PACIFIC VACCINE RNZN ASSISTS - New Zealand Defence Force
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#
2
5
7 JOINT FORCES
A TURNS 20
U
G LIFE IN
2 THE 1980S
1 OUR MAN IN
WASHINGTON
RNZN ASSISTS
PACIFIC
VACCINE
ROLL-OUT
Contents
04 Operation Pacific Vaccinate 24 Our man in Washington
12 Commissioning from the Ranks 26 Kiribati culture
14 Joint Forces turns 20 31 Chaplains’ challenge
20 Life in the 1980s 35 15 Rounds
“ It’s about going back home, giving
back to our people, representing
the Royal New Zealand Navy, and
making our families proud.”
– POSCS Thomas Katu, Chief Bosun’s Mate in HMNZS
WELLINGTON during Operation Pacific Vaccinate
08 24 26
Navy Today is the official magazine Contributions are welcomed,
of the Royal New Zealand Navy. including stories, photographs and
Established to inform, inspire letters. Please submit stories and
and entertain serving and former letters by email in Microsoft Word
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Subject to change.
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Sailors standing around a squid
Changing Address?
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HMNZS KANIERE during the Malayan
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2 | Navy Today #257
Yours Aye
Chief of the Navy
Rear Admiral David Proctor
Chief of Navy
Kia ora! at the very least, a debt of gratitude to You may have noted that so far I have
those who went before us – their ethos not mentioned COVID-19. I was trying
As you read through this magazine you
of Service is a great example to aspire to. to avoid it, but it is just too prevalent in
will be taken on a journey of history,
our lives at present to bypass. I wish to
whänau, celebration, maritime security, Other articles included in this magazine
re-iterate my thanks to you all. Everyone
and he tangata. Having had a quick tell the story of the impact of the South
is doing additional mahi in support of
look ahead, I sense all articles have a West Pacific on Aotearoa. The sailors
protecting Aotearoa, be it working in OP
common theme, the pride of the author who share their story with us, give an
PROTECT directly or picking up extra
and their ‘ethos of service’. In this regard insight to their pride in serving and
duties to enable shipmates to work in
the magazine is a reflection, or echo, of representing their culture within the
MIFS/MIQs, etc. Also, I note we have
my last month. RNZN. They are celebratory stories
soldiers, aviators and sailors working
about people and service. Look at
In the last month I had the pleasure and alongside our neighbours in the South
their eyes in the photos – passionate,
privilege of representing the RNZN at a West Pacific as they fight the virus.
committed sailors, with fun and
number of events. One of the notables Thank you team – you ARE saving lives!
excitement in their eyes. Thank you for
was attending the Mururoa Nuclear
the mahi as you ‘serve in ships’ away As I complete this article, I have just
Veterans Group Annual Dinner. Hosted
from your home. This equally applies to become aware of the passing of
in the Rangiora RSA, the evening was
the Stokes brothers; what a story …. lots Dr Lance Beath. Lance was a well-
great fun, with the typical banter of old
of sea time … pride to serve …. lots of respected and widely recognised
shipmates swinging the lantern. The
commitment …. And undoubtedly, a little commentator on security affairs. In
service of these sailors was nationally
bit of mischief! relation to the Royal New Zealand Navy
significant, and in amongst the merriment
he was recently the RNZN Nelsonian
and mirth, I listened intently to the stories Two other things sit at the forefront
Scholar-in-Residence and also the
of harm, hardship and aroha for family, of my mind at the moment. HMNZS
inaugural Editor of the Professional
that were shared with me. New Zealand is CANTERBURY is sailing to Singapore for
Journal of the Royal New Zealand Navy
better for their service and sacrifice. her five-yearly survey. She is the work
(Edition 2 is with the printers as I type).
horse of our Navy, her and her ship’s
Not dissimilar was my attendance at the Additionally, he has provided regular wise
company delivering support to those in
HMNZS NGAPONA Association Formal counsel on multiple occasions to many
need so many times since she joined the
Dinner hosted at the Birkenhead RSA. of us in the Navy, including a number of
fleet. Albeit she has just departed our
Once again I was well fed and watered Chiefs of Navy.
shores, I am keenly awaiting her return
and had the privilege of being included
… she is such an asset to maritime and On behalf of the women and men of
in the fun and hilarity of sailors spinning
human security in our region. the Royal New Zealand Navy, I extend
dits and remembering prior service. I
sincere condolences to Dr Lance
am reminded at such events that our Secondly, Captain Brendon Clarke,
Beath’s whänau and friends.
Reserve Forces and retired sailors are RNZN, also took on the leadership of
often the bastion and protectors of CTF 150 in the Middle East. This is the Moe mai rā, moe mai rā, moe mai rā
Service Tradition. From the celebration of first time a Kiwi has Commanded 150. I e te ahorangi.
shipmates past and present, through to encourage you to ‘google’ CTF 150 and
reminding everyone, LOUDLY, of the ‘why see the global goodness this Combined He heramana ahau
and how’ of naval custom, I am always so Task Force has provided over the years. I
proud of the passion of the sailors who have no doubt Brendon and his team will
preceded me. We who serve today have, generate a new rich part of our history,
confirming our commitment to maritime
security and a rules-based global order.
Navy Today #257 | 3
4 | Navy Today #257
RNZN ASSISTS PACIFIC VACCINE ROLL-OUT
RNZN ASSISTS
PACIFIC
VACCINE
ROLL-OUT
It is not often you see a departing
Commanding Officer return a
haka, but considering the time
– and the miles – Commander
Andy Mahoney and HMNZS
MANAWANUI’s Ship’s Company
have put in, it’s not surprising.
When it comes to COVID prevention, From the announcement of the
purchase of MV EDDA FONN
it’s often a case of big country, big picture.
in August 2018, CDR Mahoney
was soon on board as the ship’s
But what about our smallest populations Commissioning Commanding Officer
in the ‘realm’ of New Zealand? and off to Denmark to be part of
the ship’s fit-out. He crossed half
the world via the Panama Canal
with the delivery crew, arriving in
New Zealand on 12 May 2019. On
6 June the ship was commissioned
as HMNZS MANAWANUI at
Devonport Naval Base.
Navy Today has enjoyed following
CDR Mahoney, his crew, and the
technological package that makes
MANAWANUI a fascinating addition
to the fleet. In just over two years,
MANAWANUI has ticked off most
of her operational to-do list, as
well as representing New Zealand
internationally at Exercise RIMPAC off
Hawaii last year.
