SAN DIEGO DIVER ACTION TRAINING ON THE WATER - ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SAN DiEGO training royal navy DIVER ACTION on the water exchange issue 224 August 2018 twitter.com/NZNavy facebook.com/NZNavy
contents NAVY TODAY ISSUE 224 2018
DIRECTORY
Published to inform, inspire and entertain
serving and former members of the RNZN,
their families and friends and the wider Navy
community.
Navy Today is the official magazine of the
Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by
Defence Public Affairs, Wellington.
Navy Today is now in its twenty first year
of publication.
Views expressed in Navy Today are not
necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.
Contributions are welcomed, including
stories, photographs and letters. Please
submit stories and letters by email in
Microsoft Word or the body of an email.
Articles up to 500 words welcomed, longer
if required by the subject. Please consult
the editor about long articles. Digital photos
submitted by email also welcomed, at least
500kb preferred.
COPY DEADLINES FOR NT
5PM AS FOLLOWS:
NT 225 September issue 15 August
NT 226 October issue 15 September 08
NT 227 November issue 15 October
Subject to change.
EDITOR:
Andrew Bonallack
Defence Public Affairs
HQ NZ Defence Force
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand
E: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz
DESIGN & LAYOUT:
Defence Public Affairs
PRINT:
As part of a Government multi-agency
initiative the NZDF has changed to a single
provider for all of its Print Services.
This magazine is now printed by Blue Star.
Feedback to rick.derham@nzdf.mil.nz on the
quality of this publication is welcomed. 14 33
INQUIRIES TO:
Defence Public Affairs
E: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz
Defence Careers:
P: 0800 1FORCE (0800 136 723)
04 TAUPO DRUG BUST
www.defencecareers.mil.nz
CHANGING ADDRESS? 06 SAN DIEGO DIVER ACTION
To join or leave our mailing list,
please contact:
E: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz
11 CABIN COMFORT
14 TRAINING ON THE WATER
16 COMMAND WARRANT OFFICER
22 PIPES AND DRUMS
25 ROYAL NAVY EXCHANGE
cover image:
HMNZS TE MANA fires her five-
26 WATCHING THE BOMB FALL inch gun during the Rodeo
gunnery competition at
Exercise RIMPAC.
33 FUN AT SCHOOL Photo: Image from video
Chief of navy
Rear Admiral John Martin
In its Strategic Defence Policy
Statement, the Government has clearly
signalled the importance of the Pacific,
and South Pacific in particular. The Navy
is a key tool in being able to execute a
strategy of engagement, presence and
partnership in the region.
F
or example, New Zealand’s contribution to Fijian
maritime patrols and wider regional security
through Operation Wasawasa is best of breed when
it comes to supporting our friends in the South Pacific. But
there is more to it than that – there’s our partnership with
the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). Recently I was
privileged to visit Fiji, catch up with senior military leaders,
attend a Fiji Navy Anniversary and check in with HMNZS
TAUPO who was in Suva between patrols.
Like us, the Fiji Navy is going through big changes with
new ships and a need to grow and develop new skills. I
was extremely pleased to see how Warrant Officer Ricky Climate change, law of the sea, illegal migration, trans-
Derksen is settling in to his new job as Technical Adviser national organised crime, illegal fishing, and security of
with the Fijian Navy. His role is to share his seamanship Exclusive Economic Zones are just some of the issues
experience and expertise with young sailors in the RFMF. we are facing together. The opportunity is to be able to
It’s a job that will develop and be at the centre of a lasting leverage off each other to build better joint capacity and
relationship between our navies and is much valued by the competencies and together create a more stable and
RFMF leadership. secure region. What’s unique about the grouping is that
HMNZS TAUPO is doing spectacularly well in Op we are the heads of the member navies and maritime law
Wasawasa, building on the foundations laid by HMNZS enforcement agencies of twelve nations, joined by the
HAWEA last year. Her patrols, conducted in support of common bond of being of and in the South Pacific. It is our
Fiji Customs, Police and Fisheries, are achieving solid patch to look after and we know we can’t do it alone.
results both in terms of infringements detected but also in So, well done to TAUPO and the rest of the NZDF and
growing a culture of training for TAUPO’s Ship’s Company RNZN team who are representing us in the South Pacific.
and training Fijian sailors who are embarked. It’s a team Our efforts do not stop there and we wish HMNZS OTAGO
affair with NZDF, MPI and local agencies creating a unique well as she takes over Op Wasawasa in the next month,
coalition to address maritime security issues. patrols the EEZ’s of our other partners, and supports the
There is a key role for the NZDF in supporting the PNGDF during APEC. Together this work is advancing
RFMF as it takes on the challenges of upholding values New Zealand’s interests from the sea.
of international law, maritime security and resource
Yours Aye
management. This position is under challenge as the
winds of economic and national development blow
stronger than those that bring security concerns. While
our approach is more ‘slow burn’ than other, more wealthy
donors, we should not be deterred from taking the path
that will strengthen a key institution of state and in the
end create a valuable professional, cultural, and familial
relationship.
There is more work to do in the region. Later this month
the second South Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces
Meeting will convene in Tonga to address the mutual A J O MARTIN
maritime security challenges we face in the South Pacific. Chief of Navy
YOURS AYE 3
NAVY
HELPS FIJI
RECOVER
COCAINE
T
he Ship’s Company of HMNZS TAUPO has assisted
Fiji authorities in retrieving over 12 kilograms of
cocaine, found on a remote island last month.
Lieutenant Benjamin Flight, the Commanding Officer of
TAUPO, said members of the Ship’s Company recovered the
illicit drugs from an island that forms part of Fiji’s Lau group,
following a request from Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
Early in July, Fiji authorities recovered 40 kilograms
of cocaine from the same island, which is accessible
only by ship. Mr Visvanath Das, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji
TAUPO, which undertook combined maritime patrols Revenue and Customs Service, said the joint operation
with the Republic of Fiji Navy and other Fiji enforcement sends a clear message.
agencies, brought the cocaine cache to the Fijian capital “Fiji authorities are determined to protect our country’s
of Suva before resuming the fisheries patrol. The Fiji borders and will not allow it to be used as a transit or
Police Force tested the retrieved packages and confirmed a destination for illegal drugs. Surveillance in coastal
that they contained cocaine. communities and seas is an ongoing challenge for
“Although our combined maritime patrols are focussed Customs. However, with the assistance and cooperation
primarily on enforcing regulations for inshore fishing, we from island communities, we can protect our borders from
also support enforcement action by other Fiji agencies,” illicit trade,” Mr Das said.
