NAVY Training FOr TOMOrrOW'S - Royal New Zealand Navy
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#
2
3
3 Operation
J Hiki Ano
U
N Our Maritime
1 Doctrine
9
RELAY
FUNDRAISER
Training FOR
TOMORROW'S
NAVY
Contents
05 CANTERBURY’s Change of Command 25 Exchanges with the Australians
06 Operation Hiki Ano 27 The well-being runner
15 Dive Hydrographic Vessel arrives 30 No. 6 Squadron at Kerikeri
22 Our Maritime Doctrine 34 Relay fundraiser
23 A year as Flag Lieutenant
“Honestly,
there’s no other
job like it.”
~ POWTR Kayla Mitchell, Flight Deck Officer
10 15 22
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of the Royal New Zealand Navy. including stories, photographs and
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Wellington, New Zealand Today cannot be published elsewhere
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Editor:
NZNavy navy.mil.nz Andrew Bonallack Copy deadline for the
Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz August issue 15 July, 2019.
Subject to change.
Design and Layout:
Defence Public Affairs Views expressed in Navy Today Cover:
NZDefenceForce are not necessarily those of the A landing craft marries up to HMNZS
Printed by: CANTERBURY's stern ramp.
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Private Bag 39996, Wellington Defence Careers: Photographer:
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2 | Navy Today #233
Yours Aye
ONEN
MP T
O C
C
O
E
M
MARITIM
MA
NDER
Maritime Component Commander
Operation Hiki Ano (OP HA-19), our In conducting OP HA-19, our Navy
dedicated Output 1 training period has achieved our highest priority,
ashore and at sea over the last two to clear a backlog of leadership
months, is named for “lift up, again”. development and Damage Control
We chose the name deliberately, training that was holding up promotion
stating our intent to revitalise for our personnel. We’ve completed
ourselves. a heavy schedule of training in both
the MESTE and Bridge Simulators, as
In preparation, we took a hard look at
well as hands-on seamanship training
what we were focused on. OP HA-19
and an inaugural safety course at
helped us to reprioritise some Navy
the BMSTF. Over 600 of us have
efforts, to ensure we are trained, we
completed conversion to the NZDF
are fit for sea service, and we are both
MARS-L weapon (about three times
individually and collectively ready.
our normal rate). Training ashore
Our aim was to improve the Navy’s
was matched by training at sea,
personnel state, and accelerate our
where HMNZ Ships CANTERBURY
readiness for the new capabilities
and WELLINGTON did a sterling
sitting on and over the horizon.
job supporting both individual and
I believe that we have succeeded.
wholeship activities, including what
We found ourselves needing a I believe was the first light jackstay
“You have much to period like OP HA-19 due in part to within the Protector fleet.
our operational can-do approach.
be proud of – in the
OP HA-19 has taken the coordinated
While we have responsibilities to
and dedicated work of many people
Government to generate naval
to meet our ambitious and audacious
coming weeks we capability (Output 1) and conduct
domestic, regional and global security
goals and through the contributions of
many, we have allowed our shipmates
will be able to share operations (Outputs 4 and 5), we
have always concentrated on the
to improve their individual readiness.
You have much to be proud of – in the
more stories about mission first. As a result, we reduced
personnel levels ashore, particularly
coming weeks we will be able to share
more stories about your individual and
your individual and in some schools, in order to get ships
to sea “to do the job.” Obviously, this
collective successes. But until then, be
content that your efforts have made
collective successes.”
failure to invest in ourselves could
a measurable difference our ability to
not go on forever and last year it was
fulfil the Navy’s mission.
determined that we needed to change
our approach in order to maintain the
skills and knowledge required to be
BRAVO ZULU
the masters of the maritime domain.
He Hēramana Ahau
Commodore Tony Millar
Maritime Component Commander
Navy Today #233 | 3
New Navy assets announced in
Defence Capability Plan
To assist our neighbours in For Navy it includes: • The SH-2G(I) Seasprite
disaster relief and contributing helicopters will be replaced.
• An enhanced multi-role sealift
to security in the Pacific.
vessel to complement HMNZS • Further upgrades to systems
Recently the Government Canterbury. on the Anzac frigates, like
announced $20 billion in communications.
• A dedicated Southern Ocean
planned investments in the
Patrol vessel. To protect and secure the
New Zealand Defence Force
life-blood of our trade and
out to 2030.
to uphold our maritime
Our vision is to be a world-class responsibilities from the
Navy for a large maritime nation. Southern Ocean to the Pacific
The government has recognised and beyond, these planned
this by allocating funds for asset purchases will certainly
essential assets to ensure advance New Zealand’s
we are a fit-for-purpose Navy interests from the sea.
able to operate in a modern,
strategic, and very dynamic
environment.
HMNZS WELLINGTON rescued two crew to leave the vessel and
Wellington two yachties last month, found be transported to WELLINGTON.
rescues yachties aground close to midnight off Great
Barrier Island.
The two crew were transferred to
NZ Police the following day. At time
of writing the fate of the yacht was
On 30 May WELLINGTON responded
unknown.
to a night-time Mayday call on VHF
channel 16 from yacht Karamu who
had lost its anchor and was drifting in
the Hauraki Gulf near Great Barrier
Island. WELLINGTON, near Port
Charles, launched its seaboat and
requested Karamu to use light signals
to indicate her position. In less than
half an hour, the seaboat located
Karamu, now beached in mud and
sand in less than a metre of water. From left, ASCS Ben Sutherland (Bowman),
POSCS Jermaine Martinovich (IC), Ms Mariela
Towing was unsuccessful, and the Martinov, Mr Quentin Ricard, LSCS Cameron
decision was made with the yacht’s Robertson (Boat Coxn).
4 | Navy Today #233
Change of Command
HMNZS CANTERBURY
y Suzi Phillips
B “It’s fantastic to be back at sea “Earlier as Officer in Charge of KAHU,
Senior Communications Adviser after the past 15 years based in I got to support the 2003 America’s
the Wellington region with various Cup in Auckland. It was quite an
Commanding Officer of HMNZS positions for the New Zealand experience for us, sailing out every
CANTERBURY, Commander Martin Defence force at Joint Headquarters day in the Hauraki Gulf with the race
Walker, says he enjoyed taking the and in Capability Branch.” yachts and supporting the Police
ship to his home town recently. during the Cup.”
While CDR Walker has previously
CDR Walker took command of had command of inshore patrol Now, while the frigates are upgraded,
CANTERBURY in late April and vessels such as HMNZS KAHU, (now CANTERBURY is the primary sea
visited Port Napier twice for decommissioned), CANTERBURY is training platform for the Navy.
