issue 184 November 2014
HMNZS TE KAHA IN
ALBANY WA FOR
WWI CENTENARY
PROTECTING
OUR MARITIME
ENVIRONMENT
POSTER
BCT 14/03
CHURCH SERVICE
REFLECTIONS
T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f t h eour people
sea
1
contents
NAVY TODAY ISSUE 184 2014
DIRECTORY
Published to inform, inspire and entertain
serving and former members of the RNZN,
their families and friends and the wider Navy
community.
Navy Today is the official magazine of the
Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by
Defence Communications Group, Wellington.
Navy Today is now in its eighteenth year of
publication.
Views expressed in Navy Today are not
necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.
04
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EDITOR:
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Defence Communications Group
HQ NZ Defence Force
33
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DESIGN & LAYOUT:
04 TE KAHA IN ALBANY WA FOR WORLD
WAR 1 CONVOY CEREMONY
Defence Communications Group
PRINT:
07
THE ALBANY TROOP TRANSPORTS
12
BCT 14/03 CHURCH SERVICE
REFLECTIONS
17
RNZN’S ROLE IN COUNTER-PIRACY OPS
18
PROTECTING OUR MARITIME
ENVIRONMENT POSTER
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34 Coastal Classic
cover image:
Chico Sail Training Craft
MAKO leaving Auckland in the
Coastal Classic Yacht Race from
Devonport to Russell at Labour
Weekend. See page 34.
Photo: Chris Weissenborn,
Navy Photographic Unit chief.
CHIEF OF NAVY Rear Admiral Jack Steer, ONZM
yours aye
A
s I embarked from the RHIB into TE KAHA recently it
reminded me that going to sea in ships is what we are
all about. Our job is to get our people trained to take
our ships to sea and perform the wide range of tasks that the
Government expects of us. To do this takes time, commitment
and the right people.
I know we have the right people in our Navy. I know that sailor for
sailor, our people are right up there with any other sailors in the
world. The people of New Zealand admire and respect you for what
you do and what you stand for. That is why they all come down and
see the ships in port on open days and that is also why we get a lot
of great people wanting to be part of our Navy.
Take TE KAHA for example. Only through sacrifice and hard work
have we been able to drag the ship out of a very long maintenance
period and get it up and running again. The new systems in this
ship are world class and so are the people who are making them
work. It has been a very challenging process that has stretched
people’s tolerances to the limit, but still, the ship is at sea and is
now in Australia.
This is what makes our Navy, Te Taua Moana, the Navy it is. You,
the men and women of our Navy are the stars in our inventory.
Whether it is TE KAHA or any other ship of ours, every day you
all make huge sacrifices to get them to sea and conduct our
operations. Everyone, from the most junior to the most senior has a
role to play and generally, you all do very well.
Because of the quality of our people and the sacrifices you and your
families make, we have made a few changes to a couple of our “old
habits”. These habits regarding alcohol consumption and smoking
were out of step with our modern Navy and the work environment
we have. So, like any organisation that values its people, we have
made some changes. They are actually quite small changes; the rest
of changing our culture and attitude is up to you.
The other area we need to improve is in the social relationships we
have with our shipmates. The “NO Means NO” With all Dispatch
sent out recently is to highlight the need for you all to understand
that there are rules around relationships. These rules are there
to protect you and your shipmates. They are not there to ruin
your social lives, they are there to ensure that you all know the
boundaries we operate in. We will be increasing the education for
all our Navy on these matters and also providing greater avenues
for you to seek help and advice.
All of the changes and mentions in the two recent With all
Dispatches are designed to allow everyone to come to work and
feel safe and secure. To know that you can trust your shipmates
to be sober at work and that they will protect you when needed.
What we don’t need is for anyone to come to harm because of
alcohol or blatant disregard for another person’s rights. Alcohol
is normally associated with any bad incident we have in our Navy
so let’s work together to ensure that we all manage our alcohol
consumption appropriately, so that we all can work together to
move our Navy ahead.