LT Flight said. TAUPO’s patrols began in early June.
4 TAUPO DRUG BUST
I HAVE
THE FLEET
A
s Maritime Component Commander designate,
CDRE Tony Millar, ONZM, RNZN managed to fit in
a swift visit to RIMPAC to see HMNZS MATATAUA’s
base of operations, before jetting back to New Zealand for
his Change of Command ceremony.
CDRE Millar, promoted from Captain on 16 July, declared
“I have the fleet” to outgoing MCC Captain Dave McEwan
in a ceremony at the Fleet Gymnasium, Devonport
Naval Base, on 27 July. The MCC is responsible for the
command and readiness of the Fleet and specialist teams
to deliver the Navy’s missions.
CAPT McEwan, who has held the MCC role since 1 March,
will return to his Captain Fleet Operational Readiness
(CFOR) role, reporting to CDRE Millar.
CDRE Millar, who joined the Navy in 1982, has been
Executive Officer of HMNZS TE KAHA, Commanding
Officer of HMNZS MANAWANUI, the first Commanding
Officer of HMNZS CANTERBURY (L421) and Commander
of the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team (MOET). His
promotion to Commodore followed a period of study at
the Eisenhower School for National Resource Strategy in
Washington DC.
NAVY
‘TOP SHOT’
COMPETITION
I
n this image, the thrill in taking a familiarisation ride in a
Navy Seasprite SH2-G(I) is obvious on the faces of four
lucky trainees of BCT 18/01. This happy moment has
meant the photographer, Chief Petty Officer Electronic WANT TO ENTER?
Warfare Specialist Greg Gatley, is the chosen August
The competition is open to NZDF amateur
winner of the Navy Top Shot competition.
photographers – civilian or uniform.
CPOEWS Gatley, the Achilles Division Chief Instructor
Send your photo(s) with:
at the Leadership Development Group, was supervising
the BCT Efficiency Cup at Tamaki Leadership Centre on • Your name
Whangaparaoa Peninsula. A Seasprite presence is not • A detailed description of the image
a regular part of BCT training, but the instructors made • Where and when it was taken
the most of the visit. “We choose four lucky ratings to go
• The names of key people in the photo
up for a flight,” he said. “When I photographed them, they
had just come back from their flight, and they were all • Your contact number, to navyphoto@nzdf.mil.nz
pretty ecstatic.” Each photo much be no less than 3mb,
CPOEWS Gatley’s photo will be displayed in the Vince portrait or landscape.
McGlone Galley until replaced by next month’s winner. He Every photo not chosen will carry over to
is now in the running for Photo of the Year. subsequent months.
NAVY PHOTO COMPETITION 5
RIMPAC
GET THE BY THE NUMBERS
JOB DONE Over 100 dives
Discovered 50 mines
By Andrew Bonallack
Working 16 to 18 hours
New Zealand’s “get the job done” a day
attitude earned HMNZS MATATAUA
a command role in the Mine Clearing 12 square
Countermeasures phase of Exercise nautical miles of water
RIMPAC in San Diego.
MATATAUA’s clearance divers and hydrographers were
the leads in a multi-nation force charged with clearing As well as the MATATAUA personnel, LTCDR Martin
San Diego’s sea lanes and harbour entrance of mines, in commanded teams from Japan, Netherlands and a Marine
preparation for an amphibious force landing. Mammal Dolphins team from the US Navy. “The cool thing
“We’ve had a really exciting time here,” says Lieutenant about this mission was having all the right tools for this type
Commander Ben Martin, Officer in Charge of around 40 of environment. Dolphins can detect buried objects under
personnel from MATATAUA. “In the first week, we cleared water. The REMUS, with a high coverage rate, can locate
all the boat lanes and approaches, covering around 100 mines. Then we used three teams of clearance divers to
linear kilometres. Last week, we shifted to the approaches neutralise mines via explosive means.”
to San Diego harbour, using our REMUS 100 Autonomous At time of writing, the combined team had just declared the
Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to hunt for mines. Once found harbour ‘cleared’ for shipping. “We’re now shifting into that
we’d send our divers down. That was a lot of work, over 16 phase of internal training, lessons learnt and reconstitution
to 18-hour days.” before returning to New Zealand.”
6
MATATAUA divers await their moment aboard the Sea From right are ADR
Dragon helicopter. Visible from left are ADR Ethan Craig Smith, A/LDR
Shergold, ADR William Sellick-Shaw, ODR Simon Shields, Kyran Bennett and
PODR Joshua Kauika, ADR Zane Douglas and LT Wes Moir. ADR Arana Te Patu
Highlights have included a “pouncer” operation, where
divers deploy out the rear of a slow-moving helicopter –
in this instance a MH-53E Sea Dragon from a US Navy
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron. It is a method
to get clearance divers close to floating and drifting mines,
dealing to them as quickly as possible. “The maritime
assets the US Navy have got access to are some of the
world’s best,” says LTCDR Martin. “The Sea Dragon is
probably one of the bigger utility aircraft in their fleet. It’s
impressively large and loud, carrying about 40 people. In
its Aerial Mine Counter Measures role it tows sonars and
hunts for mines. It’s a great asset.” The standard procedure
is the helicopter at 10 feet high, travelling about 10 knots. “It
depends on the pilots. We want it to be as low as possible,
because reduces the chances of things going wrong for
the diver.”
Exciting as it was, it is a technique MATATAUA is well- Sustainment of the force is a key mission objective, and
trained for. “We do it annually, sometimes twice a year. one that the team has really focussed on. Strategy 25
Our Air Force can’t conduct heli-casting at the moment, or Integrated Defence Force goals are also being achieved.
pouncer operations, until complete operational release of “We have also deployed, for the first time, a NZDF-secure
the NH90. So we use the Northern Emergency Services communication suite, meaning we can log in securely
helicopter, out of Whangarei, or we train with the US Navy and send data. It’s really pushing our network integration
or Australia.” capabilities of Command and Control.”
A Kiwi attitude to adaptability would be obvious to any LTCDR Martin says MATATAUA’s tactical teams are highly
visitor to their setup at Naval Base Port Loma. “What’s been trained and among the best in the world, although everyone
really cool has been the sustainment side of this mission. is professional across nations. “Keep in mind the mine
We brought over four full 20-foot shipping containers. warfare community is so small. In a time of crisis, we would
We’ve set up this headquarters in a carpark, with tents – all be used, and it’s the strength of the whole that does it.
it’s pretty austere. Our two chefs have been getting up at New Zealand might not have the flash kit, but we bring to the
4am, serving 45 meals per sitting for the last four weeks.” party a mission focus and a keenness to get the job done.”