Operation Hiki Ano and Exercise on a different scale.
“This new role is also challenging—
Talisman Sabre.
Highlights from CDR Walker’s a challenge that we are happy to
CDR Walker first arrived in Napier previous deployments include two accept,” he says. “CANTERBURY is
from the UK as a youngster and did postings as Ship’s Executive Officer, providing additional sea training while
his secondary schooling at Napier in HMNZS MANAWANUI and HMNZS our combat force is away - training not
Boys High School. ENDEAVOUR. only our own Ship’s Company, but also
sailors for positions in the frigates and
“I grew up in Napier and spent my Both postings involved deployments
in our new ships.
formative years in Hawke’s Bay, and overseas with a five-month
I have an affinity and affection for deployment to Asia in ENDEAVOUR “At the same time, we need to be
Napier,” he says. After secondary that included port visits in Japan, prepared to respond to any events
school and a year studying Hong Kong, South Korea, and such as a national disaster – which is
geography at Massey University, he Australia. He also visited Singapore a key role for this ship. Sea training
decided to join the Navy. with MANAWANUI while taking part in and maintaining preparedness are
exercises there. our priorities there and that includes
“It sounds a bit of a cliché, but I amphibious operations,” says CDR
enjoyed travelling and seeing new “I enjoyed the challenges of being
Walker.
places, and I wanted a career that an Executive Officer and how that
was outside of the normal desk role was involved in everything going
job – one that provided variety and on board ship and in support of the
excitement. I decided the Navy was a Commander’s role,” he says.
good way to achieve that.”
Navy Today #233 | 5
Getting ready for
tomorrow’s Navy
Operation Hiki Ano
It’s not often you HMNZ Ships CANTERBURY and
WELLINGTON became the training
CANTERBURY positioned itself
at the 20-metre contour line off
see green-tabbed vessels for an all-of-Navy professional
development and training surge during
Cook’s Beach, Whitianga, simulating
a Humanitarian and Disaster Relief
Basic Branch May and June, dubbed Operation Hiki
Ano. Trainees who might have been
mission that required an amphibious
landing on the beach. HMNZS
Trainees tackling in the classroom for much of their
trade training were embarked to sea.
MATATAUA’s hydrographic team –
capable of deploying at 12-hours’
their trades at sea, Ordinary and able rates, looking for
sea time to clear a backlog of “must-
notice – had already conducted a
Rapid Environmental Assessment,
alongside their do” ticks in their taskbooks, got their
hands-on opportunities on the ship’s
presenting a bathymetric picture that
showed a one-in-sixteen grade – ideal
more experienced weaponry, boats, engine equipment,
service facilities and operations,
for the landing craft.
Commander Martin Walker, nearly a
counterparts. while officers worked through their
bridgekeeping requirements.
month into his new command, says
CANTERBURY is engaged at multiple
The “surge”, which has seen activities at once. “I’m absolutely loving
WELLINGTON and CANTERBURY this. We’ve achieved a lot of training –
range from the Hauraki Gulf to the aircraft controllers, flight deck parties,
Marlborough Sounds and Nelson, engineers, chefs and stewards,
is aimed at catching up on training, support people. I have a fantastic
but also ensures personnel are best crew, and my leadership team makes
positioned to receive both upgraded my life easier. It’s a huge privilege to
frigates TE KAHA and TE MANA, the be here. This is what I joined the Navy
new maritime sustainment capability to do.”
vessel AOTEAROA and the recently-
commissioned Dive Hydrographic
vessel HMNZS MANAWANUI.
But as well as the taskbook sign-
offs, CANTERBURY tested its crew
and embarked forces on the larger
picture. In an exercise last month,
6 | Navy Today #233
Operation Hiki Ano
Roll Out the Mat 500mm of splash), plus 180 metres
of FAUN modular trackway matting
Capability Branch’s latest roll- sourced from the United Kingdom.
out for the Army's 5 Movements The loader, as it leaves the landing
Company is literally that – a modular craft, is capable of rolling out 25
aluminium-alloy roll-out mat (known metres of Trackway from the waterline.
as Trackway) designed for vehicle More Trackway can be rolled out
and equipment offloads from HMNZS as a second lane on the beach, or
CANTERBURY’s landing craft. even as minor road to connect to an
During Operation Hiko Ano, 5 Mov Coy existing one. A portion can be used
conducted Exercise Black Termite, at 45 degrees to turn a corner. If a
embarking with CANTERBURY piece of matting gets damaged, its
to test out the mat at Army Bay, modular nature means a piece can be
Whangaparaoa. unhooked and a new piece clicked in.
The mat is a “huge leap forward” Five Mov Coy is also getting two
from the plastic woven matting used beach preparation recovery vehicles,
in CANTERBURY for years, says which go ashore first to grade the
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Weatherston, sand and remove debris, and three
Capability Branch. diesel powered beach lighting towers
for night work. “By late 2020, we’ll be
The capability is two CAT 938K fielding the full set. This represents a
Material Handling Equipment (MHE), significant improvement in our ability
modified by Gough Cat, with FAUN’s to conduct amphibious operations.”
dispensers attached and designed to
operate in 1.5 metre deep water (plus
Navy Today #233 | 7
Making Connections There’s a reason why Basic Common Trainees have a tug-of-war competition. While there might be a team-building and fitness element, the skills come in handy for conducting a light jackstay transfer. A light jackstay is a method of transferring supplies (and in the past, people) by lines stretched between two moving ships. During Operation Hiko Ano, HMNZS CANTERBURY carried out what is believed to be its first light jackstay manoeuvre, transferring a ladder to HMNZS WELLINGTON. 8 | Navy Today #233
Operation Hiki Ano
Wellington at
the sharp end
Operation Hiki Ano
HMNZS Week 1:
Gunnery training and Damage Control
WELLINGTON, North-east of Great Barrier Island,
WELLINGTON put their Ordinary
departing Auckland Combat System Specialists through
their paces as remote weapon
on 29 April, systems operators, remotely firing
the 25mm Rafael Typhoon gun from
represented the at- the bridge, while the Seaman Combat
Specialists were getting “hands-on”
sea warfare platform with the .50 calibre machine guns on
both bridge wings.
in the training
Week 2:
programme for Navigation and ship handling
Operation Hiko Ano. HMNZS WELLINGTON moved
through the Marlborough Sounds at
They embarked with high speed during the day and night,
testing the officers conducting their
additional trainees, Major Fleet Unit Navigating Officers
(MFUNO) course.
all keen to complete
Week 3:
their taskbooks Communications and gunnery
across a variety of In the M204 gunnery range off
Napier, the Combat System Specialist
trades. trainees learnt how to use the Rafael
Typhoon 25mm main gun, while other
trainees were versed in small arms
live firing. Communication Warfare
Specialist trainees on board for
the week based themselves in the
ship’s communications department,
concentrating on radio and flag
communications.