It now falls to her new Commanding
Officer, Commander John McQueen,
to carry on the good work. See page 11.
Navy Today #257 | 5
“This is a fantastic
day for Tokelau.
It’s been a good
eight weeks in the
making and it’s
certainly a day to
celebrate.”
Tokelau administrator Ross Ardern
It’s like one of those wary border Tokelau’s COVID-19 vaccination It was a far from ‘tropical’ journey, with
exchanges you see in movies. But this programme was made possible by WELLINGTON encountering rough
is Atafu atoll, Tokelau. There’s a big a 5,000 nautical mile round trip by seas on the way. Commanding Officer
welcome sign on the seawall saying WELLINGTON, delivering Pfizer Lieutenant Commander Pip Davies
“KIA ORA, AOTEAROA” and the four COVID-19 vaccines to the Fakaofo, said the weather certainly provided
people waiting at the wharf, wearing Nukunonu and Atafu atolls of some challenges to the delivery.
protective masks and coveralls, wave Tokelau, as well as a remote island
“The weather hasn’t been entirely
happily as a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat in the Cook Islands.
straightforward but with the flexible
from HMNZS WELLINGTON pulls up.
Among New Zealand’s ‘realm’ states capabilities provided by both the
The Army vaccine specialist, (Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue), helicopter and the ship’s boats,
Lieutenant William Lusher, walks Tokelau is the last to start its vaccine we have been able to deliver the
forward. Instinctively the islanders roll-out among its population of vaccines to all three atolls safely.
step forward two steps, then wait. approximately 1,100. The residents This 5,000 nautical mile journey is no
The specialist carefully places a large of all three have New Zealand small undertaking and demonstrates
blue box of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines citizenship by law. New Zealand’s commitment to our
on the ground some distance away. neighbours in Tokelau.”
The mission, undertaken on behalf
He gives a thumbs up and steps
of the Ministry of Health, required Although a Seasprite and crew were
back to the boat. Two women walk
detailed planning and complex embarked, the mission was completed
forward and – with an almost tender
problem-solving in a multi-agency using a J3 Rigid Hulled Inflatable
gentleness – lift the box. It’s carried to
effort. The Ministry of Health, with the Boat. In the case of the final drop for
a waiting ute. In the village, islanders
support of the NZ Defence Force and 40 persons on Palmerston Island,
are sitting on seats outside a building.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade unknown depths of coral meant the
There’s a sign on the window that
worked in partnership with Tokelau seaboat met up with Cook Islands
says ‘Thank you New Zealand’. Inside,
officials to ensure everything was in Police Patrol Boat TE KUKUPA, whose
there’s a clinic all ready to go, with
place for their roll out. zodiac transferred the vaccines
people wearing T-shirts that say
through the coral and safely to shore.
“He Hoa Lava”, meaning a shared WELLINGTON had cold chain storage
responsibility, everyone joining onboard, keeping the vaccines at the The ship carried on to Rarotonga for
together. All they need are required temperature for the transit, a logistics stop before returning to
the ‘Koviti-19’ vaccines. and Tokelau health officials developed New Zealand.
their own programme to roll out the
vaccine across the three atolls, in
order to protect their communities.
6 | Navy Today #257
RNZN ASSISTS PACIFIC VACCINE ROLL-OUT
Kelihiano Kalolo, Ulu-o-Tokelau (head
of state), said it was a feeling of relief
to see the vaccines arrive. “Thank you
very much. We really appreciate the
help of New Zealand.”
Tokelau administrator Ross Ardern,
briefly on board WELLINGTON in
Auckland, said it would not have been
possible to undertake a vaccine rollout
in Tokelau without the Navy’s help.
“This is a fantastic day for Tokelau. It’s
been a good eight weeks in the making
and it’s certainly a day to celebrate.
The people of these atolls are
New Zealand citizens and the roll out
of the vaccinations across the three
atolls will give them the opportunity to
travel again back into Samoa and from
there internationally. Family and friends
in New Zealand will be able to come to
Tokelau and visit them. For the people
of Tokelau, you know the vaccines are
sent with love and care and we hope it
meets your needs.”
Navy Today #257 | 7
“The Northern group of
the Cook Islands don’t
have much access.
It’s about going back
home, giving back to
our people...”
POSCS Thomas Katu
8 | Navy Today #257
RNZN ASSISTS PACIFIC VACCINE ROLL-OUT
COOK ISLAND
SAILOR PROUD
TO DELIVER
VACCINE
SUPPORT
In 19 years and “I joined the Navy in September
2001, a few years ago and that’s
He’s been to the Cook Islands on
his own steam, for a family reunion.
10 months in why this is exciting. I finally get to
go to the motherland. I’ve done
The last time was in 2009, with later
reunions taking place in New Zealand
the Navy, Cook plenty of trips overseas, but when or Australia to keep the costs down.
His family and nieces on both his
Islander and ships were going to the Cooks, I’d
be somewhere else, like Australia, parent’s sides are currently living in
sailor Thomas Singapore, South East Asia or other
Pacific nations. It’s hard case.”
Rarotonga, where the ship visited near
the end of its mission. They got behind
Katu had never There are three other sailors of their uncle in planning activities for the
Cook Island heritage on board in ship’s company.
deployed to his the same position. “There will be those fitness junkies
homeland. POSCS Katu’s parents Ioteva and who want to hike across the island
Pokoina are from Aitutaki, Mitiaro, or climb Te Rua Manga (the needle).
Last month, the Petty Officer Atiu and Rarotonga and emigrated to Others just want to relax and enjoy
Seaman Combat Specialist New Zealand from the Cook Islands recreation, like a fishing charter or
got his chance when HMNZS in the 1960’s, settling in Porirua. He evening events. I manage the ship’s
WELLINGTON, with around 80 attended Cannons Creek Primary, cultural group on board, and we’ll be
personnel, traveled to Tokelau Brandon Intermediate and Porirua teaching some easy-to-learn Cook
and the Northern Cook Islands College, then worked as a labourer. Island songs and items for our trip.”
to deliver the Pfizer COVID-19 “I was on the end of a concrete pump He says the most rewarding aspect
vaccine supplies, on behalf of up on Mt Victoria, we were working of this trip is being able to help the
the Ministry of Health. on a development site up there. As Pacific Islands. “With us Pacific
we waited for the next concrete truck Islanders serving in uniform, it means
POSCS “Kutz” Katu is the ship’s
Chief Bosun’s Mate, generically to arrive, I looked down and HMNZS a lot to us. My wife and children are
known as the ‘buffer’ and TE KAHA came into Wellington of Tokelauan descent. The Northern
responsible for the seamanship harbour. Everyone was dressed in group of the Cook Islands don’t have
and procedures involved when their full white ceremonial rig, they much access. It’s about going back
the ship undertakes gunnery, fired a gun salute and looked the home, giving back to our people,
ship recovery, boating operations part, and I was sold. That same night representing the Royal New Zealand
and boarding activities. His job I called the 0800 NZ NAVY recruiting Navy, and making our families
was to ensure WELLINGTON’s number. They were recruiting pretty proud. Any rest, recreation and
sea boats and zodiacs were hard in the early 2000s and six reconnecting with family is always
ready to go for the delivery of months later, I was walking a highlight, and more rewarding
vaccines to shore by boat. through the gates.” when it’s a work trip.”
