a major link between Chief of Navy and ratings, reporting the views of ratings to CN and vice-versa.
Just ask the question of them: Are you OK? Do you want a hand with that? As Officers, Warrant Officers, Senior Ratings, Leading Hands, Ratings and Civilian staff, we all have a responsibility to those around us, ensuring that the health and wellbeing of everyone is at an acceptable level. We cannot assume that everything is OK, because it may not be. There are so many demands and pressures on us these days that we all have to keep an eye out for each other to ensure that workloads are managed and balanced. That people talk to each other about issues that are going on in their lives and at work; and seek the professional help that is available to them.
WOCH Bourke was born in Warkworth. He attended Forest View High School, Tokoroa and Linwood High School, Christchurch, joining the Royal New Zealand Navy as an Ordinary Cook in February 1979. Over the following years he served in many shore and sea postings.
This is not just limited to us as members of the RNZN but also to our families who have to put up with the mood swings because you have had a bad day. They didn’t do anything wrong.
The majority of his posted positions have been working in the galleys and as I/C. A period of time was spent at Joint Forces Catering School (Northern Region) as Senior Instructor for all courses and involvement in National and Inter Service Cookery competitions and New Zealand Youth Skills.
Some of our sailors end up getting heavily involved in situations where people need an incredible amount of support. The overall affect can be infectious, especially as this reaches us at all rank levels. We tend to forget about the ones who have been dealing with these situations daily. Others may say that these people are strong, and they may well be, but deep down they are hurting just as much as the person they are supporting and they may also need the support that they are providing.
WOCH Bourke commenced duties as the Deputy Supply Officer HMNZS PHILOMEL in March 2001 and was promoted to Warrant Officer in September 2001. In June 2002 he was posted to Fleet Personnel and Training Organisation as the Career Manager Support. WOCH Bourke returned to his professional trade in April 2006 as the Fleet Catering Advisor and Head of Trade for the Chefs Branch, which also involved duties with the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team. During this period in trade he completed both the Officer Leadership Development Programme and Maritime Strategies Course, both prerequisites for promotion to LT CDR. Over the following years he served in many more shore posts and in January 2010 he was deployed to the Middle East for six months with Op TROY as 2I/C, a logistics role providing support to coalition partners (local) and to New Zealand Defence Force personnel throughout Afghanistan. In June 2013 he was selected as the Command Warrant Officer HMNZS TE KAHA, a position held during the challenging times created by the ship’s Propulsion System Upgrade phase 2; the regeneration of personnel and reclamation of the ship.
A little bit of self help goes a long way; knowing when to walk away, to have a break, go and do something a little different. Taking care of you doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul. Even small things can lift your mood, increase your energy, and make you feel like you’re back in the driver’s seat. Take things one step at a time, and as you make more positive lifestyle choices, you’ll soon notice a reduction in your stress levels, both at home and at work. The Navy Community Organisation, Naval Chaplaincy, Naval Health Services and Organisational Psychologists are just some of the support networks available to us as part of our support mechanism. Believe me they do work. They are there to help you and others in the Navy community. Sometimes we need to get over ourselves and ask for the assistance we need before it is too late. He heramana ahau – I am a sailor
WOCH Bourke is married to Heather. They have a son, Taylor.
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NZDF taking our youth development skills to rarotonga By Judith Martin, Editor, Army News, who was in Rarotonga for this
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he New Zealand Defence Force-backed Youth Development Unit (YDU) has taken its skills into the Pacific to encourage leadership and keep its young people on the right track.
The inaugural Cook Islands YDU course was tailor-made for a community with high hopes for its young people. NZDF, assisted by the Cook Islands police and a New Zealand police officer, conducted the course which was instigated by the Commissioner of Cook Islands police and supported by the Cook Islands Prime Minister. Its aim was to build confidence and self-esteem among selected Cook Island youth and encourage them to be more productive members of society. Petty Officer Youth Development Instructor Andy Hall of the Auckland-based Youth Development Unit was a member of the team that took a group of 30 boys aged between 13 and 20 and worked with them constantly for three weeks. The programme culminated in them graduating in front of a huge crowd of community leaders, family and friends. Previously a Combat Systems Specialist on frigates, POYDI Hall’s current job is a far cry from what he originally did in the Navy. “The Defence Force is a great environment for developing young people so when the opportunity arose to join the YDU I jumped at it. The Navy helped me increase my confidence when I first joined and taught me a lot of valuable skills. I realised I had some great tools that I could share.” And share he did on the Cook Island course. The group included some boys who had fallen foul of the law, some from broken homes, and others with very supportive parents who just wanted their sons to learn more leadership and constructive life skills.
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“We used a military style of leadership to try and make the kids understand certain values and change their mindset so they could discover their strengths. We encouraged some of them to adjust their attitude, and others needed some direction in life” POYDI Hall is certain the course made a difference, and there were definite signs when it ended that some of the boys would find work, while the others would return to school to further their education. But most importantly many of the boys had had a significant change in attitude, and were keen to use their skills positively. “As an instructor you can’t have preconceived ideas before a course. You have to meet the course participants and then tailor your style to suit. Some of the guys had a lot of confidence while others had self-esteem issues. They were all different and it’s important they were treated as individuals.” He said it was always a challenge to make sure as an instructor he was “hitting the right buttons” and everyone was developing and not being left behind. POYDI Hall said the true nature of people often came out when they faced challenges, and the boys were kept under pressure throughout the course. There was no time for them to get bored or lonely. The course was not a boot camp, and the instructors seldom raised their voices. The boys lived marae-style in the hall of a local hostel and wore recycled and repaired second-hand uniforms from New Zealand.