Weeks 4 and 5:
Joined with HMNZS CANTERBURY
for seamanship training
In the Hauraki Gulf, WELLINGTON
worked with CANTERBURY on a
Replenishment at Sea, securing to a
buoy, and night-time gunnery.
Navy Today #233 | 9
What our sailors say:
Able Combat
System Specialist
James Lewis
HMNZS WELLINGTON Command Aim: Trainee Operator
To provide support to
I got a chance to fire the gun for the
first time and after several back-
to-back drill runs I got to sink my
Op Hiki Ano 2019 at first ‘Killer tomato’ at the end of my
turn on the weapon system. The
speeds up to 22 knots. cameraderie the ship’s company has
displayed on the duration of the week
allowed me to enjoy our first port visit
to Nelson over the weekend. I can’t
wait to get stuck in to the remainder
of Op Hiki Ano and continue to
progress my career at sea with a ship
that knows what it means to run as
one cohesive unit.
Ordinary Chef
Tommy Tekoronga
Trainee Chef
My first week at sea with the Navy was
pretty scary, but WELLINGTON made
me welcome. Being the only trainee
in the galley has been good as I have
great opportunities for task booking
and have been getting heaps done.
Able Weapon
Technician
James McKee
Weapons Maintainer
I refined my gunnery skills with the
M242 25mm Bushmaster, practised
my seamanship by berthing and
slipping the ship, and gained further
experience in the stripping, cleaning
and assembling of small arms from
.50 calibre weapons through to 9mm
pistols. I have grown my knowledge
as a Weapon Technician, which will be
invaluable to me as I progress through
my career.
10 | Navy Today #233Directing the
Flight Deck
Operation Hiki Ano
By Andrew Bonallack Petty Officer Writer Mitchell, from Her parents were fine, although
Editor Hawera, is one of the Navy’s newest sceptical. “I was one of those
qualified Flight Deck Officers for the teenagers that didn’t go through
RNZN, supervising the flight deck with things.”
Kayla Mitchell had and coordinating helicopter arrivals,
loading and departures.
On the flight deck, she receives
permission from the bridge for the
a life-long ambition This month, she renewed her helicopter to land once the wind, the
qualifications in the Hauraki Gulf with pitch and roll of the ship, have been
to be an airline flight a day-long series of evaluations on assessed. “Once we’re in the right
HMNZS CANTERBURY with Royal parameters, I’m given a ‘green deck’.
attendant. Today, New Zealand Air Force NH-90 and I’m like the intermediate person
Seasprite SH2-G(I) helicopters. between the ship and the helicopter.
she’s directing It’s a skill on top of her usual role
I’m the first one on the deck and the
last one off. My job is to manage the
helicopters to as Ship’s writer, or Operational
Administrator. “Our job is to support
safe conduct of all aviation activities.
If some birds flew in the way, I would
and from Royal operations, the ship’s aims and
capabilities. Normally, as Writers, we
be straight out there, stopping the
helicopter.”
New Zealand Navy tend to have extra duties assisting
medics, or Damage Control teams. But The techniques of ‘marshalling’ the
vessels. this is another exciting way to do it.” helicopter, directing the pilots by hand
signals, is no longer used. “Pilots
POWTR Mitchell joined the Navy in
prefer to do it themselves.” She waits
2005 straight from school. “I was 16,
in an alcove until the helicopter has
looking for an out, which didn’t include
landed, then steps out to direct.
going to university. A recruiter came
Personnel are only able to approach
and I had this moment. This was it. I
the helicopter under her direction.
signed up without telling my parents!”
Navy Today #233 | 11“I’ve grown up in the
Navy. I was 17 for all
of six weeks when I
joined. This is my life.
I’ve had an amazing
career, really I have,
and I want to do as
much as I can.”
“People ask me what it’s like. Before a stint in HMNZS ENDEAVOUR.
I started, it was hyped up to be this “I’ve grown up in the Navy. I was 17
really scary thing. But it’s a really good for all of six weeks when I joined. This
role, and you are trained to a very high is my life. I’ve had an amazing career,
standard.” really I have, and I want to do as
much as I can.”
The FDO course takes three weeks
and then is re-evaluated every 18 She did, in fact, take on a flight
months. “You do the work in front of attendant job with Air New Zealand
a pilotless aircraft. We go through the for a year, but returned to the Navy. “It
emergency stuff, winching, loads. They was the break that I needed, and after
really practise you at No. 6 Squadron, a year I was ready to re-join. I enjoyed
where they have a flight deck marked it a lot, learnt new skills, and came
on the ground. You go through the back refreshed and ready to jump
signals, the chatter, and talking to back into Navy life.”
the bridge. Once you’ve passed, you
She hopes to have a recruiting role
take a task book and go out into the
one day, to give back. “My recruiter
fleet. I was lucky – I went straight
made me believe I was getting the best
onto HMNZS TE MANA, straight to
career on the planet. I want to do the
deployment.”
same, to tell someone you are going
POWTR Mitchell has seen a lot of to have a really good life. Because
world with TE MANA, but also during honestly, there’s no other job like it.”
12 | Navy Today #233Operation Hiki Ano
Hitting the books
Operation Hiki Ano
It’s not just about Commander Tim Oliver, Commander
Naval Personnel, says one of the
“The additional effort they have gone
through to enable this cannot be
RAS approaches highest priority objectives on shore
was clearing a 12 to 18-month backlog
overstated.”
Another fleet unit working hard
and shooting killer in leadership development and
damage control training.
to fit in extra training for Op Hiki
Ano is the Bill Morley Seamanship
tomatoes. A major While the training activities at sea will Training Aid facility, with their live
conclude this month, the “surge” to simulation dry and wet side platforms
part of Operation clear the training bottleneck will last providing environmental “hands-
the entire year, he says. Building the on” training. “The facility ran the
Hiko Ano has been instructor population was part of it. inaugural two-week Seamanship
“Six additional senior ratings have Evolution Safety Officers course,
about the classroom been brought in to support this, with to improve the competence of our
four from the Maritime Operational Bridge Watchkeeping and executive
and simulation. Evaluation Team (MOET),” he says. branch officers. This, coupled with
Making room for more courses is a big efforts by the Bridge Simulator and
ask for the Leadership Development Navigation School teams, is making
Group, who already has a big calendar. a real difference in advancement of
MID Catherine Berry (HMNZS OTAGO)
conducts bridge watchkeeping and
engineering casualty control drills while
LMT(P) Tom Collins (HMNZS HAWEA),
working towards his Control Room
Watchkeeping Certificate, is at the helm.