Navy Today #257 | 9
VARIETY
WITH ‘THE
TEAM’
ATTRACTS
FORMER
CRICKETER
TO NAVY
In 2018, when veteran Otago
wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder told
His father-in-law had been in the
Navy for 20 years and was able to
“I hadn’t long
media he needed to think about life
after cricket, he had set up a move
provide some insight. The move to
Auckland, to be closer to family,
since retired
to Wellington to work in finance. But
by the second half of 2019 he was
was also attractive.
from cricket
He was 34 when he joined the Junior
and I was
attesting for Junior Officer training
with the Royal New Zealand Navy. Officer Common Training (JOCT)
19/02 intake at Devonport Naval Base,
Today, Sub Lieutenant de Boorder
is an assistant supply officer on
for 22 weeks of officer training.
“I wasn’t the oldest but I was one of
reasonably fit
board offshore patrol vessel HMNZS
WELLINGTON. When Navy Today
the oldest. It was really enjoyable.
I hadn’t long since retired from cricket
which helped.”
called him this week, he was helping and I was reasonably fit which helped. SLT Derek de Boorder
prepare the ship for the deployment I have always liked the outdoors and
to deliver Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines we had a good bunch of people on my
to the Tokelau and northern intake, which made it a lot of fun.”
Cook Islands.
SLT de Boorder had a finance
His move to the Navy, after working degree under his belt, thanks to
as a Relationship Service Manager part-time study and assistance from “Right now, I’m assisting the supply
for ANZ Bank in Wellington, came the New Zealand Cricket Players officer tracking our mission-critical
after he found he was missing the Association. “They look after you items for our deployment to the
kind of team environment he had well, and make sure you have a plan islands, to make sure all our stores
with sports. “I also realised that to for the future.” When he graduated are on board. We’ve just finished a
get up to a leadership position, I’d as a midshipman, his degree meant ‘shakedown’ for a week, practising
be competing against people with a a promotion to Sub Lieutenant. delivering the vaccines and our non-
lot of banking experience. I wanted
contact procedures, making sure the
an opportunity that gave me more Ironically, his finance skills were put to
social distancing is maintained.
variety, as well as leadership training use after graduation, working on the
and responsibility. The Navy ticked engineering training reform with the “I’m definitely enjoying this. I was
all those boxes. You get a lot of Navy Strategic Personnel Planning working in a project role straight after
responsibility at an early stage. Cell. He then posted to HMNZS training, and now I’m off on a ship for
Their leadership training is second OTAGO in late 2020, moving to something completely different. It’s
to none. I’d recommend it to anyone.” sister ship WELLINGTON this year. the variety I enjoy about this job.”
10 | Navy Today #257N E W S I N B R I E F
NEW ZEALAND HMCS CALGARY
TAKES COMMAND VISITS
OF CTF 150 AUCKLAND
Captain Brendon Clark RNZN, received the transfer Royal Canadian Navy frigate CALGARY visited
of command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ Auckland between August 4 and 10, following her
(CMF) Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) from the work for CTF 150.
Canadian Armed Forces at Naval Support Activity
During her deployment CALGARY set a record for
Bahrain on 16 July.
the number of seizures made by a single ship – 17
CAPT Clark, who heads a 16-strong New Zealand- – and in one interdiction seized over 1,200kg of
led multinational team, will tackle counter-terrorism heroin, the largest single heroin bust in the history
operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, of the Combined Maritime Forces.
coordinating naval and air assets for potential
CALGARY’s Ship’s Company was not required to
intercepts.
quarantine in New Zealand because they had been
It is the first time New Zealand have taken command at sea for more than 14 days. All crew had to return
of CTF 150. negative COVID-19 tests and be symptom-free for
14 days before disembarking.
CAPT Clark said it was an honour and a privilege to
assume command and lead women and men from Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, said it
the New Zealand Defence Force, the Australian and was a chance to return the hospitality after the
Singaporean Navies and the United States Coast Guard. comradeship shown to New Zealand sailors during
three years of Frigate Systems Upgrades for
He said the Canadian Armed Forces, working with
HMNZ Ships TE KAHA and TE MANA in Canada.
Canadian and Australian ships, achieved outstanding
results during their stint.
“Under Canadian leadership, CTF 150 has seized
approximately $160 million USD worth of narcotics
and prevented illegal trade and activities that fund
terrorism. These collective actions have undoubtedly
deterred illicit activity within the area of operations,
and thereby improved the overall prosperity, security,
and stability within the region.”
“My aim is to ensure that we build upon the Canadian
successes, continuing the good work so that we too Left: Royal New Zealand Navy
Captain Brendon Clark.
may set the conditions for Pakistan to succeed when
they take command in early 2022,” he said. Right: HMCS Calgary.
Navy Today #257 | 11New programme
to commission
from the ranks
Four “not so Sub Lieutenants Stevie Winikerei,
Zach Taylor, Leroy de Beer and Olivia
“We all went through selection at the
end of 2020. It begins with Paper
young” ratings West, previously senior rates, knew
that Commissioning from the Ranks
Selection which is your opportunity
to sell yourself on paper. This is
have benefited (CFR) usually involved entering the important because at this point you
latter stages of the JOCT course to have no face-to-face with the CFR
from a new officer join the brand new midshipmen doing selectors. You are required to meet
commissioning their 22-week course. It meant going
back to the basics of ‘Lead Self’ and
the “R Scores” for your chosen
specialization, and have an Officer
programme that is ‘Lead Teams’ study, a lot of time away pro forma completed on you. You
from family, and plenty of running also need to submit your current CV
entirely removed around the hills at Tamaki Leadership and obtain a Commanding Officer’s
from the Junior Centre with a MARS-L rifle. recommendation to CFR. All relevant
service information that might support
Instead, they became the first group
Officer Common to complete the six-week CFR Officer
your application is submitted for
review. A few weeks later you find
Training (JOCT) Development Programme, introduced
this year by the Officer Training School.
out if you have been successful in
selection to attend the Final Officer
course. SLT West, a former Chief Petty Officer Selection Board (FOSB).”
