OUR NEW DIVE VESSEL PAUA PATROLS - ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY
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OUR NEW PAUA SAVING DIVE VESSEL PATROLS A LIFE issue 225 SEPTEMbER 2018 twitter.com/NZNavy facebook.com/NZNavy
contents NAVY TODAY ISSUE 225 2018
DIRECTORY
Published to inform, inspire and entertain
serving and former members of the RNZN,
their families and friends and the wider Navy
community.
Navy Today is the official magazine of the
Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by
Defence Public Affairs, Wellington.
Navy Today is now in its twenty first year
of publication.
Views expressed in Navy Today are not
necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.
Contributions are welcomed, including
stories, photographs and letters. Please
submit stories and letters by email in
Microsoft Word or the body of an email.
Articles up to 500 words welcomed, longer
if required by the subject. Please consult
the editor about long articles. Digital photos
submitted by email also welcomed, at least
500kb preferred.
COPY DEADLINES FOR NT
5PM AS FOLLOWS:
NT 226 October issue 15 September
NT 227 November issue 15 October 06
NT 228 December issue 15 November
Subject to change.
EDITOR:
Andrew Bonallack
Defence Public Affairs
HQ NZ Defence Force
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand
E: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz
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quality of this publication is welcomed. 15 25
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05 PAUA PATROLS
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CHANGING ADDRESS? 06 OUR NEW DIVE VESSEL
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08 HOW TO BE A TOP SHOT
12 KEEL CEREMONY
15 BCTS ARRIVE AT AUCKLAND
23 SAVING A LIFE
25 US NAVY KIWI PILOT
cover image:
A recoloured image of
30 TOP CHEFS IN ACTION the Navy’s new Dive and
Hydrographic vessel.
Photo: Supplied
32 FRENCH AWARD
Chief of navy
Rear Admiral John Martin
Over the last month With the foremasts of the Next Navy visible above
the horizon, CN Proctor will navigate us through the
the abilities of Navy introduction into service of our Dive Hydro Vessel, the
leaders or, just as new AOTEAROA, regenerate TE KAHA and TE MANA
and prepare us for the Navy After Next. With considerable
importantly, the
experience in organisational leadership, capability
ability to create development and operations both at sea and on the land,
Naval leaders he will lead the conversation about the need for a strong
Navy and shape our future. As David prepares to take on
has been sharply this role, our congratulations, thoughts and best wishes go
brought into out to him, his family and supporters.
focus with the For Admiral Gilmour there will be different, more
direct, but nonetheless significant challenges as we
promotion of Rear operationalise the Government’s Strategic Defence
Admiral James Gilmour into the role of Policy statement. He is well placed to tackle the security
challenges of the region and further afield. He brings
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand considerable experience as an operational leader within
and the selection of Commodore David the Navy and NZDF, having commanded the RNZN Fleet,
HMNZS CANTERBURY, No 6 Squadron, RNZAF as well as
Proctor as the next Chief of Navy.
Combined Coalition Task Forces 151 and 176. He has also
Given this context, what makes a good senior worked in capability delivery, strategy and governance,
commander? At this level its not a case of standing on conducted amphibious operations and provided
a bridge – lantern-jawed, scanning the horizon with a humanitarian and disaster relief in the Pacific. We wish
pair of binoculars and casually remarking through gritted Jim, his family and supporters all the best for the next
teeth “Steady as she goes”. Rather, leading the Navy and three years in command of the NZDF’s Joint Forces.
NZDF requires one who can deal with multi-dimensional Finally, and not wishing to detract at all from the success
challenges, each with a complexity of their own, each of Rear Admiral Gilmour and Commodore Proctor, the
requiring not just one response but a number of solutions announcement of the purchase of a Dive Hydro vessel
that may take years to see the benefit or unintended reflects well on the project team from the Ministry of
consequences. To my mind, these competencies are not Defence, Capability Branch and the Naval experts who
acquired when an officer achieves flag officer status, nor have participated in working up the business case to
are they capabilities that are possessed by all. Gold stripes support this acquisition. Its not an easy job negotiating
do not endow an officer with the ability to be trusted by the challenges of bringing an idea through to fruition.
those they lead or those that lead them, they do not allow They deserve our congratulations on a job done well thus
a commander to make key operational decisions quickly far and we look forward to the ship joining the Fleet as
or resolve complex situations correctly. Rather, these MANAWANUI in mid 2019.
competencies are cultivated over years at sea, through
success and failure, and with the benefit of self- reflection
and honest feedback. It’s clear that in the case of both Yours Aye
these officers, they bring a dedication in approach and
professionalism in their workmanship; they are leaders
who communicate well, have their heads in the game, bring
honesty and integrity, are able to build strong and enduring
relationships, demand new thinking, and who in turn will
develop the leaders who follow. Both have been measured
and been found to have much to offer their country, their
defence force and as senior commanders.
Both flag officers have been chosen to make the most
of the serious leadership opportunities that must be
addressed as we develop a defence force that is more A J O MARTIN
integrated and combat-ready by 2025. Chief of Navy
YOURS AYE 3
NEW NEW
CHIEF OF COMMANDER
NAVY JOINT FORCES
David JIM
Proctor GILMOUR
A 32-year service in a variety of A Marlborough Boys’ College student
leadership roles has culminated in who chose the Navy as a short-term
the top naval job for Commodore option 34 years ago will this year
David Proctor. become the Navy’s second Rear Admiral.
C C
DRE Proctor was announced as the next Chief of ommodore Jim Gilmour will take up the post
Navy on 21 August. He will take over from Rear of Commander Joint Forces New Zealand
Admiral John Martin in a Change of Command this year. Commodore Gilmour is currently the
ceremony on 29 November. Chief of Defence Strategy and Governance at Defence
It is notable CDRE Proctor is the first General List officer Headquarters in Wellington.
with a logistics background to be appointed Chief of Navy. Commodore Gilmour joined the Navy as an Ordinary
He brings a substantial logistical and supply experience to Communications trainee, but was inspired to become
the role, as well as the knowledge from his current position an officer and helicopter pilot. He was accepted for pilot
as Deputy Commander Joint Forces. The Chief of Navy role training in 1990, and in five years was a Flight Commander
has typically been a warfare officer role. with Naval Support Flight, flying Westland Wasps from
In his early career, CDRE Proctor was Supply Officer in HMNZS WAIKATO and WELLINGTON during a tour in
HMNZS TUI, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR and HMNZS TE MANA, the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield.
moving through roles such as Supply Chain Commander He later assumed command of Naval Support Flight
and Captain Fleet Support. CDRE Proctor was also the and oversaw the introduction of the Super Seasprite
Senior National Officer/United Nations Chief of Logistics helicopter.
