NEW RECRUITS HAVE THEIR FIRST TIME ABOARD SHIP WHY WE NEED A CREDIBLE NAVAL COMBAT FORCE
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issue 192 SEPTEMBER 2015
NEW RECRUITS WHY WE NEED HMNZS
HAVE THEIR A CREDIBLE WELLINGTON
FIRST TIME NAVAL COMBAT ON SOUTH
ABOARD SHIP FORCE PACIFIC PATROL
T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f t h eour people
sea 1
contents NAVY TODAY ISSUE 192 2015
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 eighteenth year of
publication.
Views expressed in Navy Today are not
necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF. 04
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 193 October issue 15 September
NT 192 November issue 15 October
NT 195 December issue 15 November
Subject to change.
EDITOR:
David McLoughlin
Defence Public Affairs
HQ NZ Defence Force
16 22
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand
P: (04) 496 0219 F: (04) 496 0290
E: david.mcloughlin@nzdf.mil.nz
DESIGN & LAYOUT: 04 CN AND NEW RECRUITS SEA-RIDE
Defence Public Affairs IN CANTERBURY
PRINT:
As part of a Government multi-agency
09 BCT CHURCH SERVICE REFLECTIONS issue 192 SEPTEMBER 2015
initiative the NZDF has changed to a single
provider for all of its Print Services. WHY NZ NEEDS A CREDIBLE NAVAL
This magazine is now printed by Blue Star. 13 COMBAT FORCE
Feedback to rick.derham@nzdf.mil.nz on
the quality of this publication is welcomed.
LSTD MAKASINI’S FITNESS AND
16 EATING JOURNEY
INQUIRIES TO:
Defence Public Affairs
P: (04) 496 0270 F: (04) 496 0290
18 OUR PEOPLE AT CN’S WHAKAARO
Director Defence Public Affairs
P: (04) 496 0299 F: (04) 496 0290 NEW RECRUITS
HAVE THEIR
WHY WE NEED
A CREDIBLE
HMNZS
WELLINGTON
20
FIRST TIME NAVAL COMBAT ON SOUTH
Defence Careers: WRECK OF THE BUFFALO ABOARD SHIP FORCE PACIFIC PATROL
T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f T h eour people
sea 1
P: 0800 1FORCE (0800 136 723)
www.defencecareers.mil.nz
cover image:
22 NAVY’S AUCKLAND CHARTER PARADE
CHANGING ADDRESS? The recruits of BCT 15/02 doing
To join or leave our mailing list, physical training on the freezing,
please contact:
E: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz
30 FLEET PROGRESS heaving flight deck of HMNZS
CANTERBURY. See story beginning
page four. Photo by David
McLoughlin, editor, Navy Today.
2 mcc log
CHIEF OF NAVY
Rear Admiral Jack Steer, ONZM
yours aye
achieve the enhanced combat capability vision of the CDF,
we need to focus on our purpose, our fundamental reason to exist.
Our role is to contribute to the security of our nation, and the
people of New Zealand. We contribute to the security of our nation
on the sea, above the sea and below the sea. Every one of you has
a role to ensure our Navy is ready to deliver a maritime warfare
capability whenever we are called upon. Remember that this is
not just about the Naval Combat Force, every ship of our Navy is a
warship; every capability that we have contributes to the effect of
warfare and contributes to the security of New Zealand.
When we think of New Zealand we must also remember we are a
maritime nation. We are a maritime nation because of our absolute
dependence on our sea borne trade. Many New Zealanders depend
on the sea for their livelihood. We have an extensive coast line,
a massive Exclusive Economic Zone and a very large Search and
Rescue area.
We are the experts in the maritime domain. We are entrusted
as the protector of our ocean resources. No other Government
department can do what we do.
T
his month I need to discuss with all of you our Four Year Plan. So I believe that the Mission Statement of “Defend New Zealand’s
You should all be aware that the Chief of Defence Force has Interests at Sea” accurately describes our purpose. Everything
published the four year plan for the New Zealand Defence we do, whether it be training, maintaining or operating our Navy
Force, called Ready 2020. By 2020 the New Zealand Defence Force ensures we “Defend New Zealand’s interests at sea”. That really is
will have an enhanced combat capability. What we now need to what we are here for.
focus on is how our Navy will make the contributions required to
This is a significant moment in the history of our Navy. We now
achieve Ready 2020. This plan translates the requirements of Ready
need to shape our Navy to ensure that our horsepower is in the
2020 into Navy specific language. We have called this plan Navy
right areas to achieve our 2020 vision. This is going to take courage
2020 (see Navy Today issue 191). This is our plan; it is specifically
and commitment to implement successfully.
linked to the priorities of Ready 2020 and we need to own it.
I need you all to seize this opportunity, to cast off the habits and
The end-state for Navy 2020 is very clear to me. In the next five
shackles of the past and to actively drive changing our Navy from a
years the plan is we will have “five new ships” join our Navy. We
“Navy for Yesterday and Today” to the Navy of “Today and Tomorrow”.
will have two upgraded frigates and we will need to relearn how
to ‘‘fight them”. We will also have a new and much larger Maritime I also know it will not be easy. Hard decisions are required.
Sustainment Capability (the ENDEAVOUR replacement) and a Priorities need to be established. We will restructure our Navy to
Littoral Operations Support Capability (the RESOLUTION and better enable us to succeed. We need all of you onside and working
MANAWANUI replacement). There is also every chance that we will towards a better Navy that is able to make a greater contribution
have a third Offshore Patrol Vessel that will be better configured to the outcomes of the New Zealand Defence Force. Embrace the
to operate down to the south of New Zealand, especially within opportunity and work with each other to move our Navy ahead.
Antarctic waters. Add to that the new SH2G(I) helicopters and we I know that if we all focus on this, we can make our Navy even
will have a modern and capable fleet. greater than it is now.
Our Navy needs to be ready to accept and operate this new He Heramana ahau
capability without compromise to the currently planned I am a sailor
requirements of CANTERBURY, WELLINGTON, OTAGO and two
of our Inshore Patrol Vessels. We are a Navy that is currently
organised for “Yesterday and Today”. We need to move our focus to
being a Navy of “Today and Tomorrow”. Business as usual will not
get us to Navy 2020.