Medic and head of trade for medics,
FOSB testing runs over several days
said this was something she had
and is rigorous, she says. “There’s a
always wanted to do. “I wanted to
lot of testing, and the only one you
work on my leadership, and this was
can really prepare for is maths, and
an opportunity to develop that and
be proficient in essay writing. The
stay in health.” She is now a Maritime
rest of the testing is looking at your
Health Officer.
ability to learn new concepts and your
She says the programme recognised personality. You meet with other officers
their previous experience, including to find out more about your chosen
the fact that they were already specialisation. The interview board day
experienced leaders and had been is intense, where you are presented
doing ‘Lead Leaders and ‘Lead with a number of exercises that are
Systems’ as senior rates. The initial designed to put you under pressure
selection process remains very while being observed by a number of
involved, though. Senior Officers and an Organisational
Psychologist. On completion of the
interviews, you wait while the board
members determine success or failure
for each candidate. After some time,
you are called in one by one to be told
you either remain under consideration
or were not successful.”
12 | Navy Today #257NEW PROGRAMME TO COMMISSION FROM THE RANKS
In early 2021, now accepted to Deliverables during the course He says there has been a lot of
commission, they were told they include a Maritime Strategy Essay, the interest from senior rates. “It’s
would be the first group to do the new development of a personal five-year potentially offering a future to people
programme. SLT West thought the Career Plan in Minute format, and who otherwise might not have wanted
concept was awesome. “Although we defining a Leadership Philosophy to do it. People have families. Bodies
didn’t know what this new programme and using it to turn strategy into Daily aren’t quite what they used to be.
looked like, we knew what we wouldn’t Orders. The latter was presented to It’s a whole new way of developing
be doing. It turned out to be a bespoke key personnel within the Leadership officers in a way that’s useful to
programme, grounded in the Defence Development Group – with the their development.”
Excellence Green Belt system.” expectation of a lot of grilling
SLT West’s advice to others is to
and critique.
SLT Taylor says the biggest benefit make sure you’re doing it for the right
was being with a cohort of highly The new officers think the course reasons and go for it. “I sat on it for
motivated and high-performing will encourage more senior rates to so long, because I didn’t want to fail.
like-minded CFRs. “We were able to commission, because their expertise I was ready, I had mentally prepared
leverage off each other’s strengths, as front-line managers is recognised. for it – and physically prepared for
experiences, and networks. It also “More time is spent on preparing it – but I didn’t know this course was
allowed it us to enhance our Lead the CFR cohort for responsibilities there for us. We are happy to answer
Teams/Systems mind-sets rather they will face in the fleet rather than any questions any budding CFR’s have
than reverting to Lead Self/Teams teaching skills that they already have and absolutely encourage people to
thinking for JOCT. Our experience and have already demonstrated,” take the leap if it’s something they are
and competence was immediately says SLT West. passionate about doing!”
recognised, and we weren’t re-
Lieutenant Jordan Markham, Fleet
assessed on skills we had already
Personnel and Training, developed
developed. It was a fairly efficient
the programme. “It was an excellent
way to convert Senior Rating thinking
opportunity to create a process of
to Officer thinking. It also allowed a
improvement that was grounded in the
work/life balance for people that had
NZDF framework. I’m really proud of
more responsibilities at home than
it. In short a period of time, it’s really
your average midshipman.”
generated something worthwhile.”
Left: Olivia West’s family (husband
LT Brock West, mother Frances and
children Aria and Hunter) help with
the rank slide change.
Right: LT Jordan Markham awards
SLT Zach Taylor his CFR ODP 21/01
graduation certificate.
Navy Today #257 | 13M I S S I O N C R I T I C A L
20 YEARS OF HEADQUARTERS
JOINT FORCES NEW ZEALAND
Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand (HQ JFNZ) exists to
integrate task elements generated by the Services and enabling
portfolios in order to deliver outputs that meet the Government
of New Zealand’s required outcomes.
But it was a challenging road to raise the Headquarters (HQ) back
in 2001, and with the first Commander Joint Forces NZ (COMJFNZ)
Major General Martyn Dunne at the helm for the first three years, the
processes put in place would develop, evolve and continue to assist the
Government of New Zealand in all manner of ways for the next 20 years.
We take a look back at how far the HQ has come, and where to now.
14 | Navy Today #25720 YEARS OF HEADQUARTERS JOINT FORCES NEW ZEALAND
T H E N
MAJOR GENERAL (RTD)
MARTYN DUNNE
Why was the HQ created? During a visit by the CDF and Secretary of Everything from Standard Operating
Defence (the late Graeme Fortune) while I Procedures, security, intelligence, IT,
The NZDF realised the benefits of
was in Timor-Leste, I was advised that on global communications for deployed
centralising the command of Joint Warfare
return to New Zealand I would commence forces to personnel management had
and it was the actions of the late Chief
work on the Joint HQ. Work started in to be devised and implemented. We
of Defence Force, Air Marshal Carey
early April 2000. even worked up the triangle logo for the
Adamson, which led to a defining meeting
Command that endures today.
in early 2000 that established the Joint The Labour Government’s view at the
HQ implementation working group. time signalled greater Defence jointery, HQJFNZ opened on 1 July 2001. It was
in effort and equipment acquisition. a freezing but clear day. We would have
I spent many hours in dialogue with
Timor-Leste was a catalyst but not no time to rest as exhausted as we were,
single Service staff in designing the HQ,
the only one. little did we know that we would be at
especially the Command and Control
war in Afghanistan three months later
and Communications (C3) arrangements. What was it like trying to pull together,
following the events of 9/11.
I was ably assisted by Wing Commander especially asking the three Services
Glen (Luigi) Toscan (ADF exchange to really work together? I have no doubt that with ongoing
officer), Major Shane Gilbert and commitments, especially to Timor-Leste,
Lieutenant Colonel Roger Howard The reality of creating the HQ in the
of an infantry Battalion and aviation
from NZDF legal. 18 month timeframe required clear and
rotations, the urgent deployment of the
present commitment from all services.