– United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor. More His move to seagoing command came from a need to
recently he was the Deputy Assistant Chief Capability/ prove himself in a traditional Navy role after a career
Director Capability Portfolio Planning, Commander in Naval Aviation. He was in command of HMNZS
Logistics (2015 to 2017) and Chief of Defence Strategy CANTERBURY when the ship was in Lyttelton during the
and Governance (2017 to February 2018). He has been 2011 Christchurch Earthquake. After CANTERBURY, he
the Deputy Commander Joint Forces New Zealand since commanded a Combined Task Force in the Gulf of Aden,
March 2018. tackling piracy, and in 2016 took command of 13 ships,
In an interview with Navy Today earlier this year, CDRE 10,000 personnel and 42 aircraft during RIMPAC.
Proctor said collaboration between the services, honesty Commodore Gilmour says he is very proud to take up a
and commitment to frank discussions, and development of Joint Forces role. He describes his journey to this point
subordinates were key drivers for him. as “an amazing ride” and it has been the people he has
worked with that has made the journey worth it.
“The Navy has taught me the most valuable lesson
possible – nothing is impossible if you apply yourself. And
above all – believe in yourself.”
4 ADMIRALS
COASTAL
PATROLS
AT FIFTY
FEET
By Andrew Bonallack
When a Seasprite helicopter is fifty
feet above the coastline, it’s not just
passing through.
N
umber 6 Squadron’s patrols in support of the The work continued out into the Cook Strait, to observe
Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) work against and photograph fishing vessels. At that height, it’s loud
paua poaching and illegal fishing are definitive and and obvious the New Zealand government is making sure
unmistakable, as the helicopter quickly covers hard-to- things are done the right way. “It’s a show of force,” says
reach coastline, looking for illegal activity. POHLM Taylor. “We are out there, being seen, taking
In a recent operation, based out of Ohakea, a Seasprite photos. We ensure boats are in the correct areas, that
SH-2G(I) helicopter and crew took two MPI inspectors they have correct bird mitigation equipment. The MPI
aboard for a patrol along the Kapiti, Porirua and Wellington officers like flying with us, because we have the capability
shorelines, particularly the Terawhiti Station on Wellington’s to winch them down to a vessel if needed. They can
bitter and isolated south-west coast. make arrests if they catch someone red-handed.”
Navy loadmasters are trained in photography, useful He says these patrols establish “pattern of life”, and
when the helicopter circles a vessel of interest to capture helps MPI build a picture of what is normal behaviour –
it from all sides. It is a skill that translates perfectly to and what isn’t.
photographing for MPI. In this latest mission, that role fell to New Zealand has a lot of protected areas to monitor,
Petty Officer Helicopter Loadmaster Zach Taylor. says POHLM Taylor, and “vessels of interest” to
“This area has a lot of problems with paua poaching, and investigate, including serial offenders. The government
it’s a very difficult part of the coastline to police. If the sea is also interested in ensuring vessels fly quarantine flags
gets up, you can’t launch boats to do patrols. When we if required. “Like the ships, we are a platform to get
fly up and down, we’re looking at boats, we’re looking for Government agencies across a lot of ground, in a short
poachers’ campsites, and we’re cruising at 50 to 100 feet. space of time.”
It’s really low, and we get authorisation to do that.”
PAUA PATROLS 5
3-IN-1 CAPABILITY
WITH NEW
HYDROGRAPHIC
DIVE SHIP
By Andrew Bonallack
The big-hearted name of
MANAWANUI will feature again
across New Zealand and the Pacific
on the Navy’s newly-purchased Dive
and Hydrographic vessel.
O
n 22 August the Minister of Defence announced
the purchase of the 85-metre EDDA FONN,
a 15-year-old survey and light construction
vessel from Norwegian firm Østensjø Rederi AS, as Defence Minister Ron Mark greets HMNZS MANAWANUI’s
the replacement for decommissioned vessels HMNZS Commanding Officer designate, LTCDR Andy Mahoney.
MANAWANUI and HMNZS RESOLUTION.
EDDA FONN is currently in Norway but will be delivered Her first Commanding Officer will be Lieutenant
to New Zealand by her former owners in March and Commander Andy Mahoney and her home port will be
renamed as MANAWANUI. She will be the fourth ship to Gisborne, a nod to RESOLUTION’s home port before she
bear the name. was decommissioned in 2012.
Defence Minister Ron Mark described the vessel as LTCDR Mahoney said it was “an honour and privilege” to
a great addition to the Navy, filling capability gaps in be appointed as Commanding Officer. “Although we don’t
diving and hydrography. “It will be in service three years take delivery of MANAWANUI until next year, the hard
earlier than a newly-built ship would have been.” work has already started in raising and training the crew
The scale of the vessel is a considerable contrast to her who will post to the ship. It’s an exciting time for us all.”
predecessors. The EDDA FONN is as long as Offshore He said the new ship would have a 3 in 1 capability,
Patrol Vessels OTAGO and WELLINGTON, but four something the Navy has not had before. “We’ll have a
metres wider in beam. Her expected full displacement, platform for our hydrographic specialists to embark and
at over 5000 tonnes, is two-and-a-half times that of conduct coastline, lake and harbour surveying. It’s a tailor-
an OPV. The bridge deck is nearly 16 metres above the made ship for our divers to conduct underwater explosive
waterline and there are seven decks in all, not counting disposal and it will have salvage capability. It will offer
the weather deck. The helicopter deck, at the bow, is plenty to our Navy and government support agencies.”
capable of landing a Super Puma helicopter weighing EDDA FONN was chosen as the most suitable option from
over nine tonnes. a list of 150 vessels reviewed. MANAWANUI will undertake
A useful feature is a 7.2m by 7.2m enclosed moon final modifications in New Zealand and is expected to be
pool, an opening in the ship’s hull up to waterline level, in service by November 2019. The budget for the project
allowing diving and use of remote underwater vehicles is $103 million.
from inside the ship.
6 OUR NEW DIVE VESSEL
Specifications:
Purpose Purchased from Builder Commercial Year Built Propulsion System
Class
Dive and
Hydrographic
Østensjø Rederi,
AS, Norway
Myklebust
Verft AS
Remotely
Operated Vehicle
2003 4 x diesel electric
generators powering
Vessel (ROV) and survey 2 x azimuth
vessel propulsion systems &
3 x bow thrusters
Positioning Dive Systems Hydrographic Remotely Length Beam
System Systems Operated Vehicle
Kongsberg
K-POS Dynamic
IHC Hytech 3
person wet bell
Kongsberg
EM712 Multi
SAAB Seaeye
Cougar Remotely
84.7 m 18.0 m
Positioning and Surface Beam Echo Operated Vehicle
2 (DP2) System Supply Breathing Sounder and EA
Apparatus through 440 Single Beam
an enclosed Echo Sounder
moon pool.