We are a Navy of fantastic people. Do not forget that. Be proud of
your achievements and look after your shipmates. They will look
after you.
He heramana ahau
I am a sailor
Above: The three service chiefs had lunch onboard HMNZS TE KAHA when
the frigate was in Wellington before its departure for Albany, Western
Australia. From left Chief of Air Force Air Vice Marshal Mike Yardley, CN,
Chief of Army Major General Dave Gawn.
yours aye
3
HMNZS TE KAHA
part of big NZDF presence in Albany,
Western Australia to mark centenary
of WWI Anzac troopships departure
A
strong contingent of New Zealand Defence Force
personnel—including the Anzac frigate HMNZS TE KAHA—
joined their Australian counterparts at Australia’s first
major commemoration of the First World War centenary in Albany,
Western Australia from 31 October to 3 November.
The Albany Convoy Commemorative Event marked the 100th
anniversary of the Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand
Expeditionary Force troopships departing together from the small
Western Australian town to sail for Egypt. Many of the soldiers
on that voyage would be sent to Turkey to fight in the Gallipoli
campaign of 1915.
TE KAHA had earlier sailed from Wellington on 16 October,
commemorating the departure exactly 100 years before that day of
a convoy of 10 New Zealand troopships that sailed to Albany.
It was TE KAHA’s first deployment since coming out of a major
Platform Systems Upgrade,
The NZDF contingent included Chief of Defence Force LTGEN
Tim Keating, Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer, five ceremonial
4
World war 100
personnel, 20 Reserve Forces personnel, three New Zealand Cadet
Force cadets, 10 members of the NZDF Maori Cultural Group and
Ship’s Company of HMNZS TE KAHA.
“We are proud to stand beside our Australian counterparts to
mark the centenary of the beginnings of what would later become
the Anzac tradition,” LTGEN Keating said. “A tradition of courage,
comradeship and commitment that remain core values of our
defence force today.
“The attendance of the Reserve Forces and cadets honours the
thousands of ordinary men and women who have done the
extraordinary in the service of our country.”
MAJ Timmi Tuatini, the NZDF contingent commander said one of
the reasons New Zealand was able to raise a force of 8500 men
in such a short period of time was due to its standing Territorial
Forces of the day.
“Cadet training was established in New Zealand 50 years before
the outbreak of the First World War and meant the NZEF of 1914
was a comparatively well-trained and highly skilled force.”
The NZDF contingent took part in several events over the weekend.
The focus of the commemorations was on Saturday 1 November
and featured a Troop March and Commemorative Service, the
opening of Albany’s National Anzac Centre and the Ships’ Symbolic
Departure involving TE KAHA, five Royal Australian Navy vessels
and a Japanese naval vessel (Japan was an ally in WWI and provided
one of the warships that escorted the troop convoy).
Other key events involving NZDF personnel were a Royal Australian
Navy Ceremonial Sunset Service on 31 October, performances by
the NZDF Maori Cultural Group at concerts across the weekend,
and a Ships’ Open Day on Sunday 2 November.
Our personnel also took part with our Australian counterparts
and veterans in a march through the town from 9am on Saturday,
culminating in a service remembering the fallen at the Albany
Peace Park.
After departing Wellington, TE KAHA went to Hobart, before
making passage to Albany in company with the RAN tanker HMAS
SIRIUS and sister Anzac frigate HMAS ARUNTA.
During the passage, TE KAHA conducted a Replenishment at Sea
(RAS) with SIRIUS, the first RAS conducted by TE KAHA in more
than two years, owing to the ship’s long upgrade period.
Such an evolution is fraught with risk, given the close proximity of
the two ships (40 metres between them—see the photographs)
and weather conditions. The skills of the highly trained and
professional sailors of both navies were put to the test.