Navy Today #233 | 13their Officer of the Watch (Advanced) testing and evaluation period, will have Included in the “deployability” objective
qualifications in preparation for their a significant impact on the Marine has been fitness for sea service, says
next career milestone – the Officer of Technician trades’ readiness. Likewise CDR Oliver. “This has required a focus
the Watch (Warfare) qualification.” the MESTE is running a bespoke on individual’s readiness in the areas of
package to deliver Control Room physical fitness, medical fitness, dental
Simulation is a major part of RNZN’s
Watchkeeping Certificates to build the fitness and currency of passports and
training suite, notably with the Marine
numbers of Marine Technicians with security clearances.”
Engineering Synthetic Training
this qualification in support of Anzac,
Environment (MESTE). CDR Oliver
Offshore Patrol Vessel and Inshore
said there were shortages identified
Patrol Vessel platforms.”
in the Marine Technician trades – both
Propulsion and Electrical. At-sea Weapons training for Naval personnel
matters could be addressed on in the New Zealand Defence Force’s
CANTERBURY and WELLINGTON, new rifle, the MARS-L, and the Glock
but Gas Turbine Operating Certificates pistol, has been accelerated. Op Hiki
– a critical engineering qualification Ano has concentrated on deployability
for the Anzac frigates TE KAHA and of personnel, requiring attention to
TE MANA – could be handled on Military Justice Training, Improvised
shore with virtual simulation. “The Explosive Device Awareness Training
MESTE has developed a bespoke and Mindfulness and Mental Skills
training package to deliver this Training delivered by the NZDF Top and right: Sailors undertake Glock
qualification which, coupled with Psychologist team. pistol training at Tamaki Leadership
Centre’s range.
a consolidation period in the early
stages of TE KAHA’s and TE MANA’s LTCDR Dave Luhrs looks over his grouping.
14 | Navy Today #233Dive Hydrographic
Vessel arrives
By Andrew Bonallack
Editor
The Navy’s future Dive
Hydrographic Vessel
arrived in New Zealand
on 12 May, 46 days and
12,000 nautical miles
after her departure
from Frederikshavn,
Denmark.
Navy Today #233 | 15The sight of MV
Edda Fonn tied up at
Wellington’s Queen’s
Wharf last month
seemed to almost
compel cyclists to
detour over for a
closer look.
LT Samara Mankelow briefs Rt Hon Winston Peters and Hon
Ron Mark. Frank Dyer, IPT Lead, watches from the rear.
Taken out of a European shipyard with the officers. They have taken so The journey from Denmark was an
context, the 85-metre, 5,700-tonne much time out of their days to teach amazing opportunity. “For one, it was
former Norwegian survey and us, and they really understand the an opportunity to learn about the
construction vessel is an eye-opener challenge ahead. I imagine it’s a bit of ship. There were no port visits during
in Wellington. The Edda Fonn is about an emotional journey for them, to say the transit, but we took opportunities
as long as an Offshore Patrol Vessel, goodbye to their ship.” to stop in the water, conduct ship
but over 2.5 times the displacement handling, get boats in the water, and
She indicates the helm seating and
and four metres wider. Its expansive operate the crane. We conducted
controls. The azimuth thrusters are
forward flight deck is as high as an emergency drills and our team got
little more than joysticks. The ship
OPV’s bridge. But it is the height of around the spaces, learning all the
has a dynamic positioning system,
Edda Fonn’s own bridge, with floor- unique systems we are acquiring.”
using two azimuth propulsion
to-ceiling windows some 16 metres
systems and three bow thrusters. There was also the aspect, as a
above the waterline – that gives the
It can effectively spin like a dime, mariner, of crossing two oceans and
ship its looming presence above the
and certainly takes the hassle out of completing a transit of the Panama
wharf buildings.
berthing. “It’s essentially like a giant Canal. “We saw flat seas in the
That bridge – now the largest in tug in terms of control, propulsion Atlantic, a Sea State 6 in the Pacific,
the Royal New Zealand Navy – and steering,” she says. The controls with waves breaking over the flight
provides 360 degrees of view. It’s are duplicated facing aft at the rear deck, and everything in between. She
been the workstation for Lieutenant of the bridge, biased to the “working” handled very well.” The ship did the
Commander Andy Mahoney, the starboard side, but there’s also a entire voyage at economical speed
Commanding Officer, and Lieutenant duplicate set on the port wing. using two of four engines, consuming
Samara Mankelow, navigator, as 675,000 litres of fuel out of a total
LTCDR Mahoney says the training
well as the captain of Edda Fonn, capacity of 1,000,000 litres. LTCDR
for the future ship’s personnel will
Arnt-Olav de Jager. He and his 17 Mahoney says the ship could travel to
require a lot of forward thinking.
Norwegian crewmembers stayed Dubai and back without refuelling.
“She’ll function very differently from
with the ship until the delivery was
anything we have ever operated Frank Dyer, Integrated Project Team
over, effectively when Edda Fonn
before. Power is one of the Lead with the Ministry of Defence,
became HMNZS MANAWANUI in a
challenges, and its manoeuvrability.” has the entire Wellington day booked
commissioning and naming ceremony
The question is not how quickly the for government tours, including the
at Devonport on 7 June.
ship can stop – because it can in an Minister of Defence. As guests follow
LT Mankelow says she was told last instant – but how much movement him through the ship, the generosity
year she had the navigator’s position, and power is generated through a of space is quickly apparent, as is
requiring her to attend courses in tiny movement of the controls on the high standard of finishing and
Norway. “It’s been fantastic working the bridge. obvious attention to upkeep. He says
16 | Navy Today #233Dive Hydrographic Vessel arrives
LT Samara Mankelow, navigator, LTCDR Andy Mahoney,
demonstrates the helm controls. Commanding Officer.
the 15-year-old ship could have been But it’s the enviable standard of
seven years younger, according to the berthing that might raise some
assessors prior to the purchase. eyebrows among sailors, says LTCDR
Mahoney. There are 66 berths for
A bit more wear and tear can be seen
a likely Ship’s Company of around
on the 400 square-metre cargo deck,
40. The “lower end” is a pair of
made entirely of wooden beams, an
bunkrooms, with two racks in each,
old-fashioned but highly practical
opening onto a small room with a desk,
material. There’s an element of
TV and ensuite. There are two-berth
give with wood, and if a beam gets
cabins, and single-berth cabins, the
damaged, it simply gets replaced.
latter available for junior officers. It
Dominating the rear of the ship is would not be hard for an officer of the
the 100-tonne capacity crane. It has watch to have a better cabin than a
Active Heave Compensation (AHC), frigate executive officer.
meaning it compensates for the roll
It will be hard for the ship’s master,
of the ship as it works in depths of
Arnt-Olav de Jager, to say goodbye.