The real test of inadequacy was illustrated SAS to Afghanistan along with RNZAF
Standing operational HQ (Maritime
by the C3 arrangements for Timor-Leste. C-130 support, would not have been
Command – Auckland, Land Command
Initially the RNZAF Ops Command in possible without HQ JFNZ. We might
– Trentham, RNZAF Ops Command –
Auckland was appointed the lead HQ have muddled through but much would
Auckland) were required to disestablish
but it soon became apparent that the have been lost.
their headquarters and under completely
largest component was to be Army new arrangements be re-established What were you most proud of at the
supported by RNZAF and RNZN assets. using the Continental Staff system (J1- end of your tenure?
While I was eventually sent as the Senior J8) within a matrix C3 arrangement.
National Officer (SNO) and concurrently We managed to raise the HQ in 18
commanded a Brigade Headquarters There would be no single Service months and within three months we
(Dili Command), the role became one components within the Joint HQ were handling multiple operations. I was
of coordination of national interests and although there would be single Service never sure this was widely understood
reporting lines back to Land Command, operational commanders at Brigadier or that HQ JFNZ was a 24/7 functioning
which had subsequently been appointed equivalent level. This would not be easy HQ, providing the platform for deployed
to command the operation. RNZAF to manage but was essential to the Joint operational forces who at times had
and RNZN assets were assigned to HQ and COMJFNZ who had to rely on urgent and dangerous situations to deal
Headquarters International Force East these senior officers for advice and with and receive guidance on. This was
Timor (INTERFET) independently and at times operational deployments as often demonstrated in the early days of
largely separate of the SNO. This changed much as they also worked to their single the Afghanistan deployment.
as the operation matured but was not Service chiefs on raising and training.
I often look back on the time as being a
totally adequate should national caveats
There were many issues related to significant change in the NZDF structure
on deployments need to be applied.
structure and rank. Preserving a viable and provided it was allowed to prosper,
Meanwhile in New Zealand, Land career structure and embedding jointery attitudes and experience would develop
Command assembled liaison staff from into single Service education was and provide opportunities for all Service
the other services and essentially created paramount. I was fortunate that the staff to deploy into coalition combined
a one-off Joint Headquarters. It became three initial component commanders operations.
abundantly clear in New Zealand that this in the Joint HQ would – shortly after
ad hoc arrangement, though workable, we were established – become their
was inadequate for future consistency respective single Service chiefs. They
and retention of experienced staff in understood the process and were
joint operations. helpful in making it work.
Navy Today #257 | 15N O W
REAR ADMIRAL
JIM GILMOUR
What is the impact that HQ JFNZ has What is the biggest challenge command and control can be in a multi-
on the NZDF as a whole? that faces the HQ? agency effort when time is precious.
The progress HQ JFNZ has made
This is the Headquarters that gives Due to the nature of the Headquarters
in responding to domestic disasters
reality to the vision of joint operational and the way in which it conducts its
has been significant over the years.
excellence, being integrated in the way everyday business, staying ready for
Identifying specific areas where intended
we work, train and operate at home the next big unexpected thing, be that a
actions did not work out as planned,
and abroad. HQ JFNZ brings the best natural disaster or security challenge at
and applying corrections to operational
of NZDF people and capabilities where home, regionally or globally, has always
procedures as a result has been key to
they are needed in the quickest possible been its mainstay. It is clear that the
ensuring the best response possible can
time. Having one HQ that provides NZDF challenge of COVID will be with us for
be delivered.
operational planning means there is the foreseeable future, and we must
one source of the truth and one point of now plan on how we can continue to What is your vision for the HQ?
contact for both strategic and tactical successfully conduct our missions whilst
My vision is to continue to build on
elements of the NZDF and our allied in a global pandemic.
what we do well on operations. We
counterparts.
HQ JFNZ has had to maintain don’t know what each day will bring,
The continuing capability development readiness for conventional warfare, but we have a skilled workforce who
of the Deployable Joint Interagency HADR and support to UN and other can generate military responses for
Task Force has been one of HQ JFNZ’s operational missions, whilst also facing a wide range of challenging scenarios
success stories. Having a dedicated a contemporary foe in COVID-19. What and mobilise joint forces whenever
team to provide integrated Command has that been like for the HQ? and wherever they’re needed.
and Control for Joint, inter-agency
Being unable to conduct higher level Our maritime, air and land specialist
and multinational operations enhances
training both at home and with our allies staff are involved in the day-to-day
operational effects supporting
is having a big impact on operational running of operations, supporting those
Government outcomes.
readiness for parts of the NZDF. While on operations, and planning for future
What is the current tempo, and some key capabilities are not part of operations. The environment in which the
how have things evolved over the Operation Protect and available, some NZDF works is evolving and we’re always
past few years? are now at a much longer response looking for continuous improvements.
time and will require regeneration
Certainly, over the last 18 months, the What are you most proud of?
before they can be considered available
cadence has increased. While numbers
for operations. Our people and their professionalism.
of people deployed operationally
Thank you to all the service people
offshore is fewer than for some years, The HQ has had significant
over the past 20 years that have
we have domestically deployed numbers involvement in response planning
been at the forefront of the planning,
comparable with the first Timor-Leste for national disasters in the past 20
supporting, and commanding NZDF’s
rotations, in support of Operation years, including the Pike River Mine
operations – you are often ‘un-sung’
Protect, the NZDF’s contribution to disaster, Christchurch earthquake,
but never fail to deliver.
defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. Christchurch mosque shooting and
Whakaari/White Island. How has the
HQ adapted due to lessons learned
from these major events?
After each response to such critical
events we review our process and try
to learn from any lessons. We do not
get it perfect every time and the regular
change of staff means we need to
continually review how we do business.
The Whakaari/White Island response for
example reinforced just how complex
16 | Navy Today #257NURSE
Waikato nurse Krystal Sims says she OMTO Sims says she has begun
enjoys the slice of military life she learning the Maritime Trade Operator
gets as a Naval reservist at HMNZS role, which involves interaction
FINDS NGAPONA in Tauranga. with merchant shipping in order to
enhance the safety and security of
NICHE
She recently took part in RESERVEX
merchant ships, and to deconflict
2021 at Devonport Naval Base,
shipping and military operations. “I
which included taking on a range
WITH of community projects in Auckland.
