MEDICS IN PNG LIFE IN KOREA TE KAHA - A DAY IN THE LIFE - Royal New Zealand Navy
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MEDICS IN PNG LIFE IN KOREA TE KAHA - A DAY IN THE LIFE W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 1
CONTENTS YOURS AYE
TODAY
SEPTEMBER COVER
Leading Medic Natasha Gill from Northcote RADM DAVID LEDSON CHIEF OF NAVY
YOURS AYE
makes friends with a male Red-Sided
Eclectus, a parrot native to PNG and
ISSN 1173-8332
the Solomon Islands, during the Pacific
Partnership medical deployment aboard USS
Published to entertain, inform and inspire serving
PELELIU. See feature page 4.
members of the RNZN.
I WA S B R I E F E D on the results of our We were the only ones to see the silly quite unimportant the next day
Navy Today is the official newsletter for personnel
and friends of the Royal New Zealand Navy, recent personnel surveys the other day. element – our seniors only saw the immu- I came to realise that ultimately my
produced by the Defence Public Relations Unit,
Wellington, Navy Today is now in its twelfth year As I listened to the various comments table nature of processes. To mock things perceptions about the Navy were mostly
of publication.
that had been made about work loads, our seniors considered serious was often shaped by the state of my relationships
PHOTO: USN
Views expressed in Navy Today are not necessarily leadership, recognition, promotions and the game in town. and interactions with other people – inside
CONTENTS
those of the RNZN or the NZDF.
the like, I heard the various perceptions As I got promoted I started to take some and outside the Navy – and what they
Contributions are welcomed. Submit copy of letters
for publication in Microsoft Word, on diskette or that people had; and I reflected on my of the process stuff more seriously – in did and said. I reached a point where I
emailed. Articles about 300 words, digital photos
own perceptions of the Navy. part because I saw where it fit into the understood that if I were to accurately
at least 200dpi.
It struck me that over the years, and bigger picture. Things that had seemed express my perception of the Navy as an
Reprinting of items is encouraged if Navy Today is
acknowledged. even now, I didn’t have a single endur- easy to do, and that I couldn’t see why organisation in the biggest of big picture
ing perception about every aspect of they weren’t done, now seemed to have terms – was it for me or was it not for
Copy deadlines for NT 5pm as follows:
NT 126 October issue: 17 September
F E AT U R E S :
NT 127 November issue: 17 October
the Navy. Over time, and depending an added shade of complexity. me? – then I needed to move on, from
on a range of factors, as my perspec- I also got to spend less time at sea. focusing on personal stuff and how com-
Navy Today Editorial Advisers:
RA D Ledson, CN tive moved about a bit, my perceptions Instead of a relatively simple world it mitted the Navy was to me or my family,
CDR Maxine Lawes
changed too. started getting more complicated. I didn’t to thinking hard about my commitment
Editor:
Richard Jackson As a Junior Officer at sea I felt that I end every day having achieved something to the Navy.
Defence Public Relations Unit
was doing the hard yards and the people I could take pride in, such as a success- This was the coin not flipping either
HQ NZ Defence Force
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand ashore had a soft number. By the same ful watch or a successful gunnery serial. heads or tails, but spinning on its edge.
Tel: (04) 496 0293 Fax: (04) 496 0290
Email: richard.jackson@nzdf.mil.nz token, I considered I was having more fun In fact, to achieve something equalling It was the realisation that this thing called
Production:
Design and artwork: DESIGNBOX LTD
04 10 16 than them! It seems to me that life at sea those successes could often take days commitment works both ways. It’s not
is pretty straightforward – the thing you or weeks. about us only taking, nor is it about ‘the
P: (04) 478 4653
Printer: APN Print NZ Ltd
PACIFIC LIVING IN SOUTH FIRE CONTROLLERS have to do is keep focused on what your As I became more senior, it was almost Navy’ only taking, it’s about both doing
P: (04) 472 3659 PARTNERSHIP KOREA IN TE KAHA ship is doing, then you need to do your as if my perceptions were like a slowly some giving too.
Seven of our sailors joined LT Jeremy Packham RNZN is TE KAHA is currently in East
Enquiries to:
USS PELELIU in support of living in Korea, working for bit – as does everyone else onboard – to spinning coin. I had started off seeing I meet many people who say to me ‘my
Defence Public Relations Unit Asian waters. The success of
P: (04) 496 0292 F: (04) 496 0290 Pacific Partnership to assist in the United Nations Command make it happen. Service at sea was al- heads and then I saw heads and tails – and perception is my reality ‘- when what they
the frigate’s activities depends
humanitarian medical efforts Military Armistice Commission.
LTCDR Barbara Cassin (Auckland) in large part on the people of the ways characterised by an ‘us’ and ‘them’ then I saw mainly tails. I came to realise are really saying is ‘my perception is the
in Oceania. The team helped to He lives with four US Army and
P: (09) 445 5002 F: (09) 445 5014 Weapon Engineering department,
provide free medical assistance Air Force personnel in the small view of the world. There was a view, too, that through my career my perceptions one and only reality’. So if they say they
Director Defence Public Relations for the people of Papua New two of TE KAHA’s Electronic
town of Ganseong, about 30 that ‘them’ did very little to help ‘us’ – in were being influenced and shaped by a are working hard then, QED, they are in-
P: (04) 496 0299 F: (04) 496 0290 Guinea. minutes south of the DMZ. Technicians describe a day in
their life. fact ‘them’ seemed to be determined to number of factors: deed working hard. No question about it
Recruiting Officer Auckland:
P: (09) 445 5071 annoy ‘us’. • My place in the Navy – no debate about it. This all ends making
Email: navyjobs@ihug.co.nz
Changing Address?
INSIDE: As a Junior Officer, too, I thought bound- • How I thought the Navy regarded me things quite complicated because it be-
To join or leave our mailing list, please contact:
aries were there to be tested. However, – and how I thought the Navy should comes difficult to get your hands around
Sifa Folekene 08 ROTOITI named 26 HMNZS CANTERBURY if there was ‘push back’ then it was just regard me ‘the real world’. Everyone seems to see
DPRU Administration Officer
13 Diver in the Lebanon 29 No 6 Squadron
HQNZDF 2-12 aitken St one of those things. I and my contempo- • My particular job and the satisfaction – it differently.
Wellington 14 Deployment to Darwin 30 HMNZS RESOLUTION
Ph: 04-496-0270
raries tended to be pretty relaxed about or lack of – that I was getting out of it I like to keep things simple whenever
15 Helping with the Homecoming 32 HMNZS ENDEAVOUR
Email: sifa.folekene@nzdf.mil.nz what we considered to be bureaucratic • Circumstances in my personal life – I can. So, I believe the really important
18 HMNZS KIWI – a CO’s perspective 33 HMNZS WAKAKURA
20 The Navy’s author – Grant Howard 34 HMNZS MANAWANUI processes, to laugh at some of the silly whether that life was sweet or sour ‘perception question’ has nothing to do
21 Remembering CAPTAIN Wybrants 35 Around the Fleet consequences, and move on. Amongst • My relationships with my workmates whether this or that aspect is real or not.