1km deep. Matching that depth is the
He has been a second officer, first
ship’s brand-new Remotely Operated
officer, chief officer and captain over
Underwater Vehicle (ROV), which is
the seven years he has served on
delivered via a large side door.
Edda Fonn. “I really like this ship. It’s
Divers are well protected from the a really good vessel. I hope it serves
elements by being lowered, via a wet you well.”
bell, into the ship’s moon pool, a 7x7m
hole through the ship to the water. LT
Mankelow says on occasion the pool
would almost glow like a sapphire in
the Atlantic, because of the refracted
sunshine in the deep water.
See our story on MANAWANUI's
On the hydrographic side, there is a
commissioning and the origins
large work processing area where of her symbol of command in
data can be sent from the bridge, and our July edition.
charts can be made up in-house.
Navy Today #233 | 171 2
3 4
5 6
18 | Navy Today #2337
8 Our
People
1. LTCDR Jan Peterson, pictured with
Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy,
receives the Distinguished Service
Decoration at Government House.
2. AMT(P) Campbell Halse pauses
during simulated scenarios at the
Marine Engineering Synthetic
Training Environment (MESTE) during
Op Hiki Ano.
3. OMA Suzi Williamson accepts the
Concourse Shield on behalf of Class
9 3 Achilles Division, BCT 19/01, from
LTCDR Stephen Barker.
4. RADM David Proctor, Chief of Navy,
receives a thank-you present from the
Invictus 2018 team's co-captain SGT
Kelly Whittle.
5. The BCT 19/01 intake head out on a
cross country at Tamaki Leadership
Centre.
6. AMED Rachel Walton receives
a Commander Joint Task Force
Commendation from AIRCDRE
Richard Owen while on board HMAS
CANBERRA as part of Indo-Pacific
Endeavour 19.
7. CPOCSS Aaron Pau, Māori Cultural
Group Tutor for the 75th Anniversary
of the Battles of Cassino.
8. MID Ethan Seagar, of JOCT 19/01
intake, gives a thumbs-up while aloft
10 on tall ship Spirit of New Zealand, as
a winching exercise gets underway
with the Auckland Westpac rescue
helicopter.
9. The Offical party are led into the
memorial area by the NZDF Maori
Cultural Group during the New
Zealand Service of Remembrance at
the Cassino Railway Station, Italy.
10. AMT(P) Sam Marsh is promoted
onboard HMAS CANBERRA by
VADM Mike Noonan, Chief of
Navy RAN, and WO Gary Wight,
Warrant Officer of the Navy RAN.
Navy Today #233 | 19The right
(or not)
to cease
unsafe work
y CDR R McLaughlin
B
Director Naval Safety and Health
It would be beneficial and uncomplicated
to have a one-size-fits-all approach for
the New Zealand Defence Force with
the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
(HSWA). But that can’t be the case in
several key areas.
Here is an example that goes to ‘Disapplication of Part 3’. This is Forces do not have the right to refuse
the heart of the distinction of being where certain provisions of Part 3 do to do work that they have been lawfully
a disciplined armed service within not apply to members of the Armed ordered to do; however, the worker
the NZDF when considered in the Forces (HSWA 2015 Section 13). participation framework for members
context of the worker engagement, of the Armed Forces is to provide the
Section 13(2) states “Sections 83
participation and representation mechanism for them to raise concerns
and 84 (which relate to the right of a
provisions legislated in the HSWA. if they are ordered to undertake work
worker to cease unsafe work and a
Part 3 Section 83(1) states that “a they consider to be unsafe”.
health and safety representative to
worker has the right to stop work,
direct unsafe work to cease), do not Where a uniformed member of the
or refuse to carry out work if the
authorise a member of the Armed Armed Forces is ordered by a senior
worker believes that carrying out the
Forces to cease work where a lawful rank to carry out unsafe work and
work would expose the worker, or
order has been issued that requires the member believes the order is
any other person, to a serious risk to
the work to be undertaken”. contrary to the HSWA, DFO 10 or
the worker’s or other person’s health
any other DFO or law, the member
or safety arising from an immediate (The other two parts of Part 3 that
should question whether that order is
imminent exposure to a hazard”. specifically do not apply to members
lawful. If told that the order is lawful,
Section 83 then goes on to elaborate of the Armed Forces are the criteria
the member is to follow the order and
on what a worker’s responsibilities are for the election of uniformed Health
while complying with that order, the
to notify the appropriate authorities in and Safety representatives and the
member remains under the duties in
their organisation to resolve the matter. establishment of Health and Safety
the HSWA to ensure their own safety
committees).
Serving uniformed personnel and and not endanger those around them
non-uniformed civilian members in Defence Force Orders for Safety (DFO to the extent possible in light of the
the Naval System are all classed 10) Article 2.6.1.c. also reinforces and unsafe work.
in the HSWA as workers. But there further amplifies HSWA Section 13(2)
is a specific HSWA section titled by stating “that members of the Armed
20 | Navy Today #233Commander No. 6 Squadron
Around the
world to
command the
Squadron
By Suzi Phillips
Senior Communications Adviser
“The Observer A busy Navy career as a Seasprite as aircrew,” he says. “It wasn’t until
helicopter observer, mission planner I found a subject such as military
fights the aircraft and trainer has taken Commander
Sam Greenhalgh around the world.
aviation that I began to excel, which
also led me to become Dux of my
and that requires This week, he capped that by
Observer course.”
becoming the new Commanding He served as Bridge Watchkeeper on
a tactical Officer of the Royal New Zealand board various RNZN vessels for five
Navy’s airborne wing, No. 6 Squadron, years and graduated to Navigator in
brain with so where Seasprite flight crews are HMNZS RESOLUTION in 2003.