Earlier, TE KAHA departed Queen’s Wharf in Wellington at 1pm on
Thursday 16 October escorted by CentrePort tugboats TIAKI and
TAPUHI as far as Pt Jerningham. TIAKI used her water monitors to
spray TE KAHA as the frigate left the harbour.
Approximately 8500 men and almost 4,000 horses departed
in the early morning of 16 October 1914 (see article page 7).
Wellingtonians lined the beaches, coastal roads and ridgelines
before dawn, waiting quietly for the procession of ships to appear
in the channel out of the harbour.
The crowd was much smaller when TE KAHA left but the several
hundred people at the wharf gave a spontaneous round of
applause as the frigate slipped away with Ship’s Company lined up
in Procedure Alpha.
TE KAHA will also attend the 100th anniversary of the Anzac
landings at Gallipoli, Turkey, in April 2015.
Opposite page: The TE KAHA contingent marching through Albany,
Western Australia during the World War I troopship departure centenary
commemorations on 1 November.
Above, clockwise from top: HMNZS TE KAHA enters Princess Royal Harbour,
Albany Western Australia.
Sea Cadet Matthew Ohlsson of Mana, Wellington-based TS TAUPO (left)
with Australian cadets taking part in the Troop March in Albany.
Happy chappies from left RAN CN VADM Tim Barrett, RNZN CN RADM Jack
Steer, NZ CDF LTGEN Tim Keating and Australian CDF ACM Mark Binskin at
the Troop March in Albany.
world war 100
5
Clockwise from top: TE KAHA conducting a RAS with HMAS SIRIUS en route to Albany; Replenishment at Sea; HMNZS TE KAHA leaving Wellington for
Albany; NZDF Maori Cultural group perform at the community concert as part of the Albany Convoy commemorative event.
6
world war 100
Troopships to Albany –
beginning of the Anzac bond
On 16 October 1914, a convoy of ships carrying New Zealand troops left Wellington
for the small port of Albany in Western Australia, where they joined with an
Australian convoy that left for Egypt on 1 November. The troops from both
countries later took part in the Gallipoli invasion the following April. This historical
article gives a lucid account of the Albany convoy.
By Jane Keig and Michael Wynd
F
ollowing the declaration of war on 4 August 1914, New
Zealand quickly began amassing thousands of troops to send
overseas to participate in the Allied war effort. The New
Zealand Government offered the government in London a New
Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) on 7 August, and this offer was
accepted on 12 August.
By early September the contingents from the four regions Auckland,
Wellington, Canterbury and Otago were being concentrated.
The Wellington contingent was embarked on 25 September but
disembarked the next day. This was because there was no guaranteed
naval protection for the troopships and this was reported widely in
newspapers throughout the Dominion (as the country legally was
then). The main reason for the delay was the threat of the German
East Asia Squadron under the command of Vice Admiral Graf von
Spee who was at large somewhere in the Pacific.
This threat from the modern cruisers SMS SCHARNHORST and
GNEISENAU was taken very seriously by the New Zealand and
Australian governments. In August 1914 the Samoan Expeditionary
Force had to be escorted by HMS PHILOMEL, PSYCHE, PYRAMUS,
the French cruiser MONTCALM and the Australian warships
HMAS MELBOURNE and AUSTRALIA. If a force of 1500 men in two
troopships required a battle cruiser and five cruisers for escort, how
many ships did 30,000 men require?
It must be remembered that in October 1914 it was expected that our
Expeditionary Force and the Australian Imperial Force [AIF] would be
voyaging to Europe and then to join the BEF on the Western Front.
Canada had already raised and was in the process of sending her
Expeditionary Force to Britain. There is no hint in the contemporary
documentation that the forces would be sent to Egypt.
During this period there was a dispute between the government
and London. While Prime Minister Massey was resolved to demand
a strong escort for the New Zealanders, the Admiralty felt there
was no threat posed to the troopships and put pressure on Lord
Liverpool the Governor General to get the men away quickly.