A publication of Olphert RNR 36 Galley Slide us the feeling was that we were the only • A whole lot of other stuff, some really The important question – in fact the im-
DEFENCE
P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S U N I T
22 Our People 38 Sport ones who saw the funny side of things big and some really small, some of it portant question for all of us to answer - is
24 HMNZS TE KAHA 43 Main Notice Board
– our seniors only saw the serious side. important at the time, and some of it ‘Is the Navy for me?’
2 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 3
MC 07-0286-07
PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
Locals wave a warm
welcome as the Medcap
t e a m la n d s n e a r M a d a n g
AMED An d r e a G o o c h w a s
one of the te a m d e p l o y e d BY S UR GEON C OM M ANDER JOHN DUNC AN R NZN,
on Pa c i fi c Pa rtn e rs h i p DIR EC TOR OF NAVAL M EDIC INE, NAVAL HEALTH S ER V IC ES
B Y MC3 LEONARD M ANDAP, USS PE L E L I U PUBL I C AFFA I R S
PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP:
RNZN JOINS PACIFIC MEDICAL AID TO PNG
PARTNERSHIP TEAM
Photo: USN
W E joined the PELELIU in Singapore and undertaking all the planning. We will be in The Medcaps consist of primary care doc-
sailed that afternoon. At 40,000 tones and the Mandang area, conducting Medcaps tors like myself and many others. We have
nearly 900 ft long there is a lot of ship and and Dencaps at four sites: at Josephstaal paediatricians, ophthalmologists, general
SEVEN sailors from the Royal New Zealand we only have a hundred people on our ships
we are getting used to it, but still are get- (4 days), and at Ileg, Bunabun and Miak surgeons and cardiologists. There are two
The RNZN
Navy joined USS PELELIU (LHA 5) underway (whereas) this one has over one thousand,’
ting lost every now and then. The crew (two days each). We will also be running a US Navy Optometrists who will be consult-
in support of Pacific Partnership to assist in said Simmonds. ‘It’s a really cool experience
are fantastic and clearly are used to the medical consultancy at the Gaubin Hospital. ing and providing glasses to the local popu-
humanitarian medical efforts in South East
Asia and Oceania. One Surgeon Command-
Medical Team to be in the PELELIU.’
Bainbridge said, ‘To be asked to do this
new folk getting lost! There is a huge USN There is radio advertising and so we expect lation. We also have a general surgeon and
medical/surgical /dental /optometrical/ to be busy, how busy we will not know until an ophthalmologist who will be performing
er, one Warrant Officer Medic, two Leading mission is a pretty big deal, it’s pretty
• SGN CDR John Duncan [Hamilton] engineering /nursing component. The US we get there. surgery on the PELELIU.
Medics, and three Able Medics helped to cool.’
• WOMED Lee Matravers crew are wonderful and really are the most
provide free medical assistance for the The Pacific Partnership team consists of
fantastic hosts
Photo: USN
[Whangapaoroa]
people of Papua New Guinea, and the Solo- USS PELELIU sailors, non-governmental
There is a large military as well as NGO
mon Islands. The RNZN medical team stayed • LMED Tracey Richdale [Wanganui] organizations (NGOs) and military medical
medical/veterinary and engineering compo-
aboard the PELELIU for three weeks. volunteers from India, Canada, Japan, Aus-
• LMED Natasha Gill [Northcote] nent aboard. We are still meeting everyone
‘We are like your (hospital corpsmen), we tralia, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, and now
• AMED Andrea Gooch [Stratford] and there is a lot of planning for when we
do a little of everything,’ said Able Medic Mel- New Zealand. This 2007 Pacific Partnership
get to PNG and start the mission proper.
anie Bainbridge. ‘We do medical examina- • AMED Melanie Bainbridge [Levin] is a representation of how many diverse
We will be taking part in four types of aid
tions all day long, basic medical services, and groups can work together towards a com-
• AMED Toni Simmonds [Masterton] programmes:
we are also trained for emergency care.’ mon goal and help under-privileged areas
• Medcap - medical aid running clinics and
Warrant Officer Medic Lee Matrevers around the world.
seeing patients
said, ‘Our mission is to basically see how people operate and how they live. There are SGN CDR Duncan went ashore on 7 Au-
• Vetcap - veterinarians
the US Navy operates and join the other quite a few similarities with the US Navy and gust for the official welcome to PNG with
• Dencap - dental
nations on this mission to see where we the RNZN from damage control to how we representatives of all Pacific Partner Nations,
• Encap - engineering projects
can help out.’ actually live and talk onboard.’ NGOs and USN Command, where they were
It is Matrevers’s first time in a USN ship, It is also Able Medic Toni Simmonds’ and greeted by PNG officials. WOMED Matre- THE PLANNING PHASE
especially one so ‘massive,’ he said. He Able Medic Melanie Bainbridge’s first time vers said, ‘Joining with other nations sends We will be in PNG from 8 - 18 August;
explained that he’s done medical missions aboard a US ship and their first time actually a message to the rest of the world that we we are not sure at this stage how many
before, but nothing at this scale. ‘It feels out to sea. They compared RNZN ships to can work as a team together to achieve medical staff from PNG we will be work-
SRGN CDR J o h n Du n c a n w i th a p a ti e n t d u ri n g th e c l i n i c a t J o s e p h s t a ll
great - It’s really neat to see how other USN ships. ‘Their rooms are a lot bigger and something that’s good.’ ing with. While we are on our way, we are
4 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 5
LEADERSHIP
Photo: USN
Photo: USN
MC 07-0286-02
Photo: USN
ABOVE LEFT: USS PELELIU. LEFT: WOMED Lee Matravers administers an immunization
WEMED Lee Matra v e rs s h o t a t B u n a b u n H e a l t h C e n t e r i n M a d a n g . A B O V E : A M E D To n i S i m m o n d s i s
at the Navy Ho s p i t a l interviewed by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Hudson, from
before hi s depl o y m e n t USS PE L E L IU d u ri n g a c o m m u n i ty re l a ti o n s p ro j e c t a t M a d a n g Te c h n ic a l S c h o o l.