trained and deployed to its helicopter-
much going on capable ships from RNZAF Base
After completing further Observer
training, including a stint overseas, he
Auckland.
both outside “I joined the Navy for adventure and an
became a Seasprite Observer with
No. 6 Squadron in 2004.
and inside the
organisation that was agile and moved
“The Seasprite has a three-person
around the world,” he says. “I attended
crew of pilot, observer and loadmaster
cockpit.”
an open ship of HMNZS TE KAHA in
and the observer is effectively the
Wellington in 1997 and that cemented
mission commander – leading the
the idea of deploying in a frigate.”
tactical role of the aircraft and
CDR Greenhalgh, 39, achieved his aim operating the sensors and weapons,”
for adventure, having now operated says CDR Greenhalgh.
with our Seasprites internationally,
“It can be a very busy role. A Seasprite
from the Persian Gulf and the Aleutian
is like a mini P3 Orion with a lot of the
Islands to South East Asia, Hawaii and
same sensors able to detect shipping
the Southern Ocean.
and interact with vessels, but with only
“When deployed overseas we have a three crew to do the job and only two
lot of autonomy, so you have to have people with access to the sensors.”
the confidence and ability to operate
“The pilot flies the aircraft and a
effectively,” he says. “Being part of a
special aptitude is required for that
ship’s company and travelling around
highly skilled role,” he says. “The
the world with an aircraft and a ship –
Observer fights the aircraft and that
that’s definitely been a highlight.”
requires a tactical brain with so much
After Year 13 at Napier Boys High going on both outside and inside the
School, he joined the Navy in 1998 as cockpit.”
a Seaman Officer, completed Junior
Officer training and became interested
in the Observer role.
“In those days you had to be a ship
driver first, before you could train
Navy Today #233 | 21Nzdf
Maritime
Doctrine
In December 2018 It refreshes and updates the earlier
Maritime Doctrine for the Royal New
Readers will find special interest in
the chapters that discuss the roles
the Seapower and Zealand Navy, released in 1997. It is and operational forces of the RNZN.
recommended reading for all service Numerous historical examples are
Warfare Directorate and civilian personnel of the RNZN. It provided to illustrate the operational
will also be useful to sister services, tenets of the NZDF as applied at sea,
issued the NZDF government and non-government and the warfighting principles and
Maritime Doctrine agencies and other bodies which work
alongside the RNZN, and for partner
ethos of the RNZN.
2018. Navies and other forces involved with
The publication is organised around
seven major themes. These themes
the RNZN in the planning and conduct
are: our story; our principles and
of combined and joint operations in
foundations; where we work;
the maritime domain.
maritime power; what we do; how
Running through the publication is we work; and, who we are—heritage,
a strong emphasis on the need for values and culture.
the RNZN, in company with its sister
Running through NZDF Maritime
services, to retain and develop its
Doctrine 2018 is a consistent thread.
warfighting ethos. By this is meant the
This concerns the role of the RNZN
ability to fight and prevail. This ability
in serving the NZDF as an integrated
is the basis for all other operational
and professional combat force:
capabilities, and for the doctrine
Strategy25. The reader will see how
needed to support their employment.
maritime doctrine relates to, and in
In short, combat ships need combat part is derived from, the fundamental
sailors. And combat sailors need joint warfighting principles set out in
combat doctrine. New Zealand Defence Force Doctrine.
The doctrine provides a “single It is hoped that NZDF Maritime
source” reference to those needing Doctrine 2018 will provide a good
to understand the origins and starting point for individual as well
development of the RNZN including as group learning. An extensive
its unique heritage, values and culture. bibliography and an additional section
It has sections on the nature and suggesting further reading is included
significance of the New Zealand as an aid to that end.
maritime environment, on the
significance of maritime power in
the context of national security, and
on the principles and foundational
documents that have shaped what the
Navy is today.
22 | Navy Today #233A year
as Flag
Lieutenant
The old line, “join time, from anywhere. I’m the main
insulator, I deal with the small issues.
mission on HMNZS WELLINGTON.
She qualified as a Marine Engineer
the Navy, see the I handle the logistics, the travel. There Officer and was posted to HMNZS
is a lot of travel, but the work keeps TE KAHA for a six-month Pacific and
world”, doesn’t going whether you are in New Zealand South-East Asia deployment.
or overseas. You see a lot of hotel
usually involve rooms, conference centres, and there’s
She hadn’t thought about doing a
Flags posting before this. “There’s
business-class air not a lot of time to explore. You’re still
answering phone calls.”
not many jobs in the Navy, as a junior
travel. The Chief of Navy will ask her opinion
officer, where you can have such an
influence on the organisation, and
on an hourly basis, she says. understand how the New Zealand
It did for the Chief of Navy’s Flag Defence Force works. That’s what
Lieutenant, Lieutenant Caitlin “The team is a personal sounding
attracted me to the role.”
Wiseman. She’s just finished her board, to bounce ideas, and it took
posting as “Flags”, the personal me a while to get used to that. But She enjoys the valuable contacts
staff officer for the Rear Admiral. the reason he’s asking is because he she has made. “I met other Flag
“From the outside, it might look genuinely wants to know what my Lieutenants from around the world, all
peer group would think of an idea. He doing the same job as me. It’s great
glamorous,” she says. “But the
values my opinion, and we do it openly, engagement.”
work never stops.”
without any kind of perception that
Her advice to others is to put your
LT Wiseman says the role is an it’s a Lieutenant talking to an Admiral.
name forward. “It’s such a good
amazing development opportunity That can be daunting at the start.”
opportunity for a Lieutenant. The
for a junior officer, and a chance to
LT Wiseman, a marine engineer officer, relationships I’ve made will be really
see the strategic workings of the
is from Ngatea, south of Thames. She beneficial for my career. And Naval
New Zealand Defence Force at a
was doing an engineering degree Staff in Wellington is a fantastic place
senior level.
at Canterbury University when she to work.”
She was one of five who make up went to a Defence recruiting expo.
Rear Admiral David Proctor’s team, “It seemed like a good career for an
in a role that typically runs for a full- engineer, to travel and have a job, plus
on 12 months. “The Flag Lieutenant do something good for the country.
one who is closest to the Chief As a second-year, it was too good
of Navy. We travel with him, the an opportunity to turn down.” After
majority of the time.” graduating as an officer in 2013, the
Navy paid for her to complete her
She holds the work phone, and
degree.
is the first point of contact for
enquiries to the Rear Admiral. She deployed early in her career, going
“The support for the Chief of Navy to the Gulf with HMNZS TE MANA Above: LT Wiseman (left) with her Royal
is 24/7. People could call at any and experiencing a Southern Ocean Australian Navy 'oppo'.
