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#
2
2
9 CANTERBURY
F GETS READY
E
B NEW BASE
1 COMMANDER
9
STORIES FROM
ANTARCTICA
Reconnecting at
Waitangi
Contents
03 Yours Aye 20 TE KAHA’s upgrade update
06 CANTERBURY gets ready 22 Royal Navy visit
10 Ahoy Waitangi 26 Stories from Antarctica
14 Weapon Technician Training 28 Scattering ashes
16 New base commander 30 Bombing the Tirpitz
“Being in the Navy, it’s
endless. It’s a place full
of opportunity if you open
your eyes. You just have to
get among it.”
~ AWT Nathan Paniora
14 20 28
NZNavy
navy.mil.nz
Navy Today is the official Feedback to: Copy deadline for the
magazine of the Royal New dean.hodgson@nzdf.mil.nz on the April issue 15 March, 2019.
Zealand Navy. Established to print quality of this publication is Subject to change.
inform, inspire and entertain welcomed.
serving and former members of Views expressed in Navy Today
the RNZN, their families, friends Distribution: are not necessarily those of the
Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz RNZN or the NZDF.
and the wider Navy Community.
Contributions are welcomed, Defence Careers:
Published by: Phone: 0800 1FORCE
Defence Public Affairs including stories, photographs and
letters. Please submit stories and (0800 136 723)
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or the body of an email. Articles up
Changing Address?
Editor: to 500 words welcomed, longer
To join or leave our mailing list,
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Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz consult the editor about long Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz Governor-General, Her Excellency
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Design and Layout: Dame Patsy Reddy inspects
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Defence Public Affairs the guard during Waitangi Day
least 500kb preferred. Stories
commemorations.
Printed by: published in Navy Today cannot
Bluestar be published elsewhere without Photographer:
Private Bag 39996, Wellington permission. CPL Maria Eves
2 | Navy Today #229
Yours Aye
Chief of Navy
My Christmas and New Year break presence at Waitangi. Since my last
was fantastic, enabling me to do Waitangi Day in 2000, I was pleased
things with whanau, invest a bit of to see how our national day has
effort in the yard and also kick back evolved. I found the commemoration
and rejoice in a bit of ‘RnR’. I hope reflective and respectful, where
you, along with your friends and people are committed to listening
family also took the opportunity to and trying to understand different
relax and enjoy a summer break. perspectives. I also noted strong
On Christmas day in particular I commitment to doing things better
reflected on our comrades who and, where appropriate and possible,
were deployed and their families setting right the wrongs of the
back at home. I was mindful of past. The RNZN is a critical non-
their sacrifice and service. If any of partisan stakeholder in the success
you are reading this – thank you. of Waitangi. For those of you who
worked so hard in support up there
Like many of you, my 2019 has
thank you and BZ.
started at pace. The Chief of
Defence Force and the leadership I am mindful that by the time you
team are keen on establishing clear read this HMNZS TE MANA will be
markers against which to measure somewhere in the Pacific on the way
progress toward our 2025 vision to Canada for her upgrade. While this
“We are working of an Integrated Defence Force.
We are working hard to shift the
means we will be without a frigate for
a short time, it represents a positive
hard to shift the focus from planning to doing. And
while strategic level ‘change and
step toward delivery of an enhanced
combat capability. And of course
focus from planning
continuous improvement’ are catch- new ship MANAWANUI is currently
cries, delivery of Outputs remains our being modified in Europe prior to
to doing. And
primary focus. sailing to New Zealand next month,
followed by her commissioning
Over the next few months the
into the RNZN in June.
while strategic Navy, through OP HIKI ANO, will
concentrate effort on addressing There is some mahi ahead of us as
level ‘change critical personnel readiness
concerns. We will deliberately focus
we prepare for these changes. Let’s
smile as we ‘turn to’.
and continuous on ourselves as we look to rectify
professional development backlogs
He heremana ahau
improvement’ are and improve individual deployability.
We have realised that we had been
catch-cries, delivery
working so hard on the operations
end of what we do as a Navy that
we had slipped in how we prepare
of Outputs remains ourselves to do that work. We will fix
that… and set the foundations for the
our primary focus.” enhanced capabilities coming our way.
Notwithstanding the near term
focus on personnel readiness, I note
the Navy is still very much out and Rear Admiral David Proctor
about. As always we had a strong Chief of Navy
Navy Today #229 | 3
The exchange of the
symbol of command
for HMNZS PHILOMEL
between incoming Base
Commander,
CDR Ange Holland, and
CDR Quentin Randall.
Change of Command
HMNZS Philomel
“It will create By Suzi Phillips on my WE application course and
we became good friends. On their
wide and varied HMNZS PHILOMEL’s new
Commanding Officer, who started her
return to New Zealand they sent
me a beautiful book of the country”,
challenges, but role on 21 December, brings a strong
background in weapons engineering
she says. “We liked the look of
New Zealand, so when we announced
ultimately I and project management to the job. our engagement we also informed our
families that we were going to move.”
“I am extremely excited, honoured
aim to ensure and privileged to be given this
Command opportunity,” says
After five years CDR Holland took a
break from the Navy to work in the
the Command Commander Ange Holland. commercial sector and raise her
twin sons. She gained a Masters
CDR Holland graduated from the
team serve our University of Ulster with an Honours
in Engineering Management, and
experience as a patent attorney
degree in Microelectronic Systems.
people well and She joined the Womens Royal Naval
working for an Auckland-based
Intellectual Property law firm.
Service (WRNS) in 1987, graduating
provide a safe from the Naval College in Dartmouth In 2009 CDR Holland re-enlisted and
as a Third Officer WRNS specialising was posted to sea as the Weapons
environment.” as a Weapons Engineer (WEO). Engineer Officer in HMNZS TE MANA.
“I knew early on that I wanted to do She then posted into the roles of Fleet
CDR Ange Holland both engineering and management, Operational Defect manager and
and that the Navy would give me good was the Project Manager for HMNZS
grounding in management, leadership ENDEAVOUR within Babcock NZ
skills along with the opportunity to Ltd, before posting into the Technical
practise in the field of engineering”. Seaworthiness Authority in March
2017, then into the Logistics Command
She became one of the first women (Maritime) at Devonport as the Fleet
at sea in the Royal Navy; serving Engineering Officer Future Operations.
in HM Ships SOUTHAMPTON
and INVINCIBLE and obtaining Being a solo parent of twin boys
her Weapons Engineer Charge and with no family in NZ to provide
Qualification. support, CDR Holland says she
understands the difficulties
CDR Holland and her partner and hardships serving parents
immigrated to New Zealand in 1993, encounter and hopes to bring an
where she enlisted in the Royal New understanding and empathetic
Zealand Navy. “I had met two Kiwis approach to the workplace.