RIMPAC 7
RIMPAC
TE MANA
PREMIER FIGHTING UNIT
By LT Richard Daniel-Nield
27 different countries
T
his June and July HMNZS TE MANA has had
the opportunity to participate in RIMPAC 2018 in
52
Hawaii. RIMPAC’s purpose is to promote regional
ships stability in the Pacific. It is the premier joint and combined
maritime exercise, leveraging world class training facilities.
With inclusivity at its core, RIMPAC fosters multi-national
5 submarines cooperation and trust, enhances interoperability, enables
professional engagement, and achieves respective national
objectives to build capable and adaptive partners. This year
200 +
there are 27 different countries, with 52 ships, 5 submarines,
aircraft 200+ aircraft and 25,000 personnel all in Joint Base Pearl
Harbour Hickam.
25,000
RIMPAC has allowed TE MANA, as the premier fighting
personnel unit of the Royal New Zealand Navy, to showcase our
skills to all other Pacific nations. These skills have been
8 TE MANA AT RIMPAC
developed throughout the year with our Work Up and
Exercise Ocean Explorer.
We started RIMPAC off by turning a number of heads across
the sporting sphere, coming 4th equal overall in the RIMPAC
Sports Tournament. Special shout-outs go to: the Soccer
Team who made it to the semi-finals after knocking out the
piped favourites, the Chileans; to AWT Cole McDowell who
placed 2nd overall in the men’s swimming; and to AMED
Nicole Kuka who placed first in the female Bench press.
After embarrassing a number of Australian teams on the
sports field, TE MANA went on to provide one of the best
national receptions on the Flight Deck. The Offical Reception
was hosted by COMJFNZ, and featured an amazing
performance from the Maori Cultural Group accompanied
by mouth-watering delicacies put together by our chefs, Of
those who were lucky enough to be invited, all proclaimed
that it was one of the best ship functions of RIMPAC 2018.
TE MANA then went to sea to start rubbing shoulders with CDR Lisa Hunn, CO of TE MANA, greets
the “Big Dogs” of Naval warfare. A week of working with our VADM John Alexander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.
Five Eyes partners on scientific testing prepared us for the
Force Integration Training. This period allowed us to learn
how to operate with our partners, familiar ones such as
USA, Australia, Canada, and with some nations with whom
we do not operate with as frequently: Korea, Malaysia, Peru,
Japan, Singapore.
From there, TE MANA has had the opportunity to prove
its warfighting effectiveness against many assets such
as Los Angeles Class attack submarines, which we do
not normally have the pleasure of working with. Being
able to work in such close proximity to these units allows
our operators to experience a large range of scenarios,
allowing the Navy to build its depth of knowledge and
experience throughout our ranks.
On Completion of the Force Integration Training Phase,
the Commanding Officer of TE MANA became CTU of
CTF 176.3.2. This meant CDR Lisa Hunn was in charge of
the units of the Opposition Force (OPFOR) fighting for the
mighty nation of “Orion”, against the pesky “Griffons”. Our
job was to disrupt and destroy the Griffin Carrier Strike REACHING NEW
Group and Expeditionary Strike Group. As I sit here writing
this article, a RNZAF P3-K2 Orion has just targeted our
enemy Mission Essential Unit (MEU) HMAS ADELAIDE, for
HEIGHTS
which we are now providing a firing solution with our paper The adventures continue for newly-promoted Able
load-out of Surface-to-Surface Missiles. Again, as in Ocean Sea Dog Slushy, HMNZS TE MANA’s official Operation
Explorer 18, TE MANA as the OPFOR will gain a Mission Kill Crucible mascot. In this image he proudly displays his
within the opening hours of the exercise. new rank while heading up on a SH-2G(I) Seasprite with
Flight Observer Sub Lieutenant Harrison Jennings and
Overall, RIMPAC has been an exciting time, and it is not
Lieutenant Sam Williams, pilot. Along for the ride is his
finished yet! TE MANA has had a lot of fun and has been
friend Kiwi, from the NZ Consulate to the United States
presented with plenty of training opportunities. We look
of America.
forward to finding out our official results in comparison to
the other nations.
TE MANA AT RIMPAC 9
RIMPAC
WE WON!
For the first time in the history of RIMPAC, a New Zealand
ship has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Naval
Surface Fire Support Rodeo competition, with HMNZS
TE MANA landing her shells closer to the target than any
other ship – from over 6km away. The competition included
two Australian frigates and seven US vessels, plus other
nations. In Navy Today September we’ll have more detail
on how our gunners showed the rest of the maritime world
how its done.
OLD MUGS
The tankards are popular among service personnel,
resulting in A/LMT(P) Kerse donating $1,230 to
Child Cancer. He has received a thank-you from the
FOR CHARITY Foundation’s chief executive, Robyn Kiddle, for his
generous support.
A/LMT(P) Kerse initially began making the tankards at
A
marine the Trade Training School at Devonport while recovering
engineer from an injury, and has continued making them in his own
serving on time on TE MANA’s workshop while the ship is deployed
HMNZS TE MANA has at RIMPAC. The handles are solid brass, machined at the
received a thank-you Trade School.
letter from the Child “I just felt like they were a good foundation piece,” he said.
Cancer Foundation “I’ve had family members go through cancer. It was hard
after raising over for them and my family, so I just thought it would be even
$1000 from raffling worse for kids. One of the members of my branch went
hand-made brass through a tough time and the Child Cancer Foundation
tankards made from helped him and his family through it. I know that Naval
artillery cartridges. personnel want those mugs, so I saw it as a good
Acting Leading Marine Technician (Propulsion) William opportunity to raise money for a good thing instead of me
Kerse, Whanganui, uses British 25-pound artillery cartridges just selling them off for profit.”
purchased from TradeMe and donated from friends to He is planning on doing another raffle for a WWII mug to
fashion a variety of tankards. As an added embellishment raise money for Men’s Health in November. He thanked
he affixes British half-crowns to the base of the mugs with a colleague, Paul Fineron, for his “huge help” with
dates that match the year of the shell. engineering knowledge.
10 TE MANA AT RIMPACA home away
from home
Leading Writer Lauren Snell test-drives
the new Junior Rates cabin layout on
AOTEAROA. Her verdict – two thumbs up!