There will be clinics ashore to identify in use but are in a state of disrepair and will Today was a “Steel Beach” where there are due (or overdue) and initiating vaccination
Photo: USN
people who are suitable for surgery and we benefit hugely from this work. was a bbq (aka grill) in the hangar bay, with in unvaccinated people. Of course we will PACI F IC
have people on the ground there already to Communications will be difficult as this is volleyball, a bouncy castle, basket ball and be filling out their vaccination booklets and PARTN E RSHIP
try and pre-arrange this. We will transfer very remote and so we will be using satellite a huge meal, it ran from 1030-1830. As you then organising the follow-up vaccinations
the patients here by chopper and by boat phones. In remote areas we will be going can imagine the hangar bay is a large space with the local health infrastructure. Total Medical Personnel 188
where we have 4 operating theatres, a 16 inland for some of the Medcaps and we will indeed. It was Sunday and so although we There is still a lot of tetanus and other US Military 136
bed ICU/ Recovery area and a very large be staying overnight, which I am sure will had to have breakfast in rig we could wear diseases in PNG that cause significant Partner Nations 26
ward, where we will care for them until they be interesting! PT rig for the rest of the day (of course no morbidity and mortality so vaccination of-
NGOs 26
return to the mainland. We have embarked I will be on the Medcaps and doing local beer!) fers a huge and ongoing benefit to the local
shoes and warm clothes as the local PNG clinics. The RNZN Medics will be coming The Medics have been helping with pack- population.
folk are likely to find the airconditioning on ashore with the Medcaps to help with vac- ing of medical supplies, meeting the other There has been huge attention to maintain- Military Partner
board here a little chilly! The US Navy Oph- cination programs, or assisting in the OR Medics and USN medical staff from the ing the ‘cold chain’ in order to ensure the Nations
thalmologist embarked is hoping to get as and helping look after patients aboard. PELELIU and also the embarked NGO and vaccinations’ effectiveness. For the whole NZ 7
many cataracts lined up as he can operate US Forces medical staff. We have US Air voyage there will be over a million dollars Australia 5
on in the time available to him. NEARLY THERE Force and US Army medical staff on board worth of vaccinations given (not solely in India 6
The dentists will be doing a lot of dental Sunday night [5 August] and we have just as well. PNG) which gives an idea as to the scope
Canada 3
work, while the Public Health and Envi- LM ED G il l m eets a feathered crossed the equator - we are still steam- The Medics all have Medcaps to do and of the vaccination program.
Vietnam 3
ronmental Health personnel will be doing fr iend as hore i n PN G ing on (and yes, we are a steam ship and will be primarily vaccinating. Vaccinations On arrival Tuesday [7 August], there will
Japan 1
projects like clean water and other environ- have steam turbines to power us through are very important over here and although be a formal reception for the ship and the
Korea 1
mental health issues. Construction Battalions] the US Navy con- the water). there is a good vaccination program running, medical team. I will be going as the RNZN
There are four major engineering projects. struction engineers who have projects to Tuesday is to be our first day in PNG and the level of full immunisation is low. Twenty representative - in coveralls and not whites
The PELELIU is great as it has landing craft do. They are going to repair the Maik Health although we have had a long transit from percent of children are not immunised, and (as getting into and out of the chopper and NGO
that can land heavy machinery and we have Clinic, Josephstaal Health Clinic, Panmin Singapore it has been very valuable. I have many of the immunised children have not then transport to the reception I think the Project Hope 20
bulldozers, graders, diggers and trucks and School and there is also a roading project. had time to meet and talk to the US Ship fully completed their vaccinations. So we chance of keeping the whites white would Aloha Medical Mission 3
all manner of engineering equipment em- These have been pre-organised and the command, the US Medical command and will be vaccinating as part of the national be minimal!) Then the Medcaps and the like UCSD Pre-dental Society 3
barked. We also have the ‘Sea Bees’ [from health clinics and hospitals involved are still all the NGO and partner nations. vaccination program, giving boosters that will start. Next month: Medcap Diary.
6 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 7
PROJECT PROTECTOR
RO TOITI, the first of the RNZN’s Lake-class
MC 07-0318-63
Inshore Patrol Vessels, had been tucked
away in build at the Tenix yards in Whan-
garei and her official unveiling at a Naming
Ceremony on Saturday 4 August proved a
good opportunity for four of her future crew
to gain a sneak preview.
Those who have been following the IPV’s
build progress in the pages of Navy Today
will be aware that three IPVs are now well
underway, with HAWEA in one piece on the
hardstand and the various modules of PU-
KAKI being assembled on the yard floor. [See
NT 124 August p18.] ROTOITI however, is
the star of the show and we saw her sitting
alongside H-Wharf at Whangarei when we
arrived for the service. POSCS James Leef BY LT A LI S TA I R M C H A FFI E R N Z N ( C O D E S I G N AT E )
ROTOITI
(the future Coxswain) reacted: ‘Upon our ar-
rival my first thought was: Impressive!’
A naming ceremony is a special moment
NAMED
for any ship and there was a feeling of an-
ticipation during the brief ‘meet and greet’
L E F T: T h e M a y o r o f N a p i e r, B a r b a r a A r n o t t , c u t s t h e r i b b o n t o r e l e a s e a c h a m p a g n e b o t t l e
over coffees as the VIPs arrived. A stiff
MC 07-0319-06
to b re a k o n th e b o w o f ROT OIT I i m m e d i a te l y a fte r s h e h a d n a me d o u r n e w s h ip . D e f e n c e
breeze did nothing to deter what was go- Mi n i s te r Ph i l Go ff l o o k s o n . ABOVE : P r e s e n t a t t h e n a m i n g c e r e m o n y : ( l t o r ) A C O Vi r g i n i a
ing to prove a memorable occasion and the Mi l l s , POSCS J a m e s L e e f, SLT F ra s e r To u l m i n a n d LT Al i s ta ir M c H a f f ie .
RNZN Band played with gusto as the guests
took their seats.
Photo: LET John Laughton
On completion of the moving benediction releasing the bottle. The assembled crowd had made the trip to Whangarei. It was es- U P D AT E
by our CHAPLAIN Peter Olds, the CEO of gasped (perhaps due the liberal sprinkling of pecially pleasing for the future company of
Photo: Tenix
Tenix, Chief of Navy RA Ledson and the cold champagne they received courtesy of ROTOITI to meet a past XO and LPTI who
Minister of Defence all spoke in praise of the wind) as the bottle smashed convincingly had served on the Loch-class Frigate by the
both ROTOITI and the project. The Naval upon ROTOITI’s bow signifying the comple- same name. ACO Virginia Mills commented
Hymn was sung with emotion, then - the tion of the ceremony. For myself, I found ‘It was a great afternoon, meeting old sail-
best saved for last - as Her Worship the it quite emotional, I had not realised how ors, and CN, and hearing their views on
Mayor of Napier Mrs Barbara Arnott spoke significant the occasion would feel. how things will progress for the Navy over
those meaningful words ‘I name this ship After the ceremony, there were toasts in the next year.’
ROTOITI and may God bless her and all the marquee and an opportunity to mingle ROTOITI is affiliated with the City of
those who sail in her’ and cut the ribbon with the interesting mix of individuals who Napier and the Hawkes Bay Region and it
was stirring to hear Her Worship remind the
audience of the important ties between the HMNZS KIWI passes ROTOITI in Whangarei; the jump in
MC 07-0318-82
size from the present IPCs to the new IPVs is apparent!