4 | Navy Today #229
News
74 VESSELS Bravo Zulu
INSPECTED Awards 2018
“The main objective
of the patrol was
to detect any non-
compliant fishing
activity, in support
of sustainable
The Commander W.J.L Smith Cup
management of CFOR, Captain David McEwan
New Zealand’s 47 21 6 The Fleet Seamanship Award
HMNZS TE MANA
fisheries resources”
Commercial Recreational Amateur
vessels vessels charter
vessels
The Monowai Trophy
HMNZS OTAGO
Simon McDonald, MPI
The Chatham Rose Bowl and
Efficiency Pennant
About 50 commercial fishing vessels Coordination at MPI, said the
HMNZS OTAGO
were among 74 vessels inspected operation targeted both inshore
during joint patrols conducted by and deep-water fisheries and
HMNZS WELLINGTON and the covered the Chatham Rise, the east The RNZN Safety Award (Individual)
Ministry for Primary Industries coast of the South Island, Taranaki CPOWT Michael Jamieson,
(MPI) before Christmas. and the Marlborough Sounds. HMNZS TE MANA
The three-week operation involved The boarding team, comprised of The RNZN Safety Award (Unit)
Compliance staff from MPI, offshore Fishery Officers from MPI and crew HMNZS TE MANA
patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington members from WELLINGTON, also
and a Royal New Zealand Air Force inspected 21 recreational vessels Murano Trophy,
P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft. and six amateur charter vessels. The Naval Reserve Division of the Year
Simon McDonald, Manager for HMNZS OLPHERT
Fisheries Compliance, Liaison and
Jo Simms Memorial Award (Inaugural)
A/LMUS Fraser Robertson
Naval Support Command Customer
Service Trophy
Top Seamanship Physical Training Instructors
Naval Support Command
HMNZS CANTERBURY won Efficiency Trophy
the second annual Seamanship Leadership Training Squadron
Competition for 2018, held on 10
December at the Seamanship The Royal New Zealand Navy
Training Aid Facility, particularly Scholarship (Gisborne)
on the new Wetside Training Kyle Hannah, Gisborne
Facility. The competition aims to
encourage seamanship excellence Chief of Navy Scholarship Sea Cadets
throughout the fleet and shore-side CFPO Charlotte Holmes,
establishments. CANTERBURY TS ACHILLES
were the winners of the inaugural
2017 competition.
ASCS Alex Croucher receives
the Seamanship Competition
trophy on behalf of his ship
from CDRE Tony Millar.
Navy Today #229 | 5
CANTERBURY WORK UP
On Exercise
By Andrew Bonallack
You can’t predict
a day in HMNZS
CANTERBURY, says
her Executive Officer.
And that’s precisely
what the ship trains for.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the hum
and vibration of CANTERBURY and
her crew hard at work sounds like
a busy container port, an air traffic
control centre, and an active, at-sea
warship, all at the same time. The ship’s
Public Relations Officer – and Supply
Officer – has to deliver a briefing on the
move to the Navy Today editor shortly
after a seaboat ride to CANTERBURY,
manoeuvring in the vicinity of Army
Bay, near Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
The ship is undergoing a work-up to
prepare CANTERBURY for the cyclone
season. In essence, it’s probably their
toughest two weeks of the year. The ship
and crew are placed on 48-hours notice
to deploy over the summer if a natural
disaster should occur in the Pacific. It
means that while other ship’s companies
are easing down towards Christmas,
CANTERBURY and her company work
themselves up, like an athlete readying for
a major competition.
What adds to the intensity are the ship’s
two Landing Craft Medium (LCMs) TAHI
and RUA, both now on the water and
taking turns making approaches to the
ship’s stern ramp and side doors. The
wind is about 15 knots, gusting to 25, and
the chop and spray against the LCMs
Opposite page: A flight deck team
is easily visible from the bridge, as the supervise an underslung load
crew watch them almost fondly. It has transported by a Seasprite SH2-G(I).
been a long time since both LCMs – and
the cranes that lower and raise them – Above: An LCM marries up to the stern
have been 100 per cent available. Their ramp of CANTERBURY.
operation signals that CANTERBURY is, An LCM feels the chop as it manoeuvres
in essence, ready for anything. towards the side of CANTERBURY.
Navy Today #229 | 7
LCM TAHI is craned aboard.
LTCDR
Fiona Jameson
Executive Officer
CANTERBURY’s rescue and recovery
abilities have been showcased
before, during Cyclones Winston
and Pam in the Pacific Islands, and
closer to home during the Kaikoura
earthquake relief effort in 2016,
with over 400 trapped tourists and
residents transported to Lyttelton.
“We’ll get into Christmas pretty
tired,” says Lieutenant Commander
Fiona Jameson, the ship’s Executive
Officer. She is on the vehicle deck, Army Bay becomes a de facto landing islands, we could be gone for 10
critically watching LCMs perform point for the disaster exercise. The days. The ship could be working 24
stern ramp marriages, with an Army ship has to prove its Non Combatant hours a day, so you really have to
driver practising backing a truck, a Evacuation (NEO), with Navy trainees manage people. People have to look
Medium Heavy Operations Vehicle acting as displaced persons to after each other. It’s a buddy system,
(MHOV), down CANTERBURY’s be “rescued” from the beach and regardless of what uniform you wear.”
ramp, then onto a bobbing LCM, a processed on board. The trainees then
manoeuvre not for the nervous. Ahead of CANTERBURY is another
change roles to go back as a recovery
testing day in front of the Maritime
“Our primary aim is to be ready for the and medical team. In the meantime, Air
Component Commander and
tropical cyclone season, and ensure Force and Navy helicopters lift stores
Maritime Operational Evaulation Team
our new members of Ship’s Company from the flight deck of CANTERBURY,
(MOET), who will ultimately sign-
are up to speed. If the balloon goes under the direction of the NZ Army’s
off on CANTERBURY’s capability.
up, for a Humanitarian and Disaster Ship Amphibious Load Team (SALT),
“It’s been a massive two weeks,”
Relief event, we recall everyone, sail and transport the loads to shore.
says LTCDR Jameson. “The ship
to Napier to pick everyone up, and Warrant Officer 2 Alan Brill, the SALT finished on a real high. Everyone
get on our way.” As the XO, fatigue Warrant Officer, is holding the fort is happy to be back out, doing
management is on her mind. LTCDR while the incumbent SALT officer is LCM operations. There’s a balance
Jameson has been an XO on HMNZS on a course. “There’s always a load of operating safely and pushing
TE MANA, and frigates work hard, but of legends about what the ship can ourselves. It’s okay to push people
this is different. “Frigates get more do, and you can’t help buy in, to all the through tired, and teach them how to
frequent breaks. On CANTERBURY, blood and sweat, the capability, the manage fatigue. If we don’t train for
it can feel relentless sometimes, like techniques, to fulfil the ship’s mission. resilience, we won’t have resilience,
a continuous, undulating ride that There’s never a dull moment.” and you won’t be able to deliver.”