We have so far focused on the generation and development of our
people and that is a good thing. We know we are the Warriors of the Top Left: CN enthuses about Navy 2020 to 800 personnel at the Fleet
Sea of New Zealand. But to achieve the requirements of 2020, to Gymnasium.
yours aye 3
First sea-ride for new recruits
likely also the last for CN
By David McLoughlin, editor, Navy Today
T
he 36 recruits of Basic Common Training (BCT) 15/02 joined
HMNZS CANTERBURY in Wellington on Tuesday 11 August
to sail to Auckland in a three-night passage. Chief of Navy
RADM Jack Steer joined the ship by sea-boat in Napier next day. It
was the first time at sea in a Navy ship for the recruits. CN believes
it was his last before his retirement on 30 November.
There were many other firsts for the BCTs, including physical
training (PT) on the flight deck of a moving, often-heaving ship, sea-
sickness for some, a ride in one of CANTERBURY’s two landing craft
(Landing Craft Medium or LCM) and watches on the bridge in the
middle of the night. But there was also one significant first for CN—
after brief instruction from coxswain POSCS Gan Elphick-Moon,
he drove the LCM for two successful mergers with CANTERBURY’s
stern ramp.
The first ship CN was deployed in after joining the Navy was the
frigate HMNZS CANTERBURY F421, scrapped in 2005. He thought
it fitting the modern sealift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY L421 would
be his last.
“You are the last BCT class I will see graduate, as I retire on
November 30,” CN told the recruits during the voyage. “I’ve been
in the Navy for 43 years and you might think as an admiral I will
have done everything it’s possible to do. Not so. Today I got to drive
an LCM with two ramp mergers. I’ve never done that before. Any
of you could go on to do and be anything. CN, WON, any role you
aspire to.”
Cook Strait turns on some rough and very cold weather as
CANTERBURY sails out of Wellington. The swells continue into the Middle: Smiles of great experience—Warrant Officer of the Air Force W/O
Mark Harwood (left) and Warrant Officer of the Navy WOCH Steve Bourke.
early hours of Wednesday morning as the ship makes for Napier.
Above: Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres on CANTERBURY’s bridge. From
While some of the BCTs were seasick, so were some of Ship’s left CO CDR Simon Rooke, Navigation Officer LT Malcolm Barry and ENS Sam
Company including senior officers! Murray, the latter getting extensive experience in how to drive a ship.
4 HMNZS CANTERBURY SEA-RIDE
The recruits of BCT 15/02
undertake PT on the freezing flight deck.
CN boards the ship in Napier
Napier is fine and sunny. The ship slowly cruises off the shore
around 10am as one of the ship’s boats (rigid hull inflatable boat
or RHIB) goes to pick up CN, Warrant Officer of the Navy (WON)
WOCH Steve Bourke and Warrant Officer of the Air Force W/O
Mark Harwood before sailing north-east to round the Mahia
Peninsula then on to round East Cape north of Gisborne for a night
passage across the Bay of Plenty to the Coromandel Peninsula.
“This is really exciting for me to be at sea,” CN tells Ship’s Company
in a Clear Lower Deck in the spacious embarked forces dining hall
soon after he boarded. The hall is where Army and other non-Navy
personnel eat while travelling in CANTERBURY, as many had done
recently when the ship took them to and from Exercise Talisman
Sabre in Australia and, before that, to and from Vanuatu to extend
NZDF humanitarian aid after Cyclone Pam.
CN refers to the presence of the BCTs onboard (they were not in Flight deck PT and “action scran”
the hall) and asks everyone to help and encourage them, but not From about 4pm on Wednesday afternoon, the recruits have a
to mention so early in their training “the tradition of the term that PT session on the flight deck. By then, the weather has worsened
starts with golden,” a quip that draws a good round of laughter. again with rolling seas, a light drizzle and very cold winds. It was a
He was referring to the legendary practice of sending a new sailor strenuous session with a lot of running up and down in relays and it
to find the “golden rivet” that is allegedly the last rivet used in the produced a decent sweat on everyone after an hour.
construction of a new ship. Many a fruitless hour has supposedly The evening meal in the embarked forces dining hall starts at
been spent searching dark lower spaces for something that does 5.30pm. As well as the BCTs and their instructors, there are more
not exist. than a dozen civilians from government agencies also sea-riding to
Auckland and various Army personnel present. Everyone queues
around the sides and back of the hall to wait their turn to select
food from the “slide.” In Navy-speak this is the “scran line,” scran
meaning food.
But the recruits are barely tucking into their piled-high plates when
one of their instructors suddenly tells them loudly they have just
three minutes left to eat. A lot of frantic eating follows. Then comes
a final countdown in seconds. At zero they are told to stand up
and take their plates to the counter and put their meals in the bins
there. “No eating on the way!”
Above: Recruits in the scran line for breakfast.
Left: Navy Seasprite flies around CANTERBURY in the Hauraki Gulf.
HMNZS CANTERBURY SEA-RIDE 5
Above: WOCSS Ray Jensen (left) and Chaplain Michael Berry watch the the training and the diet. I used to be able to sleep in till 9am if I
recruits’ flight deck PT session from the relative “warmth” of the hangar.
wanted. It’s up at 5am here! They get us up at 5.15 or 5.30 when they
Top Right: From left OSA Joshua Finau, OMED Ayana Piper-Healion, OMT
Aidan Jones and OEWS Bradley Amos.
bang on our doors and wake us up for EMAs in the hangar. At RTS
we spend the weekend cleaning kit so we don’t get remedials.”
WOCSS Ray Jensen of the Recruit Training Squadron, who is eating EMA is Navy speak for the “early morning activities”—exercises—
there, says it was because food was found in the BCT mess deck and the recruits do.
that’s not allowed. “We aren’t allowed to punish them but we do
OMT Aidan Jones, from Dunedin, where he went to King’s High
remedial work like this action scran to emphasis what is expected
School, says his first two days aboard ship were quite hard. “I was
of them.” “Action scran” is a similar term to the Navy expression
seasick, tired, exhausted. I couldn’t eat for two days either. I found
“action messing” to describe feeding a ship’s company in a very
it claustrophobic on the first night. We’re sleeping in a tighter
short time during a busy exercise, for example.
space; we have 11 people in a big room at RTS but 11 in a tiny room
“It’s similar if someone has a dirty uniform when they shouldn’t,” on the ship.