“Most importantly many of the boys had had a significant change in attitude, and were keen to use their skills positively.” Throughout the course they learned to work in teams and on their own, completing community work, and also working on job experiences with local employers. They had classroom time where they learned skills such as budgeting, goal-setting, planning, and the importance of family and community. They learned drill, completed an obstacle course, and worked on increasing their physical fitness. Instructors felt having the Rarotongan community behind the course was vital for its success. Three Rarotongan soldiers from YDU in New Zealand were instructors on the course, partly as role models but also to increase the rapport with the boys. Local employers provided work experience, and a couple offered full-time work to some of the older boys. PO Hall said seeing a change in the boys was one of the most gratifying parts of the course. “They started pretty shaky, but the turnaround was amazing. One of the students in particular was stroppy. He wouldn’t speak when instructors tried to speak with him and wasn’t interested in anything. By the end of the course he’d chat with anyone and had demonstrated he was a great worker with high standards and a good business sense. By completing the course he has proven himself capable of making positive changes.”
LT CDR Casey (centre) with POYDI Hall and a visitor to Rarotonga, RA Tony Parr (Rtd) now Pacific Maritime Safety Advisor for Maritime New Zealand.
Y
outh Development Unit staff are trained to deal with a variety of issues young people face, and they identify those issues early, says Officer Commanding YDU North Lieutenant Commander Dave Casey.
“Every community has problems with its young people at times, and the Cook Islands is no exception,” says LT CDR Casey. “Community buy-in to the programme was vital to its success, and I think local people appreciated and supported what was being achieved. Staff tailored the programme to maximise job opportunities and a positive way forward for these young people.” In New Zealand the Youth Development Unit delivers two programmes—the Limited Service Volunteer Course and Youth Leadership Skills. The unit is assisted by the Ministry of Education and Child, Youth and Family (a unit of the Social Development Ministry). YDU worked alongside the Police-affiliated Blue Light organisation to make the Cook Island programme reality. LT CDR Casey visited the programme during its final days, and says he was very impressed with what he saw. “The staff have an empathy with young people. They relate to them and get the best out of them. That is important—not just anyone can do the job they do.” He was, he said, aware of the backgrounds of the most of the youth taking part. “The biggest reward is seeing the change in the kids, and seeing the impact the programme is having in the community. The facilities are close to town and locals have seen the kids running around, cleaning up the cemetery, working at the recycling plant and bus company, and marching in an anti-domestic violence march. It’s good to see young people alter their path and realise their full potential.”
Opposite page (top to bottom): Trainees on the run POYDI Andy Hall with Army SSGT Albie Wichman The inevitable push-ups.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT UNIT
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Military books for many anniversaries A series of military anniversaries is on us: 150 years since the New Zealand Land Wars; the centenary of WWI; 75 years since the start of WWII, and now it’s over 30 years since the Falklands campaign. Yet diligent authors are bringing new information and fresh perspectives about all these events; CDR Richard Jackson RNZN (Rtd) highlights a selection of recent publications. Langsdorff and the Battle of the River Plate By David Miller, Pen & Sword Maritime, UK. 2013 The recent passing of Vince McGlone reminded us all of the central place of the Battle of the River Plate in our Navy’s heritage. In this book, David Miller takes a fresh look at the battle from the German perspective. This book is part of the publisher’s ‘Command Decisions’ series, with the goal of focussing on key decisions in naval or military history. Miller outlines the German Navy’s experience of surface raiders in WWI, and its decision in the late 1920s to build ‘pocket battleships’ as specialist raiders. The second part of the book is an analysis of the panzerschiffs’ technical qualities. Here Miller breaks new ground with his description of the specialist support ship ALTMARK and the German Navy’s approach to replenishment at sea. Part III describes the war cruise of the GRAF SPEE, which culminated in the battle. Here Miller focuses on the decisions made by CAPT Langsdorff, including his fatal decision to engage what to him appeared to be a cruiser and two destroyers. Miller then goes over the familiar story of the battle itself. Miller shows that the strain on Langsdorff, isolated in distant waters dominated by the enemy. An understandable desire to demonstrate the fighting qualities of his ship led Langsdorff into his last battle. This book provides a fresh perspective and is recommended.
The White Ships. New Zealand’s First World War Hospital Ships By Gavin McLean. NZ Ship and Marine Society (Inc), Wellington. 2013 New Zealand’s hospital ships are often taken for granted in military histories. In fact the effort that went into staffing and equipping the NZ hospital ships was considerable, led by the Governor-General no less. The lessons learned were clear and the hospital ships quickly revived for WWII. This book is part of the centenary History of NZ and the First World War. McLean has written a lively and authoritative study, and his informative captions especially are a model for other authors.
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Down South By Chris Parry; Penguin Books, England. 2013
The Yompers By Ian Gardner; Pen & Sword Military, UK. 2012 Over thirty years on, the Falklands Campaign of 1982 remains a valuable model for all practitioners of joint amphibious warfare. Both Chris Parry and Ian Gardner rose to flag rank—in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines respectively—and as junior officers, both saw action in the Falklands. Parry was the Flight Observer for the Wessex helo embarked in HMS ANTRIM (the famous Humphrey, now in the FAA Museum). Gardner was X-ray Company Commander in 45 Commando, Royal Marines, and took part in the final mountain-top battles before the fall of Port Stanley. After retiring, Chris Parry discovered his personal diary from the campaign had survived all those years; Down South is that diary published ‘as is’ – good and bad. It includes his immediate assessment of ‘lessons learned’. Most of his lessons learned are familiar; what is impressive is to realise Parry was drawing his conclusions during the campaign, not in quiet analysis months later. Parry’s diary is especially gripping when he is rescuing the SAS on the Fortuna Glacier and hunting the submarine SANTE FE at South Georgia. Down South is worth reading in conjunction with ‘Bomb Alley’ by David Yates, who gives the Lower Deck’s view of the same actions. In contrast to Parry’s diary, Ian Gardner gives his recollections of the conflict and also draws lessons, but from the perspective of a widely experienced senior officer. Gardiner’s narrative and reflections are clear, exciting, extensive and valuable. I particularly commend Yompers to the staff college, leadership development and initial officer training schools; Ian Gardner’s leadership lessons are timeless.