never stops. But Ship’s Company love
it. There’s this amazing feel about Coming back on board, he says he Overall, it’s been a great year for
CANTERBURY. She’s one of the loves seeing the CANTERBURY the ship. “You can’t predict a day
units that gets to live the integrated culture alive and well. “The ship’s in CANTERBURY. If you enjoy a
Defence Force. You live, breathe and motto, kotahitangi, means unity. challenge, then CANTERBURY is the
talk joint forces here, when you’ve That’s enshrined in the ship. There’s one. It’s easy to come to work with a
got LCMs and Air Force helicopters a few places where it’s more than spring in your step. And you join the
all kicking around, Ship’s Company just words. On CANTERBURY, it’s Navy to stay busy and go to sea.”
find it really enjoyable.” an everyday thing. If we went to the
8 | Navy Today #229
You can too an objective, it may take a number of
years to achieve, but with hard work
individual application of our excellent
culture, ethos and values combined
and dedication anything is possible. with support from their colleagues and
By LTCDR Jonny Bannister I do recognise that we cannot all be family and their ability to develop a
the Chief of Navy and that many of us high-performance team, which carried
One of the things that I love about do not have the ambition to achieve them further. It’s something we are all
being a member of the RNZN is the one of the top leadership positions capable of.
equality of opportunity available to all within the RNZN. However, this
All of these examples not only make
of us, no matter what trade, rank/rate example does give me the inspiration
me proud to serve in the RNZN and
or seniority you are. and satisfaction to know that if I set
the wider NZDF but inspire me to
my mind on a particular goal then the
Whatever your peers or seniors are go the extra mile in support of my
organisation will support me.
achieving, you too can achieve the colleagues to deliver the operational
same level of success, enjoyment or Consider Narelle Silwood, from DTA, as objectives. It doesn’t matter where we
professional fulfilment. As we all move the NZDF Civilian of the year, followed are employed or what tasks we are
towards a fully integrated Defence by LCSS Alicia Wall as the Sailor of the asked to undertake, all of us who are
Force by 2025, I think this will prove Year and as the NZDF Person of the serving in the RNZN are capable of the
to be a key ingredient that underpins Year. They have both been contributing extraordinary. If you have the desire
our success. It will take a combined towards the ground-breaking to achieve something positive in your
effort to achieve this transformational development of the RNZN Mission life, embrace our cultural values and
change and it is something I believe Support Capability – a capability ethos and you will succeed. To the
our Senior Leadership already essential to realising the full potential leaders out there – encourage your
recognises, as has been demonstrated that is embedded within the Frigate teams, because everyone can make
with the appointment of our new Chief System Upgrade. So, what was it that a positive contribution. To individuals,
of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor. allowed them both to achieve the the sky is the limit and ambition is only
extra-ordinary in the space of a year? limited by your own imagination. To all
Our new Chief of Navy is the first non- In short, I think it was the ‘belief in the of us, make sure you tell our story to
Warfare Officer (GLX) to be selected, art of the possible’ and the desire to the public as they should be proud of
something that has not previously succeed in the face of adversity. They their Navy. You can all be ambassadors
been achieved by a senior officer from knew the work they were undertaking for a great organisation where family,
across the Commonwealth Nations. would have a significant impact on the teamwork and devotion to duty are
His appointment demonstrates to fighting capabilities of their peers on both supported and recognised.
me that there are no barriers to future operations. But it was also their
advancement; if you set your mind to
Navy Today #229 | 9
Ahoy Waitangi
“These children The Navy’s long-held special
relationship with the lands of Te
The 88 children, who each got a Navy
baseball cap, received a ship’s tour,
are never going Tai Tokerau is celebrated in pomp
and ceremony every Waitangi Day.
visits to the bridge and below decks,
fired the water cannon, and went on
to forget this But this year, the Navy invited the
youngest generation of Te Tai Tokerau
RHIB rides. A highlight was an escort
by a pod of dolphins while out in the
experience.”
beyond the parade ground, taking bay. Teacher in charge Kate Moss,
two Northland schools to sea aboard from Oromohoe School, said she
HMNZS WELLINGTON. could not believe the extent the Navy
Kate Moss, Oromohoe School went to. “It’s just been an absolute
Out of 22 entries, Paparore School
blast for the kids. They were really,
and Oromohoe School were first and
really excited to be here.” She said
second respectively of the Navy’s
what she really noticed was how some
inaugural Ahoy Waitangi competition.
of her “anxious” students had “a huge
Schools within the lands of Te Tai
growth in confidence” as they took
Tokerau were asked to submit a
on the activities. “These children are
written project, or a short video or
never going to forget this experience.”
animation, or a song, to describe to
the Navy what was special about John Windleborn, principal of Paparore
Waitangi Day. Third and fourth place School, said it was “a once-in-a-
winners, Mangawhai Beach School lifetime experience. I will certainly be
and Kamo Primary School, will get a endorsing this opportunity, and letting
visit from a Navy Seasprite SH2-G(I) the other principals of Te Tai Tokerau
helicopter. know what a wonderful experience
this was for the students.”
10 | Navy Today #229Ahoy Waitangi Navy Today #229 | 11
12 | Navy Today #229
HEART OF Ever since, the Navy is invited annually by
the people of Te Tai Tokerau to attend. A
WAITANGI similar charter was conferred at the 175th
anniversary by the three local authority
districts, Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara,
The celebration of the signing of while HMNZS TAUPO, homeported in
New Zealand’s most historic document, Whangarei, has its own charter.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi
This year’s ceremony featured HMNZS
– has strong roots in the Navy’s history
WELLINGTON and sailors from HMNZS
within New Zealand.
PHILOMEL, with a Beat Retreat and
In 1947 the Navy erected a new flagpole on Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony at the
the Treaty grounds and held a ceremony to Treaty Ground flagpole the evening before
commemorate the service of New Zealand’s Waitangi Day. Reviewed by Governor-
first naval governor. From that year General, Her Excellency Dame Patsy Reddy,
commemorations have incorporated a a 100 person Guard of Honour conducted
Navy ceremony, apart from Waitangi Days the ceremonial lowering of the New Zealand
between 1986 to 1989, when the event was White Ensign, signifying the end of the day.
in Wellington and did not involve the RNZN.
At midday on Waitangi Day,
For the 150th anniversary, in 1990, the event WELLINGTON fired a 21-gun salute to
was returned to Waitangi. In that same year, observe the 179th Anniversary of the
the Navy was granted a charter to march signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
freely through the lands of Te Tai Tokerau.
Navy Today #229 | 13Evolution of a It’s a trade that “provides lethality
to command”, says Chief Petty Officer
Weapon
Weapon Technician Greg Bishell,
Assistant Career Manager Weapon
Engineering.