WOCSS Jensen adds. “They have to wash their clothes in a bucket,
“But I’ve got my sea legs now. I’m told the first day at sea is always
counting each time they put it in. Most people learn fast!”
the hardest no matter how many times you have been on a ship.
Recruits having a great if busy “The routines are full on, you are never resting. They are pretty
time onboard much the same as at RTS, with Wakey Wakey, EMAs, scran. The PT
is different as it is around the ship. From EMAs we have 14 minutes
The food remedial aside, the recruits are enjoying their time on the
to get back to the mess deck, shower and dhobe [washing clothes].
ship. OSA Joshua Finau, from Mangere, Auckland, and not long out
We get 20 to 30 seconds to have a shower. Then we dress and line
of Onehunga High School, says the BCTs try not to complain about
up to do the count-up. Then our rooms are checked and then we
anything and just get on with it.
can go to scran.”
“One of the guys got caught with an orange in his mess deck,” OSA
OMED Ayana Piper-Healion, from Whitianga, where she studied
Finau says of the food remedial. “It happened once and it won’t
at Mercury Bay Area School, was a lifeguard at nearby Hot Water
happen again. We’ve learnt our lesson!
Beach and did various first aid and other medical courses. She
“This is my first time on a ship so a bit to learn about health and wanted to beef up her medical training so she joined the Navy.
safety. It’s quite different to being on land, especially the rolling After her basic training, she will spend two-and-a-half years at
back and forth. The rocking was quite noticeable especially when the medic course at the Joint Medical Services Health School at
going to sleep. One of the guys was throwing up all night! Burnham military camp.
“The routines are quite structured so you know what you will be “I’ve enjoyed being out of RTS and in a new environment, meeting
doing at what time. We are constantly doing something, which the medics onboard ship and learning what they do and what I can
prepares us for a life at sea.” expect at Burnham. I’ve enjoyed being on deck and watching the
OEWS Bradley Amos, who attended Tauranga Boys’ College, says sea go by, which reminds me of why I’m in the Navy. I was on watch
the only other ship he’d been on was an Interislander three or four last night from midnight to 1am and learned all the bridge routines.
years ago. I even filled out the log. This trip has been good.”
“It’s been good. I haven’t been seasick yet,” he says, speaking on the A Navy Seasprite helicopter from No 6 Squadron flies around
Thursday, when the ship is going through the Hauraki Gulf bound CANTERBURY in the Hauraki Gulf but to the disappointment of
for Whangaparaoa. “It’s quite disciplined being in the Navy, with some does not land on the ship. CANTERBURY comes to a stop
6 HMNZS CANTERBURY SEA-RIDE
off Army Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, where the landing craft
is carefully craned into the water and brought around to the
ship’s opened stern door. First the BCTs get a ride in two separate
groups, then RADM Steer steps aboard for his instructions and
two dockings.
Little did CN know that members of Ship’s Company had created an
L plate, which his Flag Lieutenant, LT Charlotte Burson, attached to
the craft’s cab.
CN has “fireside chat” with the
recruits
After the LCM is hoisted back onboard, CN holds a chat with
the recruits in the embarked forces dining hall. None of their
instructors are present, a deliberate move to allow the recruits a
free and frank discussion.
“How has your time on the ship been?” CN asks the recruits.
“GOOD SIR!” they shout back in unison.
“We don’t need a ‘yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir’,” CN replies.
“Let’s just have a nice little fireside chat.” The chat lasts close to an
hour, with the recruits asking lots of questions.
He’s asked what his favourite thing is about being CN. “Sailing
with sailors. Every day one of our sailors does something
absolutely amazing. The saddest thing for me will be missing all
my Navy colleagues.”
What has been his most stressful moment? “I don’t really get
stressed in the job, I just get busy.”
Where did the Navy’s core values—Courage, Comradeship,
Commitment—come from? “We realised we needed core values in
what had previously been an all-male environment. We discussed
it throughout the Navy about 15 years ago. Gradually the values
changed our Navy.”
CN asks some questions too: “What do you do in your spare
time? Sleep?” And someone quickly answers: “If we sleep we get
a sleep remedial!” From Top right to Bottom right: Flags (LT Charlotte Burson) puts an L plate
on the landing craft as CN prepares to drive it for the first time.
CN looks out the window, oblivious to the L plate.
CN (right) drives the landing craft towards CANTERBURY’s stern ramp as
POSCS Gan Elphick-Moon keeps watch.
HMNZS CANTERBURY SEA-RIDE 7
CN chats with the recruits in the embarked forces dining hall.
There is just one question CN steers away from: “Do you have any
good jokes? We are told you tell good jokes.” To which he replies:
“The trouble with my jokes is they get me into trouble.”
He tells them he’s invited all living former CNs to their graduation.
“On November 6 you will go on parade. You will recite the Navy
Creed. You will perform the Navy Haka. You will be so proud. You
will be accepted by all of us.
“You are doing really well. The instructors are happy with you. Keep
smiling. Keep your sense of humour. It will get you through the
toughest days. This week you’re spending three nights on a ship but
you have a career where you could go away to sea for six months.”
OTAGO joins CANTERBURY for the
return to Auckland
As evening falls, CANTERBURY is joined in the Hauraki Gulf by
the Offshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS OTAGO, just returning from
Rarotonga. The two ships spend the night conducting Officer of the
Watch manoeuvres at close quarters.
CANTERBURY’s Commanding Officer, CDR Simon Rooke, explains
these as being needed for training and practice purposes, but it
is often not possible to get two ships together long enough to do
these, so this chance has been grabbed.
CANTERBURY and OTAGO are still exercising at breakfast time on
Friday morning. In the dining hall, Navy padre Chaplain Michael
Berry, who is with the team accompanying the recruits, says the
members of BCT 15/02 have handled their first time at sea with the
Navy well.
“They took on the challenge. The challenge is not about not being
seasick, but letting yourself find yourself. On the last ship I was on,
there was a young Officer of the Watch who got terribly seasick.
He stood on the bridge for hour after hour because he was so
passionate about the sea. The recruits have taken on that passion.
It’s a raw passion.”
The two ships enter Auckland harbour together and head for
Devonport Naval Base. CANTERBURY berths first, just on 10am. It’s
a difficult berthing because of the tide and prevailing wind, but CDR
Rooke oversees it flawlessly. “There are only two types of berthing,”
he says. “One like this, and one with a lot of paperwork.”