Amazingly the Governor General sided with the Dominion and
asked for a proper escort. In response the Admiralty sent a message
to New Zealand and a copy to Australia:
“Admiralty adhere to opinion despatch of transports from New
Zealand and Australia ports to point of concentration at Fremantle is
an operation free from undue risk; but, in view of anxiety expressed
by your Ministers and Government of Australian Commonwealth,
they propose to send [HMS] MINOTAUR and [IJN] IBUKI to
Wellington to fetch New Zealand convoy and escort it westward
along Australian coast, picking up Australian transports on way
and brining whole to their destination. This will involve about three
weeks’ delay.”
New Zealand felt some relief but in Australia however there were
already ships at sea. Two ships departed Brisbane on 25 September
heading to Albany, Western Australia. Due to fears of the German
cruisers they were ordered to Melbourne where they joined the
Victorian troops. In New Zealand the men were sent back ashore. In
Navy history
7
begin its participation in the war. At 0600 the ships were led out
by MINOTAU and IBUKI followed by PHILOMEL and PSYCHE as
huge crowds gathered around the harbour to farewell them. LTCOL
William Malone aboard ARAWA wrote in his diary:
“The day. We sailed at about 6am this morning. Everything was
almost affective. It was a quiet calm grey and misty morning. Nature
was mysterious – as befitted the quiet unannounced departure of
our Force. No noise, anchor got up quietly and each ship seemed to
slip away and take up its place in line… a most impressive sight, grim
but harmonious. All was grey bar men.”
The convoy viewed from ARAWA
Auckland, the troops were sent over to Devonport for route marches
at the end of September. The cruisers IBUKI and MINOTAUR
arrived at Fremantle on 29 September and after provisioning they
proceeded to Hobart where they arrived on 8 October. Reports had
come in on 30 September that SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU
had attacked Papeete on the 22 September so the Australian Naval
Board sent a signal to the Admiralty:
“Does Admiralty consider that report of SCHARNHORST and
GNEISENAU having been at Papeete on 22 September alters
conditions sufficiently to permit sailing of transports?”
On 4 October the Admiralty sent a message that the troopships
“conveying home… can safely assemble at the point of
concentration.” The Australian government at once prepared
troopships to depart for Albany. IBUKI and MINOTAUR were
going to be sent from Hobart back to Albany but the New Zealand
government was refusing to send the NZEF without sufficient naval
escort. The Admiralty advised that HMS PHILOMEL and PSYCHE
would escort the convoy to Albany but the government sought more
warships. As a result IBUKI and MINOTAUR under VADM Sir Thomas
Martyn Jerram were ordered to Wellington. This would delay the
departure of the combined convoys from Albany by several weeks.
By this time the troopships from Port Chalmers and Lyttelton had
arrived in Wellington and the men were stuck on the ships with
forays ashore for route marches and exercises. In Auckland the
troops were embarked on two ships on 10 October for departure to
Wellington. However they were kept on the ships overnight. On 11
October they departed escorted by HMS PHILOMEL. They arrived in
Wellington on 14 October and joined the convoy. The men were now
going overseas. IBUKI and MINOTAUR arrived in Wellington next
day to complete the escort.
The Departure from New Zealand
Why were they called the Main Body? The formation of men who
departed in this convoy was popularly known as the Main Body
(of the Expeditionary Force) and for the rest of their service these
men were referred to as “Main Body Men/Man.” The subsequent
departures were Reinforcements to the Main Body. Officially they
were known as the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
The Main Body, commanded by Major General Sir Alexander
Godley aboard MAUNGANUI with his staff sailed from Wellington
for Australia on 16 October 1914. The convoy was to briefly stop
in Australia on its way to England, before moving to its final
destination of France, where it was intended that the NZEF would
8
Navy history
Once at sea the transports formed two lines eight cables apart with
the warships in front, behind and one each side. The troops kept
station about 500m apart and 800m between the two lines of ships.