Weapon Technicians evolve after
Technician
Basic Common Training, from
Ordinary Electronic Technicians.
After BCT, technicians undertake
trade training for nine months, and end
up being divided between Electronic
Technicians and Weapon Technicians.
“That can depend on demand and
needs for particular trades, and
“Anything that has to do
generally you get volunteers, people
who want to be one or the other.”
During their trade training, the
with weapons on the ship, trainees go to sea with a task book
to complete, which generally takes
the Weapon Technician three months, and they promote to
Able Rate. “Then they get a second
maintains them. That’s the task book, and start leaning towards
Weapon Technician tasks.”
torpedo tubes, chaff, small Weapon Technicians are taught how
arms, all the explosives,
to maintain the Close In Weapon
System (CIWS) and small arms, then
tackle the Leading Hands course,
the CIWS, the missiles. It’s including a Level 4 National Certificate
quite specialist training.”
in Electronic Technology.
CPOWT Greg Bishell
14 | Navy Today #229Weapon Technician Training
Playing with He went through Basic Common
Training, then a year of weapon
the Big Guns engineering training. Part-way
through, the trainees are asked
if they would like to specialise as
By Andrew Bonallack
Weapon Technicians.
Able Weapon Technician Nathan “I was dead keen. Honestly, I’m a
Paniora, 21, remembers the father- big kid, and big toys are cool. And
son chat on a night-time surfcasting I’m very practical-based. Weapons
session that led to his application to are a lot more hands-on, it’s more
join the Royal New Zealand Navy. of a physical job. You get in, you get Able Weapon Technician
It was a quiet night on Omamari
Beach, three months before Nathan
your hands dirty. I really enjoy it.”
Nathan Paniora
After trade training, he served in
was due to finish year 13 at Dargaville frigate HMNZS TE MANA for a
High School. The fish weren’t biting. year, and was then posted early to great They have nice, big trips
It was a good time for a talk. “What’s Australia to do the Mk-45 five-inch away overseas.”
your plan?” his father asked. Nathan gun course – the main weapon of
thought about it. He was doing a frigate. “Being able to work everyday with
well academically but had a self- Mini-typhoon (remote controlled
confessed dislike for classrooms and He is now on courses at Devonport .50 Cal machine guns), loading the
bookwork. He told his Dad he’d likely towards his promotion to Leading Phalanx Close in Weapon System
waste four years and a lot of money Weapon Technician. “A lot of that fires 4500 rounds per minute
at university. His father thought about bookwork,” he laughs. “I joined up or controlling a 21 tonne 5 inch gun
that, and said, “have you considered to avoid it, but it catches up with system with my own two hands is
the military?” you. You understand why you have pretty surreal.”
to do it.”
Nathan did his research. He enjoyed His advice about career choices in the
maths, and was interested in He says the training can be hard, Navy is, “give it a go. Being in the Navy,
engineering. He joined the Navy but his father always said, if you it’s endless. You name it, the Navy
straight after school, starting in love something, it’s not hard. has got a hand in it. It’s a place full of
January 2015. “My parents brought me “I want to get promoted, and opportunity if you open your eyes. You
to Devonport. Mum cried, and my dad definitely like to get back out to just have to get among it.”
shook my hand and said good luck.” sea. Either of the frigates would be
Navy Today #229 | 15Change of Command
HMNZS WELLINGTON
“Everyone I have By Suzi Phillips Navy ships have a Navigator’s Yeoman
who is a hydrographer and looks
Ceremonial duties in Waitangi were
spoken to since I the first official assignment for
after the marine charts. They are
responsible for making sure the charts
the new Commanding Officer of
got news of this HMNZS WELLINGTON, Lieutenant
are up to date and can be safely used
for navigation.
Commander Tim Hall.
command, say “While it’s been a long time since I
“It’s a great opportunity for the junior
hydrographer officers to go to sea in
it’s the best job
went to sea, I’m keen to get stuck in,”
the other ships – not just in the Navy’s
he says. “We have a busy first half of
hydrography and dive support ship,”
this year starting with Waitangi and I’m
you will ever do looking forward to it all.
says LTCDR Hall.
LTCDR Hall started in the maritime
and they would “Command of a ship is unlike
anything else and brings together
survey team and spent 18 months
as the last Commanding Officer for
all do it again if so many different aspects of team
leadership,” he says. “I’m looking
the Hydrographic Unit before it was
merged into HMNZS MATATAUA in the
they could.” forward to that multi-disciplinary
function, bringing it all together.
new Littoral Warfare Capability merger.
And I’m also keen to see what has He then spent a year working in
LTCDR Tim Hall changed since I was last at sea.” Capability Branch in Wellington,
completing the Lead Capability and
LTCDR Hall, 37, from Auckland’s
Major Fleet Unit Command Courses.
North Shore, began his Navy career
14 years ago as a hydrographer – “Command of a ship is significant for
quite by chance. any one and is pretty special,” he says.
“Everyone I have spoken to since I
After graduating from Rangitoto
got news of this command, say it’s
College, he did a four-year conjoint
the best job you will ever do and they
Arts and Science degree at the
would all do it again if they could – so
University of Auckland, followed
they have set the bar pretty high for
by working at the University as a
my expectations,” he says.
Customer Services adviser while he
decided on his future path. “From what I have seen it is an
awesome ship’s company – responsive
“I was working at a Careers Expo
and enthusiastic and very good at
Day on Campus as an usher and on
what they do,” he says. “I’m looking
a break I wandered around the Expo
forward to working with them - to
and saw the Navy Careers stand,” he
reach our goals and those that are set
says. “I asked what I could do in the
for us.”
Navy with my degree which included
a major in Marine Science and they
recommended hydrography.”
16 | Navy Today #229Safety
Safety
Honing our MOET’s Mission is “to provide
the Generation, Maintenance
This month, MOET will host a team
from the Royal Canadian Navy, Sea
navy skills and Evaluation of Operational
Capability to Force Elements through
Training Pacific to familiarise them
with the RNZN SARC process, and
professional training, coaching and other MOET activities, providing
It’s shaping up to be a busy year for evaluation”. In preparing MOET an opportunity for a collaborative
the Maritime Operational Evaluation personnel for their role, additional approach to supporting the Frigates
Team (MOET). coaching training is provided with on completion of their upgrades.
a focus on supportive approaches With preparations for the arrival
MOET had a busy 2018, from
to improvement coaching. For this of HMNZS MANAWANUI, HMNZS
January’s Work-Up with HMNZS TE
approach to work, participants need AOTEAROA and HMNZS TE KAHA
MANA in the East Australian Exercise
to be open to feedback and the coming out of FSU, various SARC’s,
Area in her build-up towards her
HMNZS CANTERBURY work-up,
five-month Pacific deployment, and coach needs to practise collaborative
and an extended period of Navy
completing in November with HMNZS conversations to facilitate problem
training (Operation HIKI ANO), 2019
WELLINGTON’s Work-Up in the solving, build confidence and
is shaping up to be another busy year
Hauraki Gulf. In between, the MOET improved performance.