CANTERBURY has been away for almost two-and-a-half months.
CDR Rooke thanks his personnel over the ship’s main broadcast
system for their hard work on Talisman Sabre and particularly
thanks them for their exemplary behaviour during the “runs ashore”
in Australian ports.
CN is piped off the ship. The grey heavens open, sending torrents
Top: Landing craft approaches the stern ramp. of rain over the base. And so the weather for the passage ends in
Above: A group of recruits disembarking from the landing craft. Auckland as it began in Wellington.
8 HMNZS CANTERBURY SEA-RIDE
BCT Family Church Service
Reflections
The Sunday before the recruits of Basic Common Training (BCT) 15/02 embarked on
HMNZS CANTERBURY, their Family Church Service was held at St Christopher’s Chapel,
Devonport Naval Base. It was the first time they had seen family members since joining
the Navy in early July. These are the Reflections four of the recruits gave to the service.
I was born in Auckland, raised everywhere else. I’m 19 years old
and come from a strong Navy background, starting way up the
family line with my great-grandfather serving in World War II and
working its way down to both of my parents before me. My mother
and father both started where I am now, mum becoming a member
of the Navy Band and my dad, serving 21 years and leaving as a
marine engineering officer. They are both a huge inspiration to me
being here today. I didn’t join the Navy just because of my parents
though. The challenges set before me so far have been well worth
the fight and rewards.
Signing the attestation during our first week of BCTs was an
important and exciting time for all of us, maybe even a little
daunting not knowing what was to come. I remember the day
clearly in my mind, and know that I always will. It was incredible
being in the Navy Museum, soaking up the proud and inspirational
history that lay around us before we picked up our pens and signed
the line that would launch our lives and careers into something
amazing. Before much longer though, we were back on base, and
the somewhat “relaxed” training as we knew it intensified. We were
suddenly standing to attention on the small parade ground before
a terrifying Petty Officer, on our way to becoming disciplined and
self-reliant sailors of the RNZN.
Our lifestyles have changed dramatically since we left civvy-world.
I’ve actually forgotten what it looks like out there, and instead
I’ve come to understand the workings of an iron much better. We
OEWS Duffy
all know what happens when the PTIs inspect a freshly put-on
rig that’s not quite up to standard. I’ve lost count of how many
OEWS Anelies Duffy burpees we’ve done because of this crease, or that crease, as well
as that tiny bit of lint. The same standards are applied in the mess
I
decks. It was a bit of a shock to see the instructors climbing up
remember day one, a daunting time for most of us, wide-eyed
walls and cubby holes to inspect that very top shelf for dust—
and clueless, clutching heavy travel bags at the front gate
except of course for our very own duster buster who can reach up
of Recruit Training Squadron with only a small idea of what
with ease and with a swipe of his hands catch every speck we’ve
to expect over the next few weeks. We were marched in quickly
though, parents and loved ones watching apprehensively from the been too short to reach, announcing “dust” upon finding that small
other side of the fence. Everything from that point onwards was a but successful breach of cleanliness.
blur. We had lots more paperwork to fill out and met new friends Week Four—or Shakedown Week—in particular was a huge
instantly. We quickly ironed an attractive new pair of coveralls to achievement for us all. The PTI’s Early Morning Activities—or full on
wear the next day and had the instructors brief us on the long list PT sessions in shakedown terms—were tough, getting up at 0500
of contraband items, including nutty, cell phones, coffee, toast, (or 0300 on our longest day) and running down an approximate 1km
piercings, books, magazines, make-up, card games—it goes on a hill to Army Bay, where we were rewarded with a not-so-warm swim
little. For most of us, the start of our naval career was a massive in the Oggy. The chafe was very real for a lot of us. We learnt a lot
leap into the world we live in today. last week though. Good ol’ Uncle Hawser*— or was it Horace?—
BCT CHURCH SERVICE REFLECTIONS 9
came out three nights in a row. We did a good few hundred bull read everything before you walk out the other end of the tunnel!
rings and it felt like we could never get anything right, but we Especially if it involves nutty, or extra sleep.
slowly learnt from our mistakes and worked harder from there. And finally we have just completed Week Five and are looking
A definite high point for me was when we had to retrieve a forward to the beginning of Phase Two of our training. We have
“prisoner” from the WWII tunnels in total darkness. That’s right, learnt the basics, but now we need to master them. We still have a
no torches, only a few glow sticks in what seemed to me to be long way to go, but I’m pretty positive that with a lot more courage,
incredibly tight spaces. I’ll admit it now; I was a little freaked out to commitment and comradeship that we will make it through these
start with. Darkness and tight spaces all in one do not mix well in last 13 weeks of BCTs.
my mind. Eventually though, I realised it wasn’t going to kill me and Stand easy for the day, fellow oppos, enjoy being with your family
that I just needed to get on with the task at hand. By the end of the and loved ones once again, but remember that when we get back
20 to 30 minutes we were down there, I surprised myself, roaming tonight, it’s all on again. And I personally say “bring it on” to
around in total darkness, NOT clinging to my oppos’ polar fleeces whatever challenges stand in my way now. Standby team, we’ve
and searching thoroughly for our final item to collect—a so called only just begun.
“smoke flare” which as it turns out, we had already grabbed some 10
*Uncle Hawser is a ship’s towing rope (hawser) the recruits take
minutes before. We also learnt a very valuable lesson down in those
around as a “remedial” for doing something wrong.
tunnels, one that would definitely benefit future BCTs—always
OMA Sims
Quite clearly becoming self reliant and disciplined is not an
overnight transformation.
It takes perseverance and dedication by both us as recruits and
the instructors who aim to get us there. The training is tough
and a lot is expected of us but everything, every little thing, is
done for a reason. The intense physical training is to ensure we
can look after ourselves and our shipmates in an emergency
situation; the classwork is to teach us the procedures and how
the navy functions and what our roles are; and even the lack of
sleep is designed to test us and ensure we can survive in harsh
conditions. I can imagine a few of my instructors might find my
last point a little amusing as they have had to put up with my
droopy eyelids a little too much over the last few weeks, quick
apologies all round for this, team.
The survival of last week is a pretty major accomplishment for
us as a training division; the survival of Shakedown Week. The
details of this week are not even concrete in my own mind as it
was a pretty tiring week but through the haze of running that
was shakedown week a lot of cool team building activities do
shine through.