Recompression
chamber
Draught Displacement Range Speed Core Crew Bunks
(Full)
6.8 m 5,741 7,000 13 knots 39 66
tonnes nautical
miles
OUR NEW DIVE VESSEL 7
RIMPAC
NEW ZEALAND OUTGUNS
THE WORLD
How did HMNZS TE MANA win the ‘World “We had drilled and
Cup’ of naval gunnery during Exercise
RIMPAC? It’s a marriage of Operations drilled the procedures
and Weapons on TE MANA, who shared in the days leading up
with Navy Today some insights on to the competition. The
accurate gunnery.
Weapon Technicians
What happened: on board had carefully
Let’s recap to August, where HMNZS TE MANA, using its selected, monitored
and prepared the
five-inch gun, defeated 17 ships from 10 countries in the
Naval Surface Fire Support Rodeo competition in Hawaii.
ammunition days in
The United States, the host nation, had stacked the
competition with two missile cruisers and five destroyers.
Two frigates from Australia lined up, as did ships from
Peru, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Singapore and Chile. One advanced to ensure
ship (KRI Maradinata, Indonesia) had only commissioned
last year.
that the Ship had the
best chance of success,
The task:
Land five shots as close as possible to a target over with the most accurate
6km away
• First 5 salvos – Pre-Action Calibration (Barrel Warmers)
ballistics we could
• Second 5 salvos – Ranging shots for adjustment generate.”
• Third 5 salvos – these ones count for scoring
– Operations Officer LTCDR Bobby Nesbitt
The problem:
Eliminate as many variables as possible from the OS
performance of the gun and ammunition to ensure that the fiv e sAlV
inherent differences between equipment, cartridge and Last
shell made as little difference to the ballistics as practicable
during the ranging and scored shoots.
“Guns up, ready for call for fire”
“Five salvos, fire for effect.”
8 XXXXX
“Being the first ship on
the gun line for the
NSFS Rodeo was an
exciting moment and
a great opportunity
for the gunnery
organisation to prove
itself in a competitive
environment.”
– Commanding Officer HMNZS TE MANA,
CDR Lisa Hunn
How do you do it? • Drills, drills and more drills.
Lieutenant Commander Bobby Nesbitt (Operations Officer) • On the day, assess wind speed and direction
and Lieutenant Malcom Barry (Weapons Officer) combine (TE MANA asked permission to launch a weather
teams to produce the winning result. balloon to assess wind speed and direction at different
altitudes, but was turned down by competition judges
• Align the gun with the ship’s inertial navigation system.
due to unfair advantage).
• Select shells and cartridges from the same lot and
• Calculate the muzzle velocity from the first five shots
batch to ensure that the grain of powder, weight of
and load that data into the fire control system to
shell, and performance of the fuse was uniform.
improve the accuracy.
• Regularly check the temperature where the
• Fire last five shots 10 seconds apart to ensure that
ammunition is stored.
any residual motion or play within the ship or gun was
• Five days out, position cartridges on the load settled prior to the next round being fired.
drum away from air conditioning, and monitor the
temperature of the cartridges every watch over
those five days (all were within 1 degree of each MEAN RESULT: 34.6 yards
other on the day). Results are measured from sensor buoys that can calculate
the splash and the distance to the target using acoustics.
Salvo 3 – 50 yards
Salvo 5 – 48 yards
Salvo 1 – 31 yard
s
Salvo 4 – 28
yards
Salvo 2
– 16 y
ards
0 10 20 30 40 50
DISTANCE IN YARDS
XXXXX 9
RIMPAC
REFLECTING
ON RIMPAC
Lieutenant Jess Shaw talks to Captain
Blair Gerritsen, the Sea Combat
Commander (SCC) at Exercise RIMPAC,
about his experience in Hawaii and
overseeing a task force ranging from CAPT Blair Gerritsen (centre) with RNZN personnel
10 to 14 ships. aboard HMAS ADELAIDE.
What key lessons did NZ learn as a result of leading SCC? How will this experience shape your leadership for
“The exercise reinforced for me how important it is to the future?
get the fundamentals of what we do right,” reflects CAPT In the past, when CAPT Gerritsen went to sea, he was
Gerritsen. He highlighted the need to have a solid base largely an expert in his field making more hands-on
of capability established before attempting anything decisions on a ship. “As a TG commander and having not
complex. Initially, getting underway was about the basics; been to sea for a while, this was a good opportunity to step
maneuvering the force and learning to communicate and back from the detail, concentrate on the provision of broad
understand each other. All nations had their own way direction and empower the experts to get on with making
of doing things, so even though most shared a common things happen. Returning to New Zealand, I can’t help but
language and often common doctrine, individual nuances think how similar the leadership demands in HQNZDF are
are important to understand in such a varied force. in that our senior leaders don’t need to be experts, but
“RIMPAC can seem like a big, complex beast, but if the rather look to ask the right questions and making informed
fundamentals are right, everything will fall into place”. judgments based on experience which is really no different
What does it take to lead the SCC on RIMPAC? to environments such as RIMPAC.” With experience you
The quick reply, “patience and persistence,” came with a can point out the risks and think, “so what”, without getting
grin as CAPT Gerritsen recalls the team which enabled caught up in the detail, he said. He had a team of highly
his command while embarked in HMAS ADELAIDE. “From skilled individuals in the Sea Combat Command, “I relied on
a personal perspective, it was all about harnessing the the likes of LT Simon Dickson and LTCDR Andy Mahoney’s
capabilities of the excellent team we had both in the knowledge of contemporary warfare tactics. LT Sophie
ships and within the CTG staff. As a leader, it was my Going was my resident navigational expert while LTCDR
role to ensure we had the right environment for the staff Paula Dacey took control of the TG’s logistics needs.
to perform as a whole and for individuals to bring their Everyone got on with what they do best.”
specialist skills to the fore.” Bringing out the skillset of Your highlight of RIMPAC?
each team member through light questioning and a relaxed “The team I had to work with. I was a little nervous before
approach, gave everyone a chance to perform at their best.
getting together in that we might not have the right
What did NZ offer to RIMPAC which was unique combination of roles and skills sets but I need not have
compared to other participating nations? worried. The second highlight was having the opportunity
“New Zealanders have a relatively unique approach to to command a force of the size we had at sea. “I remember
Command roles, born in part from the environment in during the theatre Anti Surface Warfare (ASW), standing in
which we develop and operate. For New Zealanders, when the Operations Room, looking at the TG on on the screens,
we see an issue, we tend to take ownership of finding and thinking, ‘how amazing is it that I’ve been entrusted
a solution and then just get on with executing the plan.” with such an incredibly capable force.’”