The Waikato River Gunboats; New Zealand’s First Navy By Grant Middlemiss Published by Grant Middlemiss & Printing.com, Wellington, NZ. 2014 New Zealand’s first navy was a collection of converted and specially-built paddle steamers, to transport and support the British Army in its campaign in the Waikato, 1863-64. Grant Middlemiss has assembled years of research and worked with illustrator Harry Duncan to bring to life these ships and their achievements. With our contemporary concerns for joint operations, it’s reassuring to know that joint amphibious warfare was being successfully practiced within New Zealand 150 years ago. Middlemiss has brought a fresh perspective to the Land Wars and gives us a timely reminder that sailors were the critical enabler of the military campaign.
New Zealand and the First World War 1914 - 1919 By Damien Fenton, with Caroline Lord, Gavin McLean and Tim Shoebridge. In association with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. Penguin, Auckland. 2013 Reviewed by Judith Martin, Editor of Army News New Zealand and the First World was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage as part of the multi-agency Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War and features more than 500 images, as well as letters, postcards, fold-out maps, and ephemera— tickets, passes, instructions and the like—that can be pulled out and read before being carefully placed back in their holder. This stunning tome takes the reader on a journey from the outbreak of the war, and onward to this country’s experiences in Egypt, Gallipoli, the Sinai, Palestine, and the battles of the Western Front: the Somme, Ypres, Messines and the battles of 1918. The book describes the horrors of the trenches, events at sea, and New Zealanders in the air. There are chapters examining how disease ravaged soldiers, and the war that was waged against killers such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery. Fenton leaves no aspects uncovered: he looks at what was going on at home during the war years, with women playing a vital role and how New Zealand supported the war effort. He includes the Armistice and Occupation, the peace treaties, and repatriation and rehabilitation. The war impacted on the lives of everyone in New Zealand at the time. Fenton’s book, with which he was ably assisted by Caroline Lord, Gavin McLean and Tim Shoebridge, is a stunningly fitting tribute to those who gave their all. This book deserves to become a family heirloom.
Limeys By David I Harvie Sutton Publishing, UK, 2002 Reviewed by Peter Grayburn This book is the story of one man’s war against ignorance, the Establishment and the deadly effects of the disease scurvy. Lemon juice as a remedy was finally proved in the 1740s in the first controlled clinical trial, carried out on a ship-on-line at sea by a young Scottish naval surgeon, James Lind. Naval surgeons were low in rank, many with rudimentary training, but Lind was a graduate of Edinburgh University. Scurvy was bad enough during Britain’s wars with the Dutch, French and Spanish, when squadrons in European waters returned to port after six weeks at sea but by the 18th century Britain’s Royal Navy was undertaking long trans-oceanic voyages in pursuit of Britain’s colonial aspirations. In 1740 Commodore George Anson left Portsmouth with seven ships and 2000 men. He returned after four years to a rapturous welcome, but with only 600 men, having captured four Spanish treasure ships along the Pacific coast of South America. His share of the prize money made him fabulously wealthy. However, of the sailors lost only four died from hostile fire, the balance succumbing to scurvy. As a result, Anson took an interest in Lind’s work but fell short of becoming his patron. Prior to 1800 at least two million sailors died of scurvy, a disease characterised by rotting gums, fetid breath, swelling limbs, malaise and haemorrhaging. Various remedies were tried including beer, sauerkraut, potato, sulphuric acid, bloodletting and various pills and potions. The proponents of the latter became very wealthy and influential and formed a formidable anti-fruit lobby. Lind’s heroic efforts to find a cure faced corrosive patronage and establishment antipathy. In 1758 Lind was appointed Physician in Charge of the 2000-bed Royal Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, possibly due to the influence of (by then) Lord Anson. Lind persuaded the Admiralty to trial the re-supply at sea of the squadrons patrolling the coast of Europe with fresh vegetables and live animals, virtually wiping out scurvy in that fleet. The East India Company ships also fell victim to scurvy, though not as badly as the Royal Navy, partly due to less crowding and the ability to take on fresh supplies in Capetown, something the Admiralty refused to do. The much maligned Captain William Bligh, despite his rigid discipline, had great concern for the health of his men, and kept copies of Lind’s works in his cabin. Captain James Cook, a brilliant and humane commander, was initially dubious about Lind’s work and in the interest of certainty took alternative cures as well. He was aided by long recuperative periods ashore. It was not until 70 years after James Lind’s death that the 1867 Merchant Shipping Act made it compulsory for all British Shipping to carry lime juice. At the same time Lachlan Rose patented a method of preserving and bottling lime juice. Large plantations of lime trees were established in the West Indies. Thus arose the American rather derogatory reference to English sailors as Limeys
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fleet progress
HMNZS CANTERBURY
feeds, houses and exercises the MCMEX multitudes
By ENS Sophie Going RNZN
H
MNZS CANTERBURY had a major part in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium Maritime Counter Measures and Diving Exercise from 17 February until 7 March
The exercise involved five ships, 10 Dive teams and 580 personnel from the 14 participating nations. The ships involved were Republic Of Korean Ship WONSAN, HMA Ship’s GASCOYNE and HUON, HMNZS MANAWANUI and CANTERBURY, which played the role of Command and Control Platform as well as host ship, accommodating New Zealand and foreign military personnel, with so many divers that a separate gym had to be set up in the hangar!. The aim of the exercise was to test the member nations’ ability to respond to a humanitarian emergency in the Pacific Region and work together to provide assistance. A range of scenarios involved simulating provision of humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) to an island location ravaged by an earthquake and tsunami and experiencing civil unrest. The scenarios were based upon recent HADR events such as the Christchurch earthquake (2011) and Samoan tsunami (2009). The fictional Barclay Islands, which bear an uncanny resemblance to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, were the scene of these disasters and turmoil, so the Task Group operated in and around the Hauraki Gulf. The exercise had three main phases: Force Integration Training in harbour and at sea (one week each) followed by the Advanced Force Operations Phase (one week). These phases included gearing up and welcoming our guests, embarking a whole lot of food, practice dives and joint boat operations; leading into amphibious landings, diving, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle operations, more diving, pouncer operations and a bit more diving. This was aimed at surveying and clearing maritime channels of debris and suspected mines to allow safe passage for aid to arrive. When not at sea, our guests were made to feel welcome through a varied programme of activities including a powhiri reception at Te Taua Moana Marae, tabloid sports competitions, the Tamaki Leadership Centre confidence course, museum reception and culture evenings at the social hub (Ngataringa Sports Club), where each country was invited to show off their unique culture. This
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culminated in a flight deck BBQ onboard CAN where gifts were exchanged and awards handed out for the various competitions held throughout the last few weeks. Throughout the exercise CANTERBURY played host to a wide range of VIPs, including Cabinet ministers, Chief of Defence Force, Chief of Navy, Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Warfare Australia and the Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Harry Harris Jr, who began his naval career with the RNZN. During the final return to Devonport the Task Group conducted a formation sail-past of the MV ADVENTURER, where CN received a salute from the participating ships. The exercise was a success, strengthening our ability to operate effectively with our neighbours whilst enhancing MCM operational capabilities. MCMEX by the numbers: 14 Countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United States of America • • • •
104 Ship’s Company onboard CAN 142 Embarked forces on CAN 193 boat transfers from the stern ramp 4320 eggs, 200kg of baked beans and 180kg of chicken breast consumed • 16,200 individual meals prepared Top: CANTERBURY leading the fleet back to Base at the end of the exercise. Above: ROK participants perform Gangnam Style .