Something I’m really enjoying about my experience so far is the
OMA Krystal Sims team atmosphere. It’s encouraging to know that to survive this
you must work as a part of the bigger picture. That if someone
is struggling you cant just leave them behind because it will
My Name is Krystal Sims, a few of you may know me by this bring the whole team down, so you help them, be it with making
name but the majority of you will only know me as Sims. I their bed, checking them over to make sure their kit looks up to
decided to join the navy for many reasons—you know what they standard, supporting them in their running or handing out a few
say; “join the navy see the world” and I must say getting paid ironing tips. It’s all about team work. As the saying goes, a team
to travel is an amazing opportunity. But no, I joined the navy to is only as strong as its weakest members.
challenge myself, to put myself way out of my comfort zone and And after all we have been through together I now look at those
to be the best I could possibly be. around me with admiration and confidence. Confidence that
The training I have experienced over the last five weeks since even though it has been hard and even with all the hard bits
arriving here and forfeiting my old lifestyle has been interesting. to come I know I have a great team around me. A team who
As in all aspects of life there have been ups and downs. But look will help one another through everything and everything the
at us; tired but surviving. The training goal of the instructors instructors can and will throw at us; because as much as it might
here is to produce self-reliant disciplined sailors and I must say not seem like it all the time, they want us to succeed just as
at the moment I do see why it’s an 18-week course. much as we do.
10 BCT CHURCH SERVICE REFLECTIONSOMT Yyan Mayorga
I am Yyan Mayorga. I am from Christchurch but I grew up in the
Philippines. My family moved here eight years ago.
The story of why I am here today started a long time ago. As a kid I
always wanted to be in the military, the intention was always there.
Maybe, because of how cool they looked, or how tough they looked.
It did not change until I entered the RTS gate. As soon as I got
yelled at by one of the staff, I asked myself “what did I get myself
into?” Then I thought about my family and my dream. They’re the
reason I am here today. They’ve pushed me to be better and they
always believed in me, and for that I am thankful.
I have always looked at servicemen and servicewomen as heroes,
not only they’re ready to defend and die for their countries but for
some of them the agony of being away from their loved ones hurts
just as much. My decision to join the Navy took a lot of courage,
and that goes for everybody who has served in the past, serving in
the present, and those who will serve in the future. I don’t regret
my decision, and I never will.
Not even after signing the attestation. Signing the dotted
line meant a lot for all of us. That meant sacrifice, sacrificing a
comfortable civilian life. Sleeping when you want, eating when
you want and going where you want. That’s not something we can
do here. You wake up with Wakey Wakey, you eat scran at certain
times, and pretty much our mall is the small parade ground. Signing
the line also meant commitment on your behalf! We now represent
the Navy and New Zealand. OMT Mayorga
Being committed means not giving up on whatever they throw at you.
Commitment is keeping the positive attitude when you know you’re remedial and carrying Uncle Hawser, but if we look at it closely it
about to get Uncle Hawser. Commitment is pushing each other to made us 10 times better than we were in Week Three. The pain in
surpass the standards. Physically and mentally we have been pushed, our faces going up those hills, doing burpees over and over again
carrying an 86kg dummy up the hill, trying to find Oscar in a very dark because somebody decided to take a rest, pushing Little Flick*, that
tunnel, non-stop burpees for six minutes! But my favourite would parade training with Leader Wells, those made us who we are now.
always be the water. Remedial swims at 6am, or the 3am jog to the Getting plenty of letters from my girlfriend and my family would be
beach just to do push ups and burpees in the water. All these things another high. Knowing how they’re doing cheers me up. Family will
have transformed us from individuals into a team. always be my high. And because of this, I don’t regret my decision,
And like I said, I don’t regret my decision, and I never will—not even and I never will.
after wearing my wet weather pants while everybody was wearing I’ve never been in a better position in my life before. Here, I have
GWDs. Now I know why we can’t wear our GWDs. Sorry team. my oppos, the civilian chefs takes good care of us, the PTIs are
Being away from my family would always be my low. Getting yelled turning us into machines, PO Plant and Leader Wells are making
at from time to time will always bring me down, but I know our sure we don’t look like gumbies on our march out, and instructors
instructors, as scary as they come, they’re here to help up become are making sure we pay attention to small details so that in the
self reliant sailors. future we don’t make small problems any bigger.
Passing my pool test is up there for my highs, and so was my sea Eighteen weeks and beyond, I see myself as a self-reliant sailor
test. I remember during my sea test while treading, I asked PTI who portrays Courage, Commitment, and Comradeship. Attitude
Gomez what he was going to eat for scran. I asked myself “why did is everything because the standard you walk past is the standard
you do that? What if he gives you remedial?” I made sure I kept you accept.
myself calm. I even asked [recruit] Dalton what he’s going to eat.
I am a sailor.
Meeting new people is one thing, building friendship is another.
Comradeship is the third C in our core values. And every time
* Little Flick is a trailer about the size of a small car trailer, used for fire
we are given a task, I know we all do our best impression of exercises where it is loaded with hoses and pushed by the recruits to the
comradeship. The whole Shakedown Week might have been full of scene of the fire.
BCT CHURCH SERVICE REFLECTIONS 11OSA Darnel Eparaima
Courage,
commitment and
comradeship
Are the core values
in which we live
Working together
and helping out
BCTs is where it all
begins.
OSA Eparaima
Looking back on the past five weeks
Rewarding and challenging tasks
But let me rewind my life a wee bit 5am we are up and awake. Don’t make timings, things change fast
To where my journey starts. Bathroom sinks, reflections beam Watch out for the Leading Hands!
Raised in a hardworking family Showers without a single water drop Competition runs wild
Mum and Dad so humble and strong Washing our clothing by hand Achilles and Leander
Raising my siblings and me Our days seemed non-stop. Still family at heart
Giving us a home in which we belong. All tasks set had meaning Just with a little bit more banter.
Working since a young age Even though it may not have seemed Where do I see myself now?
As a teenager, unsure of where to go it at the time Quitting is not an option
But then I heard about the Navy and the Watching ourselves and our peers I have come this far for myself and my team
opportunities it brings Come out of our shells and shine. But there are others,
A career where skills and experiences Leaders, Learners who I would like to mention.
grow. Encouragers and Friends My father, my mother
I knew that’s where I wanted to be Working as a whole team My siblings and my friends
I made it my goal, my aim Pushing to the very end I will continue to push forward
To be a self-reliant sailor Others ask me, what’s so hard? The next 13 weeks until the end.