She and her fellow reservists cleaned
have also given a couple of medical
briefs – refreshers on basic first aid
NAVAL
and CPR. Everyone is so supportive
the grounds at the Hibiscus Coast
of my role within the unit but also in
RSA and planted trees at Shakespeare
my civilian life. Everyone wants to
RESERVES
Regional Park.
see everyone else achieve.
It’s the first major exercise for Ordinary
“Joining the Naval Reserves is a
Maritime Trade Operator Sims since
good way to get a taste of military
By Samantha Stevenson becoming a naval reservist in 2016.
life and get involved with things that
Media Advisor – Defence She was regular force for a year prior.
are totally different to the things we
Public Affairs The 24-year-old juggles post-graduate
do in everyday life. For example, I
nursing studies and her commitment
really enjoy the weapons weekends
to the Naval Reserves alongside her
that qualify us and update our skills.
role as a nurse for the Waikato DHB.
And as we are fitness-tested, it
“RESERVEX is technically work, is also a good way to keep your
there’s a lot to it but I really enjoyed fitness up.”
all the different aspects,” she said.
INTERESTED?
Assistant Chief of Navy (Reserves),
If you are interested in serving while
Captain Phillip O’Connell, said that Naval
maintaining your civilian career,
Reservists provide a valued, flexible
or thinking of leaving the NZDF to
workforce of skilled professionals.
start a civilian career and wanting
“They support Navy delivery from the to maintain your service links then
front line at sea, and ashore to senior the Naval Reserves want to hear
management. Modern Reservists are from you. Your civilian and military
a blended mix of personnel who have qualifications, skills and experience
signed up for a part-time service as will set you in good stead to become
an adjunct to their civilian careers and a Reservist and we can in most
ex-Regular Force personnel who have cases design and tailor a career
transitioned to civilian careers or are pathway that will be rewarding for
Naval Reservist taking time out from full-time service you and support Navy aims today
for reasons such as whānau needs and into the future. See www.
Krystal Sims and further education,” he said. defencecareers.mil.nz
Top: HMNZS NGAPONA's
crest, a kaka.
Navy Today #257 | 172 3
1
5
8
10
9
18 | Navy Today #2574
OUR
PEOPLE
1. Ready for adventure with HMNZS
WELLINGTON’s Seasprite flight crew.
From left, AHLM Tyson Turnbull,
loadmaster; FTLT Cameron Day, pilot;
LT Luke Godsell, pilot; and LTCDR
Sarah McWilliam, observer.
2. Newly commissioned from the ranks
6 7 SLT Stevie Winikerei with his family.
3. HMNZS WELLINGTON multi-cultural
group members ALSS Shekania
Cherrington, ACH Moana Hira, ASCS
Kaharau Mendes and ASCS Jesse Grimes
have a session in the Senior Rates mess.
4. Alexander Titmuss is promoted to
Ensign at Defence House.
5. AHSO Ayson Collins sounds ‘Wakey
Wakey’ aboard HMNZS WELLINGTON.
6. AMT(P) Bodie Butler conducts
an aviation fuel quality test
aboard HMNZS WELLINGTON.
7. Shannan James is promoted to
Leading Electronic Technician while
working at a Managed Isolation Facility.
8. Former Commander Maritime
11 12 Operational Evaluation Team (MOET)
CDR Martin Doolan is promoted to
Acting Captain, with his family and
current CDR MOET, CDR Bronwyn
Heslop, changing his slides. CAPT
Doolan will take on Captain Fleet
Operational Readiness duties while
CAPT Brendon Clark is overseas.
9. HMNZS WELLINGTON’s chefs cooked
CPL Tom Brook, No. 6 Squadron, a
birthday cake, while on their mission
to Tokelau.
10. Newly promoted LLSS Jason
Morrison (centre) is Sailor of the
13 Quarter aboard HMNZS WELLINGTON
during Operation Pacific Vaccinate.
11. Phil Rowe is promoted to
Commander, taking his position
as the Fleet Seamanship and
Executive Officer in the Maritime
Operational Evaluation Team.
12. Cameron Trainor is
promoted to Acting Lieutenant
Commander at Defence House.
13. AHSO Sophie Barry receives
a Commanding Officer’s
commendation from CO WAKEFIELD,
CDR Alastair Howieson.
Navy Today #257 | 19Lieutenant Jack Rudolph, NZDF Māori
Cultural Advisor, shares his recollections
of life at sea in the 1980s.
On 20 September 1978 Jack It was a bit of a tearful departure – minute, I’m going on this trip. We
Rudolph walked through the for him – from the car at Devonport. ended up in Hawaii, West Coast
gates at HMNZS TAMAKI, “I was apprehensive. I didn’t want of mainland America, San Diego,
Devonport Naval Base. He to go. My uncle was sympathetic. It Mexico, San Francisco, Canada. I
was not happy about it. was Aunty that put her foot down. went to Disneyland. I was straight
She told me to get out of the car and out of training, spending six months
It had been building for a while,
walked me up to the gates of HMNZS overseas, and I had only ever seen
although it hadn’t immediately
TAMAKI. And the rest is history.” Disneyland on TV before. I was just
clicked what was in store for him.
Jack was from the Hokianga but Lieutenant Jack Rudolph has spent a young lad, seeing the world. Really,
had been adopted from three much of his career as a gunner, that’s how it was. When I came home,
months old. “I had four aunties and gunnery instructor, warrant officer I tried to explain to my mates where I
uncles, living in Auckland and in and Navy and New Zealand Defence had been. If I didn’t have the photos,
those days, you could be passed Force Maori Cultural Advisor. His they wouldn’t have believed me.”
around. I attended seven different commissioning from the ranks, Before he joined up, trips were longer
schools, including Massey High from Warrant Officer to Lieutenant,
School and Opononi Area School. than six months, he says. “When
happened this year. I came in, they were transitioning
One day, under the direction of my
mother, the principal took me in to There’s a photo of Jack Rudolph from one to two year deployments to
do some tests in Kaikohe. I didn’t and a crowd of sailors in 1980 six months. If you did more than six
know what these tests were for, aboard HMNZS OTAGO in Hawaii, months deployment, you got more
but after I had done them, the crowded around American music allowance. I suppose welfare was
guy said, congratulations, legend Charley Pride. “That was my starting to be looked at. But in the
you’ve done enough to join the first time away,” he says. “My first early 1970s, there was no such thing.
Royal New Zealand Navy. major deployment. I hadn’t been You didn’t have a say in the matter.