fleet progress
HMNZS te kaha
wins inaugural RNZN Safety Award
By AET Megane Sole and OWT Kurt Lindsay
D
uring Fleet Divisions, TE KAHA was the proud recipient of the inaugural RNZN Safety Award based on the work done during the ship’s ongoing Platform Systems Upgrade.
The extensive maintenance period introduced a number of different hazards into the environment of our ship. Keeping these new hazards under control was a challenge for our significantly reduced Ship’s Company but we have stepped up to this challenge by revising and improving safety procedures ensuring the safety of everyone onboard our ship. As an example—due to the constantly growing number of subcontractors it proved to be quite complicated to keep an up to date track of them all with the initial processes. This was solved by brainstorming to come up with some clever modifications to the processes and by every member of Ship’s Company taking ownership and responsibility for our ship and all those who serve and work in her. As members of TE KAHA’s Ship’s Company it has become a part
of our daily routine to keep an eye out for things that could be harmful and either rectify the cause then and there or, if it is out of our hands, notify a Senior Rating who is qualified to rectify the matter. In any case this information is always passed up to the Duty Ship Keeper, enabling him to keep a full and up to date picture of the real-time situation onboard and work with the Babcock project managers to continue making our ship as safe as possible. The RNZN has, since the early 1990s, adopted an integrated approach to safety management through SHEMS—Safety Health and Environment Management System, with the use of personal protective equipment and procedures. The RNZN Safety Award recognises this approach and the interdependence of these elements. It was a great for TE KAHA to win this award because it recognised the commitment of our Ship’s Company to creating a safe environment for all those who are helping us to upgrade our ship and take her to sea. It reinforced the importance of safety and made us strive to win it again next year. Above: TE MANA’s Executive Officer, LT CDR Michael Peebles, receives the Safety Award from the Governor General HE LTGEN the Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.
Platform Systems Upgrade Phase II By CPOET Hamish Ivey
I
t’s a slow process, but we are getting to a stage in TE KAHA’s Platform Systems Upgrade (PSU) where we can see equipment getting put back into place after having a gaping hole on the bridge. There was a stage in the project where there was nothing in the forward section of the bridge, but good progress has been made with installing the new IPMS/IBS consoles. It is quite a major undertaking running all new cables from various parts in the ship up to the bridge. Only half the consoles are fitted at this stage, but as time ticks on to completion date, the remaining consoles will be installed and wired up. With having seven consoles on the bridge and one in the
Operations room, there will be a lot more redundancy available to the Officer of the Watch and bridge staff. The consoles are not only just for navigation of the ship, but also control of the engineering plant so that the Machinery Control Room and main machinery spaces can be unattended, similar to the Protector fleet. With the new IPMS upgrade there will be a new age function for the Incident Board Operators. Forward and aft Damage Control will have a huge 46” touch screen and HQ1 will have a 55” as a replacement for the IBO boards. Moving along with the fleet progress digital age, the new IBO boards/screens will all be synchronised so there will be no longer a requirement to have “Chinese whispers” on the Damage Control circuit. Once a change is made in one location, it will automatically update all the other terminals throughout the ship.
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HMNZS wellington has busy—and sometimes rough—time in southern waters
By SLT Bryce Morgan RNZN
T
welve “voyagers” from Young Blake Expeditions, part of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, sailed with HMNZS WELLINGTON from Devonport Naval Base on 10 February headed for the subAntarctic Islands. The young adventurers were travelling with the aim of understanding the global significance of the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic Islands and the role they play in understanding and monitoring the effects of climate change. This expedition was the second voyage for the Young Blake Expeditions programme and had been planned by the Sir Peter Blake Trust, together with the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute, NIWA, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Development and the Lion Foundation. The Young Blake Expeditions programme aims to follow in the footsteps of Sir Peter Blake, mobilising and inspiring the next generation of Kiwi leaders, adventurers and marine environmentalists. These leaders were joined by a crew of scientists, business and community leaders, communicators and adventurers from government agencies and organisations across New Zealand. Their expedition was a complete success and after enjoying the scenery and wildlife of the Auckland Islands, the team disembarked WELLINGTON in Bluff on 22 February. They were quickly replaced with the Minister of Conservation, the Hon Dr Nick Smith and a Department of Conservation and MetService contingent. After delays due to the weather, the decision was made to sail late on 23
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fleet progress February for the Auckland Islands via the Snares. Sea conditions were expected to be uncomfortable for a while but little did those on WELLINGTON know what was about to hit. The following morning, the wind had increased to a steady 45 knots, severe gale 9 with the sea between six and eight metres high. The Commanding Officer, LT CDR Phil Rowe, made the decision to turn the ship into the sea and ride out the weather. At lunchtime, a cold front passed over the area that had a ferocity that had not been seen by many onboard, including the Captain. The wind increased to over 65 knots—hurricane force—and the swell and wave height increased to 12 to 14 metres. Whilst the weather was intense, there was complete faith in the skill of the crew and the capability of the ship. Once the weather had passed, WELLINGTON returned to Stewart Island to allow another low weather system to pass through before heading south to the Campbell Islands. We arrived at the Campbell Islands late on 1 March and entered Perseverance Harbour to anchor. The following morning a party from DOC, accompanied by the minister, proceeded to Tucker Cove. It was here that the minister declared the 435,000 hectares surrounding the Antipodes, Campbell and Bounty Islands a marine reserve. This establishment is 13 times larger than all of the previously existing reserves, throughout New Zealand. The intention of preserving these sub-Antarctic islands is to help foster the diversity of the unique local wildlife. These islands are the most important breeding site in the world for the Southern Royal Albatross. Three species of penguin are unique here and additionally, the islands are the breeding ground for the Southern Right whale, New Zealand’s rarest whale. Not