It’s been four months since my arrival in Ulsan, South Korea,
where I am working in the Maritime Sustainment Capability
(MSC) project team.
During my time here I have seen 2-D plans, simulated images
and even 3-D design of AOTEAROA, but recently I finally got
the chance to see design plans come to life.
Commander Des Tiller, Mr Eric Riordan and I were
invited to attend the first “mock up” trial for the ship’s
accommodation. This was a replica of what will be a
Junior Ratings cabin and ensuite.
Our mission was to test the cabin for design flaws and
ensure it was completely user-friendly.
My first impression – “Wow!” The cabin was open, spacious
and had loads of features including USB ports, storage for
personal belongings – both in the bunks and the lockers –
and our own ensuite between four. The amount of space
allocated for each person was really generous – unlike
anything I had seen in any Junior Rates cabin.
Between us, we drew on previous experience to ensure the
cabin had been created to meet all the needs of a sailor.
We checked everything from the position of power points
and mirrors, to the height of the bunk beds and the
brightness of the lights. The MSC team have been working not only to create a ship
The three of us sat and discussed our observations and that meets the capability requirements of the Navy, but also
talked about the “evolution” of accommodation in Navy ships. the comforts and requirements of the ship’s crew.
We all agree this was a place you would want to come back The cabin “mock up” perfectly reflected the amount of
to after work and I could imagine myself turning this cabin thought and consideration that is going into the building of
into my home away from home. AOTEAROA for current and future sailors.
CURIOUS
Feather as a canvas
The Abecedarium in the Navy Museum is home to many curious objects
OBJECT
including this delicate feather; an unusual canvas for a watercolour of HMS
DUNEDIN. The artist, Able Seaman Frank Turner, joined the New Zealand
Division of the Royal Navy in 1921 and served in various ships, including HMS
PHILOMEL, CHATHAM and DUNEDIN. He was discharged in 1926, due to
injury, but re-joined in March 1941, serving in HMNZS PHILOMEL.
CABIN COMFORT 11And the
Last year the RNZN Safety Award was shared between
LTCDR Tuijo Thompson of HMNZS TE KAHA and
CPODR Bevan Wilson of HMNZS MATATAUA. This year
there will be two awards, for an individual and a unit.
Winner Is … The two Award categories available to RNZN personnel,
contractors or volunteers are;
By Commander Raymond McLaughlin The Navy Safety Excellence Award for an Individual
Director of Naval Safety and Health
The Navy Safety Excellence Award for a Unit
One of the hardest elements with This amends the single Award construct which considered
both Individuals and Units together and is now more
making a regular contribution to the consistent with comparable Awards which delineate
Navy Today (for me) is in developing between individual champions and group or departmental
champions.
a title that will catch the eye and from
The second amendment is that the nomination and selection
there engage you, the reader of this process timings for the Navy Safety Excellence Awards
article, to read on. are being brought forward from this year onwards. This
amendment allows the Award nominations to be put forward
If the primary reason that we as a Navy have a focus on for consideration in the NZDF Safety Awards and potentially
safety is to ensure the safe return home of all personnel the NZDF Person of the Year award. These new timings will
after every period of duty and we can consistently achieve be promulgated to the Fleet and Ashore by signal, ILP RNZN
this, then we are all winners. Notwithstanding this, one of Announcements and PHL Bulletin Board.
the great foundations of our Navy and our Defence Force is The Naval Safety Excellence Awards will still be presented
our capacity to recognise and celebrate our Champions in a at the RNZN Bravo Zulu Awards presentation. These
variety of areas. amendments and the full Awards criteria are laid out in
Recognition of our Naval Safety Champions is no exception. DFO(N) Part 3, Chap 4. Further required amplification can be
The Naval Health and Safety Committee have recently sought from the Director of Naval Safety and Health, CDR R.
approved two amendments to the Annual RNZN Safety McLaughlin, RNZN or the Health and Safety Manager (Navy),
Awards that will take effect with this year’s nominations. Mr G. Jackson.
The first amendment is that there are now two Navy Safety Raymond.mclaughlin@nzdf.mil.nz
Excellence Awards instead of just one. Gerard.jackson@nzdf.mil.nz
12 SAFETYMEETING
THE
PRINCE
A friendship with one of the future
King’s former First Lieutenants led
Able Musician Rebecca Nelson to a
singing engagement at Highgrove, UK.
AMUS Nelson is friends with Roy Clare, formerly a Rear
Admiral in the Royal Navy and Auckland Museum Director
from 2011 to 2016. Mr Clare, who has returned to the UK,
met with AMUS Nelson and her husband in March while
she was in London as a guest singer for The Band of the
Welsh Guards.
Mr Clare, who had served with His Royal Highness Prince
Charles in the seventies in HMS BRONINGTON, said
he was arranging an old shipmates’ reunion for Prince
Charles, across the ships he had served in. “Do you need
a singer for that?” asked AMUS Nelson’s husband, half in
jest. But when she returned to New Zealand, an invitation
arrived, to sing at Highgrove for his Royal Highness and
former shipmates.
AMUS Nelson says she was so nervous about the day.
“I think I must have ironed my uniform four times! Once all She visited Brockenhurst Village in the New Forest, the
the guests had arrived at Highgrove we were invited on a former site of No.1 New Zealand General Hospital, which
tour of the gardens which were just incredible, it was like treated 21,000 New Zealand casualties during the First
walking into a fairy tale. The gardens are a culmination of World War, including 93 who died and were laid to rest
38 years of imagination and passion from Prince Charles at the St Nicholas Church cemetery. While there she met
and are maintained by 11 gardeners. I wish I had pictures up with students from St Andrew’s College, Christchurch,
to share but cameras and phones were strictly forbidden.” who were researching New Zealand soldiers. She joined
She sang a variety of songs, including Pokarekare Ana. with the students as a wreath was placed and the National
“Prince Charles said he remembered meeting me in Anthem sung.