At night the warships would close up and the ships were blacked
out, only essential navigation lights showing. All the transports were
painted standard warship grey before their departure and the men
aboard each ship given the task of painting ship. Because STAR OF
INDIA was the slowest vessel in the convoy the maximum speed at
sea was 10 knots.
The transports were organised into two divisions for the convoy
operation as follows:
1st Division
HMNZT 3 [MAUNGANUI] 7527 tons 16 knots – loaded at Wellington
HMNZT 9 [HAWKES BAY] 7207 tons 13 knots – loaded at Port Chalmers
HMNZT 8 [STAR OF INDIA] 6800 tons 11 knots – loaded at Auckland
HMNZT 7 [LIMERICK] 6827 tons 13 knots – loaded at Wellington
HMNZT 4 [TAHITI] 7585 tons 17 knots – loaded at Lyttelton
2nd Division
HMNZT 10 [ARAWA] 9372 tons 12 knots – loaded at Wellington
HMNZT 11 [ATHENIC] 12234 tons 12 knots – loaded at Lyttelton
HMNZT 6 [ORARI] 6800 tons 12 knots – loaded at Wellington
HMNZS 5 [RUAPEHU] 7885 tons 13 knots – loaded at Port Chalmers
HMNZT 12 [WAIMANA] 10,389 14 knots – loaded at Auckland
The Main Body totalled 380 officers, 8188 other ranks and 3920
horses, the latter showing how important mounted cavalry still
was in 1914. Each transport also carried one naval transport officer
and seven ratings appointed by the Admiralty, medical officers and
chaplains. It was the largest single group of troops ever to leave New
Zealand shores.
Passage to Albany
The troopships were crewed by civilians and the ship’s captain was
in control of the sailing of the vessel and coordination with the
navy. There was an Army officer appointed to each ship to control
the embarked troops and the ship but he did not interfere with the
operation of the ship while at sea.
The convoy encountered rough weather in the Tasman but by the 20th
it had settled down. The men were given drill and the officers firmly
encouraged to dispense with their novels and read the drill books. A
quote from John Ruskin on war was used: “Never waste a moment.”
The first port of call, Hobart, was reached on the 21st. Very few
people saw the ships come as the arrival was not published in
accordance with newly introduced press regulations. The troopships
were able to go alongside and the men disembarked for route
marches. A lifeboat race was held which was won by the men from
ARAWA. The cruiser PYRAMUS arrived on the same day to replace
PSYCHE as part of the escort. The convoy remained in Hobart for
24 hours before departing on the 22nd. HAWKES BAY had engine
problems and remained behind with PYRAMUS and caught up to the
convoy on the 23rd.
Lance Corporal William [Jack] Gilchrist of the New Zealand Medical
Corps died on board RUAPEHU on 25 October and was buried at sea
with military honours. Although not a combat death, this was one of
the first soldiers of the NZEF to die overseas. Again the weather was
rough and poor old PHILOMEL shipped the mountainous seas down
through the waist pouring water into the mess decks and then the
quarterdeck and wardroom as the ship plunged forward. The stokers
had to work hard to keep their feet in the boiler room.
The NZEF at Albany
On the morning of 28 October the New Zealand convoy reached
Albany, a small town situated at the southern tip of Western
Australia. This was chosen as a concentration port for both convoys.
The 26 AIF troopships were already at Albany, docked in King
George’s Sound. Once the two forces came within hearing distance
of each other they greeted one another with “coo-ees” from the
Australians, and haka from the Maori members of the NZEF.
A conference was held aboard HMAT ORVIETO for senior officers
of the AIF and NZEF. During the four days the NZEF was at Albany,
each of the New Zealand troopships went into Princess Elizabeth
Harbour where they coaled and provisioned. The troops were sent
ashore for route marches.