to mention, an important breeding ground for the New Zealand fur seal, New Zealand sea lion and elephant seal. The sub-Antarctic islands also have a bigger resident bird population than that of the whole of Europe. In addition to the significant, long-term, conservation efforts, DOC workers carried out important maintenance on the islands: clearing tracks, repairing huts and setting pest traps. Operation ENDURANCE 2014 was an important step towards eradicating pests and continuing to keep Campbell Island pest-free. MetService was also able to benefit from the visit to Campbell Island, visiting their automated weather station and carrying out necessary maintenance. This weather outpost provides vital data for New Zealand’s weather forecasting as well as statistical information for university research into climate change. Brent Beaven, Conservation Services Manager for the Southern Islands group, said that without Navy support their objectives would be “near-on impossible” to complete. The Offshore Patrol Vessel WELLINGTON provided critical logistical support to the right areas whilst also being able to support a small headquarters/ planning cell. Not to mention the luxury of having a hot meal and shower every night keeps everyone going. “The friendly and welcoming crew” also supplements the DOC crew numbers, helping transfer stores between the ship and the islands, in addition to moving arduous loads on the island. “Most importantly, the Navy provides the enforcement and patrolling component of the new legislation,” said Dr Smith. “Without an ability to patrol or enforce law in these areas, these new marine reserves would serve little purpose.”
Opposite page (top): Local wild life welcome. Opposite page (left): Tucker Cove, Campbell Island, with WGN anchored in the background. Conservation Minister Nick Smith drives in the stake to declare the marine reserve. This page (top): The rough seas WELLINGTON endured while headed for Campbell Island. This page (middle): Antipodes Islands. LT CDR Rowe watches as DOC workers Graeme Elliott and Kath Walker attach a transmitter to an Antipodean Albatross. The two spend 10 weeks on the island each year. This page (above): Albatross and chick.
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fleet progress WELLINGTON returned to Bluff for the third time in four weeks to disembark the minister, his team and the remainder of the embarked DOC and MetService personnel. On Saturday 8 March and in blustery Bluff weather WELLINGTON held a Ship Open To Visitor event at the Town Wharf. It seemed everyone in the local area made the event. Over the four hours the ship was open some 2,600 people visited, looked around and spoke to Ship’s Company. A hugely successful event. On 10 March we departed Bluff and made a course for the Antipodes Islands for the final part of OP ENDURANCE. The ship arrived at the island group late on the afternoon of 11 March. The weather in the lee of the island was suitable enough to launch the sea boat and Zodiacs to land personnel and recover two DOC personnel, Graeme Elliott and Kath Walker. They had spent the past two months on the island conducting research and maintenance. They were very glad to be welcomed onboard with a wonderful meal, hot shower, and comfortable beds. With the weather deteriorating the decision was made to evacuate the island and bring all personnel back onboard. The following morning WELLINGTON proceeded to anchor in Anchorage Bay. DOC personnel and Ship’s Company were landed to conduct a number of taskings. These included repairing a DOC hut caught in a landslide in January, tagging young seals and Antipodean
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Albatrosses, and clearing tracks. Whilst on the island personnel were also able to get up close and personal to young elephant seals, erect-crested and rock- hopper penguins. A good day, weather wise, ensured that all tasks were completed in the allotted timeframe. With a serious weather system approaching the decision was made to cancel the visit to the Bounty Islands and make best speed to Bluff. With the final preparations made for the voyage home, WELLINGTON departed Bluff anticipating the next storm, Cyclone LUSI to hit us enroute between Christchurch and Wellington. Fortunately, LUSI did not track as quickly as anticipated and WELLINGTON was able to make good speed up the east coast of the South Island and into Wellington harbour on 15 March. The final leg home was there to be taken but late notice tasking to assist the NZ Police saw the ship depart Wellington late on 16 March and head into the remnants of LUSI in the Cook Strait and on to the west of New Plymouth to help with the recovery of a fishing vessel.
Clockwise from top left: The Young Blake party meets Auckland Island wildlife. Young Blake adventurers come ashore, Auckland Islands. The CO’s birthday was during the mission. He was treated to a surprise party Bluff open-day visitors enjoy using the ship’s fire hose.
fleet progress
HMNZS HAWEA flurry of activities By SLT Chris Tisdall RNZN
H
MNZS HAWEA began the 2014 calendar year with a busy ship’s programme and a flurry of activity. Looking ahead HAWEA had a MOET (Maritime Operational Evaluation Team) shakedown, fisheries patrols, Art Deco Weekend in Napier and the Office of the Watch (B) training all before the end of March. With an eventful programme set for the first half of the year HAWEA’s crew were keen to shake the cobwebs of the leave period and get back into a solid routine of harbour training, with a particular focus on Damage Control. The first test for the year was the upcoming MOET shakedown and the perfect opportunity for HAWEA to prove her worth and operational capability. The two weeks prior to shakedown saw a concentrated period of DC exercises, practising numerous situations that the crew could face. HAWEA commenced MOET shakedown with much enthusiasm and the previous weeks of training and effort resulted in a positive result for HAWEA. HAWEA’s performance in shakedown set the tone for the upcoming year and a week later HAWEA began multi-agency operational tasks with Ministry of Primary Industries. Designated Op KAUWAE, HAWEA was tasked to board and search commercial fishing vessels. MPI Officers were happy with the result and the area of operations covered from as far south as the Mercury Islands heading north to the Bay of Islands. A few citations were issued and MPI were able to project their authority and jurisdiction into areas they can’t reach with their own vessels. After a successful and busy week of boarding operations HAWEA headed south of the Hauraki Gulf and made the trip across the Bay of Plenty bound for Napier. Although some of our stomachs didn’t agree with the sea state, the destination of Napier and participating in the annual Art Deco Weekend celebration made the rough sea state endurable. Art Deco Weekend, a first for many of the crew onboard, was a fantastic weekend and opportunity to get some well deserved rest and relaxation. Ship’s Company were thoroughly impressed by the fanfare and pageantry of the weekend, with the whole of Napier City “going back in time” and adorning period dress. It was an odd sight to see a vehicle manufactured after 1950 and a few lucky crew members managed to coax some owners for rides around town.