RNZN and Napier. ROTOITI has a responsi-
bility to continue to strengthen the bonds
established by previous ships - not only HM for purpose. A look at the bridge empha- ceremony. Her crew are busy preparing for
Ships VERONICA, DUNEDIN and DIOMEDE, sises the level of technology being applied this duty conducting not only IPV training
but more recently HMNZS RESOLUTION. throughout Project Protector and while with Tenix and the RNZN but also a series of
‘It was awesome to hear how excited our this represents challenges to the way we refresher training in core skills such as small
home port is about having us,’ POSCS Leef do business the opportunities to not only arms, damage control and first aid.
commented. minimise manning but increase the skills of There is no doubt our team is excited,
Both the Coxswain and ACO Mills were our team was readily apparent. POSCS Leef knowing that in a short time they will be Our first Off-shore Patrol
given a tour of the ship by CPOMT(L) Matt was keen: ‘Like anyone with a new piece responsible for the safe and successful con- Vessel, OTAGO (P148)
Newbold (working for the MoD project team of kit you get impatient and all you want to duct of the RNZN’s newest asset and one of
continues to be fitted-out at
in Whangarei). The first impression given by do is get onboard to see how everything the most modern patrol vessels to defend
Tenix’s Williamstown yard.
an IPV is its sheer size in comparison with works….. I can’t wait!’ New Zealand waters. ‘It means so much
the Inshore Patrol Craft currently in service. ROTOITI will remain alongside in Whanga- more as we will all be setting the standard
T h e M a y o r o f N a p i er receives flowers from Kristyan
It is immediately apparent also that these rei later this year when she is expected to be for the next ships to come out into the fleet,’
M e g c h e l s e a n d J o shua K ingi, two childr en of Tenix staff .
are capable ships, built for speed and fit handed to the RNZN at the commissioning says ACO Mills.
8 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 9
NAVY PEACEKEEPERS
‘ A N Y O N G H A S AY O . Nanoon bymujang Rice and kimchi are on the menu - breakfast,
Photos: LT Packham
jidae eh keonmu haneun Jeremy Packham lunch and dinner! Though to be honest, I do
haygun daewi imnida. Geurigo nomuna miss good old Kiwi fish and chips or a steak
maume turoyo.’ and cheese pie!
‘Good morning. My name is Jeremy Pack- Driving is probably the biggest challenge
ham, working here at the DMZ and I am a over here. Apart from driving on the right
Naval Lieutenant. I like it here very much.’ side of the road, and the signals being differ-
That is my standard introduction, but also ent (orange warns that green is coming), the
virtually the limit of my Korean language problem is the way they drive. For example,
skills! I have been here in the Republic of red lights seem to be an advisory - people
Korea for just over four months now, work- frequently run lights! Police cars always
ing for the United Nations Command Military drive around with lights flashing, even if they
Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) as the aren’t actually doing anything. Motorcycles
Corridor Control Officer for Transportation and scooters prefer to ride on the footpath
Corridor East (the highway between North and the speed limits only seem to be there
and South Korea). for show. In Seoul, it is not uncommon for
Because of our location, we (I and 4 US people to be doing speeds of over 90kph ABOVE : A tra d i ti o n a l d a n c e p e rfo rm e d a t Yo n g i n F o l k Vi l l a g e . B E L O W L E F T: S it t in g d o wn
with my Korean and US team to a traditional Korean meal of Kalbi (bbq pork). BELOW RIGHT:
Army and Air Force personnel) live in a down busy streets (imagine doing that down
T h i s i s ty p i c a l o f h o w m u c h th e Ko re a n s l o a d u p th e i r b i k es a n d s c o o t e r s !
small town called Ganseong which is about Auckland’s Queen St!)
30 minutes south of the DMZ. The town is I have done a lot of sight-seeing and no
home to approximately 15,000 people. We matter where you go, the locals are all very
live in an apartment block of eight 15-storey polite and gracious and generally interested
buildings - which seem to just appear out of in you. The country itself is beautiful and full
no where, surrounded by rice paddies. of history, both good and bad (how many
The locals are very friendly and always places in the world can you go into a 1300
come up and say hello in English. On the year-old tomb?).
whole though very few people in the town The Korean people have endured terrible
speak English at all therefore communication hardships over the last hundred or so years,
BY LT JEREMY PACKHAM R N Z N is quite interesting at times. There is a strong but have persevered and seem to be stron-
temptation to merely rely on our translator ger because of it. I feel very privileged to
LIVING IN to get by when in the town itself, but I find
it forces you to try and learn more of the
have been given the opportunity to experi-
ence true Korean culture at the town level
SOUTH KOREA
language. The funny thing is that most of the and to be able to learn from within about
locals don’t expect you to speak any Hanguk- the Korean people.
mal, so if you respond in their language, Katchi Kapshida!
they sometimes think you are fluent. I very We go together!
quickly learnt the phrase ‘chanoon hanguk-
mal chogoon haljool arayo’ which means ‘I
only speak a little Korean’.
One of the hardest aspects of life in the
RAILWAY TO
town to get used to is the fact that you are
an oddity, being one of only 5 non-Koreans
NORTH KOREA
in the town. People are always staring at you THIS Y EAR, 17 May became an historic day
and wanting to come up and talk - you soon for the people of South Korea and North
At the Bulguksa get used to it though. Korea. That day saw the first train crossings
Temple, which is over The culture is so vastly different from our from North to South and back, since the
1200 years ol d, i n
own and is totally fascinating. On the whole, outbreak of the Korean War 57 years earlier.
Gyeongj u Ci ty
the food is fantastic. I love going to Hansui It also marked a potential step towards the
ABOVE: LT Packham houses (restaurants where you sit on the reunification of the Korean Peninsula and the
standi ng by a guard at floor and cook your own food) and having beginnings of a rail network that would link
the Gyeonbuk Pal ace
Kalbi (BBQ pork). You have a gas grill in Seoul with Europe. Both of these reasons
in Seoul . The ori gi nal
palace dates back to 1394 the middle of the table and cook the meat are very important to not only the region
but was demolished in yourself, and it comes with lots of different but the world. A unified Korea should add
1911. The South Korean
side dishes ranging from crab to kimchi to stability to the region and the greater world
governm ent rebui l t the
palace in the 1990s. pickled eggs. I still haven’t got used to kimchi community, while a rail network linked to
(fermented cabbage) and probably never will. Asia and across to Europe would mean a
10 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 11
NAVY PEACEKEEPERS
NZ EXTENDS
COMMITMENT
TO UN KOREA
MISSION
DEFENCE MINISTER Phil Goff an-
nounced on 3 August that NZ will
extend its commitment to the United
Five of the Kiwi team currently deployed in the Lebanon (l to
Nations Command Military Armi-
r) Sapper Ben Langman - Kerikeri, Sapper Lloyd Rakaupai -
stice Commission (UNCMAC) in the TaumaranuiLDR Rau Ormsby - Te Kuiti, Sapper Rob Sturgeon
Republic of Korea for two years, to - Ohaupo, Sapper Wayne Whittingham - TaupoThey are holding
Schonstedt Metal Detectors, a new piece of kit acquired
August 2009. specifically for use in the Lebanon where they are used to
‘Stability on the Korean penin- assist with searching areas of heavy and dense vegetation.
sula is critical to ensure peace
DIVER ON DRY LAND IN
and prosperity across Asia. NZ’s
participation in UNCMAC ensures
SOUTHERN LEBANON
we are recognised as an active
participant in the peace process
and reinforces our commitment to
peace keeping and our relation-
ship with the Republic of Korea,’
T h e s c e n e a s t h e N o r t h K or ean officials stepped off the tr ain said Mr Goff. LEADING DIVER Joseph Carroll from Waipu- Over course in 2005 meant I was made a chards and grazing land. So far the new team
‘In 1953 an Armistice Agreement kurau is now deployed on a seven month diver full time, and I love it. I really enjoy the have disposed of 400 bomblets, a Katushka
was signed which ended fighting in tour of duty clearing bombs in Southern fact that I never know what a new day will rocket and a 155mm smoke shell.