for the MOET.
conducted Work-Ups, Shakedowns,
As MOET returned to work from a
Safety and Readiness Checks (SARC),
good break, their activities ramped up
sea checks and Aviation SARC’s.
commencing with HMNZS TE MANA’s
MOET is a significant enabler to the SARC in the first week of February
readiness of maritime forces and as prior to her sailing for Canada. A
such provides an essential service to team from MOET will travel to the
the Maritime Component Commander UK in April to integrate with the
and Captain Fleet Operational Royal Navy, Flag Officer Sea Training Above: MOET assist with
Readiness in the generation, counterparts to observe a Tanker force integration training
evaluation and reporting of Force Work-Up, a useful precursor to the on board HMNZS TAUPO
Element readiness. arrival of AOTEAROA in 2020. alongside Suva, Fiji.
Navy Today #229 | 1701
02 03 04
05 06 07
18 | Navy Today #22908
09 Our
People
1. ALSS Deanna Makoare hurls
the line during the Seamanship
Competition in December.
2. Chief of Navy RADM David
Proctor (in historic rig) during the
2018 Champion of the Navy events,
with ACSS Matt Kruger as the
winner of the best moustache.
3. HMS MONTROSE versus HMNZS
CANTERBURY in netball.
10 4. HMNZS CANTERBURY’s
Commanding Officer, CDR Matt
Wray, presents AMED Alice Stuart
with her first Good Conduct Badge
during the Families Day sailing.
5. Graduates of December’s Petty
Officer Seaman Combat Specialist
Course, with LSCS Sam Carter
(second from left) achieving dux of
the course.
6. The team from HMNZS
CANTERBURY with the Seamanship
Trophy for 2018.
7. OET Joel Grant receives the
Spencer Tewsley Cup from Defence
Minister Ron Mark, as the best all-
round graduate of BCT 18/02.
8. Madeline Wilson works at getting
the black tape off her father’s
rank slides, to reveal CDR Hayden
Wilson’s new rank.
9. No. 6 Squadron pilot/observer
SLT Harry Jennings talks up the
Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopter on
board HMNZS CANTERBURY
during the Seeport Festival in
Auckland.
10. AMT(L) Aidan Jones fits out
a youngster with fire-fighting rig
during HMNZS CANTERBURY’s
open day at the Seeport Festival in
Auckland.
Navy Today #229 | 19New Masts Fitted to T
y LTCDR Ben Langley, OIC Keep Alive Team,
B
HMNZS TE KAHA
During HMNZS TE
KAHA’s Frigate System
Upgrade (FSU) project,
a four-week docking
phase was scheduled
by Victoria Shipyards
Limited (VSL) to allow
for the installation
and alignment of new
systems and equipment
in a stable and controlled A view of the aft mast
environment. after installation.
HMNZS TE KAHA entered the VSL ensured that the engine room no such as changing underwater
dry dock on 26 November following a longer had an open skylight. A missile valves, pressure testing relief valves,
cold move from a nearby VSL wharf. launch plate has been added on 02 changing hull anodes, tank surveys,
During this docking window both deck and this system is starting to and completing partial repairs on TE
the new forward and aft masts were take shape after a number of hours KAHA’s underwater hull coating. To
aligned, secured, and set in place of heavy fabrication and installation date, VSL had largely been involved
using a chock-fast compound. Once of internal structural foundations. with the FSU scope of work and
the forward mast was installed, VSL Another noticeable change during the they were unaccustomed to the New
focussed on insulating the interior docking phase was the installation of Zealand maintenance procedures to
of the mast and pulling the cables the new Sea Sentor towed torpedo be completed in dock. The TE KAHA
required for the masts’ systems such decoy winch which was installed Keep Alive Team (KAT), and the
as the SMART–S three-dimensional on the quarterdeck. Manoeuvring Babcock New Zealand personnel who
surveillance radar, navigational radar, this very large winch into place via were in Canada for the docking phase,
laser warning system, and sensors to the 150-tonne crane was a feat in were onsite to assist VSL, which
support Electronics Support Measures itself. The final evolution during ensured that all jobs were completed
(ESM). Shortly after the forward mast the docking phase (certainly not to the required specification and within
was installed the focus shifted to least important), was to install the the docking schedule. All required
aligning, securing and setting the aft polemast which houses electronic stores and items to support the
mast in place. The aft mast is fitted surveillance and communications maintenance completed in dry dock
with a helicopter control radar and equipment. VSL also made headway were sourced via New Zealand, and
also houses the ammunition for the with commencing the installation of managed through the KAT logistic
missile decoy system. more than 50000m of new cable support team in Canada.
required for the FSU upgrade.
While the ship was in dry dock, VSL On 21 December TE KAHA was
also progressed the installation of As the water was drained from the scheduled to undock. The day prior,
the Sea Ceptor missile system. This dock it was evident that the hull was during a routine flood up of the dock
included installing two new decks due for a good clean. VSL completed and wetting of the hull, the small KAT
in what was the old Vertical Launch a full hull and propeller blade wash of nine went about checking for leaks
System (VLS) compartment, which and completed various activities and ensuring the watertight integrity
20 | Navy Today #229e Kaha
The new missile system being
installed on 02 deck.
of the vessel before we could float
off the blocks and out of the dock.
Prior to undocking, the VSL rigging
personnel provided KAT personnel
a birds-eye view of the local area
which consisted of hoisting some
KAT personnel 150 feet above the
ship from dockside to flight deck
(gangways were already removed
in preparation for the undocking).
This gave those personnel involved
a good perspective of the FSU
progress and the change in ship’s
profile from above, and secondly
allowed those personnel to enjoy
the view on a very cold (but sunny)
day in Esquimalt.
Overall the docking period went
very well and achieved all the
FSU and legacy maintenance
requirements. After the ship
exited dock, and was safety
alongside the VSL wharf, the nine
members of the KAT proceeded
on six days annual leave which
was well deserved. We all look
forward to seeing what 2019
brings for TE KAHA.
The polemast being installed
during the dry dock phase.
Navy Today #229 | 21Royal Navy Welcomed
By Suzi Phillips “A big thanks to the RNZN haka
party. I’ve never before been greeted
As HMS MONTROSE arrived in quite such spectacular style while
to an exchange of gun salutes, coming alongside.”
received by MCC and returned by
Commander O’Neill said the
HMNZS PHILOMEL, a group from
entry into Auckland’s inner
host ship HMNZS CANTERBURY
harbour was very smooth,
performed the Navy haka on
supported by the Auckland
Calliope South Wharf.