But I knew it was not going to What pushes me to the extreme? Push through the hard times
be an easy gain. My mind is my only barrier Embrace all the good times too
On the bus from my home town I am nothing without my team. Make memories for many years
Unsure of what was to come Physically, emotionally And make friends who will remain true.
Rotorua girl new to Auckland life Without you, and you and you My future is going to be rewarding
A new journey had begun. I would not be standing here Experience things no ordinary person can
Excitement, nervousness You are all the reason I pull through. To one day share this understanding
Eagerness and fear In and out of the ocean With more people, lend them a hand.
Wondering where my life would lead Burpees, prone holds, push ups you name it Thank you instructors for your time
Where to from here? The sense of achievement afterwards We will all continue to grow
As I stepped through the gates A huge exhale “Thank goodness we made it!” Bring on the weeks to come
Bag clutched at my side Through blood, sweat, sand and tears Go Achilles GO!
Leaders, Instructors, instant fear Proud with our heads held high Manaakitia Atu
As their eyes, met mine. One step at a time we push on forward We will continue to care and support our
Meeting each person one by one One PT session at a time. peers
Soon to be friends, or “oppos” as they say Swimming in the freezing sea Tautokotia Atu
Weeks go by, that changes swiftly Doing lengths or widths of the pool We will stand behind each other for many
Brothers and sisters is how we remain. Despite the chaffing and the cold years.
Learning the ropes of our surroundings I learnt quickly, one simple rule.
Kia Ora.
And making many mistakes Timing is essential
Ironing overalls and cleaning boots Make the timings and things run as planned
12 BCT CHURCH SERVICE REFLECTIONSWhy the NZDF needs to maintain
a credible Naval Combat Force
By CAPT Mark Worsfold RNZN
Strategy in military terms can be defined as Continental or Blue Water, depending
on geography or character; a nation will decide to pursue their interests over land or
over seas. Maritime or Naval Strategy therefore is the mandate to define how a naval
service will complete its politically directed requirements.
T
he New Zealand Government has confirmed its to prevent use of the sea by others to its disadvantage. Maritime
commitment to making sure New Zealand has a strong policy is based on the concept of freedom of the seas which has
and effective Defence Force. It has committed to a been codified in international law.
Defence Force that must complete a range of roles. It must New Zealand is a maritime nation, but the definition is not
protect New Zealand’s territory and citizens. It must conduct allocated merely because we are surrounded by water. We are a
and lead missions in the South Pacific and it must also enable maritime nation because of our absolute dependence on sea-borne
New Zealand to contribute meaningfully to regional and trade, mostly over the horizon—our own coat of arms contains
international security with partners and friends. For New three ships to symbolise our dependence on maritime commerce.
Zealand’s military combat capability to be deemed credible, it It isn’t just the waters surrounding New Zealand that make us
needs to be deployable, autonomous, versatile, and adaptable. a maritime nation, it is also our unreserved dependence on the
The current capabilities that are credible in terms of projecting waters on the other side of the world for our national well being
combat are: Special Forces, Combined Arms Task Group and economic prosperity.
(Mobile or Expeditionary) and the Naval Combat Force.
The free movement of commercial shipping through international
Every nation defines its naval requirements in its own terms, waters is of critical importance to the livelihoods of all New
but for New Zealand, tasks in and around our country and the Zealanders.
South Pacific have been the historical starting point for such
We are located in an ocean that is larger than all of the land masses
definitions. Working with Australia, New Zealand must have
of the world combined. We have an extensive coastline and the
the ability to deal with any reasonably foreseeable contingency
fourth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. Our maritime
in the South Pacific. Such capabilities, by extension, also allow
area of responsibility is one of the largest at 4,083,744 square
us to make a credible contribution to stability in Asia, as well
kilometres (15 times our land mass). Including territorial waters we
as further afield.
have the seventh biggest area, behind the USA, France, Australia,
Navies exist therefore to specifically allow the state use of the Russia, Canada and Japan.
sea for its own advantage, while at the same time attempting
New Zealand ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of
Above: The frigate HMNZS TE KAHA on narcotics patrol in the Indian Ocean the Sea in 1996. We were the fifth country to present a submission
in June with an RNZAF P-3K2 Orion and the ship’s Seasprite helicopter. to the UN Commission for Limits of the Continental shelf (2006).
STRATEGIC THINKING 13The commission confirmed that under Law of the Sea Article 76,
New Zealand has rights to a further 1.7 million square kilometres We have an extensive coastline and the
outside the current EEZ.
fourth largest Exclusive Economic Zone
In contrast to this extensive maritime area, New Zealand has a
comparatively small economy and population, ranking just 53rd
in the world.
in the world by GDP and 123rd by population; we therefore have
limited means and limited maritime security resources that we can
call our own.
Unlike the land, the sea is a medium for movement. It cannot be
occupied or fortified. Our reliance on maritime commerce therefore
behoves us by obligation to play our part; to make a credible and
effective contribution to operations and collective security.
To exercise freedom of the seas, a navy is granted the rights to
operate in all dimensions of the high seas. To exercise freedom of the
seas, a navy must have mobility and the capability to deliver force.
Accepting that the sea is a medium for movement and cannot be
occupied or fortified, it is accepted that a Navy cannot hold ground
to the extent that an army can. Equally, a Navy cannot reach as
swiftly to an Area of Operation as an air force.
A Navy though, with the ability to stand off a foreign shore for an
indefinite period with substantial capability cannot be matched;
therefore any joint expeditionary concept of operations must be
4,083,744
Our maritime area of responsibility is one of the largest at
undertaken in recognition of the unique attributes offered by each
4,083,744 square kilometres (15 times our land mass).
of our services. The inherent flexibility of naval forces makes them
Including territorial waters we have the seventh biggest area,
well-suited for a wide range of missions and tasks including those in behind the USA, France, Australia, Russia, Canada and Japan.
politically sensitive crisis management situations.