faster trade route overland, with obvious
Lebanon. The 27-year-old is a member of bring – it could be a normal day at work or, as The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah
financial benefits. the Korean War. As a result of the
a 10-strong joint-Service NZDF Battlefield now, I might be deployed overseas.’ during 2006 has left substantial amounts of
I was lucky enough to witness these events Agreement, a 241km long and 4km
Area Clearance (BAC) team led by LTCDR The first NZDF BAC team [under LTCDR unexploded munitions scattered throughout
up close - my job for the day was to photo- wide buffer zone, the Demilitarised
Trevor Leslie RNZN. The team is locating and Steve Lenik RNZN] who were in Southern Southern Lebanon which pose a risk to the
graphically document the event for UNCMAC, Zone (DMZ), was created to sepa-
disarming unexploded munitions left in the Lebanon prior to LDR Carroll’s arrival, created local people who work on the land to provide
from the Jejin Train Station which is located rate North Korean and South Ko-
area after the conflict between Israel and a formidable reputation among the multi- food and money for their families, and to
approximately 5kms from the Southern Bar- rean armed forces. The primary role
Hezbollah in 2006. national BAC teams, by clearing 957 bombs children who play in the affected areas. The
rier Fence of the Joint Administration Area at of UNCMAC is to supervise access
The former Central Hawke’s Bay College in five months – mostly the difficult-to-find, NZDF team is in Southern Lebanon as part
an area we refer to as the C.I.Q (Customs, to, and security of, the DMZ.
student says that what he has seen in South- small but deadly, cluster bomb munitions of a mission led by the United Nations Mine
Immigration and Quarantine). ‘ NZDF officers have served with
ern Lebanon is hard for Kiwis to imagine. – which were spread across crop fields, or- Action Co-ordination Centre.
I managed to get as close as I possibly could UNCMAC since 1998. The deploy- ‘Life’s really difficult for the people of
whilst remaining inconspicuous (not easy ment involves three NZDF officers Southern Lebanon after last year’s war. They
when you are pretty much the only Westerner who serve for a six-month tour of need to get back to working on the land,
in the area, and wearing camouflage uniform).
duty. They are employed monitoring but with so many bombs spread out over
The Korean media were there in force and
the DMZ to ensure parties comply the area it’s just too dangerous. We’ll clear
there were hundreds of spectators. The train
with the terms of the 1953 Armistice as much land as we can while we’re here
pulled up to the music “Conquest of Para-
Agreement. so the people can get back to their lives in
dise,” which was a real treat for me being a North and South Korean officials shake ‘UNCMAC is a multinational mis- safety. We’ve been well trained for this job,
Canterbury Crusaders supporter! When the hands at the rai l w ay stati on.
sion led by the United States. The and we’re only too happy to help out where
train finally stopped at the platform, the media
NZDF personnel serving with UN- we can.’
frenzy began. Journalists and photographers luncheon. The crowd that had gathered was
CMAC have earned a high degree LDR Carroll joined the Navy to serve NZ as
were jostling and the security personnel had rapturous and all the big news agencies had
of respect from the other military well as to experience some of the world. He
their hands full trying to keep them in check. I live feeds. The whole experience was awe-
personnel they serve alongside - has been deployed to the Solomon Islands
had certainly never seen anything like it. inspiring.
from Australia, Canada, Colombia, and to the Persian Gulf in the frigates TE N Z DF E OD Te a m o f CPODI Ma tt Ha y d o n (ri g h t) a n d L DR Ra u O r ms b y wit h a v e r y h a p p y
The passengers (a mix of North and South While this was a one-off event, the potential
Thailand, the Philippines, Turkey KAHA and TE MANA, but rates his career l o c a l l a n d o w n e r a fte r re m o v i n g a 1 2 2 m m Ka tu s h k a Ro c k e t f r o m t h e f o u n d a t io n s o f h is
VIP’s) stepped off the train and received for a regular rail service is clear. I was lucky h o u s e . T h e Ki w i te a m re s p o n d e d to a n E OD c a l l o u t fo r a 1 2 2 mm K a t u s h k a R o c k e t , f o u n d
and the UK,’ said Mr Goff. highlight so far as achieving his rank as a
flowers from young children then posed for to have been on hand for this historic inter- lodged in the foundations of the house and preventing the home owner from rebuilding
Leading Diver. his family home.
the official photos, before departing for a VIP national event.
‘Passing the Operational Diver Change-
12 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 13
NAVY PEACEKEEPERS OUR PEOPLE
AK 07-0394-51
Photos: CPO Rob Powell
BY P ETTY OFFIC ER C HEF S PADIE NUK U
HELPING WITH THE
The Navy group with CPL Apiata VC: Back
BY C POW TR ROB POW E L L ro w l to r: A C H Te H a u , A M T 2 M io , O C S S
M a n s e l l , O S C S P a n i a n i , O H S O B u t l e r,
DEPLOYMENT TO DARWIN HOMECOMING OSCS Karauna; front row l to r: ACSS
Retallick, POCH Nuku, CPL Apiata VC,
& EAST TIMOR
OSCS Sm i th , A S C S P h illip s & O C S S H o k o .
IN EAR LY August, 9 ratings and Te Whanau A Apanui sure know
AK 07-0384-60
I set off to help out with the hui how to put on a feed.
HELLO FROM Darwin, temperature 31º C tourist attractions: Crocadylus Park, Li- Army only this year, so we were rather
for CPL Willie Apiata VC, at Tukaki But the highlight I think for
yet again! I am part of the logistical support tchfield National Park and a few of the privileged to have a detailed explanation
Marae in Te Kaha. Our first day of everyone, was finally meeting
team for TG GYRO, East Timor, and am outlying suburbs. I also joined the Northern of the tanks’ capabilities and a close look
work involved erecting tents for Willie, shaking his hands, and
based in Darwin for the next few months. Territory Soccer Referees association and over one.
the huge numbers attending. In seeing how softly-spoken and
CPL Cpl Gabby Knight & LAC Steve Brogan have been refereeing most weekends. So far this deployment has been very
true Navy style, we got stuck in, humble the guy is. Being told by
(both Air Force) and LCPL Benno Schu- My first TOD into East Timor was at Camp enjoyable – hard work and good people.
and even though we don’t put up him how blown away he was at
macher and SIG Rebecca Biss from the Phoneix, where the CO NSE and the SNO But I intend to take my mid-tour leave
too many tents, it was Navy who seeing the people come together
NZ Army make up the team. are located. I did my second TOD back to in September and go with my wife to
took control to put up 5 huge to welcome home a war hero. We
After completing PDT at Burnham camp, East Timor in the middle of August. Thailand.