Harbour Board and the Pilot.
“As sailors, we’re very lucky to arrive
“To us it’s a wide channel,
in a country by sea and especially
compared to our home base – the
to New Zealand – through the Bay
other Devonport in Plymouth which
The haka of Islands and into Auckland,” said
the Commanding Officer of HMS
is one of the most challenging
performed for MONTROSE, Commander Conor
pieces of water with very strong
tidal streams and 180-degree plus
HMS MONTROSE O’Neill, RN.
turns on the roller-coaster through
“The Navy haka on the jetty was a the narrows.”
when she sailed spectacular way to be welcomed –
HMS MONTROSE was visiting
into Devonport I was quite focussed on berthing the
ship at that point and all this amazing
Auckland during the first seven-
month phase of a three-year
Naval Base was a activity was happening on the wharf
and I was desperately trying to see
deployment that will contribute to
highpoint of the it while not crashing, but the Ship’s
security in the Middle East region
and in the South Pacific.
Company were fell-in and they really
ship’s “spectacular” appreciated and enjoyed it.” From Auckland, the ship sailed for
welcome to “Then to go to the marae and enjoy
Australia, Japan and the South China
Sea before heading to its new base
New Zealand the powhiri later – it was a very
moving experience to be part of,” he
in Bahrain.
last month. said. “Welcome by haka and powhiri
was such a privilege and that sense
Footnote: RN-RNZN interoperability
was called into action when a short
of tapping into the historic and notice compassionate return to the UK
spiritual side of New Zealand and the left MONTROSE short of an officer. LT
Maori culture – it was quite intense Mat Jamieson joined MONTROSE in
and humbling. Auckland on attachment, allowing the
ship to proceed on her next passage
without delay.
KIWI ARRIVES “It’s been a long trip across the
Pacific… and a fantastic experience,”
WITH THE she said. “It was lovely to arrive into
Auckland and that amazing welcome
ROYAL NAVY from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
I was totally blown away.
Petty Officer Heidi Tait, Marine “We had the exchange of gun
engineering technician, was salutes and then closed up on the
delighted that her employer gave her jetty. I didn’t know what to expect
a trip home in HMS MONTROSE. and then the NZ Navy haka was
fantastic. The crew were buzzing
Born and raised in Wellington, and as we came off the upper deck
POET Tait moved to London a little the atmosphere was electric.”
over 10 years ago for some OE
(overseas experience) and then “It was brilliant to be back on
joined the Royal Navy. New Zealand soil, and I’m excited to
see my family. It’s also important for
the ship’s company to get a look at
New Zealand.”
22 | Navy Today #229Change of Command
HMNZS MATATAUA
“Like any sailor, By Suzi Phillips His career highlights so far have come
from active deployments, including
I’m always keen The new Commanding Officer of the
Navy’s Littoral Warfare Unit, HMNZS
most recently as Executive Officer in
HMNZS TE MANA during a five-month
to put all that MATATAUA, is a war-fighting expert
with command experience and a
deployment, where his leadership,
warfare and command training were
great training strong business base. on call. “It was an exciting deployment
and being Executive Officer in a
Originally from Palmerston North, frigate has got to be one of the most
into action.” Commander Layamon Bakewell,
36, joined the Navy 16 years ago.
rewarding jobs in the Navy,” he says.
He took command of MATATAUA “Taking command of ROTOITI was a
CDR Layamon Bakewell real highlight – leading a small Ship’s
on 12 December.
Company in a fantastic ship that did
As a youngster he was inspired by some important work around New
stories of the sea from his grandfather Zealand carrying out fisheries and
who had been in the Merchant Navy. customs patrols.”
“My grandfather told stories of the While in command of ROTOITI,
excitement and adventure of a life at he also led the rescue of salvage
sea and I decided on the Navy in about teams off the MV RENA in 2011, a big
fifth form,” said CDR Bakewell. storm threatened to break up the
He decided to take a year off after ship marooned on the reef in the Bay
finishing Palmerston North Boys of Plenty.
High and did the first year of a degree CDR Bakewell said that
in Business Studies at Massey MATATAUA offered the Navy
University there. a realistic option to provide an
“I joined the Navy at the end of that operational war-fighting effect.
year and later went on to finish my “It’s an exciting time for HMNZS
degree as part of the Tangaroa MATATAUA with a lot of new capability
Scheme [Navy sponsored study]. coming on line over the next three
The Navy later paid for me to do my years and introducing those new
Masters in Business Studies – that capabilities into service.”
was an awesome opportunity to do
postgraduate study while still working
fulltime in the Navy,” he said.
Navy Today #229 | 23Change of Command The Naval Volunteer force that
existed in Auckland in the early
HMNZS WAKEFIELD
1860’s centred on personnel
with small boat experience who
could undertake force protection
duties for visiting Royal Navy
units, supplement the land
In stepping into the role of position with lots of challenges. forces ashore and conduct
Commanding Officer, HMNZS WAKEFIELD has a great vibe, it anti-smuggling operations
WAKEFIELD, Commander has that feel of an extended family. for the Customs and Excise
Ian Andrew is continuing a You’re handing over a well-oiled ship, Department – tasks that are
series of “firsts” for the shore- and I’m really looking forward to not uncommon to the Navy of
based unit encompassing getting stuck in.” today. Volunteers were a fiscally
Naval staff in Wellington. attractive and operationally
CDR Andrew, from Thames, viable alternative to a standing
His ceremony, in relieving joined the RNZN in 1993 and naval force.
Commander Jennie Hoadley, was graduated as a supply officer,
the first official change of command serving in CANTERBURY and Over the next 150 years these
ceremony for WAKEFIELD, “at least, TE KAHA. He has worked in a part-time volunteers, now known
as far as anyone can remember,” variety of supply and logistics as the Naval Reserve, continued
said Rear Admiral David Proctor, roles, including Logistics Adviser, to evolve as New Zealand’s
Chief of Navy. It was only in 2017 New Zealand Defence Staff maritime security requirements
that a Command Directive was London. His new role is both altered. Reservists distinguished
given to WAKEFIELD’s Commanding Director Coordination (Navy) and themselves then, as they do
Officer for the first time. Commanding Officer WAKEFIELD. now, with their ability to rapidly
learn new skills in addition to
CDR Hoadley has left him with WAKEFIELD, named in 1954 after bringing desirable skillsets
another first: to come up with a the pioneering Wakefield brothers from their civilian backgrounds,
suitable symbol of command for of the New Zealand Company, has such as the Merchant Navy,
WAKEFIELD, to pass on to his the interesting aspect in that the into the naval service.
successor. Commanding Officer has command
over multiple personnel who are For many years New Zealand’s
But in keeping with tradition, naval service largely mirrored
senior to him in rank.