Navy Today #233 | 23High Quality
Training, the
foundation for
a better Navy
By POET Bryony Henricksen and The specialist instructor training team.
CPOMUS Jonathan Franklin
New capability means the other course members. In 2011
the Foundation Instructors Course
Our learning culture is moving
away from the infamous ‘death by
more teachers. (FIC) replaced TIPS, where the focus PowerPoint’ towards learner-guided
was moved more towards teaching learning, discussions, and interactions.
methodology. Practice lessons were To learn from just a PowerPoint can
With the phasing in of MANAWANUI,
assessed more critically. be mind-numbing for the learner,
AOTEAROA, upgraded Anzac frigates
but if you engage with the learners
and increasing numbers of recruits, the So what is the Level 1 Instructors
throughout each slide with effective
need to have highly skilled instructors course all about? Most of us know
questioning and discussion, you
is pressing. from our experiences in education that
have made the lesson much more
being a subject matter expert does
This year, the Navy has formed our interesting and appealing by utilising
not necessarily go hand-in-hand with
own specialist instructor training team your assets effectively.
being a good instructor. To be a good
to teach the NZDC Level 1 Instructors
instructor you need to have the tools to
Course.
facilitate quality learning, a passion for
For more information, or to
High quality training provides the your subject and the drive to see your
nominate your personnel for
foundation for a successful and high learners engaged and developing their
this course, contact:
functioning Navy. In 2018 the New knowledge and skills.
POET Bryony Henricksen
Zealand Defence Force implemented
The Level 1 Instructor Course is a ten- (bryony.henricksen@nzdf.mil.nz)
the Joint Instructor Excellence Project
day course providing the knowledge, or CPOMUS Jonathan Franklin
(JIX). Using the NZDF Instructor
skills and mind-set required to enable (jonathan.franklin@nzdf.mil.nz).
Capability Framework, instructors –
our instructors to excel. Some of the
military and civilian – will be empowered
elements we work on are; changing
to succeed.
the learning culture, effective lesson
This is not a new concept to the Navy. planning and facilitation, self-reflection,
The Training Instructor Pre-Joining and administering quality assessments.
Skills course (TIPS) was run from the Creating ‘Communities of Practice’,
early 2000s to 2011, covering very or building partnerships within your
basic teaching concepts. It focused branch/trade to enhance our training,
more on practising lessons in front of is also one of the underlying principles.
24 | Navy Today #233Joint Instructor Excellence
Exchanges with
the Australians
By Leading Seaman Jake Badior Marsh said. “Aussies are more upfront you want the biscuits and you’re
Royal Australian Navy than us when it comes to work; they dedicated,” OMT Marsh said.
just want to get in and get it done. We
“I’m really motivated to get it
still get the work done, but we tend to
done and take some of my new
New Zealand be a little more relaxed about it.”
knowledge and skills back home.”
CANBERRA is part of IPE19’s Joint
sailors are making Task Force 661, which is promoting
In the meantime, Able Medic Rachel
Walton is coming to grips with the
the most of an security and stability in the region.
Primary Casualty Reception Facility
exchange in the Able Seaman Marine Technician
Liam O’Brien, of the Royal Australian
(PCRF) on board CANBERRA. It’s
often a hive of activity – a tri-service
Royal Australian Navy, trained the New Zealanders team providing primary health care
using a first in Navy capability at sea: and maintenance of ship’s company
Navy’s largest ship, a portable Mercedes Benz diesel and embarked forces while
engine. deployed.
as part of Exercise
OMT(L) Marsh described Able “Being one of the Kiwis embedded
Indo-Pacific Seaman Marine Technician O’Brien in the Task Group is brilliant; the
Endeavour 2019 as “a walking book. He knows
everything about everything and
culture is much the same as the
ships back home, the people are
(IPE19). explains things really well”, he said. really friendly, we’ve got a similar
“Before we’d stripped an engine, sense of humour and similar
I didn’t really know much about banter,” AMED Walton said.
Ordinary Marine Technician
components. I’m learning a lot about
(Electrician) Hunta Marsh (pictured Elsewhere, on HMAS SUCCESS,
how the diesel engine runs and the
above) says he is enjoying working two Royal New Zealand Navy
role certain components play in that.”
with the Australians on board Sub Lieutenants, Eddy Hall and
HMAS CANBERRA, a Landing He and his colleagues aim to complete Cameron Jamieson, were awarded
Helicopter Dock vessel. their competency logs while deployed their platform endorsement while
in CANBERRA, something that the tanker sailed as part of IPE19.
“I was a little nervous at the start,
normally takes around six months.
but I’m really enjoying it now and The endorsement is the final step
just want to stay at sea working “We’re trying to get them finished in for Maritime Warfare Officers before
on my competency log,” OMT(L) three months… which is possible if specialising in their chosen field.
Navy Today #233 | 25New NZDF Equipment
Management Organisation
The New Zealand also supporting Strategy 25 –
Integrated Defence Force.
Defence Force will They need to be able to proactively
have a new equipment forecast and plan for future
challenges, reduce whole-of-life costs,
management and increase equipment serviceability
and materiel availability. They also
organisation (EM Org) need to provide equipment-specific
from July 2019. through-life management, while
assuring users that NZDF equipment
is safe to use. The EM Org has been
It will report directly to Commander designed to meet these needs.
Logistics (COMLOG), Brigadier
Rob Krushka. For COMLOG, the EM Org is the
foundation that will enhance and
The new organisation is one of the key better assure that equipment is fit
results of the Consolidated Logistics for purpose, reliable and safe to use,
Project (CLP) led by COMLOG. and that it maximises the return on
EM Org will provide through-life investment.
strategic equipment management
support and advice across Land, In September 2018, Tony McQuillan
Air, Maritime, and Joint domains. It was appointed Director of EM Org and
will become the one accountable has now established his leadership
organisation for non-platform (any team. From July 2019 the new
equipment that is not integral to organisation will be officially stood up
a ship or aircraft) in the NZDF. under COMLOG.
The EM Org is a response to several Mr McQuillan sees these changes
challenges the NZDF faces. Non- taking time. “Over the next 12 to 18
platform equipment has become months we will be improving how we
more diverse and complex; logistics work and our tools so that we have the
commanders are under pressure information we need to make informed
to be more agile and responsive decisions and achieve the changes we For further information, go to the
to NZDF operational needs while need. After 18 months we will re-group EM Org information page from
meeting an increased emphasis to assess where we are at.” NZDF’s intranet site. Email any
on health and safety, and while questions to: EMorg@nzdf.mil.nz
26 | Navy Today #233I have not been well
for quite a long time.