The Navigating Officer was particularly pleased to have a tour of Napier from the back seat of a 1927 Ford Model A. More importantly Art Deco Weekend was also an opportunity for HAWEA to celebrate the RNZN’s ties with the region. Dating back to the 1931 earthquake, where HMS Veronica, in Napier Harbour at the time, were first responders taking charge in delivering first aid and pulling casualties out the debris and collapsed buildings. Celebrations began on the Friday evening of Art Deco Weekend with HAWEA involved in an aerial display along the Marine Parade. Various WWII aircraft conducted aerobatics above HAWEA looked on by an estimated 5000 plus people watching from ashore. The finale came in the request of fly-bys from the WWII aircraft, luckily the pattern was not full and no coffee was spilt. On the Saturday and Sunday Ship’s Company paraded the streets of Napier cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, many of whom were all dressed in 1930s regalia. The weekend came to a close, and HAWEA had to leave for Auckland. Transiting across the Bay of Plenty we took a detour around White Island and also the wreck of the MV RENA. Many of Ship’s Company had been involved in Op RENA and were interested to see the development of the wreck on the Astrolabe Reef. On arrival in Auckland, HAWEA embarked the Admiral of the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Admiral Harris was in New Zealand to observe the ongoing MCMEX at the time. Admiral Harris made a special request to come on HAWEA as he was a watch-keeper on the original Lake Class Patrol Vessel HMNZS HAWEA in the 1970s. It was fantastic to welcome Admiral Harris back onto a namesake he was familiar with. HAWEA returned to Auckland and quickly delved back into a busy routine of harbour training and maintenance. Next HAWEA is looking forward to embarking the Officer of the Watch Basic Course and conducting the sea phase of training for the new batch of bridge watch-keepers. Ship’s Company are looking forward to port visits in Whangarei and the Bay of Islands during the course. In the midst of this HAWEA will be involved the Navy’s Open Day; a terrific opportunity to see a ship of the Navy’s patrol force and the best crew in the fleet!
Above: Ship’s Company of HMNZS HAWEA march through Napier during the city’s Art Deco Weekend.
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NAVY SPORT & RECREATION
Camaraderie and competition in Intership Touch By LPTI Ben Achilles
T
he annual Intership touch event for 2014 was held at Ngataringa sports fields on Wednesday 5 March. The day started off with blue skies and over 100 competitors turning out for a great day of sports. It was a mixed tournament played on two fields with eight teams made up of ships and PHILOMEL shore-based establishments. HMNZS ROTOITI challenged HMNZS PHILOMEL for the Royalist open challenge shield which was accepted and was contested in the first possible round of pool play between ROTOITI and PHILOMEL Blue. ROTOITI went on to win the match and take the trophy. Rain came close to spoiling a great day but players huddled under shelter and warmed up with a BBQ lunch and eventually the rain passed and the sun came out shining for the afternoon. First and second place from each pool went on to play against each other in a semi final which saw PHILOMEL Support and PHILOMEL Over-30s in the final. The match ended up a nail-biting final that went all the way to a drop-off that got down to just three on three. PHILOMEL Over-30s ended up winning the final by five points to four. Most Valuable Players for the tournament were ASTD Anya Ruri for the females and ASA Tiatoa Teariki for the males. It was a great event with a very good turn out and some great camaraderie shown in some healthy competition between ships. Hopefully the teams will spread the word and next year’s event will be bigger and better still.
PTIs at the top of their game
T
hree Navy physical training instructors and four of their Army colleagues recently graduated from the advanced Physical Fitness Instructor (PFI) course at Woodbourne RNZAF Base. The-three month academic course is one of the most advanced Defence courses PTIs can take. They studied, among other subjects, bio mechanics, qualitative analysis, exercise physiology and anthropometrics. Above, from left: CPL Te Hai Kingi, LPTI Benjamin Achilles, CPL Shane Tebbutt, LPTI Raelene Olsen, CPL Karen White, LPTI Dima Loukine and CPL Aidan Butterworth.
Touch.
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Round the Bays 2014 By LPTI Ben Achilles
A
uckland’s annual Round the Bays run is a great event for families, friends or sports teams to get together and enjoy some exercise in the sun. It is an 8.4km run that starts by the ferry terminal in the heart of the city and finishes near Mission Bay. Thousands of runners and walkers turn out and the Navy has always had a good showing. The weather for the 2014 run was perfect with an overcast start and the sun coming out for the BBQ and refreshments afterwards. Remember save yourself some money and enter early for next year’s event and let’s make it the best Round the Bays yet.
CPOMED Findlay-Clarke and RA Steer.
Upcoming events April 11th Navy Sevens 30th Intership Volleyball
May 1st Intership Squash 7th Intership Hockey 12-16th Interservices Volleyball (Hosted by Navy) 21st Intership Basketball For more information on any of these events call into the Fleet Gymnasium or Fitness Centre or email
[email protected]
CPOMED Andrew Findlay-ClarkE NZDF Person of the Year
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he courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity shown by Chief Petty Officer Medic Andrew Findlay-Clarke have earned him the title of New Zealand Defence Force Person of the Year 2013.