On the 30th, the day before the NZEF and AIF was due to set sail for
Europe, MAJGEN Godley paid a visit to all the New Zealand ships.
Strict security was imposed and it was ordered that all letters home
be held in Albany for 15 days after the convoy’s departure.
PHILOMEL and PYRAMUS detached from the New Zealand convoy
and proceeded to Fremantle. They then departed for Singapore and
arrived there on 12 November.
The Anzacs Set Sail for War
The original plan for the convoy was to travel via Colombo and the
Suez Canal to Britain. On 28 October it was decided to send the
Australians and New Zealanders via Cape Town to assist if needed
in suppressing a possible Boer uprising. This was cancelled on 31
October and the original plan reinstated.
On 1 November 1914 the AIF and NZEF began departing King
George’s Sound at 0600 and at 1030 the convoy was formed up
at sea and headed for Colombo. HMAT ORVIETO was designated
the flagship of the convoy with the Naval Transport Officer, CAPT
Gordon Smith and his staff. He was responsible for the positions of
the ships in the convoy and was in overall control when at sea. The
escort now consisted of MINOTAUR in the lead, followed by IBUKI
and the two Australian cruisers, SYDNEY and MELBOURNE.
The 26 Australian transports formed three parallel divisions spaced a
mile apart. The New Zealand transports, still in two divisions, steamed
in the rear. On 3 November HMAT MEDIC and ASCANIUS joined the
convoy escorted by HMAS PIONEER and IBUKI. PIONEER suffered
damage to her fore-topmast and returned to Freemantle. This brought
the convoy size to 38 troopships escorted by four cruisers.
Some of the troops
The Australian Imperial Force consisted of 21,529 officers and
other ranks plus 7882 horses. This convoy was not only the largest
collection of troopships yet organised, it was carrying the largest
number of troops in a single movement to that time.
On 5 November, while the convoy was still on its way to Colombo,
Britain and by extension New Zealand declared war on the Ottoman
Empire following the Empire’s bombardment of Russian Black
Sea Ports and sinking of several Russian ships on 28 October. This
declaration changed the plans in place for the Australian and New
Zealand forces. The convoy arrived in Colombo on 15 November,
where they stayed for two days while the ships were coaled and
watered. On 17 November the convoy set sail for Suez.
Change of Plans
Near the Red Sea word was received that both the NZEF and AIF
were to disembark in Egypt and not move on to Europe as initially
planned. At Suez, where the leading transports anchored for a few
hours, detailed disembarkation orders were brought out to the
flagship, the Suez Canal pilots were taken aboard and MAUNGANUI
led the way into the canal.
The first transports passed through the canal and reached Port Said
in Egypt by the evening of 1 December. Definite disembarkation
orders were issued at Alexandria. The NZEF and AIF were to be
based in Egypt for training for a number of months, eventually
forming the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).
The Australians and New Zealanders from this first convoy were
ultimately sent to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where it was hoped they
would play a role in breaking the Ottoman forces and opening
up the Dardanelles for Allied ships to move up and capture the
Ottoman capital, Constantinople (now Istanbul).
The meeting of the NZEF and AIF at Albany was the beginning of a
relationship between New Zealand and Australia that would take
them from Gallipoli to the Sinai and Palestine and on to the Western
Front. The establishment of the Anzac bond can be traced from the
convoy which travelled to war together, and then as the ANZAC
Corps fought and sacrificed so much during the First World War.
In the words of Major Fred Waite, DSO, NZE, who was part of that
convoy, at Albany:
“Young Australia was welcoming Young New Zealand in no
uncertain manner in the first meeting of those brothers-in-arms
soon to be known by a glorious name as yet undreamed of.”
Navy history
9
a message from the CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE
Lieutenant General Tim Keating, MNZM
PRIORITY 4:
GREATER PARTNERING WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND OTHER MILITARIES
A
lot rests on the shoulders of New Zealand Defence Force
personnel in our work with other government agencies,
businesses, the communities we are part of and other
defence forces.