A Naval Combat Force in particular, can deploy quickly and
remain in an area for extended periods without the agreement of the globalised system and our place within it, and we are reliant on
neighbouring states. They do not need to rely upon complex shore- co-operation, collaboration and collective security. New Zealand is
based in-theatre logistic support systems; they have an inherent not preoccupied with a local potential adversary; but according to
flexibility which allows them to change roles quickly without loss Professor Till, New Zealand’s immediate maritime domain—an area
of efficiency or without having to return home to reconfigure. potentially rich in fish, oil, gas, and minerals—may indeed have a
Warships have a symbolic value in that they are legal extensions of “transformational” impact on the future of our economy. With such
their parent state; in this, the presence of a warship is a clear signal a potential impact, he suggests there is clear need to develop a
of the interest or concern of a state (or of a group of states in the strategy for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of these
case of a multinational force). resources; and the jurisdictional capacity to exert and if necessary
When exercising freedom of the seas, warships have the freedom to to defend our ability to enjoy them.
navigate and conduct activities. There is no equivalent of “overflight To bring Professor Till’s thoughts into the local context, we need
permission”—warships may transit territorial waters in the exercise to also understand the position of New Zealand as military force
of “right of innocent passage”. in the world. We can show that New Zealand is a country that is
To be effective and credible in the maritime domain; New Zealand committed to participate with responsibility and effectiveness in
must have an organic capability to project and sustain combat world events within a partnership of like-minded states. In terms
capability—the Naval Combat Force and the expeditionary nature of military capacity, these parameters portray New Zealand as a
of our Special Forces and Combined Arms Task Group provide Medium Power. This power exists when a number of parameters
that capability. (economic, cultural, intellectual, military, and geographical) all
The Government has indicated that we are likely to see growing point in the same direction, towards a significant autonomy and
pressures on our maritime resources, an increase in illegal capacity for self-help in the preservation of national identity and
migration attempts and transnational crime. It has further predicted vital interests.
that some Pacific Island states may look to us for help as instability If we can accept that New Zealand is a medium power, we need
continues there, and the strategic balance in East Asia is shifting. to be able to classify what a medium power navy might look like,
The vast majority of the world’s capital cities and state populations noting that the two terms are separate and by no means implicitly
lie within 320km of a coastline; therefore the political influence of linked. Equally, it must be understood, that the term is not an
naval forces operating adjacent to foreign shores is magnified. extension or paraphrase of the “best small-nation navy in the
New Zealand’s maritime security approach is what maritime world” vision of the Royal New Zealand Navy. As earlier stated,
strategist King’s College London professor of maritime studies each state defines its naval requirements in its own terms taking
Geoffrey Till defines as “post-modern” in that we are focused on cognition of a range of complex inter-related circumstances
14 STRATEGIC THINKINGparticularly relating to defence and foreign relations, tempered and contribution to coalition operations. In order to ensure that New
modified of course by its economic prosperity. Zealand retains the jurisdictional capacity to exert and if necessary
When defining these terms for New Zealand, our dependence to defend the freedom to enjoy the resources that our nation
upon the sea needs to be a factor in our determination of actual so completely relies on to be prosperous; the maintenance of a
operational capabilities. Being a maritime nation does not provide credible Naval Combat Force is arguably incontestable.
justification to a certain number of ships but it does require an In the context of the environment in which we operate, in the
ability to act independently across the spectrum of naval roles and context of our requirement to be a credible medium power Navy,
functions, and the political will to employ the capability at some New Zealand must continue to procure and operate an ability to
range from home waters. project force at and from the sea.
To quote from a Canadian body of work regarding the typology Future procured capability must be able to function as tactically
of navies; a Medium Power Navy can be sub delegated into two self sufficient units, but with the capability to integrate into
further categories: a medium Global Force Projection Navy; or a international and national forces that are likely to be involved in a
medium Regional Force Projection Navy. joint and combined operation.
A Medium Global Force Projection Navy is defined as a navy that Our future naval combat capability must have the minimum
may not possess the full range of capabilities, but has a credible requirement to conduct (mid-level) operations with adequate
capacity in some, and consistently demonstrating a determination combat capability including suitable self-defence and reasonable
to exercise them at some distance from home waters, including in offensive capability. Our future naval combat capability must be
cooperation and conjunction with other Force Projection Navies. versatile and combat-capable if it is to undertake even the most
basic of functions with any credibility.
A Medium Regional Force Projection Navy is a navy that possesses
the ability to project force into the adjoining ocean basin. While The New Zealand Government has confirmed its commitment
they may have the capacity to exercise these further afield, for to making sure New Zealand has a strong and effective Defence
Force. The Government has committed to a Defence Force that
whatever reason, they do not do so on a regular basis.
must complete a range of roles and tasks to protect New Zealand’s
The level below a Medium Power Navy is referred to as an Adjacent
territory and citizens. It must conduct and lead missions in the
Force Projection Navy. Such a navy has some ability to project force
South Pacific and it must also enable New Zealand to contribute
well offshore, but is not capable of carrying out high-level naval meaningfully to regional and international security with partners
operations over oceanic distances. and friends.
The bottom line therefore is the ability to project force, regardless Implicit to this commitment is the competency, to be able to
of distance or regularity. Without a force projection capability, provide sea-based service to support, coordinate and influence
the topology of Navies indicates you cannot be any more than an events at a distance. Freedom of the seas and the free movement
Inshore Defence of Constabulary Navy. of commercial shipping through international waters is of
New Zealand’s naval combat capabilities are being upgraded, critical importance to the livelihoods of all New Zealanders, the
to ensure that our Anzac frigates continue to provide a valued continuation of a credible Naval Combat Force should be too.
Interested in
joining the
Military Police?
We are recruiting now for the next course in 2016
Contact any MP Station for more information
STRATEGIC THINKING 15Marieta’s journey
how healthy food and exercise
transformed LSTD Makasini’s life
By LSTD Marieta Makasini My Journey
H
ello and talofa lava. I am writing here to share my story I am a Samoan woman, a mother, a wife, a sister, a cousin, and
and experience of healthy eating and exercise and a friend. I have my weaknesses, just like everyone else. I am not
how it got me to where I am today. A lot of people are perfect, I am a normal human being wanting to share my story
approaching me asking what I did and how I did it. Many people and reach out to NZDF and hoping that it will inspire you and
don’t know who to turn to or know how to obtain this type of motivate you to accomplish your commitment to our Force and life
information. For this reason, I decided to share my story. in general.