tents for eating, as well as ac- all got a photo together, the whole
then a Hercules flight via Amberley, we In Darwin, one of the highlights for our For other in the Writer branch I recom-
commodation tents and one tent NZDF contingent, and as single
arrived in Darwin to meet our new OC team was being invited to 1 Armoured mend this deployment to Darwin - a re-
at the local RSA, for the overflow Service groups (thanks to SGT Te OSCS Pomane Karauna (left) and ASCS Padre Philips help
MAJ Brett Grieve. We were pleased to be Regiment at Robertson Barracks to view warding experience especially if you take p re p a re th e Hu n g i p i ts .
of people. Hau for letting the senior service
accommodated in proper barrack accom- their new tanks - the Abrams M1A1. This the time to get to know and mingle with
It was a highlight on Satur- go first!) Incidentally, ACH Tim
modation – not Tin City! has been introduced into the Australian the locals.
day 11th, when the local iwi, Te Te Hau, who was on leave, also
AK 07-0383-04
After completing our handovers, we
Whanau A Apanui, welcomed came and gave us a hand for the
were invited to a gathering at the Buzz Bar
Ngati Porou and Nga Puhi onto whole time we were there.
to meet all the people whom we would
their marae. The whai korero of Special thanks to Te Whanau A
be dealing with over the next six months.
both tribes, and then the waiatas Apanui for making us all welcome,
(The first lesson - wine and hot weather
and hakas were awesome! and to the marae, Tukaki, for let-
are not good matches!)
On the Friday night in one of the ting us stay in the wharenui, as
Our new crew assumed full responsibil-
marquees, iwi and kura kaupapa well as the kohanga reo, for let-
ity, with our first task being to greet and
from around the coast all put on ting both Navy and Air Force use
on-move 95 personnel from Dili back to
performances that lasted until late their facilities.
NZ, after a night in Tin City. My first task
into the night. Even the Maori Af- And thanks too, to MAJ Tod and
was to balance the cash book for the end
fairs Minister, Parekura Horomia, SGT Te Hau, and all the Army and
of the month - this went without a hitch.
was in amongst it. Air Force personnel, especially
After the first couple of months in Dar-
The hakari the next day was a the Cooks, who - as NZDF - all
win, I had seen a number of the nearby The K iw i s take a cl ose l ook at the new M1A1 Abram s tank.
highlight. So much kai moana of got in to help out with this special
OHSO J u l i e Bu tl e r h a n d s a PR p a c k t o a lo c a l s c h o o l s t u d e n t .
crayfish, paua, pipis, and mussels, hui. Kia Ora.
14 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 15
“
Photos TE KAHA
“
A DAY IN THE LIFE
LET Hunter with one of TE We close up for all gunnery, including CIWS
KAHA’s 50 cal m achi ne guns
and 50 cal firings – in an AA shoot we keep an
eye on hostile aircraft tracks…
when not closed-up, the FCO’s job is often 1245: Make sure Fire Control system is
a busy one. The FCOs are also Combat working properly.
System maintainers, and our ‘part of ship’ 1248: Turn Director Control Unit off, kick it
includes the entire Combat System as well a few times, turn it back on.
as the Fire Control system, the interfaces to 1255: Close up for gunnery
the complex weaponry that our frigate the 1300: AA firings – Yeah!
capable combatant that it is. We both went 1430: Firings go well – bow down and say
through the Combat System Maintenance thanks to the DCU for working properly
course in HMAS STIRLING, WA and the 1431: Start compiling records
Fire Control Officer’s course, which is held 1500: Still compiling records. Get Muzzle
in PHILOMEL. Velocity data from Jimmi
0620: Early Bird PT – is there life at this We close up for all gunnery, including
time of day? There’s certainly no sun! CIWS and .50cal firings. For an AA shoot we
0730: Breakfast - at least there’s cereal stare intently at a radar picture, keeping an
left! eye on the hostile aircraft tracks flying in at
0800: Turn to us. For Boarding ops the FCO closes up and
0830: System Operation Checks. Train up records what can be seen of the boarded
the AET so they can do it next time vessel with the Director TV camera. An FCO
A typical day will consist of careful cleaning is also expected to know how the equipment
and inspecting of our respective systems fol- throughout the ship works, such as the ra-
lowed by SOCs – system operation checks. dars, the gun turret and missile systems, and
Due to the inherent adverse conditions at so we can often be found working late into
sea (salt spray, constant motion, vibration) a the night, researching these other important
large part of our time is devoted to prevent- devices that we would be lost without.
BY LET WARRICK HUNTER AND LET ANGELA BASHAM, FIRE CONTROL OFFICERS
ing and, in rare cases, repairing, our beloved 1600: time for PT? Nah, did it this morn-
FIRE CONTROLLERS
electronic and weapon systems. ing - watch movie instead!
0900: FMMS (planned maintenance) jobs 1730: Preps for scran
– but all the Multi-function consoles and 1750: Dinner – caught up with a couple of
IN TE KAHA LET Hunter and LET Standard Interface Units are in use. Write the stokers. Hadn’t seen them all day
Ba s h a m i n fro n t o f e-mails home instead 1815: Clean for evening rounds
th e m a i n m a s t.
1030: Prepare for Gunnery brief. Tell off AB 1830: Rounds – re-scrub of the showers!
for not ditching rubbish last night 1900: Write Firing Advisory Note for next
1145: Gunnery brief. Present safety rules week’s shoots
OUR FRIGATE TE KAHA IS WHAT IS A WARSHIP? municating with ships, aircraft and land; it is for Anti-Aircraft firings. 1930: Copy tactical files to MO (magnetic-
The frigates are the pride of our Navy - the these that make our ship a warship, without 1159: CO wants to see the BR (Book of optical) disk - hang out in Ops Room, eat
CURRENTLY IN EAST ASIAN WATERS,
jewels in the crown of our war-fighting ca- them we are well-trained (but not very luxuri- Reference) – hasty search in the technical their vittles (victuals)
HEADING TO JAPAN AND CHINA ous) passenger liner!
pability. To see TE KAHA in her splendour as office! 1950: Re-copy tactical files onto blank
AFTER A SERIES OF EXERCISES WITH she slices effortlessly through unforgiving Enter the mighty Weapon Engineering de- 1200: Lunch disk – doh!
waters, to hear her mighty 5” gun roar, to partment, for without us the war-fighting ca- Though we may not work in watches, we When the day is not filled with the loving
OUR FPDA PARTNERS. THE SUCCESS
detect the enemy beyond the horizon, these pability of our ship simply does not exist. All are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a care and maintenance of our beloved Fire
OF THE FRIGATE’S ACTIVITIES
invoke feelings of pride, of strength and - to this specialised gear is lovingly maintained week. We will often be found working long Control System, it is often covered instead
DEPENDS IN LARGE PART ON our enemies - fear. For this is what we are and in many cases operated by our dedicated after leave has been piped in a foreign port by seemingly endless paperwork – prepara-
THE PEOPLE OF THE WEAPON trained to do, and it is what we do well. team of officers and sailors. just to ensure all are systems are operating tions for future gunnery, coordination of re-
Though consider for a moment what makes without defect or delay, so when it is time cords of past shoots, liaising with the OPSO
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT,
a warship. A ship is a platform for carrying THE FIRE CONTROL OFFICER (FCO) to once again sail the briny deep we are and PWO for accurate administration and
WHO KEEP THE GUNS, RADARS cargo or personnel across the ocean - a As FCOs we have to be prepared for any prepared for the next operation. During this organisation of gunnery shoots and drills.