CDR Andrew uttered “I have the the Royal Navy with separate
ship”, to CDR Hoadley, and reported CDR Hoadley has posted to the personnel silos for full time
to RADM Proctor for duty. Institute of Leadership Development service (Navy), ex-regular force
in Trentham. personnel (Naval Fleet Reserve),
“I’m humbled by the opportunity,” he
said. “It’s been 10 years since I was merchant mariners (Naval
posted to Naval Staff. It’s a great Reserve) and ab initio (first-time)
part-time volunteers (Naval
Volunteer Reserve). However,
New Zealand’s Navy faces some
unique challenges and while it
retains a Navy augmented by the
24 | Navy Today #229Reservists
New Zealand’s
Reservists maritime security
has always
Geared for included a
substantial reliance
Bigger Role on part-time
volunteers.
By the numbers
Naval Reserve (RNZNR, reservists The project has the following key The Navy Reserve today has
535
with previous full time service) and objectives:
the Volunteer Reserve (RNZNVR, ab
• To deliver enhanced Naval
initio part-time entrants into the Navy
Reserve Command and Control
now employed largely as Maritime
arrangements;
Trade Operations specialists), active personnel
measures are underway to directly • To refine the Maritime Trade
link those silos to provide a seamless Operations output (currently
378
Made up of
movement of personnel from full time undertaken by the Volunteer
service, to part time service, and back Reserve);
to full time service – if required.
• To investigate the establishment
To address the New Zealand Defence of an Operational Support
Force Strategy of an Integrated Trade within the RNZNVR, to previous full time service
Defence Force by 2025, the Royal bring into the Navy professional
106
New Zealand Navy, along with qualifications/skillsets that Navy
the New Zealand Army and the would not have a constant need
Royal New Zealand Air Force, are for, or indeed a training pipeline
positioning themselves to deliver to support; and,
people, enhanced combat capability, Maritime Trade
information and relationships needed • To establish better engagement
and management of those full Operations Specialists
to deploy a networked combat force.
The goal is “to be effective in a rapidly time personnel making the
51
changing world”, which will provide transition to part time service Not including
(the RNZNR). reservists
challenges for our Navy and our
serving full time
Defence Force, particularly in the Looking to the future, and our
contracts
personnel space where NZDF have mission to ‘advance New Zealand’s
identified an increasingly non-linear Interests from the sea’, the Naval
workforce. The Navy’s Future Sailor Reserve will contribute to the Navy’s
Programme is vigorously identifying Strategic Goals of People, Future The Navy
innovative solutions for crewing the Navy, Capability, Relationships and Reserve
Navy of the future. This strategy is Information by the provision of agile exists
addressing how reserve personnel can and professional personnel for the throughout HMNZS NGAPONA
provide flexibility and innovation to the Royal New Zealand Navy of 2025, New Zealand
Navy’s personnel requirements. and beyond, as we all look to achieve
As part of the overall people strategy, our Vision of a ‘world class Navy for a
the Royal New Zealand Navy have large maritime nation’.
HMNZS OLPHERT
established the Naval Reserve For more information contact:
Regeneration Project to investigate HMNZS PEGASUS
opportunities for part-time personnel LTCDR Geoff Andrew
to contribute to the Navy, and indeed geoffrey.andrew@nzdf.mil.nz
the wider New Zealand Defence Force. HMNZS TOROA
Navy Today #229 | 25Shipriding for
the icy experience
By Lieutenant Commander Michael the principles
Patterson, United States Coast Guard of Antarctic
seamanship
In 1956, Captain Harry Kirkwood in situ. These
OBE, DSC*, RN was ‘loaned’ from opportunities are
the Royal Navy and took HMNZS at a premium,
ENDEAVOUR to Antarctica in as nations seek
support of the British-New Zealand to ready their
trans-Antarctic expedition, spending commands
two seasons between 1956 and 1958 and crews Captain Lieutenant Lieutenant
for increased Simon Rooke Sophie Going Meyrick Pereira
working alongside United States
ships such as the USS GREENVILLE activity in
VICTORY, USS PRIVATE J.R. polar regions. in-water survival time is measured in
TOWLE and Coast Guard Cutter The POLAR STAR makes only one minutes and rescue response time is
NORTHWIND. Now with AOTEAROA Antarctic voyage annually to break measured in days. Observations and
poised to join the RNZN fleet, New out McMurdo station for resupply anecdotes like this underscore the
Zealand and the United States again and the RNZN has only resumed value of having additional resources
have the opportunity for collaborative maritime Antarctic operations in the that can cooperate effectively in this
maritime operations in the Ross last decade. Gaining this experience environment, with a knowledge of one
Sea. Several RNZN personnel have is particularly valuable, as the remote another’s systems and procedures.
already had a head start, sailing and tempestuous Antarctic waters
offer a wholly unique set of challenges Each exchange affords shipriders an
on USCGC POLAR STAR and MV
to naval operations. opportunity to bring lessons-learned
OCEAN GIANT for the 2018/2019
back to their respective organisation
breakout and resupply of McMurdo The freezing temperatures and and improve the effectiveness of
station. Future AOTEAROA navigator proximity to the ice shelf mean its polar programme. The common
Lieutenant Sophie Going, along that vessels are not only at risk knowledge of capabilities and
with Lieutenant Meyrick Pereira, of damaging the ship by striking procedures across national fleets
joined the crew of POLAR STAR thick, multi-year ice, but also of improves interoperability during
to get a better understanding of compromising the ship’s stability with joint operations, reducing the risk
icebreaker escort operations and the topside weight of ice accumulating through a ready understanding
engineering. Also participating in on the superstructure and weather of each vessel’s ice-keeping
this operation was AOTEAROA’s decks. In addition to the ice risks, capabilities during escorts, breakouts,
Commanding Officer designate, the sea state at higher latitudes is flight operations, or other near-
Captain Simon Rooke, to gain the also characteristically terrible. For ice activities. These exchange
perspective of the escorted vessel example, NZDF’s Defence Technology programmes provide another
from the bridge of OCEAN GIANT. Agency deployed a wave monitoring opportunity to bring more information,
The sharing of shipriders, or buoy in southern latitudes and soon insight and proficiency to bear,
operational observers, allows recorded the tallest wave on record and ensure our sea-going services
participating nations to take at 24m, a threatening measurement are ready to meet the risks and
advantage of chances to exercise of conditions in an area where the challenges of future polar operations.