After I gave birth to my son Ignatius, I weighed 85kg and I still On this journey, I have learnt that it’s a combination not only of
remember the first time I went for my first run. I ended up walking fitness but healthy eating without the need for any kind of weight-
home with my head down and couldn’t believe how fatigued I was, loss supplement. People are spending far too much money on
and wondering if I was ever going to get my feet back on track. supplements getting to where they want to be. The main thing is
I came back to work when baby was three months old and attended having the proper types of food and nutrient. No matter how much
remedial training at the Fleet Gym. The whistle blows; I’m puffing you train and sweat at the gym, if you don’t watch what you are
and trying to catch my breath sprinting from one end of the gym eating then you will undo all the hard work.
to the other. What am I getting myself into? I’ve just given birth I want people to feel how I felt. It’s such an amazing feeling. I don’t
by C-section and I’ve been told to take it easy—oh man! Am I ever feel tired anymore, I feel alive, always happy, and just feel good
going back to sea with this thinking? I am a mother to a newborn about myself. People looked at me differently; my mind and body
and a wife to a loving, supportive and patient husband. Where am I was awake, my skin changed and I was keen for PT as my body was
going to fit them in my plan? How much more can I take on? easier to move around. With all these changes came an important
Before I knew it, I was posted to HMNZS CANTERBURY and feeling of being confident in myself. I’ve turned down study courses
deployed for RIMPAC (Exercise Rim of the Pacific) 2014 in Hawaii. many times and that’s because I was too scared that I wouldn’t
At this stage, my weight was sitting at 75kg. I still loved my Island make it through. Now I’ve just completed Petty Officer Common
food and I was still uncomfortable with my body and myself. Promotion Course and I feel I can accomplish anything.
So, for the three months away I embarked with healthy eating I know it’s hard in the first few weeks to change your lifestyle and
whilst attending the ship’s gym five times a week. An inspiration to eating habits. People often give up after a few weeks, but when
me over this time was my Commanding Officer, CDR David Turner. they start getting results they keep going and get to where they
Due to his own healthy lifestyle I would make him healthy meals want to be.
every single day. This helped me to also maintain my healthy eating. On CANTERBURY’s return to New Zealand, my weight was sitting
After only three weeks, I started to notice a big different in my at 65kg. I am sure the last time I was 65kg was when I was a
body. My stomach had started to shrink and my energy levels had teenager. I was very proud of myself. I have since helped family and
increased. Those little naps I used to take throughout the day were workmates with their healthy eating, including my husband who,
becoming less and less and I was feeling better and happier in myself. after I encouraged him to join my new healthy lifestyle, lost eight
By the sixth week, one oppo said: “Man you’re looking good,” and, a kg in three weeks. He now continues to maintain this when he can,
second later, the whole team yelled out: “Hey you’re looking great, whenever I go to sea.
what are you eating?” I didn’t know how to respond to this. I was I attended the Support PT and decided to hit the Fleet Gym
feeling shy with these comments coming my way; I am not one afterwards to give myself more options and do something different
to take compliments. I sat down and shared my food with them. for a while. I was amazed by what people who I hadn’t seen for
Eventually I found myself giving them advice, motivating, assisting three months were saying. I didn’t take notice or think much of this
and supporting them with their healthy eating lifestyle. until I went to the gym to do some weights after circuits, and while
For those who may be interested here is a list of a few items I used I was there I noticed myself in the mirror and couldn’t believe my
to create my meals: sweet potatoes, chicken, fish, steak, salmon, eyes. This was a very emotional time and I felt very proud that all
light tuna, green salads plus many other delicious items for which I the hard work of PT, lunges, squats, weight, planks, press ups and an
would gladly share to anyone who would like to contact me. abdomen exercise regime CDR Turner got me into had all paid off.
16 OUR PEOPLEBy the sixth week, one oppo We are here for a reason. We have values. The fact that we are in
the NZDF is no accident. When you do well, people notice. No
said: “Man you’re looking matter how many problems you go through in life, eating healthily
good,” and, a second later, will help you become stronger as a person. Navy is our family. I
want everyone to know they can make a difference in themselves
the whole team yelled out: and others.
“Hey you’re looking great, Since losing all this weight, my uniform fits better, I look better and
what are you eating?” for this reason my confidence has improved. I want to pursue my
career in the Navy and to have more kids but at least I know exactly
It will hurt, it will take time, it requires dedication, it will require what I need to do to keep my feet on track and I will be ready for
willpower, you will need to make healthy decisions, it requires the challenge again.
sacrifice, there will be temptation, but when you reach your goal it’s
WORTH IT. Acknowledgements
I would like to thank CDR Turner for everything he’s taught me. I’ve
My Encouragement never eaten so well in my life or felt so good about myself.
I don’t believe in luck; for me it is preparing to meet the moment of My deepest gratitude to POMT (L) Keith Adam who trained me
opportunity. There are no short cuts to success. Life is about growth onboard with my body weights techniques; LPTI Jaimee Wattie who
and change. You cannot control the other person. You only have proposed a weight plan exercise before I deployed, ASTD Janey
control over yourself. Don’t waste your time in the race looking Holland my inspirational body figure and my nutrition guidance
back at the other person; it’s about what you can do. adviser, and ASCS Jesse McKay my adviser directing me with the
Make small steps to make your dream become a reality. People right meals.
are always waiting for the right time to do great things. If you’re I would also like to thank the Chief Chef and his team during this
waiting for that perfect time it will never come. Don’t let one bad time for giving me the opportunity to prepare meals for myself and
day stop you from reaching your goals. No matter how slow you are others.
making progress, every little bit counts. Just remember to breathe
Last but not least—my husband for your patience, your
through it.
commitment to our marriage, allowing me to fulfil my dream career
The moment you start acting like life is a blessing, it will start to in the Navy. Thank you for being a mother and father to our son
feel like one. I love seeing people succeed. It’s even better when you when I am out at sea. You are my rock, my everything and I am
see the struggle they had to go through to get where they are now. deeply in awe that God has blessed me with the right man.
There is nothing more attractive then someone who knows what
they want and is willing to do whatever is needed to get it. Always
be an encourager, the world has enough critics already. Fitness is
not about being better than someone else; it’s about being better
than you used to be. Just get up and go. Imagine yourself three Top Left: LSTD Makasini working up a sweat in the gym.
months from now. Top Right: LSTD Makasini with CDR David Turner.
OUR PEOPLE 17You can also read