AND ALL THE OTHER EQUIPMENT warship on the other hand is a platform for eventuality, especially in any (hopefully un- deployment we are also carrying out Quar- But all this hard work and effort is made
carrying guns, missiles and sensors. The 5” likely) incident where our ship may come termaster duties in harbour – so when the worthwhile by one overwhelming fact – we
ON TOP LINE. TWO OF TE KAHA’S
(127mm) gun, the Vertical Launch missile under attack. To practise for this, the FCO, ship gets alongside we can look forward to get to shoot the gun and the missiles!
ELECTRONIC TECHNICIANS GIVE AN system, the CIWS ‘Gatling gun’, long range along with the Operations crew, spend long
T h e tw o L E Ts d o a m a i n te n a n c e c h e c k o n
the Middle-Morning watch (0200-0800) just 2020: Watch rest of movie in mess deck
o n e o f T E KAHA’s ta rg e t p o i n te rs .
INSIGHT TO A DAY IN THEIR LIFE. and target radars, an array of radios for com- hours in training and gunnery drills. Even to deprive the brain of precious sleep! 2200: Close up in pit
16 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 17
WN 06-0115-54
N AVA L PAT R O L F O R C E
ratings post off, I always ask if they have
learnt something and if they have enjoyed
their time on KIWI. Most of the time they
reply ‘Yes, a lot!’ So hopefully we are add-
ing to their motivation for their jobs in our
other ships.
It’s been a steep learning curve in running
and administering your own ship. You are not
just the Captain, but also the Ops Officer and
Supply Officer all in one. A Lieutenant’s drive
is one where you really end up hands-on, as
well as commanding. But it’s not a lonely job,
BY LT J J MCQUE E N RNZ N you realize you have to rely on your crew and
that there is so much support from ashore
you only need to flick an email for advice,
WHAT IS IT LIKE to be a 27 year-old com- while help is only a phone call away. The
manding one of Her Majesty’s New Zealand hard part is realizing that you need to have
Ships? I often thought of my Commanding confidence in the decisions you make!
Officers in my time as an OOW in a frigate, As the CO you get to choose where to
and how lonely they must get eating by anchor and decide how to go about doing
themselves and not associating much with our tasks. It’s a really rewarding job. True that
the Wardroom. I always said it was just one sometimes there is apparent boredom when
of those traditions… My answer now has there are not many contacts about. But in
adjusted somewhat, realising that there are contrast you can end up boarding 5 vessels
sometimes not enough hours in the day to in a day. You then appreciate a quiet transit
worry about where I eat! to your next port.
HMNZS KIWI
After recently taking command – in fact to You get to see some of New Zealand’s
be the last CO of KIWI – I have had a chance most beautiful coastline, anchor in bays and
to reflect on my first 3 months in charge of visit country pubs you never knew existed,
the oldest ship of our current fleet. KIWI was and interact with different people each
commissioned in 1984 and will be decom-
missioned in December of this year, to make A CO’S PERSPECTIVE week. I think that I speak for all of the IPC
COs that we are immensely proud to be
“
way for the more modern and capable IPVs given the opportunity to fly the NZ White En-
of the Protector fleet.
It’s been a very interesting ride so far, more
a blur of activity coupled with some major
setbacks and great highs. My first week in
command went smoothly and without inci-
dent and I thought to myself ‘this isn’t that
hard,’ only to eat my words the next week
the South Island with my GLX* year-mates.
It was a real eye-opener to life in the Navy;
I had a green tinge in my face the whole
time and I lost 7 kilos that trip, being con-
tinually sea sick and never quite feeling at
I had often wondered what the patrol force
does during an EEZ, Customs and Fisheries
patrol. Having learnt so much first-hand in
the last few months, I can now say that the
little ships are contributing just as much
That involves checking their paper work and
checking the holds of these vessels to con-
firm it. With blue-fin tuna worth $15,000 per
fish (at today’s exchange rates), misreporting
of fish can be lucrative – and encourage black
You can get bruised all down your
side after bumping into the various
rails and bulkheads – your shoulders
“
ache from continually holding on…
when KIWI broke down [a cracked crank case
– see NT 123 July] during the sea phase of ease about being in a 30m vessel that was to our outputs as any of our ships at the market sales. By being able to stop this right
the Grade 1&2 OOW course while transiting at times moving around like a rubber ducky moment. at the start of the fishing chain acts as an
Whangarei Harbour. Berthing with only one in a bath tub! KIWI’s first contribution is as a platform active deterrent for the future.
engine was a little different from normal. I Coming back to KIWI now, not much has for external agencies such as Customs and In terms of Customs operations there are applies to vessels arriving – which may avoid sign around our country and make our own
thought, ‘get it right or else make a lasting changed on board and the sea-keeping quali- Fisheries to come aboard and operate along- some constraints on what I can write, but or delay making contact with Customs. unique contributions in leading our ships.
impression on the wharf…’ Subsequently ties of an IPC are still poor (but I have better side the Navy – we call this MAO&T (Multi- an example might be vessels departing NZ On the naval side of our spectrum of op- What next for KIWI? This month we have
we had to have our port engine replaced sea-legs myself!). Each five days away, as Agency Operations and Tasks). For a fisher- – they should leave our waters on the most erations - the IPCs provide the perfect ship more MAO&T and 3 weeks conducting navi-
which meant KIWI was out of action for 3 the ship rolls and pitches its way from each ies operation, for example, we search for expeditious route towards their destina- for the beginner OOW, and for OJT (On Job gation training for the newest Watch Keep-
weeks - it did run through my head that had successive wave (and it doesn’t have to be vessels of interest and conduct queries and tion. So if you see an ocean-capable yacht Training) for all ranks. We have embarked an ers on their OOW(B) course. Later, we head
I done something wrong in a past life… But very rough for that to happen) you can get boardings of fishing vessels, following cer- or vessel in a bay at anchor but which had array of trainees including Electronic Techni- south for MAO&T along the east coast of the
that setback has been balanced since, by bruised all down your side after bumping into tain criteria. Recently we have participated in cleared Customs a week ago – that activates cians, Communicators and Combat System South Island. So that’s a glimpse of my time
some really successful patrols. the various rails and bulkheads. Your shoul- OP KAUWE, in which we have checked that a tripwire that perhaps the vessel has broken Specialists to conduct task book training onboard so far. Still a lot to learn, but in my
As a 19 year-old Midshipman seven years ders can ache from continually holding on in the Blue-fin tuna fishing fleet operating off the law. Optimistically, they are sheltering before being posted to the larger ships. The opinion it’s the best job in the Navy!
ago, KIWI was my first ship and we com- most sea-states. Everyone on board works the East Cape had been properly reporting waiting for better winds; pessimistically, they IPCs therefore are the ‘breeding ground’ for *GLX = General List Executive, the Navy’s
pleted a seven-week circumnavigation of hard to keep our ship going! their catch to fisheries authorities ashore. maybe landing drugs ashore. The same thing the rest of the Navy! Before our ‘task-book’ designation for seaman officers.