Some nations, when confronted by similar challenges, will CAPT Gerritsen hopes others will get a similar opportunity
highlight the issue but wait for a solution from further up to what he and his team have had. “RIMPAC offers us
the command chain. “Because we don’t normally have a command opportunities on a scale we just don’t get at
‘big machine’ behind us, we tend to have to stand on our home and participation makes us better at our jobs and
own two feet a little more and with RIMPAC this meant we more effective in a coalition environment.”
proved pretty effective at smoothing out the issues that
arose and making things happen in a timely manner.”
10 RIMPACFIJI PATROLS SEND
CLEAR MESSAGE
T
he Navy’s significant
impact on illegal,
unregulated and
unreported fishing in the
vicinity of Fiji continued with the
presence of HMNZS OTAGO
last month.
On 3 August OTAGO departed
for Fiji to take over from HMNZS
TAUPO, who had been patrolling
Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone
OTAGO’s Commanding
Officer, LTCDR Lorna Gray. in partnership with the Fijian
Navy since early June.
TAUPO finished on a high note, with around 141 vessels
inspected over the course of five patrols. OTAGO will undertake
another two patrols before continuing on with fisheries patrols HMNZS TAUPO BY THE NUMBERS:
and diplomatic visits across the Western Pacific.
141
OTAGO will take aboard a combined team from the Republic
of Fiji Navy, Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries, Revenue and Customs number of vessels inspected
Service and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
Commander Joint Forces Major General Tim Gall said the
combined patrols had been successful in raising awareness
around fisheries and customs regulations and in promoting
closer defence cooperation between the NZDF and the
11,100 km covered during patrol
Republic of Fiji Navy.
“We are here to assist Fiji authorities in protecting their
fishery resources and enhancing border security. Together
740 hours spent on patrol
we have shown our shared commitment to protecting a
valuable resource for future generations,” he said.
Lieutenant Ben Flight, the Commanding Officer of TAUPO,
24 number of Republic of Fiji Navy
sailors trained
said Fiji personnel were involved in planning the patrols
and were leading at-sea boarding and inspection of fishing
vessels, foreign yachts and sailboats in Fijian waters.
12 kg cocaine recovered from
remote island
“This is a great development opportunity for our own sailors. (as of 5 August)
We’ve learnt so much by working together with the Fiji
agencies,” Lieutenant Flight said.
FIJI PATROLS 11HAPPY
BIRTHDAY The latest computer graphic
of AOTEAROA at sea.
AOTEAROA
The official “birthday” of AOTEAROA “This is an exciting time
was celebrated with its formal keel
laying ceremony at Hyundai Heavy for our Navy.”
Industries shipyard on 13 August in – Chief of Navy Rear Admiral
John Martin
Ulsan, Korea.
T
he keel laying, marking the official “birth day” of the
ship, is an important ceremonial occasion, which has She will have an ice-strengthened hull, the ability to carry
traditionally represented the laying of the initial piece 12x 20-foot shipping containers, high-capacity freshwater
of timber that would make up the ship’s backbone. generation plants, self-defence systems, aviation and marine
AOTEAROA’s keel laying consisted of more than 500 fuel cargo tanks, dual all-electric replenishment-at-sea rigs
tonnes of carefully constructed keel blocks being positioned and will be able to carry a Seasprite or NH90 helicopter.
together in the dry dock, where she will continue to expand Her Polar Class 6 rating means she will be able to deliver
upwards and outwards until her launch date early next year. fuel and other goods to support Scott Base and McMurdo
This is a significant day for the Royal New Zealand Navy, Station, during summer months once an icebreaker has
because it represents a tangible milestone in the journey cleared a path.
to having a multi-purpose vessel that provides refuelling
services, freshwater generation, significant cargo-carrying
capability and the ability to conduct air patrols.
While she is constructed over the next 12 months, her
Ship’s Company will also be assembled, trained and
prepared to operate the largest vessel the RNZN has ever
had – more than three times bigger than ENDEAVOUR,
the vessel she replaces.
AOTEAROA’s primary purpose is to conduct fuel resupply
but she will also be capable of supplying dry goods, water,
spare parts or ammunition. Her missions will include
humanitarian and disaster relief, support to United Nations
security operations, support to a coalition naval task group The pieces come together for the keel laying ceremony.
and Antarctic resupply.
12 KEEL CEREMONYLT Troy Gorden
TAUPO’S NEW COMMANDER
By Suzi Phillips LT Gorden did his primary and most of his secondary
schooling in Hastings, including at Karamu High School, as
F
well as living in Australia for several years.
ormer Hastings resident, Lieutenant Troy Gorden
hopes to return to the Hawkes Bay when his Navy “I’ve had quite a nomadic life, as a youngster and in the
career ends, but for now his focus is firmly on his new Navy, but when I do finish my career and settle down to
role – command of Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS TAUPO. start a family, my ambition is to return to the Hawkes Bay,”
he says. “I had such a cool childhood there enjoying the
“This command is definitely the highlight for me so far –
freedom and lots of time spent in the outdoors.”
every seaman officer wants to command a ship,” he says.
His ambition from a young age to join the Navy meant
He takes over from Lieutenant Ben Flight who returned
that a lot of his choices at school were influenced by this.
with the ship recently after a three-month deployment
“I knew that maths was important if I wanted to become
to Fiji, partnering with the Fijian Navy for a series of
a seaman officer, so I focused on my studies and also on
fisheries patrols.
sports – I knew it was important to be fit and active and
LT Gorden joined the Navy 10 years ago and this will be his able to work well with other people.”
second command, after holding temporary command on
He joined the Navy in 2008 and after basic training, served
sister ship HMNZS HAWEA earlier this year.
on frigates HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS TE MANA,
He is looking forward to the challenge of commanding fulfilling his wish to see the world with the Navy. This
TAUPO and taking over leadership of the Ship’s Company included a counter piracy deployment to the Middle East
developed by his predecessor. and the coast of Africa.