CPOMED Findlay-Clarke works in the Maritime Medical Development unit at Devonport Naval Base. Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, presented the award on 3 April at the Navy Museum. RA Steer acknowledged how CPOMED FindlayClarke epitomised the behaviours of service-people throughout the country, demonstrating initiative and dedication in his role. CPOMED Findlay-Clarke played a vital role implementing the Navy Health Directorate strategic vision to transform the way medical services are delivered to fleet units. “CPOMED Findlay-Clarke also contributed to the wider NZ Defence Force with the development and introduction of the NZDF Medic Competence Assurance Programme and as the health planner and NZ medical liaison for RIMPAC 2012,” said RA Steer. The citation with the award details the following as some of his achievements: • The development and implementation of the RNZN Maritime Medical Sole Charge Taskbook, a body of work designed to ensure NZDF medics posted to ships have the required competencies and meet the maritime industry best practice standards. • As Lead Project Manager for the development of the RNZN Southern Ocean Medical Course, designed to ensure NZDF personnel working in extreme cold climates have the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and manage health risks in that environment.
CPOMED Findlay-Clarke is involved in a number of NZDF medical working groups, and in his spare time he is a New Zealand Resuscitation Council Instructor. CPOMED Findlay-Clarke received a trophy and special study prize, which can be used in an area of professional development of his choosing.
NEWS
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MST training survey Port of Tauranga
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he Maritime Survey Team has conducted a detailed hydrographic survey of the busy commercial port of Tauranga. The aim was to provide vital training and practical survey experience for the team ahead of forthcoming deployments to New Caledonia and elsewhere in the South Pacific later this year. MST deployed to Tauranga with its full remit of equipment and capability including the high tech Multi-Beam Echo-sounder (MBES) which is fitted to SMB ADVENTURE. As well as gathering bathymetric data to International hydrographic organisation standards, the MBES is capable of detecting small objects on the seabed with a wide swath giving 100 percent seafloor coverage. A second platform, Survey Motor Skiff Dirk, fitted with a Single-Beam Echo-sounder and Side-Scan Sonar provided detail of shallower and less accessible areas of the port. Highly accurate Real Time Kinematic GPS was used by the shore survey team to conduct beach gradient measurements, coastline delineation and confirming positions of navigation marks; all core beach reconnaissance skills. With large amounts of data being collected the team had to simultaneously process it, check it, and create the products which were the final outputs.
Above: AHSO Jenna Seaver and OHSO Karen Burling operating survey equipment at the Port of Tauranga.
This was the first chance the team has had to fully utilise MBES system on ADVENTURE since it was removed from HMNZS OTAGO and it provides a vital training opportunity before it is refitted to OTAGO ahead of the South Pacific deployment.
The detailed hydrographic survey will also provide valuable data for Geoint NZ and the Ports Database. In maintaining these core skills MST remains a key enabler to operations across the Fleet including amphibious landings, providing access and maintaining sea lines of communication. As part of the Littoral Warfare Support Force, MST is able to work closely with the Operational Dive Team and the Mine Counter-measures Team to support all littoral operations, as in the recent Exercise Southern Katipo.
RNZN Hydrographic Branch Symposium
branch sustainment and capability planning. The seminar also allows the trade to reflect on the successes of the previous year, identify areas for trade improvement or development and looks to future activities and direction.
he annual RNZN Hydrographic Branch Symposium was held at Ngataringa Sports Complex on 20 January. The symposium is led by the Hydrographer of the Navy and presents an open forum for discussion on Hydrographic Trade related matters including personnel development and welfare,
A highlight of the symposium is always the award of the Graeme Wiblin, I W Munro and Byron Solomon trophies.
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The Byron Solomon Memorial Trophy was presented to the RNZN by the family of the late AHSO Byron Solomon, remembered for his professionalism, dedication and personable nature. The trophy is presented annually to the person within the trade who best displays the personal excellence typified by Byron. This year the award went to LHST Kat Mohi. The Commander I W Munro Trophy is presented to the officer or senior rate within the trade who has consistently displayed excellent attributes of leadership under challenging circumstances during the year. It was awarded to LT Tim Hall. The Graeme Wiblin Trophy is awarded to the person who has displayed the highest personal traits, dedication and achievement in individual and trade work and consistently demonstrates the RNZN core values. It was presented to AHSO Dillon Shields. Additionally, after five years in the role, CDR Dave Crossman transferred the role of Hydrographer METOC (Meteorological/ Oceanographic) RNZN to CDR Louisa Gritt. Left: CDR Crossman formally presents CDR Gritt with the chronometer that has been traditionally passed between successive Hydrographer RNZN’s on handover of the role.