By LTCDR Rob McCaw
I am not a runner. I am
6’2” and vary between
100–108 kg. The
prospect of running
21.1 km is not an
attractive one at all.
Navy Today #233 | 27Having spent a long
time away over a
long career and
sacrificing my family
for it, many things
came home to roost
all at once and it sent
me to a very dark
place. I really was
not well and I asked
for help.
Professional support was very quick
to do its thing but it was a totally
exposing experience to take that step
and ask for help. As a senior leader,
my fear of being judged and put in
a “box” was absolutely consuming.
I was having real trouble gaining
perspective.
As my treatment progressed, the
continued nagging (in the nicest of
ways) from the medical officers was
around PT and physical exertion and
including this in my plan. My typical
answer was “yeah yeah yeah, I will…
promise”. I didn’t.
Anybody that has ever started or
struggled to start a fitness plan will
28 | Navy Today #233So why did I run a half
marathon? And why do I run?
know how hard it is. I saw it as just alone time, for quiet time. I was Then he asked me what my training
another thing consuming my time running for a rest. distances were usually; “8–10 km
when I was already under immense is an average I guess”. “Sweet as
With the little bits of recharge this
pressure from all corners. What then bro—you are 12 km down
time on my own gave me (plus all the
made things worse was my intent already, just a training run to go,
physical benefits of endorphins), my
to hide my “condition”. Putting on eh!” He then basically gave up
recovery from depression started
that “normal face” each day and his own race to run with me until
accelerating. But there are plateaus,
maintaining it was killing me. I had elevated from my slump.
and I hit mine for physical and
I don’t know what it was that actually mental. I needed a focus. I needed a I ran a half marathon because it was
got me out the door on day 1 of my selfish me-focussed goal. a selfish goal I could focus on and
running journey. I genuinely don’t. force myself to just get away from
Running a really long way seemed a
Maybe I just needed to breathe. the noise and simplify my life to
good idea at the time so I picked a
Maybe I just wanted some alone major building blocks for 30 minutes
Half Marathon event, something that
time. I put my shoes on and shuffled at a time. It forced me to focus on
afforded me enough time to prepare
my fat arse around Ngataringa a few myself, for just a small period.
but equally not enough to put things
times. I didn’t have any music. I didn’t
off or muck about! Why do I continue to run? I am still
have my phone. I just ran.
6’2” and hover the 100 kg range. I run
It hurt. A lot.
It hurt. Not right away but my lungs because I still need the quiet. I need
felt like they were about exit my body When you run any kind of distance the isolation. I need the recharge
on strike and give me a punch in the that is a stretch for you, you are it gives me. I need the reversion to
kidneys on the way out! constantly fighting a battle with your something more basic.
internal dialogue.
But, for the first time in almost Now that I am on the up-stroke of
six months since my diagnosis of “You are too weak for this.” getting better, there’s another reason
depression, I was able to be alone I keep running. I can have those
with my thoughts. I had silence. All “You aren’t as good as those other “bro-convos” with my mates. I figure
I had to focus on was putting one dudes over there.” if I had or have a time of struggle,
foot in front of another, breathing I hit the wall hard at about the 12km then others probably do too. If I don’t
and keeping my head up. I could stop mark. And then a mate of mine ran know about it – am I being a good
pretending I was okay. past and slowed to my now-terrible enough mate? Probably not. This is
pace. He asked, “how are you feeling my way to be better at being a mate
That time afforded me a little
bro? You look like you are doing and to pay forward the support I got
recharge. I felt fresher mentally,
it tough”. Funny how that sounds in my darkest moments.
was able to carry my “I’m ok mask”
a little easier and get through the like the same question we are That is why I ran a Half Marathon and
day with a little energy to spare. So encouraged to ask our oppos when why I still run.
I kept running, three times a week. we see them out of character. We
I looked for routes I could run for chatted about what I was feeling and
he listened.
Navy Today #233 | 29Kerikeri:
the Seasprite’s
new home
By LHLM James Drain
25 April, 04:45 – we awoke as we patrols and taskings, the Seasprite has
always do to prepare for the Anzac been an increasingly common sight in
Day dawn service. Bleary-eyed, we the area.
straightened medals and checked our
Speaking at the Kerikeri Civic
rig for defects. The awkward thing
Service, No. 6 Squadron’s Executive
about being one of the few junior
Officer, Lieutenant Commander Alex
naval ratings of an Air Force Squadron
Trotter said: “This is not so much
is that when you ask, “Is my lanyard
the start of our relationship, but
going the right way?” the answer is
more a formalisation of the special
invariably, “Yeah mate” – they just don’t
status that Kerikeri has always had
understand the intricacies of naval
for our Squadron. We operate out of
ceremonial rig!
your airport for Northland customs
But this Anzac Day was special. For and fisheries patrols. RNZN ships,
the first time in its history, RNZAF returning from overseas, anchor in the
No. 6 Squadron had a home port to Bay of Islands to complete customs
support. clearance prior to returning to the
Navy base in Devonport. We are often
As the symbolic home for a
tasked to transport the inspectors to
commissioned naval ship, home ports
and from the ship, so flying over the
are a very strong naval tradition. No.
beautiful Bay of Islands into Kerikeri
6 Squadron is a joint unit of both the
is our first experience back in the
RNZN and RNZAF, so it shares in the
country, and Kerikeri is the first New
traditions of both services. But we had
Zealand soil that we touch after
never been granted a home port.
months away. So while Whenuapai is
Earlier this year, the Chief of Navy and our base, having Kerikeri as our home
the Chief of Air Force, in agreement port is certainly fitting.”
with the Far North District Council,
Though at times tinged with sadness
officially granted No. 6 Squadron home
with the dawn service being the last
port status for Kerikeri.
to be held at the Kerikeri RSA prior
This connection represents a closer to its closing and relocation, it was
bond between the personnel and with pride that the No. 6 Squadron
traditions of the two services, as well contingent marched in the dawn
as the special bond that the Squadron service and provided a Seasprite
has formed with the Far North town. flyover of the civic service – and it will
Frequently used enroute to embarking be with equal pride that we continue to
and disembarking ships and as a engage with the Kerikeri community in
refuelling stop enroute to Far North the future.
30 | Navy Today #233You can also read