LT Gorden comes from a Navy family with a grandfather and “I served 18 months on HMNZS TE MANA as Bridge
older brother serving in the Navy. WatchKeeper 1 and after the last deployment I decided to
“From as young as I can remember, I always wanted to join take time out to complete my university degree.”
the Navy,” he says. “My grandfather was an Able Seaman LT Gorden became a Royal NZ Navy Reservist in 2014 to
on a corvette with the Australian Navy during the Second go to University and complete a Bachelor of Construction
World War in the Pacific and shared lots of stories about his Quantity Surveying with the aim of having a qualification
time at sea.” that would be useful after the Navy, for a career in
“I could see as a youngster that his time in the Navy had construction in Hawkes Bay.
shaped him and made him the man he was – I had a lot of For now his focus is on his career, his time in command
respect for him.” of TAUPO, and then becoming a Principal Warfare
LT Gorden’s eldest brother has completed almost 25 years’ Officer, returning to serve on board frigates in a surface
service as an avionics technician with the Australian Navy combatant role.
and was another strong role model for him. “It’s a great life in the Navy – I’ve seen about a third of the
“He is a lot older than me and joined the Navy about the time world already and now been entrusted with the command
I was born.” of a warship,” says LT Gorden.
TAUPO CHANGE OF COMMAND 13CDR Brock Symmons (left) accepts the
CDR Brock Symmons symbol of command from CDR Steve Lenik.
COMBAT-CREDIBLE
COMMAND
By Andrew Bonallack
C
ommander Brock Symmons and Commander Steve CDR Lenik, who assumed command of TE KAHA in
Lenik have a lot in common. They have both made April 2016, is posting as the Naval Adviser in Canberra.
their careers in HMNZS TE KAHA and have a habit “Shipmates, what a ride it has been.” High points for
of taking over from each other. him and his Ship’s Company included Ocean Explorer
History repeated on 2 August when CDR Symmons took 16, RIMPAC 16, Operation Crucible and leading the
command of TE KAHA from CDR Lenik, something he had naval task force to Kaikoura after the earthquake. “We
done when he was an incoming Executive Officer and CDR made a tangible contribution to the people of New Zealand,
Lenik was posting out. helping them in their time of need. We flew the White
Ensign in 10 different countries, and then integrated with
With the ship undergoing its Frigate Systems Upgrade in
the NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group, in their time of need.
Canada, the ceremony was held at Devonport Naval Base’s
Fleet Gym. “I have the ship,” said CDR Symmons, accepting “We nailed some big moments with TE KAHA, but it’s those
the Symbol of Command, a kauri wahaika, and becoming little moments as well. It’s the things you share with sailors,
TE KAHA’s 11th Commanding Officer. the promotions, the light-hearted moments on the bridge
wing, or watching another sunrise in a foreign country.”
CDR Symmons takes on what will become New Zealand’s
most technologically advanced naval combat ship. He said He said the recipe for success was comradeship. “Without
the next step will be getting the team ready for Canada the unity, we couldn’t have done what we have done. You
next year. “We are ready to embrace the challenge in will need that unity as CDR Symmons takes you forward to
realising the next level of combat capability for the New new challenges.”
Zealand Navy. It’s laying the foundations for naval combat Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin said the frigates
for the next 10 years. That’s a pretty cool responsibility.” have a vital role in demonstrating New Zealand’s credible
The team will start in Canada from February. “The dockyard capability. “The upgrade of our frigates, with TE KAHA
has got a really strong reputation for quality work. We first, is extremely exciting and makes our naval combat
have to trust the engineers to do their part, then we have force credible and relevant. TE KAHA needs to serve our
to do our part, and get back to sea in August next year.” country for the next decade, realising the benefit of new
He describes coming back to TE KAHA, even with its technology. I take my hat off to you all, in advancing New
major refit, as “coming home”, recalling he passed his Zealand’s interests from the sea.”
watchkeeper qualifications on her in 1999.
14 TE KAHA CHANGE OF COMMANDRecruits stand and
wait for instructions.
THE FIRST Dylan is from the Cook Islands, and was inspired to join
after undertaking a “boot camp” in Aitutaki, one of the
STEP OF THE
outlying islands. “I’m excited,” he says. “It’s been a long
process. Everyone I have met in the Navy has always been
encouraging me. It looks like a good environment.”
JOURNEY
His Aunt, Mary, appears delighted he won’t have a
cellphone for five weeks. “I’ve told him, make the most of
it, be a good listener and listen to everything that is told to
him, and do it. We are proud of him.”
The final hugs, and he heads to the barrier with his bag.
By Andrew Bonallack Contraband, such as “nutty” (sweets), cellphones and
jewellery have to be declared now. “Sunglasses off, hands
D
ylan Pardoe, 17, shuts the car boot, shoulders his out of your pockets, tuck yourself in,” calls one of the
bag, and walks without hesitation towards the instructors on the other side.
Ngataringa Bay entrance to Devonport Naval Base. As the sun climbs higher more recruits and their families
It’s shortly after 10am on a Sunday, and he’s the first of 119 arrive. A mother and father stand off to one side in the
trainees scheduled to arrive between now and 2pm. Ahead carpark, their arms over their daughter’s shoulders,
of him is 18 weeks of Basic Common Training as part of saying a prayer. Some parents opt for the long goodbye,
intake BCT 18/02. and watch until they lose sight of their trainee. Others,
Waiting to greet him outside the gate are the “friendly self-conscious in front of the uniforms and not wanting
faces”, the recruiters who, in many cases, have worked to embarrass their son or daughter, go for the quick,
with the applicants in the long lead-up to this moment. The cheerful hug and farewell, before heading back to the car.
recruiters shake Dylan’s hand, and greet his accompanying There’s a hint of tears, but it’s a moment everyone has
family, his cousin, Aunty and Uncle. been well prepared for.
BCTS ARRIVE AT AUCKLAND 15Bags in hand, the recruits head towards the mess decks.
Pagia Wilson farewells a cousin before
“Good morning,” says Petty Officer Communications
heading through the gate.
Warfare Specialist Andy James, one of the senior
instructors. “Welcome to the home of the Royal New
Zealand Navy. Welcome and congratulations. Make this
your first step on a fruitful career and an amazing journey.
From this instant, all instructors are addressed as ‘staff’
until you get told the rank structure. Pick up your bags in
your left hand and proceed to the assembly point. We will
get you processed.”
Many fail to hear the “left hand” instruction and a sailor
corrects them sharply. “You need to start listening,” he
says. “Move with urgency. You’re in the Navy now. It’s not
school. Move as fast as you can, to the best of your ability.”
Mother Kerry Pickles is dropping off son Daniel, 18, who
wants to be a Navy medic. “This is what he has dreamed
of for so long,” she says. “I’m not worried, I know he’s
doing exactly what he wants, and it’s amazing they get this
opportunity.” She says it will probably dawn on her that
night that he’s gone.