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news
PROMOTIONS & RELEASES REGULAR FORCE PROMOTIONS CAPT CDR CDR CDR CDR LT CDR LT CDR LT CDR LT CDR LT CDR LT CDR LT CDR LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT CHAP S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT S LT ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS ENS CPOEWS CPOWT CPOHCM CPOMT(L) CPOET CPOEWS CPOWT CPOCSS ACPOMEDIC ACPOCH ACPOCWS ACPOMUS POMT(L) POCWS POMT(P) POET POYDI PONP POSA POSA POMT(P) POMT(P) POCSS POMT(P) POMEDIC POMEDIC LMT(P) LMT(L) LMT(P) LCH LCWS
A M Millar W B Burtton L R Hunn A C Law A C Parker P B Arnold B D Boyd N Field O L V Gee G M Goodridge L Gray K A Vetter M D V Barry S J Dickson R C Docherty C D Field A J Frost J A MaClean A W O’Halloran D A Rogers B Smith K A Story T B Tarr S J Taylor D C Topp S A L Vissers T R G Witana C B Mason R D Brewerton H N Clark H W J Conmee S Hall M A James N R Lawson S R Prakash J L Shaw N L Stephens J M Tate-Rushworth C R Tisdall A J Walsh D A Wells K J Yardley H E Abbey A G Barnett N M Braun J F Cholmondeley Smith S G Crone L D Culver D J G Dessoulavy B R P Fairweather S M I Going H J Halse J P F Handcock S W Knowles B S R Reay V L Turner G A P Van Zyl J R Williams T M Allen D G Begg M F Cawley J W Curtis N P Harris A M King D M Lyall A J Waters A M Baynes J H Boocock D L Kiwikiwi C D Lawrence R J Anderson N J Cundy B L George S G Hair A A G Hall B I Harris N M Hirovanaa J C Leef E C Lusty M R McNabb D A Olson P S O’Neill J P Whittingham R A Zwart J T Black A C Corbet R E Davies R D Gunn P J Hall
LMT(P) J B Helleur LDR A J Holland LCWS P F Jackson LWTR S E Kutia LCH B L Larking LSCS C J Lochrie LSA K W N-Garrett LMT(L) G R Neuenschwander LCSS M S Overall LMT(P) J J Puke LEWS F L Rika LCSS S B Stretton LCH P A Wilson ALMT(P) J W Cassidy ACWS T J E Auimatagi AHSO R J Bates ACH N G K Bell AET B J Boon AET A S Boshra ACSS J B J Boyle ACWS M N N Brown ACWS S A Brown AET J L Broxup ACSS T Byl ACH C Y Cheung AWTR M S Connell AMT(P) M B Craven ACH L B Disher ASCS E E Edwards ACWS A El Gana AWT L K Floyd AEWS T W Forsyth ACWS S Funnell AEWS I R Green AET R W Gutsell ACSS R A Haynes AMT(P) W D Helleur ASA D C Henry ASTD M Hokianga AMA L E Johnston ASA B D M Kerekere ADR L R Leadbetter ACWS N J Lennard AMT(P) G R Little AEWS K A Lloyd ACWS S J Loughnan AEWS A V Mackay ACWS B M Marshall ACSS T H J Maxwell ASTD S H M McMillan ASCS K T Milner ASA C M Morgan AHSO L C Morris ACSS B J Parsons ASA M Peat AWTR M E Puru ASA H J Pyne ACWS J K Rickard AMT(L) R O Rodahl ACH T W Shearman ACWS M A Simpson-Woods AMUS H B Sinclair ACH B L Smith AMUS M S Stein ACH B A Stuart AMUS S D Sulusi AEWS T G Tapp ACH C L Topia ACWS P L Wetere AWTR S W O Wills ACWS T K Woodhead AMT(L) J T Young AYDI J Lucas
NON REGULAR FORCE PROMOTIONS LT CDR LT
T N K K
Archer Hayden
REGULAR FORCE RELEASES CDR LT CDR LT LT S LT MID MID MID
C J J C T J D R A J C J C R J
Griggs Fincham Gorden Berry King Gittoes Peters Young
REGULAR FORCE RELEASES continued CPOWT S J LCSS J K LWTR E C LMT(L) M J LMEDIC K M R ACWS S R ASA M W J AHSO L AMUS O S T ACWS M J
Tamaki Gibson Smale Styger Ratapu Archibald Chapman Duvenhage Furneaux Hine
ASTD T L ACWS E AHSO S K F AHSO T M ACO A B OCSS J C OCSS G D A OCSS A R OWTR S M OSCS N M
Mac Lellan Shum Studd Whangapirita-Apanui Young Knudsen McFarland Paull Vanstone Ward
NON REGULAR FORCE RELEASES CDR W N LT CDR M E J MID R J CPOET D J CPOSCS N B CPOMT(L) D I J POET S O R PORS S G LSCS R A LCSS J L LCO T J LCH C F
Smith Ohs Wheadon Cooper Eveleigh Marusich Robertson Waitoa Bell Henderson Matoe McFarlane
LMEDIC LCO LCO LMT(P) LMT(P) ACH ACSS AHSO ABSEA ASA OSEA OSEA
T L D J A P J P J M M H L G L J D S H K K C M J
Richdale Rodgers Swales Watson Wedding Bradley Mansell Mcqueen Smith Wast Stewart Freeman
WorldSkills National competition Show off your skills at the WorldSkills National Competition in Hamilton 03-06 July 2014. The NZDF are looking for Navy and Army personnel from the chef and steward maintenance trades to enter the competition. Winners could be invited to the 2015 International WorldSkills Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil. To enter the competition, you must still be under training or have recently graduated and been born in the 1990s. If you’re interested in representing the NZDF at the 2014 National WorldSkills Competition, contact W/O Dave Dean at
[email protected]
HMNZS OTAGO 54TH ANNIVERSARY ALL SHIPS REUNION 9, 10, 11 May 2014, NAPIER RSA, 34 Vautier St Reunion accommodation HQ: Quality Inn 311 Marine Parade. Ph 06 835 3237 or 0800 404 800. Quote Otago Rooms available under $100.00. Taste the wine, visit Pania, see Napier’s unique architecture after the 1931 quake. Contact: Noel Davies, 8 Awatea Rd, Parnell, Auckland, Ph 09 377 0662, email:
[email protected] or
[email protected] our local Napier rep.
Stories sought for book on HMNZS CANTERBURY (F421) For an upcoming book about HMNZS Canterbury (F421) I am after personal stories and photos about individuals service life on board, trips away and how they were affected especially those who did the Armilla patrols, Mururoa, Persian Gulf, East Timor or any other active duty deployment. All photos sent will be returned and all material used will be acknowledged. Contact details for all correspondence are listed below. I thank all in advance for your material. Roger Boyd, 44 Ina Ville Drive, Pukekohe, Auckland 2120 Ph 09 239 2768 or 021 11 55 764, email:
[email protected]
Reunion—Supplementary List officer cadets It is proposed to hold a reunion of the first three classes of Officer Cadets entered into the Royal New Zealand Navy on the Supplementary List, in 1965, 1966 and 1967. A tentative date of 28/29 March 2015 has been chosen. Year 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the commencement of Naval Officer training in New Zealand. It is felt appropriate to invite the Officers who were entered into the RNZN on the Supplementary List via other gateways in the 1960’s, to attend if they so wish. The venue will be in Devonport. Once the level of interest is established, date, format, venue and cost will be promulgated. Please indicate your interest or otherwise by contacting John Greenwood at
[email protected] or phone 09 407 3357
NOTICES
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Warriors of the sea
tE taua moana
mcc log
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