France at the Battle of the Somme centenary and was She visited the gravesite of a New Zealand sailor who
extremely grateful that I had made the trip over from New is being returned to New Zealand as part of Te Auraki:
Zealand. The rest of the conversation is all a bit of a blur, I The Return project. “I have met his sister on a number
think I was a little overwhelmed.” of occasions through the Devonport RSA, she is a lovely
AMUS Nelson’s tours this year have taken in the Royal lady. I placed a few poppies on his grave and told him how
Air Force’s 100th celebrations and flyover across London. happy his family are that he is coming home, it was quite
She visited Help for Heroes, “an amazing charity set up to an emotional moment.”
provide lifelong support to Service Personnel and Military AMUS Nelson, a naval reservist and professional
Veterans with injuries, illnesses and wounds sustained singer ‘discovered’ by the RNZN Band while busking in
while serving in the British Armed Forces”. Devonport, says she could not imagine her life without
She performed in London for the Chelsea Pensioners the New Zealand Defence Force. “I have had so many
at the Royal Hospital. “What an audience! They were all incredible opportunities including singing at major
singing and laughing the whole way through and their commemorations in Gallipoli, France and Belgium. I give a
banter was brilliant. Chelsea Pensioners are former very special thank you to the team at HMNZS NGAPONA
members of the British Army, but I was pulled aside by one who helped make this all possible. I am so grateful for all
group and they whispered, ‘we aren’t meant to be here, we the opportunities I have had since joining the RNZNR, I
are Royal Marine veterans but we just had to come see have so much respect for all those that serve and I am
you’, which absolutely made my day.” always so proud to wear the uniform.”
1314 XXXX
TRAINING
FACILITY
COMPLETE
Lieutenant Commander Bill Morley RNZN (Rtd),
accompanied by Rosemary Morley and Chief of Navy,
“This will make a Rear Admiral John Martin, cuts the ribbon to officially
open the Waterside Pontoon.
difference to the fleet
and to the Defence
Force in how we
prepare to go to sea.”
– LTCDR Ange Barker
W
hen Lieutenant Commander Ange Barker returned
to work to head up the Seamanship Training Aid
(STA) Facility programme, her youngest child was
seven months old. Last month, as Phase 2 of the project was
finished, he had nearly turned six.
The Waterside Pontoon phase of the STA Facility was “Our people no longer need to rely on classroom work or
officially opened on 19 July at Devonport Naval Base. heaving lines across the parade ground, they can now train
Accessed by a 35-metre bridge, the 145-tonne floating in these evolutions on site and for real,” he said. “This will
construct has decks, rails, lines and ladders, along with make a difference to the fleet and to the Defence Force in
winches, cranes and hydraulics needed to raise and lower how we prepare to go to sea.
sea boats. It carries on the concept of Realistic Working
“This facility ensures we have the capability and equipment
Environments as a core training principle of the Reclaiming
to train our people, not just in the basic evolution training of
Seaman Excellence programme, which started with Phase I
skills, but also in developing experience and managing risk.”
with the opening of the Bill Morley Building and its in-house
hull mock-ups in 2015. LTCDR Barker says training will officially start in September,
once the training staff have familiarised themselves and
The new facility enables sailors to learn and hone water-
prepared their Standard Operating Procedures. “We’ve
based seamanship skills such as man-overboard recovery,
come from nothing to two facilities, and feels a bit surreal,
launching of rigid-hulled inflatable boats by crane, pilot
now it’s all done,” she said. “It feels like it’s been my whole
ladder use, and life raft launch and recovery.
life, but it’s been a fantastic journey.” The opening was a
Its completion means the Navy’s modern Seamanship lovely chance to showcase the facility to many who had
Training complex is now finished. only seen plans and photos.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin praised the The team also had Navy personnel use the facility for
completion of the facility. “Now we can have standardised rehearsals. “People I’ve talked to have been really thrilled
seamanship training for all of the New Zealand Defence and excited to use it, to have a play with all these big
Force, not just the Navy, in an environment where these pieces of kit. People have said it will take away the anxiety
skills can be practised day or night – allowing repetition of training at sea, because now they can do training in a
that develops experience before going to sea,” he said. controlled environment.”
TRAINING ON THE WATER 15A PEOPLE
MOVER AND
SHAKER
By Andrew Bonallack She enjoys meeting people, likes to talk, and is driven
W
to grow people. She sees her new role as an excellent
arrant Officer Writer Lynette Bokany has always
platform to drive the Navy Mentoring Scheme.
liked people. It’s an excellent attribute to bring to
her third Command Warrant Officer role. “I’ve picked it up this year and I’ve been trying to drive it a
lot more, as the messages haven’t been getting out there.
WOWTR Bokany has transitioned from the Command
Mentoring is about life experiences in nearly everything,
Warrant Officer / Chief of Staff Leadership Development
to bring people from good to great.” The Navy brings
position to CWO Naval Support Command, taking over
people in with a huge amount of skill, including life skills,
from Warrant Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist Peter
(General) Patton last month. and everyone has something to offer, she says. “You might
be a Leading Hand that has improved fitness-wise. You
Command Warrant Officers are charged with
could be mentoring a Lieutenant Commander in how to do
understanding the needs and viewpoints of sailors
that. In mentoring, rank is irrelevant. Most of us do it in our
and communicating this to the chain of command. In
everyday lives already, so the scheme can give you some
the manner of the Maritime Component Commander’s
CWO being the voice of ratings at sea, WOWTR Bokany tools to assist.”
represents the shore-based element within the Naval She says if you want to discover new things about
Support Command, including Reserve Force units. yourself, a posting to the Leadership Development Group
She is excited about the new role, she says. “It’s a can be life-changing. “Growing people is really rewarding,”
completely new challenge. This is my third CWO role, and she says. “People are our bread and butter, we can’t
I had thought I had done my dash. Each role has been do anything without people. Leadership Development
completely different. And this is on a far bigger scale Group is a world not everyone understands, but it is one
than what I have done before. It’s all about understanding of the most amazing places to work because you learn
what is going on, connecting the lower ranks to the senior so much about yourself. I thought I knew a lot about the
leadership, and making people feel like they have a voice.” service after 29 years, but there’s nothing like LDG. I
WOWTR Bokany joined the Navy in 1989, becoming a loved it here.” The Group also showcases and celebrates
Warrant Officer in 2008. As well as serving in HMNZS the “amazing” skills recruits arrive with. “We don’t go for
MONOWAI, CHARLES UPHAM and TE MANA, she has one size fits all these days. We recognise and embrace
been CWO in CANTERBURY. people’s skills and diversity.”