Recruit Ashleigh Emery, 19, is enrolled as a Seaman
Combat Specialist. “It was exciting and nerve-racking
as the day got closer,” she says. A former New Zealand
under-17 footballer, she has been away from home before,
but never left home. “I love the idea of a career where I can
help people. I’ve always wanted to do this.” Her mother,
Wendy, says the Navy is a fantastic career choice. “She
loves adventure, I couldn’t imagine her in an office. And it’s
nice to hand her off to the Navy, knowing she’s going to be
16 BCTS ARRIVE AT AUCKLANDA/LPTI Lauren
Meyer “fits” a set
of overalls to the
recruits.
safe, and looked after.” She jokes that Ashleigh’s younger
brother has only come to make sure she leaves so he can
have her room.
In small batches, bags to one side, the recruits receive their
first drill instruction under Able Seaman Combat Specialists
Reyne Hepi and Sione Latu. “Squad… SHUN!” The group
stand at attention in an almost apologetic manner. “Smack
your heel into the other,” says ASCS Hepi. “Squad, Right
Dress! Half-Arm intervals!” The move is almost excruciating
to watch, but the two sailors are patient, getting the basics
right. As the recruits march off, ASCS Latu asks how
many more to go. 50, he’s told, and there’s only an hour
to go. Apparently some are stuck in traffic on Lake Road.
“Welcome to Devonport,” says ASCS Latu wryly.
Christian Garea
Back at the gate, Pagia Wilson, 18, from Onehunga, is
affixes his newly
somewhere in the middle of an extended Samoan family stencilled name
of around 50, all Aunties, Uncles, first cousins and one to his overalls.
grandfather. Pagia has gone through a Service Academy at
his high school and is respectfully dressed, his shirt ironed,
and he looks like a man ready for the world. “Love you, boy!
Smash it out!” call out his supporters. Then there’s a classic The recruits stand while they wait their turn to collect
line from primary school days: “Make sure you listen with overalls and hat. “Stand at ease means stand at ease,”
your ears!” says an instructor. “It doesn’t matter if you have an itch to
Pagia has lived with his grandfather, Amerika Wilson, for scratch on your forehead. You push through it.”
years, and the parting is hard for the elder of the clan. “I’m Everything has to be stencilled and labelled, starting with
a little bit missing him. This is my number one grandson, he their new Navy caps. How it’s done is precisely explained.
does everything for me. But this is what he wants to go for “Write your surname in capital letters,” says the instructor.
in his life.” “You left your first name at the gate.”
BCTS ARRIVE AT AUCKLAND 1701
Our people
02 03
04 05
1. Graduates of BCT 18/01, OCWS Skyler Stokman, OCWS Kaden Vasey, OMT Dominik Schmidt and OET Cadell Heney help each other
place yellow rank slides, indicating a milestone in Basic Branch Training. 2. OMT(P) Connor Cawley stands among the guard in Wellington
to welcome Admiral Phil Davidson, US Indo-Pacific Commander. 3. HMNZS TE MANA’s Marine Engineering Officer LTCDR Kathryn Sherley
and Operations Officer LTCDR Bobby Nesbitt on the deck of USS CARL VINSON during the closing ceremony of RIMPAC. 4. MID Sam
McMinn (third from left) with the President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, and other officers during his voyage on Chilean training ship
ESMERALDA. 5. LTCDR Andrew Sorensen is promoted to Commander, with wife Nadia and sons Isaac and Toby helping with the rank
18 A LIFE LESS ORDINARY06
07 08
09
10 11
slides with Deputy Chief of Navy CDRE Mat Williams. 6. CTG 176.3 staff members LT Sophie Going, LT Joanna Gonzales (USN) and
LT Jess Shaw on the Flight Deck of HMAS ADELAIDE during Exercise RIMPAC. 7. ACWS Rangimarie Cherrington greets Admiral Phil
Davidson, US Indo-Pacific Commander, during a welcome ceremony in Wellington. 8. A/LSTD Anya Ruri lends a hand during an Auckland
Council tree planting project at Puhinui Reserve. 9. ENS Richard Horne, on bridge duty as HMNZS OTAGO departs Devonport.
10. OMA Hayley Holt receives attention for her ‘injuries’ from OMA Kesia Coutts during Exercise EMCARE. 11. MID Krystal Witika, JOCT
18/02, selects her outdoor kit for her intake’s upcoming evolutions.
19A contractor displays the
new style of visitor passes
to be rolled out fleet-wide.
KEEPING TRACK OF
CONTRACTORS
Navy Occupational Health and Safety “So far the new visitor passes have proved an efficient
and accurate way of monitoring contractors that
have trialled a new visitor pass on are on board,” is the response from WELLINGTON.
HMNZS WELLINGTON to solve the “The attached piece, which can be removed when
contractors enter the engine spaces, is particularly
problem of tracking visitors – and useful as at any one time all that is needed is a glance
particularly contractors – when they at the man-below board to determine who is working
go into machinery spaces. in the spaces.”
Mrs Girdler says it is a more streamlined approach
H
ealth and Safety Advisor (Navy) Kathy Girdler, to contractor management and their safety on
with Devonport Naval Base’s Navy Occupational board vessels. “This new process also meets
Safety and Health (NAVOSH) team, trialled the efficiency level when an evacuation of the ship is
new system while WELLINGTON was in dry dock. It required. Historically on the sounding of the alarms
works as a detachable two-piece pass rather than the contractors leave the engine space and a) forget
single pass hanging on a lanyard. “The current system, a what visitor number tag they were and take the
one-tag system, required contractors to place their visitor wrong number b) forget what visitor tag number they
pass on the man-below board.” This meant a contractor were and don’t take any tag, or c) find that someone
could be in an engine space for a set period of time else has taken their tag number. All three scenarios
without a pass on them, and when they emerged they present the possibility to the Ship that someone may
would – unsurprisingly – struggle to remember which still be down in that engine space, requiring someone
pass number was theirs. to search and confirm the space is clear. The new
“This new pass comes in two pieces, which allows tag eliminates this issue.”
them to affix part of the pass to the man-below board The new passes will now be rolled out to the fleet.
while keeping the other part on them.” WELLINGTON “The sign-writing shop now has the template to go. It
personnel have fed back to NAVOSH that it gives a is up to ships to order the replacement passes, either
clear indication of the number of personnel in machinery by raising a job in your next maintenance period, or
spaces, and has stopped mix-ups when contractors purchasing them using your unit’s cost centre.”
emerge and take the wrong pass.
20 SAFETYFIRST OF
CLASS
TRIALS
By Ensign Benjamin Robertson
H
MNZS CANTERBURY’s engines rumble restlessly as A Seasprite
her sailors eagerly prepare her for a testing month keeps pace off
CANTERBURY’s
at sea. With the order “let go all lines” and the sound stern while the
of breathless sailors hauling in the last of the wet hawsers, ship is under way.