26 | Navy Today #229Stories from Antarctica
SUMMER “As a Marine Technician
ON THE ICE I never thought I’d find myself
out of the bilge and working
as a Communications
Operator, let alone in
Antarctica, yet here I am!”
breath-taking continent in the world. In between watches we’ve had the
The expansive vista of white, broken opportunity and privilege to visit
only by the orange cold weather gear Shackleton’s and Scott’s historic
issued to us by ANTNZ and the large huts at Cape Royds and Cape
red American vehicles, was enough Evans, tour the Pressure Ridges
to make us first timers stop and just (which is home to a few seals and
stare out in wonder before posing for their pups) on the sea ice just off
countless photos in front of the C-17. Ross Island, camp out on the ice in
Scott’s Polar Tents for our Antarctic
I’m currently one of four Tri-service
Field Training, climb to the top of
Communications Operators and the
Castle Rock and enjoy the stunning
past two months has been a busy
360-degree view of Mt Erebus out
period with all four of us having to
to the Trans-Antarctic Mountains,
learn a whole new skill set as
By AMT(L) Michael O’Connell and join our American allies over
none of us are communicators
the hill at McMurdo Station for the
back in New Zealand. With me
I am currently posted to Scott Base 100th Armistice Day commemoration
on the ice is RNZAF Safety and
in Antarctica with eight other NZDF and Thanksgiving day dinner.
Surface Technician, a NZ Army
personnel, making up the Scott Base Medic and a Leading Steward With the months ticking along the
Support Team (SBST) for a five-month from HMNZS PHILOMEL. weather is starting to get warmer.
deployment here on ice. It was -40°C with wind-chill when
We maintain watches of eight hours
Following a month’s Pre-Deployment we arrived, and now with -1°C through
each around the clock, with our
Training (PDT), with Antarctica New to -5°C ambient lately, you need less
role of maintaining comms with the
Zealand (ANTNZ) in Christchurch, a cold weather gear to enjoy more
Science Field Events, monitoring our
week’s firefighting training with Fire outdoor activities.
helicopter and fixed-wing operations,
Emergency New Zealand at Woolston reading and interpreting weather We’re all loving the life and people
Fire Station and the longest weather reports to pass to the field and that Antarctica attracts, but we are
delay for flights to Antarctica in over aircraft, and bolstering morale with all looking forward to getting home
30 years, we flew down here in a a morning announcement each day this month and enjoying the tail end of
United States Air Force C-17. The covering daily news, a local weather summer, beaches and green grass.
best moment of the flight was first report, and a joke, riddle or fact of
laying eyes on the most astounding, the day.
Navy Today #229 | 27True mates share
waves once again
Kevin Mills and Patrick Monaghan, of the
Mt Wellington Panmure RSA, served separately
during World War II but became lifelong friends
afterwards. Both expressed their wish to have
their ashes scattered at sea.
The families of
Kevin Mills and
Patrick Monaghan
prepare for the
ashes scattering
ceremony, as
the Navy launch
Mahanga is
positioned near
North Head.
28 | Navy Today #229Scattering Ashes
Navy Chaplain Colin Mahanga holds position in Torpedo
Mason, presiding over Bay, with the helmsman sensibly
the day’s ceremonies, angling the boat to allow for the wind
tells the families it’s direction. The Mills family go first,
going to be a great with Chaplain Mason giving a prayer
day. He checks the and a reading, and inviting the family
caskets and notes members to speak. The scattering of
the casket for Mills is the ashes, dense and fine, is shared by
completely sealed. A family, with flowers cast in the waves
marine technician from at the end.
the nearby workshops is
“I think I’ve got my sea legs now,” said
quickly summoned, and
Glennis, on the return to Devonport.
he and a family member
Her husband, a former president
discreetly disappear,
and patron of his RSA, would have
re-emerging with the
been humbled by the ceremony. “We
casket lid sawn through
couldn’t have got a better day. It was
and sealed with tape.
Kevin Mills and lovely, very emotional.”
Patrick Monaghan Mahanga is crewed by
Terry Monaghan, Patrick Monaghan’s
three sailors, dressed
son, says the service was nicely done.
formally and helmed
By Andrew Bonallack “For years he said, I want my ashes
by a warrant officer
scattered at sea. He didn’t want
in the upper wheelhouse. There’s
Two wartime sailors who bonded over people to come along to a cemetery
a light chop when the boat arrives
laughter and stories at the “Navy” to look after a headstone, then after
at Torpedo Bay wharf, opposite the
table at their RSA shared their final five years people forgot you were
Navy Museum, and the swell from
journey on the sea in December, there. It was a wonderful service, and
the variety of pleasure craft and
thanks to the formal ashes scattering Colin did a great job. I don’t know
harbour ferries adds to the bounce.
ceremonies offered by the Royal how many times he’s done it, but
New Zealand Navy. It’s a good spot, says Glennis. Her it was as if it was the first time. He
husband used to run the Liberty keeps it all fresh.” His father served
Kevin Mills and Patrick Monaghan, on Fairmiles around the Solomon
Boat back and forth across Auckland
of the Mt Wellington Panmure RSA, Islands during the war. “The boys
Harbour, and they were in view of
served separately during World would have been delighted with the
the Auckland wharves, where Kevin
War II but became lifelong friends weather. I think Patrick would have
worked on the cranes after leaving
afterwards, frequently sharing Anzac wanted a bit more wave action – he
the Navy. Mills had served during
Day services. Both expressed their liked a bit of spray.”
World War II on HMNZS GAMBIA,
wish to have their ashes scattered at
and had been painting the side Chaplain Mason says due to demand
sea, a ceremony the Navy provides to
of the ship when it had a near- for the service, the Navy will increase
Navy and ex-Navy personnel at regular
miss from a Japanese kamikaze, the ash scattering dates from three to
dates throughout the year.
shot down at virtually the last four times a year. He already has five
It meant a good-humoured reunion moment by an American fighter requests for services for 2019.
of sorts for the respective families plane. “He used to say, we’ll never
near the Stanley Bay wharf where stop to paint the ship again.” “The service is for Navy and
the Mahanga, the Navy’s 14-metre ex-Navy, New Zealand and foreign,
transport launch, waited for what Mills and Monaghan had their own or the partner or child of an ex-Navy
would be her fourth and fifth ashes “Navy” table at the RSA with other or serving Navy person.”
scattering of the day. Across sailors. “There used to be about eight
In a final honour, it turned out Mr Mills
the families, the mood was one of them, laughing their heads off to
was owed two more medals for his
of satisfaction at a journey near all the stories. Every Anzac Day, they
service to New Zealand. Two days
completed. Mills’ wife Glennis said would always stand up, and toast the
later, at the RSA, Acting Deputy Chief
it was wonderful the “boys” were Queen. Kevin would do every Poppy
of Navy Captain Maxine Lawes made
going together. “Because Patrick was Day for the RSA. He always used to
a posthumous presentation to Glennis
coming out today, we asked if Kevin go to the big shopping mall. I found
of Mr Mills’ New Zealand Operational
could come out on the same boat, out he liked going because the ladies
Service Medal and the New Zealand
because of their friendship at the RSA. liked to give him hugs.”
Service Medal 1946–1949.
They were good mates.”
Navy Today #229 | 29You can also read