18 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 19FAMILY & FRIENDS OUR NAVAL HERITAGE
Commander and appointed to command the
OH 07-0579-04
THE NAVY’S AUTHOR - GRANT HOWARD
Wellington Division RNVR when it formed
in March 1928. During these pre war years
sea training was aboard the veteran mine
sweeper HMS WAKAKURA.
MC 07-0368-01
WN 06-0115-54
BY CHRISTINE HODG S O N , CAPT Olphert died in 1938; subsequently
TH E NAVY MUS EUM
it was agreed that the Division be named
after him. Understandably, it was decided to
G RANT HOWAR D was just 10 when he ‘fell
design a badge based on the original family
in love with the Navy’, as he went on board
crest. The College of Heralds in London pro-
HMS ACHILLES in New Plymouth (just be-
duced a design showing a bird’s claw holding
fore WWII). He did not, however, join the
an arrow as it rises from the sea. There was
Navy straight off - Grant began a career in
some criticism of this, but when the naval
journalism at the New Zealand Herald in CDR Roger Havell
career and seafaring record of their first CO
1946, after completing his secondary educa- RNZNVR accepts
the medals from was recalled, the badge was considered ap-
tion at Mount Albert Grammar.
Ti m O l p h e r t , C A P T propriate and accepted.
Yet it is his writing that has allowed him Ol p h e rt’s g ra n d s o n
With the Olphert family was Major Denis
to continue his interest in, and involvement
Hayden, CAPT Olphert’s grandson. He said
with, the sea and the Navy in particular.
BY CDR LOUIS SCHMITT VRD*,RNZNVR (RET’D), FORMER CO HMNZS OLPHERT of the evening presentation:
From 1948 Grant spent three years as a
‘It was a very moving and proud time for
member of HMNZS NGAPONA, the Auck-
REMEMBERING CAPTAIN
all to share - my family and the ships com-
land Division of the RNZNVR and from G r ant H ow ard The book cover
pany both – and being there for Chief Boyd’s
1951-54 was the naval reporter for the
WYBRANTS OLPHERT
award for 45 years service was very appro-
Herald before he moved into radio and later Zealand Naval Service in 1988. Portrait of a Sanders’ wartime activities were classified
priate too. For my family, we were proud to
television news. In 1962 he stepped back Navy, written to mark the 50th anniversary of as ‘secret’. However, through dogged deter-
be part of such a great occasion, where my
into uniform, joining the RNZN in 1962 as a
naval information officer.
the royal recognition of the RNZN in October
1941, was his third major work.
mination, Grant has found much information
to illuminate Sander’s life and establish him
DSO*, DSC, RD, RNR grandfathers decorations are placed on long
term loan to the RNZN for care and protec-
He says his 8-year short service commis- Grant has continued to contribute to the as a truly remarkable New Zealander, a man
tion along with the cherished print of HMS
sion was one of the happiest times of his life, NZ Herald with articles on maritime themes, deserving far greater public recognition than
ON TUESDAY 21 August, the family of CAPT taken prisoner and spent eighteen months WORCESTER and my grandfather’s 100 year-
as outside his normal duties he was able to but his other interest is motorcycling, and in he has received to date.
Wybrants Olphert presented his WWI med- as a prisoner of war. old scrap book.
devote much of his spare time to studying 2002 Grant published the story of champion Grant’s work in researching and publishing
als, including a DSO and Bar, DSC, and his After ‘the Great War’ the British Govern- I was most moved by Admiral Ledson’s
New Zealand’s rich naval history. After leav- racer Len Perry. He has also edited a history the history of our nation’s Navy has been
(post-war) Reserve Decoration, to the Navy ment was aware of the need for a continu- words and his great sense of merging two
ing the Navy and returning to journalism, of Otahuhu, published by the Tamaki Histori- important for the Navy, and for the wider
Museum. The RNZNVR establishment in ing and effective Naval Reserve across the quite different occasions into one, where all
Grant also spent 13 years with the Sea Cadet cal Society. awareness of our Navy’s achievements. The
Wellington is named HMNZS OLPHERT and Empire. Here in NZ, former RN and RNR present felt part of the occasion and very
Corps, nine of them as Commanding Officer His latest book on William Sanders has Navy has been very fortunate that Grant How-
is still the only naval establishment named officers were called to volunteer to lead much part of a common team. My Aunt Betty
of TS LEANDER. been four years in preparation and is likely ard has dedicated his writing talents to the
after a Naval Officer in NZ. When the family the new Reserves. In 1926 the first RNVR at 93 years gave stirring speech to the ship’s
His first book, The Navy in New Zealand to be regarded as one of Grant’s best. He service and his latest effort will promote an
gave his medals to the Navy, they also pre- Division was commissioned in Auckland. company and RNZN generally; we were all
was published in 1981 and was followed soon discovered that Sander’s trail was awareness of a New Zealand naval hero who
sented a watch that had been presented to Wybrants Olphert was offered the rank of very proud of her.’
by his history of the Women’s Royal New not always easy to follow, mainly because until now was known to too few.
CAPT Olphert, and his own personal scrap
book with some great historical newspaper
THE EXHIBITION
OH 07-0579-01
UNIQUE
cuttings.
MC 07-0378-01
Wybrants Olphert commanded Q ships in
The Gunner Billy exhibition breaks new ground
for the Navy Museum, with a large graphic
WWI, and was responsible for sinking five
German submarines. He first went to sea
LS&GCM
story used to tell the story of Sanders’ ac- as a Merchant Navy Cadet at age 14 then During the same evening, CPO G B (Dickie)
tions. The exhibition curator is Cliff Heywood served in the NZ Shipping Co. on the run Boyd was presented with a third bar to his Long
and it was designed by Jason Saunders from
between UK and Lyttleton. In 1902 he was Service and Good Conduct Medal, representing
Scenario Communications. The exquisitely
commissioned into the Royal Navy (RNVR) 45 years of service to the Naval Reserve. His is
detailed model of HMS PRIZE was made by
and in 1914 was ‘called up by proclamation’
LTCDR Rod Davies RNZN (Rtd). the only LS & GCM in the Commonwealth with
and placed in command of HM armed yacht
The cover for Grant Howard’s book is taken 3 bars. (This is unlikely to ever occur again,
from an original painting by M E R Tripe, c1920, SCADAUN. As a Lieutenant he next com-
as the RNZNVR LS&GCM, which was also the
which is held in Archives NZ collection of Na- manded HM Yacht PIONEER II before ap-
universal medal within the Commonwealth na-
tional War Art. They kindly gave permission for pointments to other ships. His command of
vies until recently, has been replaced in other
the image to be used both on the book cover the Q ship HMS SALVIA led to the sinking of
and in the exhibition. three U-boats before SALVIA was torpedoed countries by local awards.)
and sunk in June 1917. LTCDR Olphert was
20 NT125SEPTEMBER07 W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z W W W. N A V Y. M I L . N Z NT125SEPTEMBER07 21You can also read