16 COMMAND WARRANT OFFICERTHE
DOCTOR
WILL SEE
YOU NOW
By Andrew Bonallack
T
he correct title is “Surgeon Lieutenant” but Dylan deployed for a specific reason. On exercises or operations,
Mordaunt says people simply call him “doc”. such as a Humanitarian Disaster and Relief (HADR)
The Auckland paediatrician has become one of mission, a doctor would provide clinical care to civilians and
only three full-time Royal New Zealand Navy doctors, assess heightened levels of risk to the Ship’s Company.
undertaking the gruelling 22-week officer training course to When not deployed, he will be based at the Navy Health
earn a commission. Unit at Devonport Naval Base.
SGN LT Mordaunt, from Auckland, graduated as a He says that as NZDF doctors are part of a joint service,
midshipman on 30 June at Devonport Naval Base, with it is possible to train quicker through reservist training or
22 other classmates. He was then promoted two levels through the Army Specialist Officer Induction Course. “I
to Navy Lieutenant, recognising his prior training and talked it over with colleagues from Air Force and Army. We
experience as a qualified doctor. decided the Navy suited me. It’s got a very strong HADR
track record. I’m a swimmer, and like to dive. And it was the
Medical officers in the Royal New Zealand Navy have red
service that had the least number of doctors. I was keen
strips between their gold epaulettes and have “Surgeon” in
to go where my skills were most needed.” He says this is a
front of their rank, rather than “doctor”.
great opportunity for any doctor.
“I know it sounds unusual, a paediatrician coming to the
He was pleased with his fitness during Junior Officer
Navy. I qualified as a doctor in 2006 and finished specialist
Common Training, but 22 weeks with 22 people in barracks
training as a paediatrician in 2016. I’ve worked in hospitals,
was challenging. “To be honest, after practising medicine
and in healthcare management. I started talking to the
for 15 years, a 22-week course is quite full-on. Leading a
Defence Force in mid-2015 and applied in 2017.”
team under a pressured situation is very challenging.”
A physically active man, he says the idea of being paid
He has a young family, and appreciates he may be overseas
to stay fit was attractive. “In hospitals, people manage to
if the Navy requires it. “My children are excited about it. The
stay fit but it’s a challenge to have an active life. And I was
decision to join the Navy obviously wasn’t made lightly, and
keen not to continue in a hospital environment. Hospitals
it was made with them in mind. My perspective is they will
are very technically challenging, but the nature and variety
no doubt will miss me on the times I’m deployed, but they
of leadership challenges in Defence Health are quite
will value the experiences and stories that I gain.”
enormous. You achieve a lot with a little. I know that sounds
like Public Health generally, but with trying to support
deployed operations and shore-based care, the challenge
is a different scale.”
MID Dylan Mordaunt is promoted to Lieutenant shortly after
Completing the full officer training means he is qualified to
his graduation. From left, his brother Trevor, twins Fionn and
deploy on a RNZN ship as a medical officer if required. It is Niamh (7) and his mother Geraldine have the privilege of
standard to have medics on a ship, but a doctor would be fitting his rank slides.
NEW NAVY DOCTOR 17Our people
01
02
03 04
1. The Navy personnel in the Contingent travelling to Belgium to participate in the Belgian National Day Parade in Brussels. 2. A Chief
of Navy Medals and Parchment Ceremony at Devonport Naval Base in July. 3. WOSCS Jack Rudolph, the NZDF Cultural Adviser, with
CPOCT Korin O’Brien, at the blessing ceremony at Terendak Military Cemetery Malaysia, marking the beginning of the repatriation of NZDF
personnel buried in Malaysia as part of project Te Auraki (The Return). 4. During RIMPAC, LTCDR Ben Martin and MCC designate CDRE
Tony Millar place the new Able Diver rank slides onto ADR Simon Shields. 5. Chief People Officer Liz Huckerby, with WOMED Mike Wiig
in the background, visits HMNZS ROTOITI and LT Regan Harris, Commanding Officer. 6. All in the family, with LTCDR Richard Gilvray and
OCWS Trish Gilvray replacing OWT David Gilvray’s rank slides at his graduation from BBT training. 7. CPODR Spencer Dimond (right) and
18 A LIFE LESS ORDINARY05 06
07 08
09
10 11
AHSO George Forrest (centre) of HMNZS Matataua along with a sailor from the Royal Australian Navy prepare to recover RNZN
divers who had just participated in a ‘pouncer’ operation from a U.S. Navy helicopter in San Diego as part of Exercise RIMPAC. 8. LSCS
Sloan Paniani performs a haka with his Ship’s Company in HMNZS TE MANA at Hawaii. 9. OHSO Matthew Putt and ODR Blake Gibson
train on the new waterside Seamanship Training Aid Facility. 10. Acting Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Peter Siulai receives his
new rank slides from LT Evan Kaska and POLSS Dean Hapi, in what might be the first promotion for the recently renamed branch. 11.
Chaplain Richard Lander is formally inducted into the NZDF Chaplaincy and receives his Officer’s Parchment from Chief of Navy Rear
Admiral John Martin.
19Lincoln and Rafael Brandt in front
Ryan Pearse, LTCDR Andrew
of HMNZS CANTERBURY.
NAVY ROLE-MODELS
CONFIDENCE
By Andrew Bonallack
Seeing people in uniform, confident Mr Brandt made the request to visit Devonport Naval Base
on behalf of Ryan. “Spectrum Care is an organisation that
and assured, meant a lot to autistic supports disabled people in New Zealand. Ryan needs to
teenager Ryan Pearse. develop his social skills, to be confident in saying what he
wants. It’s about finding things he is in love with. He loves
The 17-year-old, with a professed love for the Navy, warships and I asked him, have you ever been to a warship.
was given a guest seat at the graduation of BCT 18/01 So I sent in an email request, and LTCDR Lincoln answered
and JOCT 18/01 in June, along with his Spectrum Care
in a very kind way.”
supporter Rafael Brandt.
Ryan says Rafael makes it easier for him to talk to people.
Under the direction of Defence Public Affairs officer
“He gave me confidence today. I was excited and nervous
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lincoln, the pair also took
to meet organised people, in nice uniforms, who look after
in a tour of HMNZS CANTERBURY before enjoying lunch at
our nation. It was very inspiring.”
the Vince McGlone Galley and an afternoon at the Museum
of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Mr Brandt says this kind of excursion helps with Ryan’s
identity and what he wants to do in life. The young man also
Ryan said the graduation was “really enjoyable”, particularly
has a science bent, and Mr Brandt has organised tours of
the physical displays and fire-fighting. “It was my first
time on CANTERBURY. They showed me the cabins, the science labs at Auckland University.
machine control room, and the bridge. I expected the He says he is happy Ryan gets to grow up in a country
passageways to be narrow, but the ship was wider than I where people are valued. He is from South America. “I tell
thought. I suppose that’s because it’s supposed to carry friends in Brazil, New Zealand is a place where everyone
lots of people.” can be what they want to be.”