That’s when I realised.” south of the Bombay Hills and next You just got on with it.”
20 | Navy Today #2571 9 41 –2 0 2 1
“Sheer good
training, good
crew work,
camaraderie.
Man, you got
things done.”
LT Jack Rudolph.
Navy Today #257 | 21addressed you. When you’re new
on board a ship, trying to figure
out the front end from the blunt
end, these things become your
everyday language.”
There were no women serving back
then. “Boy, you can just imagine, with
260 guys up in the tropics. When you
don’t have to worry about the other
gender, you were pretty skimpy. You’d
get out of your pit, grab your towel,
throw it over your shoulder, put your
sandals on and head on up, bollocking
buff. You didn’t think anything of it.”
The Divisional System was very
strong, he says. “The Leading Hand
was the man in charge of those 36
The ships he served on in the eighties What it created, in a ship of 260
men. He, or the senior Able Rate,
seem very dated now, and in fact were personnel, was a high sense of
was the first person you went to see.
far from new even then. “Sheer good camaraderie and seamanship work
The gunners mess was strong, and
training, good crew work, camaraderie. that was second to none. “Because
there was lower deck law. If it could
Man, you got things done. We would of the manual training, you achieved
be dealt with in-house, in the trade,
achieve things that would seem competence quite quickly.”
then it was looked after.”
impossible today.”
Gunnery could involve 30 to 40 people,
For other matters, a lot of things were
Ships like HMNZS OTAGO (F111), Type with 50-pound shells hoisted up to the
done by request form. “It was all quite
12 Rothesay-class frigates, were far gun bay. “You could have guns going
formal. If you wanted to put in for
from technological. “Everything was every 15 seconds. To get more ‘bullets’
some leave, you had to get that on
done manually. Even putting a boat into in the air, you needed teamwork, and
a piece of paper. The ship’s writers
the water involved block and tackle and it’s an example of teamwork at its
would handle the administration.”
half the ship’s company manning the finest. Chefs and Stewards would
ropes. Just to get the davits swinging be part of the team. When you fire The writers would also handle the
out, people would get on a handle and off 20 rounds, and there’s no pause, payroll, and sailors were paid in cash.
if one went quicker than the other, the everyone’s doing their job. You can “Whether it was Singapore dollars
seaboat would be twisted.” imagine the yells and screams going or American dollars, you physically
on from the gunhouse, gunbay, shell got the money. People could have
Seamanship was the essence of the
and magazine rooms.” Jack was also a half a dozen pay packets sitting in
entire ship, he says. “Things had to be
Seacat Aimer, involving a close-range their lockers, unopened. Thieving in
done a certain way, you were taught a
missile system that was guided by the mess was a big no-no. You heard
certain way, and safety was paramount.
hand onto the target. stories about people losing fingers
When you did a jackstay (a line
in the hatches, although that didn’t
between two ships to transfer people This was a time when a ‘mess’ in a
happen in my time. I used to send
or equipment), you had 40 people ship meant a place where a trade lived,
all my money home, and lived off
holding the line as tight as possible, so slept and socialised. “In the Rothesay/
my allowances.”
the sailor wasn’t washed away. It could Whitby-class, the gunnery mess was
be dangerous, but you managed the 36 people in one sleeping quarters. After he returned from his first trip, he
danger. It was full-on rope work, and The dining hall was called the mess as bought himself a Holden Monaro for
you worked a lot with wire in those well. The Senior Rates had their own $2,400. “It had a 307 Chevrolet motor,
days, so a lot of wire-splicing.” mess. There were rules. You didn’t plush white vinyl seats, three stage
go around the Leading Hands’ mess. auto, and it was blue with a stripe down
You would address a Leading Hand the bonnet. I took it up north to show off
first with, ‘excuse me, Leading Hand.’ to my girlfriend – who is now my wife.
Top: HMNZS OTAGO Officers and ranks never met, and But yeah, I had to sell it. We needed
in the early eighties. you only talked to an officer if they furniture for our first flat in Onehunga.”
22 | Navy Today #2571 9 41 –2 0 2 1
Top: HMNZS Waikato’s
Māori Culture Group
in 1981, with Jack
Rudolph at the back,
second from right.
Middle: Sailors in
HMNZS OTAGO crowd
around country singer
Charlie Pride, during
a visit to Hawaii in
1980. Jack Rudolph is
at extreme left.
Bottom: Seamanship,
including the
launching of seaboats,
had to be exemplary.
Navy Today #257 | 23AT THE
CENTRE OF
THINGS
In our first in It’s 0730 in New Zealand, 1530 the
previous day in Washington DC, and
His job is divided into two distinct
roles. On one hand, he’s the Defence
a series on two things are noticeable during the
phone call to CDRE Gibbs. He sounds
Attaché, New Zealand’s senior military
representative in the United States.
RNZN personnel like he’s got plenty of energy, and he He represents New Zealand and
doesn’t say ‘I’ a lot. the Chief of Defence Force from a
overseas as military diplomacy perspective.
That’s probably because his work is
Defence and very much a “team sport”, as he puts
On the other hand, he’s Head of
New Zealand Defence Staff
Naval Attachés, it, whether it involves his role as Head
of New Zealand Defence Staff in
Washington. There’s around 15
uniformed Defence personnel in the
we start with the Embassy of New Zealand, or his
Defence Attaché role where his wife
Embassy, plus local civilians. His team
Commodore Paula plays a significant part.
administers and supports around 40
NZDF personnel and their families
David Gibbs, He and Paula (and their two dogs) throughout the United States. There are
people in Hawaii, students in various
left New Zealand in September 2017,
Washington DC. putting their entire lives into a storage War Colleges, liaison officers in Tampa,
unit in Auckland. “It’s a traditional and a Defence person in the United
overseas posting,” he says. “You literally Nations Headquarters in New York.
up-sticks, you shut down part of your
“A lot of our work is protecting
New Zealand life for your allocated
and promoting and preserving
three years, and you do your best to
New Zealand’s interests, and it’s
stay connected with parents and kids.”
too big a job for one person.”