CANTERBURY slips quietly out of the basin and proceeds into
the Gulf. It’s a peaceful Tuesday morning, but sailors have their
minds focused on the task ahead. Morale at times was tested, as well as the strength
In the distance a faint drone becomes a loud whirr, and the of the crew’s stomachs, with seas towering to
noisy culprit appears on the horizon. The arrival of the No. 6 state six. To rejuvenate the Ship’s Company,
Squadron Seasprite SH2G(I) helicopter signifies the start of CANTERBURY enjoyed a relaxing port visit in
HMNZS CANTERBURY’S First of Class Flight Trials (FOCFT). Tauranga, held sporting events on the cargo deck
FOCFT was a long but rewarding month, characterised during Saturday and Sunday and attempted to
by tumultuous weather and the friendly external testing silently take down unknown foes during the highly
team, Prism Defence. Prism’s job was to collect data points anticipated Hunger Games.
in various weather and atmospheric conditions to enable As ever, CANTERBURY delivered despite the
HMNZS CANTERBURY to build a specialised Ship’s Helicopter weather’s best attempts to thwart our progress.
Operating Limitations (SHOL) for the Seasprite. In order The Prism team were happy, and the Commanding
to do this, CANTERBURY had to remain flexible as the Officer commended his crew on a job well done. The
METOC worked his weather powers to guide us to the right ship stayed out a week longer to embrace the last
conditions. We relentlessly tracked up and down the North of the cold fronts, before sailing home to commence
Island and went as far North as the tropical waters – just shy Maritime Counter Terrorism Training and then
of Fiji – to undertake testing in the different temperatures and receive some TLC (Tender Loving Care) during the
atmospheric pressures associated with the tropics. upcoming maintenance period.
CURIOUS OBJECT
Lighter with a difference
T his silver table lighter c1913 inscribed HMS New Zealand, can
be found in the Boyle Room at the Navy Museum. Over a hundred
years ago it would have graced the wardroom in HMS New Zealand,
an Indefatigable-class battlecruiser. She saw active service at the three
major naval battles of World War One: Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank
and Jutland. Made out of silver, it’s in the form of a 19th century grenade.
Also known as a cigar lighter, it is weighted, has a removable lid with a
hole where a wick would have been threaded. It would have also been
filled with some form of accelerant. At a time when smoking was very
popular, it is likely the lighter saw heavy use, particularly after a battle!
The lighter is one of a number of interesting artefacts related to HMS
New Zealand on display in the museum.
Image: National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
CURIOUS OBJECT 21Our
Divisional
System FF
ICER O
F
O
TH
RRANT
WARRANT OFFICER OF THE NAVY
E N AV Y
WOCWS Wayne Dyke
WA
O
ur Navy is based on unique traditions and 5. Partnerships: The divisional system leverages support
cultures that have been forged not only by the from a range of internal and external providers and
domain we operate in but also through lessons partners.
learned throughout history. The divisional system is one 6. Practice: Divisional Officers and Senior Rates
of those traditions that remains just as relevant today as continually gain experience and practice putting the
it did on its inception. principles of the divisional system into effect.
The divisional system dates back to 1755 when Vice- 7. Promotion: Policies and divisional system process are
Admiral Thomas Smith (RN) introduced a scheme where promoted and communicated clearly to each and every
Lieutenants on board a ship were placed in charge of a one of our sailors. The information and guidelines are
division of the Ship’s Company and were responsible for easy to find.
their health, wellbeing and efficiency. Our Navy like other
8. Prediction: Many of the situations Divisional Officers
navies of the world operates a similar divisional system.
face are predictable and can be mitigated with
These systems recognise our Divisional Officers, Divisional
proactive management. The best tools in the Divisional
Senior Rates and Divisional Leading Hands have an
Officer or Divisional Senior Rates armoury to predict
important role to play in supporting concepts such as ‘Safe
potential issues is experience and the application
Sailor’ through the divisional system.
of the inter-personal skills we learn about in our
The divisional system has withstood the test of time due to Leadership Development programmes.
a number of reasons. In my view, our divisional system has
9. Prevention: Through education, early intervention and
10 critical elements that contribute to its success. Some of
by taking a proactive approach our divisional system
you will have heard of the 7 P’s for success. Here are my 10
can provide mitigation and preventative steps before a
P’s for our divisional system:
crisis eventuates.
1. Policies: Our Navy has policies in place to support
10. Polished: With over 77 years of practice as an
the divisional system, particularly when our division is
independent Navy we can be sure processes and
suffering adverse or challenging circumstances. We
learnings to improve and strengthen our divisional
have defined roles and lines of communications and
system take place continuously.
responsibilities throughout the chain of command.
The divisional system is only as effective to the extent to
2. Plans: Our Navy has plans in place to deal with nearly
which it is adhered. It can be seriously undermined or prove
every divisional issue, whether it is regular divisional
ineffective should a Divisional Officer or Divisional Senior
meetings or briefings to quickly providing support to
Rate neglect carrying out their responsibility or duty. The
our sailors in the case of a personal crisis.
flow-on effect can have a detrimental impact on both the
3. Processes: Our divisional system processes are well individual and our Navy. It is the responsibility of sailors at
defined and equally well supported by technological every level not to undermine the divisional system.
processes. Our processes ensure critical information
The divisional system has proved its worth over time and
is quickly and securely transmitted to support our key
will continue to do so. It is the envy of a number of other
personnel so they can make timely decisions and act
external organisations. There is a reason why the divisional
accordingly.
system has stood the test of time and that is because it
4. People: Our Divisional Officers and Senior Rates are works when applied properly. We are lucky to possess a
trained to perform their roles. Our sailors are well group of talented and dedicated sailors in our Navy and
versed with the divisional system and the role it has to a strong divisional system will allow them to continue to
play in our Navy. Our sailors are encouraged to use the realise their potential.
divisional system when something is wrong.
22 WON DIVISIONSSAILORS’
SWIFT
ACTION
SAVES LIFE LMED Liana Wellington, LCWS Trilesse Black, LMT(E) Tamati Roberts
and ASCS Sam Aggerholm-McLennan with their commendations.
By Andrew Bonallack
“From one sailor to
C
ommander Jay Taylor-Innes had every reason to be
emotional as he watched the four sailors who saved
his life receive commendations last month. Seated
another – thank you from
in the rear of the Devonport Naval Base Seminar room on the bottom of my heart.”
1 August, among colleagues and family of the recipients,
he hadn’t intended to speak, but as the Chief of Navy and His wife, Moira, says she thought someone was playing a
Deputy Chief of Navy warmly complimented the four sailors joke on her when she got the call. “I had been talking to Jay
for their role in a medical emergency, he got to his feet and only 20 minutes earlier.”
introduced himself. “I’m the medical emergency.”