20 RYAN PEARSE TOURKEEPING
TRADE
FLOWING
By WOMTO Alyson Douglas RNZNVR
R
oyal New Zealand Naval Reserve personnel worked
together with their Australian counterparts when
they took part in a week-long exercise recently,
honing their skills in responding to piracy activities affecting
commercial shipping surrounding fictitious countries in the
Tasman Sea.
Exercise GOANNA 18 drew on lessons learnt from RAN and
RNZN deployments in domestic and international maritime
military operations and exercises.
The exercise trained and tested members of both navies
as they worked together with commercial shipping
operators to avoid simulated pirate attacks and support the
warfighting effort underpinning the exercise.
Exercise director, Commander David Neumann RANR,
of the Royal Australian Navy’s Maritime Trade Operations
Team One, said that as island nations, Australia and New
Zealand have always been heavily reliant on commercial
shipping. As a result it is of vital importance that both
navies interact and engage with merchant shipping
and the commercial maritime industry to help protect
maritime trade and maintain the integrity of our sea lines
of communication.
“On any given day there are thousands of vessels across
the world sailing to support Australia’s and New Zealand’s
trade and economic security. For maritime countries such
as ours, even a low-level conflict could have severe effects “Our seas are only going to get more crowded as
on our way of life and that of our neighbours and partners. populations and trade grows, so the task of making sure
Our dependence on imported fuel is a good example.” shipping can continue to operate and service that growth
“Our Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) officers work in a safe and efficient manner, during tension or conflict,
with commercial operators in the maritime industry, and remains a key focus for our respective navies. Supporting
supporting government agencies to make sure that in this naval task is what we trained for this week,” CDR
the event of a conflict, we can keep shipping moving with Neumann said.
minimal economic disruption,” he said. Exercises such as GOANNA help train MTO officers for
The exercise has its roots in the TASMANEX exercises of the role they undertake when they deploy to Dubai, in
the 80’s, when MTO personnel routinely conducted cross- support of the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
training. This has lapsed in recent years but during the detachment. LTCDR Garth Mathieson RNZNVR has just
week, Australian and New Zealand personnel were located been relieved by SLT Tiffany Duke RNZNVR as International
in the ports of Newcastle, Brisbane, Botany and Tauranga, Liaison Officer to UKMTO, which acts as the primary point
in an activity that simulated disruptions to cross-Tasman of contact for merchant vessels as they transit through
shipping as a result of a small-scale regional conflict and High Risk Areas in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian
associated piracy attacks. Sea. It also liaises with military forces in the region,
including CTF 150 and CTF 151, task forces to which the
Key parts of the activity included the rapid roll-out of
RNZN currently has CAPT Richard Walker and CAPT Karl
Shipping Control Teams to ports, and the boarding and
Woodhead deployed.
briefing of commercial ships.
EXERCISE GOANNA 21The RNZN Pipes and Drums Club band marches towards
the memorial wall at Devonport Naval Base on Anzac day.
PIPERS STIR THE BLOOD
By Andrew Bonallack
The Pipes and Drums are a regular for Anzac Day at
Playing in a Pipe and Drum Band has
Devonport Naval Base, then head north to Silverdale
been a lifetime hobby for Derek Hobbs. for their parade, while the RNZN Band covers the
Devonport township’s Anzac service.
Mr Hobbs, a security officer at Devonport Naval Base, is
the bass drummer in the Royal New Zealand Navy Pipes The sharing of resources is typical of bands at a
and Drums Club band, made up of amateur bagpipers and time when New Zealand is paying greater attention
drummers from the Defence Force and wider community. to commemorative services, he says. “Sometimes
we do parades if the RNZN band can’t do it. Bands
Spectators of the Silverdale Anzac Parade, or Christmas
are stretched these days, the demand is so high.”
Parades in towns north of Auckland, will be familiar with
the club, who have a wide variety of official engagements in The Pipes and Drums train at HMNZS NGAPONA
their year’s calendar. at Devonport Naval Base on Tuesday nights. The
British Army gifted some Black Watch tartan kilts,
Pipers and drummers have been connected with the
and they still have originals left, unworn. The children
RNZN since the nineties, and in 1999 the then Chief of
in the band wear different kilts, as all the Black
Navy suggested a Pipe and Drum Band be formalised
Watch ones are adult-sized. The white socks, shirts
under the umbrella of the Naval Sports and Recreation
and ties are Navy issue, but the piper brogues – the
Council. It means the band, with its own constitution, is an
lace-up shoes – are special to a pipe band.
incorporated society and technically a social and non-
competitive sports club. He points out with some pride that pipers and
drummers don’t have music sheets attached to their
“We’re all volunteers,” says Mr Hobbs. “Some of us have
instruments. “These guys, they have to remember
Navy backgrounds, Defence backgrounds, or just live in
every tune. That’s what rehearsals are for.”
the area. Our oldest, Jim Kirker, is in his nineties, and still
plays and teaches. Our youngest is maybe nine or ten.” It’s not all old music, he says. “People think it is, and
According to its constitution, at least half the members there is some, but some music is really new. There
must be serving members of the RNZN. was music written for the Navy’s 75th. There’s piping
music being written all the time.”
Mr Hobbs got interested in pipe bands as a teenager.
“When I was at school, we went to a park for the annual Their tempo, however, is usually slower than a march
fireworks display. There was a pipe band there, and I fell beat. “When marching with the Basic Common
in love with it. There’s something about it that stirs your Trainees, for example, they’d find us a bit slow. We
blood.” Mr Hobbs would later join a youth band, then the have to raise our tempo and go a bit faster.”
police band.
22Martin with Events Protocol Officer
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John
Desireè Rawson.
PASSION
FOR EVENTS
LTCDR Phil Rowe and Sister Phyllis at the
RECOGNISED
Christian Care Centre, Solomon Islands.
T
he Chief of Navy issued a collective
thank-you last month to the Events and
Protocol Department for their work in
CHARITY
organising events and visits, topping it off with
a commendation.
SUPPORT IN
Events Protocol Officer Desireè Rawson was
caught by surprise when Rear Admiral John
Martin announced she was a recipient of a
SOLOMONS
‘Chief of Navy Commendation’. The team were
enjoying his collective thank-you for their work
when Ms Rawson spotted her family entering
the room.