Three years? “Well, thanks to COVID,
CDRE Gibbs and his wife rent a
it’s been extended. You have to take
house an enviable three miles from
a positive view on that. I’ve had an
the embassy, and a typical day will
opportunity to do a tremendous
start with a walk or run to work. “It
amount of things.”
could be 35 degrees C, or minus 10 in
the wintertime when there’s snow on
the ground. I could have meetings at
24 | Navy Today #257AT THE CENTRE OF THINGS
the Pentagon, perhaps a ‘think-tank’ He’s been in America in some incredibly He can see one positive to all of that.
with a variety of speakers talking challenging times. “With COVID-19, “I got to spend all of those days with
about various national security issues. everywhere outside of New Zealand my wife. If you can do a year living in
There’s conferences, visiting US has been challenging. Everybody has the same house, then retirement is
bases and facilities. There’s also an had a bloody hard time. In the United going to be easy.”
active diplomatic circuit, attending States, at its peak, over 250,000
But when asked what the most
receptions, celebrating national days, infected per day, and over 4,000 deaths
challenging aspect of the job is, he
laying wreaths, and engaging at a high a day. That sharpens your attention up
says: “I wish I had paid more attention
level with US military leadership.” He’s on absolutely everything. This was real,
to languages at school. English is
been to the White House just once. front and centre, for us.”
largely the working language in DC
At a strategic level, he has worked with He experienced the civil unrest and but having another string to that bow
former Defence Minister Ron Mark in the riots after George Floyd’s death. would be incredibly valuable.”
a Pentagon meeting with the Secretary “I live in a nice area, but there were
What he has really enjoyed is putting
of Defence. He’s presented people through the area on their way
a ‘New Zealand face’ on things.
New Zealand’s position on “deterrence” to protest, or on their way back from
“I’ve really enjoyed representing
at United States Strategic Command protests. Shops were boarded up,
New Zealand. It’s a privilege that you
(STRATCOM), delivered a talk at some were trashed. We had plans
don’t get many opportunities to do as
Yale University and represented the to move staff. Then there was the
a couple, and to share it with Paula, as
Chief of Defence Force at a United US election, and the insurrection in
a couple, that’s been pretty amazing.”
Nation’s Women, Peace and Security January, which added a whole new
conference in New York. dimension. That was all in addition to
COVID. Someone said to me that last
“When you’re in the United States, in
year was like being on an operational
Washington DC, you’re at the centre
deployment with your wife. There
of a lot of things. You get an amazing
were lockdowns, and it was unsafe.
insight into the country.”
We joke about it now, but when you
walked outside every day, people were
masked up, and you couldn’t engage Top: CDRE David Gibbs and his
with people. We spent nearly 430 wife Paula with Capitol Hill in
days working from home.” the background.
Navy Today #257 | 25Able Communications Warfare Specialist Ashley O’Connor-Palmer
MAURI
Celebrating
Kiribati
Language
Week
In Kiribati we say
“Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao
Te Tabomoa” which
means; health, peace
and prosperity with Growing up I’ve always had an
interest in joining the military. I saw
‘mauri’ which is a communications in the Navy as an
greeting like ‘hello’. interesting branch because they
deal with morse code and radios
which is what I grew up around with
I am half Kiwi, i-Kiribati and also a tiny bit my grandfather Ganga. I also have
Fijian. I identify myself as an i-Kiribati by a strong military connection in my
speaking the language, doing traditional family with relatives who fought in
dances when opportunities arise and WWI, WWII and the Korean War.
celebrating our Independence Day.
I joined the Navy in February last
Kiribati culture and language is very year on the BCT 20/01 intake. An
unique. We are very hardworking, helpful average day for us Communications
and kind people. I also used to do a lot Warfare Specialists is that we pass
of Kiribati dancing when I was younger. messages between ships and shore
I was always happy whenever the establishments through various
opportunity came for me to dance. It methods like flags, radios, flashing
was a way for me to represent and show light and electronically.
pride in my culture.
At the end of this month, I’ll be
Something I miss and love about home deployed overseas for the first
is being surrounded by my family and time. I am posting on to HMNZS
friends and hearing them speak the TE MANA which is in Canada,
language. I miss dancing the most, and I will be there until this summer
it was the one thing I enjoy the most when we bring our ship back to
about my culture. Devonport Naval Base.
Navy Today #257 | 27THE
STOKES
BROTHERS
Left: Back from left,
Lyle, Shane and Wayne.
Front from left, Glen
and Brian. Possibly
taken in 1982.
Right: Holding their cap
talley boards are, from
left, WOS (rtd) Wayne
Stokes, Commander
(rtd) Glen Stokes and
CPOMA (rtd) Lyle
Stokes.
It’s Napier in early 1970s. Lyle Stokes We finished high school, we had no plans a push button digital system, we went
follows in his father’s footsteps and to go to university. And older brothers from 12 to 15 gunners, down to two.”
joins the Navy as a medic. His exploits were coming home, talking about their Glen became a Gunnery Instructor and
inspire his brother Wayne, followed sea time. Each year, as we got to 16, rose in the ranks to Warrant Officer
by siblings Shane, Brian and finally we all ‘abandoned ship’ and joined.” (WO), and notes it was a sad day when
Glen, as they all came of age. “It just the Gunnery Instructor position was
Sea time was huge back then. disestablished. “But it was inevitable.
flowed from one to the other,” says
“I spent 10 years at sea just in Those GIs, they were role models. You
Commander (rtd) Glen Stokes, who
HMNZS CANTERBURY (F421). knew the art of ballistics, and you did
now works for the Defence Force
I’ve been around the world three the calculations by hand. Today, the
as Manager of Honours Awards.
times, to all the continents apart from gun knows where to aim, knows the
Last month Glen, Wayne and Lyle Antarctica and South America. Back rotation of the earth, knows how long
received their cap tally boards from then, you were either on leave, or you it’s going to take to reach its target.”
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David were on a ship. When a ship went into
Proctor at Defence House. Brian refit, you went on another ship. Both Brian and Glen commissioned from
already has his board, while Shane’s You did very little time ashore.” the ranks (CFR). “I was a WO Gunnery
is being put together. Instructor and Head of Navy Ceremonial.
Glen was a gunner on the Type-12 There was a section in the MD68 form
For five consecutive years, a Stokes Rothesay-class frigates, then the I was filling out that said, where do you
brother would arrive at Devonport Leander-class. “With the Type 12s, see your career going? After 24 years,
Naval Base to start training. “We lived everything was done by hand, even the I felt that it was coming to an end. My
in a state house in Napier. Dad was a anchor. Then it was hydraulics with the Divisional Officer said, why don’t you
Navy man,” says Glen. “It was a case Leanders, then a digital change with commission? I said, I’m not qualified, I
of, what is there in Napier to do? the Anzac frigates. When we went to don’t have School Certificate.”
28 | Navy Today #257You can also read