He would later have a triple heart bypass, and
On 6 January CDR Taylor-Innes suffered a sudden cardiac acknowledges you can’t run from genetics – his father had
arrest while training at the Fleet Gymnasium on the base. the same thing happen to him. “The support I got has just
Nearby was Leading Medic Liana Wellington and her been unbelievable. You realise you are part of a wider Navy
partner, Leading Marine Technician (Electrical) Tamati family, in moments like these.” Moira agrees. “The moral
Roberts, with their young son. It was LMT(L) Roberts support, from people I hadn’t met, it was amazing. I was
who reacted first. “There was a bang and I turned around. part of a bigger family.”
The Commander was on the ground with his legs on the As well as being alive, the upside is there is no damage
treadmill. His eyes were open but it was like there was to his heart, thanks to the quick actions of the sailors
no-one at home. I tried to get a response, and yelled out who worked on him. “They got CPR started, used the
for Liana.” defibrillator, got the heart running. That’s down to them,”
Training took over for LMED Wellington as she checked says CDR Taylor-Innes.
everything. The Commander wasn’t breathing, and his He is back at work, and exercising again – with some
heart had stopped. Two other sailors, LCWS Trilesse Black limitations. “Now friends and colleagues are thinking ,
and ASCS Sam Aggerholm-McLennan came over to help, maybe I need to go and get myself checked.”
and under LMED Wellington’s direction began CPR. “We The incident was a first for LCWS Trilesse Black, who is an
rallied around, doing compressions. It was very scary, you instructor at the Recruit Training Squadron. “Tamati called
could hear the ribs creaking and breaking. Sam was on the out to us and we spun into action. I’ve never done it before.
phone, communicating with the paramedics. We used the I’ve never experienced seeing someone so close to death.”
gym’s defibrillator and shocked him four or five times, and
LMED Wellington received a Chief of Navy commendation,
we got a heart rhythm. We kept breathing for him as the
while LCWS Black, LMT(L) Roberts and ASCS Aggerholm-
paramedics arrived.”
McLennan received Deputy Chief of Navy commendations.
LMED Wellington travelled with CDR Taylor-Innes in the
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin says this is the
ambulance, assisting with ventilation. “As a paramedic, we great thing about the New Zealand Defence Force. “Our
got out with St John’s in Christchurch, so I have seen and people stand up, no matter where it is, when you need to
done a bit, but not this extreme.” stand up. Your professional abilities came into play here,
CDR Taylor-Innes says his recollection was waking up in and we are extremely grateful, and gratified to see we have
hospital, surrounded by concerned faces, and being told people like Liana, able to do the job. She saw the problem
he had been in a coma for two days. “How could this have through, all the way to hospital. You gave that continuum
happened? It was totally unexpected. I’m healthy, fit, no of care, all the way, and that is a great expression of our
warning signs.” values. It is a privilege to serve in the same Navy as you.”
SAVING A LIFE 23POMT(L) Chris Lapham receives
his MCC commendation from
BECOMING
AN EXPERT
CDRE Tony Millar.
I
n a surprise ceremony in front of his Shipmates, Petty
Officer Marine Technician (Electrical) Chris Lapham
was awarded a Commendation from the Maritime
Component Commander, Commodore Tony Millar, for his effort has seen an increase in the understanding of IPMS
outstanding contribution to our Navy. and has potentially led to an increase of fleet readiness.
In 2016, then Acting Petty Officer Lapham joined HMNZS He oversaw a difficult maintenance period for HMNZS
TE KAHA as one of the Ship’s senior electricians. POMT(L) TE KAHA, with defects within the power generation systems
Lapham had no previous experience in the electrical threatening to derail the tight scheduling around the
system on an ANZAC frigate, or exposure to the Integrated maintenance period and subsequent operations. POMT(L)
Platform Management System. Known as IPMS, this system Lapham, leading a team of contractors and sailors put his
essentially connects and controls all Marine Engineering leadership, interpersonal and technical skills to the test. Due
equipment including fire detection and response. to his efforts and those of the wider team, the defects were
POMT(L) Lapham, recognising the importance of this identified and rectified with enough time to spare to prevent
system, took it upon himself to learn as much as possible major disruption.
about the relatively new system. This is easier said than While battling these defects, POMT(L) Lapham maintained
done, and it took great dedication and effort to map out a tight hand on the safety processes required to ensure
and self-learn the complex system. Through his dogged equipment was safe for work to be conducted. The attention
perseverance, Lapham quickly found his understanding to detail POMT(L) Lapham showed ensured contractors
equalling that of his more experienced branch mates and and sailors alike were kept safe from dangerous voltages
being regarded as an expert. whilst conducting detailed work. This attention to detail
Identifying the opportunity and understanding of the and complete understanding saw POMT(L) Lapham being
necessity to grow the next generation of experts, POMT(L) instrumental in updating electrical isolation and testing
Lapham put significant work into additional training for the procedure and policy, making a substantial and ongoing
young electricians on HMNZS Te Kaha in IPMS. This extra contribution to safety across the Navy.
DEVOTION
TO DUTY
A
n engineer who served on two Fijian deployments
in Inshore Patrol Vessels has been commended
for his devotion and contribution to both ships’
successful missions. POMT(P) Nicholas Te Kotahi receives an Maritime Component
Commander’s commendation from Commodore Tony Millar,
Petty Officer Marine Technician (Propulsion) Nicholas pictured with his wife Ruth Koriri, his daughter Maria-Jay and
Te Kotahi received a Maritime Component Commander their baby Lola-Rose.
commendation on 17 August.
He served on both HMNZS HAWEA and TAUPO during their well prepared. His citation credits POMT(P) Te Kotahi
respective high-profile deployments to Fiji for Operation for his “excellent coaching and mentoring approach”, his
Wasawasa in 2017 and 2018. As the engineering senior outstanding comradeship, and his consistent performance
rating, he is credited with HAWEA being able to complete her well above the level required by his rank.
mission despite a significant engineering failure early into the “During his time on both vessels, POMT(P) Kotahi acted with
deployment. He continued to maintain the ship’s engineering courage and integrity, upholding high standards and leading
plant to the highest level, a level he continued in second Op by example. He is always an enthusiastic volunteer and his
Wasawasa deployment this year with HMNZS TAUPO. positivity is infectious, enabling his subordinates to perform
POMT(P) Te Kotahi was the sole damage control instructor their work cheerfully despite long hours and arduous
for both ships, resulting in the IPVs being exceptionally conditions.”
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