“It was very overwhelming and a big surprise.”
Ms Rawson has been with the team from 2012,
becoming a Protocol Officer in 2015. “It’s such
The Royal New Zealand Navy a unique environment to work in, it’s creative
continues to support the Christian and at the same very time structured.” Change
of Command Ceremonies are a particular
Care Centre in the Solomon Islands, event she enjoys. “Those types of events are
with a delivery of presents to the a high point because they become part of
sisters last month. history. Coordinating the opening ceremony
for a new facility on base is particularly special
Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe presented several as you are celebrating the birth of an asset
boxes to Sister Phyllis, which had been earlier delivered that will serve the Navy and its people for
by the Royal New Zealand Air Force as part of a flight to years to come. VIP visits are an opportunity
the Solomons. to showcase the New Zealand Defence Force
A number of parcels contained bras, organised by and our Navy to other countries, enhancing
Lieutenant Commander Victoria Stevens, who assists and strengthening our relationships.”
with the Pacific’s Uplift Project (www.upliftbras.org). The International Naval Review was a
Kay Shepherd, National Maritime Coordination Centre distinctive event, she says. “I took the lead on
at HQ JFNZ, provided donations of clothes, bedding, the Partners Programme for our international
toiletries and towels. VIP guests – that was a rewarding and
memorable experience.”
LTCDR Rowe said Sister Phyllis was overjoyed to
receive the items. “The Care Centre provides valuable She says she feels lucky to be doing the
support to the victims of family violence and sexual job she does, exercising a passion for
abuse. With limited funds from the Government the CCC events management.
relies heavily on practical donations and over the last “I am thankful for my wonderful team and the
18 months has welcomed much from the NZDF.” support of my managers”.
23An Historic Relationship
Engaging with
the Royal Navy
By CDR Andrew Law Admiralty Board. The paintings and objects within the room
Director Strategic Engagement (Navy) are exclusively naval in their provenance. The room’s most
striking feature is the wooden panelling. The centre panel,
T
he RNZN recently conducted talks with the Royal with its ‘eye in glory’ carving was rescued from the Palace of
Navy (RN) in London. These talks focus on the Whitehall which was destroyed by fire in 1698. Other panels
relationship between our two navies, and how we show navigational instruments of the mid-17th century,
can work better together. The key strategic objectives for surrounded by garlands, fish and other objects of a nautical
the talks were: theme. The table itself dates from the early 18th century as
• o strengthen the RN/RNZN relationship through
T do the chairs, including the Lord High Admiral’s chair. An
recognition of the strategic interests, and understanding impressive portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson dominates the
the value we provide to each other; wall behind the Lord High Admiral’s chair. The Admiralty
Clock in the room dates from 1697. Above the fireplace sits
• o increase the understanding of current Navy issues
T
an ornamental wind dial, operated by a weather vane on
and promote greater information exchange; and
the roof. The vane details the wind direction over London,
• o encourage further cooperation and potential
T
and whether or not the wind was favourable for a potential
collaboration in the areas of capability development, and
enemy attack on England.
personnel and training.
It was a significant honour to have been hosted by the RN
The RNZN team was led by Commodore Mat Williams, with
in the historic Admiralty Boardroom. Acknowledgement of
the RN team led by Rear Admiral Nick Hine. In recognising
the historic relationship between our two navies helped
the historic nature of the relationship, the RN hosted the
contribute to the overall success of the talks.
talks in the even-more historic Admiralty Boardroom.
The boardroom, on the first floor of the 1725 Admiralty
Building has been used to determine the strategy and the CDRE Mat Williams and RADM Nick Hine shake hands at the
conclusion of the talks. The RNZN team standing behind are from
tactics of the Royal Navy since its first occupation. Today,
left: SLT Jack Walters, CAPT Maxine Lawes, CDR Andrew Law,
although ownership has been transferred to the Cabinet and CDR Dave Crossman. The painting behind is of King William
Office, the room is still used by the First Sea Lord and the IV, who served in the RN, becoming known as the ‘Sailor King’.
24 RN and RNZN TALKSSub Lieutenant
Pauline Theron
TRAINING
WITH THE
BRITS
“Joining the Royal
New Zealand Navy
seemed a great way to
combine my interest
in engineering and
my love for the sea.”
F
our years ago Pauline Theron, who was in her third
year as an engineering student at Massey University at
Palmerston North, had to decide what career to pursue.
“Joining the Royal New Zealand Navy seemed a great way to
combine my interest in engineering and my love for the sea,”
she said.
Two years ago she was the top graduating officer from
her JOCT course at Devonport Naval Base. She followed
that up by topping her Systems Engineering Management
Course (Marine Engineering) at HMS SULTAN in the UK.
This led to her current attachment as Assistant Marine
Engineering Officer on HMS ALBION.
23,000-tonne HMS ALBION
In this role SLT Theron is gaining hands-on experience
operating the ship’s marine engineering machinery. She is 550 crew members
also learning how the ship’s 70-strong marine engineering
department is run. heading to the nearest Wi-Fi zone every time the ship comes
“The Royal Navy personnel have been very accommodating alongside in a foreign port.”
and welcoming. The camaraderie is good and the Ship’s Born in South Africa, SLT Theron migrated to New Zealand
Company have become like a second family,” she said. with her family when she was 14. They settled on the Kapiti
The 23,000-tonne HMS ALBION, which has 550 crew Coast and later in Palmerston North.
members, is currently deployed in the Asia-Pacific to With a bursary from the RNZN, she completed her
strengthen the United Kingdom’s partnerships in a part of engineering degree in December 2015 and joined the
the world that is growing in strategic importance. Regular Force the following month. She deployed to the
The ship has visited Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and South Southern Ocean in 2016 as the Assistant Engineering
Korea so far and exercised with a French task group in the Officer of Offshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS WELLINGTON.
Java Sea. It was recently in Japan to work alongside the “As an engineer, to be involved in docking and undocking
United Kingdom’s allies and partners to support maritime a ship and in the meticulous planning that is required is an
security in the region’s busy shipping lanes. enriching experience,” she said.
“Being away from home can be challenging, so it’s great that “Walking underneath a large ship, such as when it enters a
we have email and occasional phone calls,” SLT Theron said. dry dock for repairs to the underwater portion of the hull, is a
“It’s quite amusing seeing a stream of crew members surreal experience.”
ROYAL NAVY EXCHANGE 25You can also read