As a professional force for New Zealand, partnering for greater
effect means we are often the enabler for others to do their jobs
by applying our military skills and capabilities to meet their needs.
But to grow and enhance our partnering relationships means we
have to engage more and promote ourselves better.
We are an integral element of New Zealand’s national and
international relationships—not a special case, as we sometimes
think, because of the unique nature of the work we do.
For Defence, partnerships with other organisations are powerful
connections. If we lose sight of that, we risk becoming isolated
from the rest of New Zealand. Understanding the big picture that
is NZ Inc. and the world system allows NZDF to know how and
where we fit in this picture. We must actively create and carve our
role in New Zealand’s story.
Partnering in a military to military sense is about engagement
and learning from other militaries and using what we learn to do
our job better. We should be great adaptors and adopters and
focus on effective engagement with our traditional and more
recent military partners. In the field on exercise or operation, we
must show we are a professional military organisation that can be
trusted to do the job well and work well with others.
Partnerships across Government are complex. Defence is not the
only voice at the table when a conflict or natural disaster must
CDF’s Five Priorities
• A single plan for the NZDF implementing the DMRR
investing in smart capability, focused on excellence
• Focusing on the delivery of our core military skills
towards the tasks expected of us by Government and the
people of New Zealand
• Growing the people we need and better supporting our
military families
• Greater partnering with other agencies and other
militaries
• Stronger leadership, better governance and improved
management
10
CDF Message
be addressed: so we must adapt our conflict resolution models
accordingly. The operations we plan and deployment options we
present to the Government must be flexible to fully accommodate
and resonate with partners such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade, Justice, Health, Customs, Police and Education.
To understand our partners we need to know their organisation so
we can promote our quality people and the benefits of a military
background to them. To this end, a new career model is under
development that will give our people the opportunity to move
more seamlessly between other agencies, the private sector and
back to NZDF. For this to work our partnering and relationships
with Government and business must improve
Defence needs to be seen as an integral part of the New Zealand
story which fully engages the public and New Zealand’s key
organisations and institutions.
New Zealand has a right to be proud of NZDF and we have a duty
to earn that pride. As a force for New Zealand, leveraging our
relationships for joint effect will help us maintain that role.
Above: From left, CDF, CN, CA and DCAF at the opening of Parliament.
Navy examples of partnership and engagement
• Friends and allies (especially smaller partners) — capacity
building in the South Pacific by embarking fisheries and
police officers and sharing the surveillance responsibilities,
for example HMNZS OTAGO’s October embarking of Cook
Islands and Samoan police and fisheries officers for maritime
surveillance in their areas deployment (see page 29).
• New Zealand sharing advice “up” to the US during Pacific
Partnership planning. We work and operate in the Pacific
more often, and we understand what they need more and
could influence activities planned to be those that are of
benefit to the South Pacific island states.
• Defence diplomacy – hosting luncheons/ events on-board
ships in foreign ports on behalf of New Zealand Trade and
Enterprise during deployments, using New Zealand food to
represent our exports.
• Each ship has a specific charity/ relationship they individually
sustain, for example TE KAHA has Bailey Road School.
• Engagement with nationwide movements as a large
employer (White Ribbon/ Mental Health Week).
WON REPORT
rrant
icer o
f
e n av y
wa
ff
th
Warrant Officer of
the Navy Steve Bourke
o
Tokotoko new WON Symbol of Command
T
he Warrant Officer of the Navy currently has a Boarding
Cutlass as a Symbol of Command which is passed to his
or her successor at the completion of their term as the
WON. The cutlass carries the names of the previous Warrant
Officers of the Navy engraved along the blade of the sword.
Even though the cutlass is a wonderful piece of workmanship,
what does it really represent?
The Chief of Navy wears the Korowai, commanding officers
of our ships and units carrying their respective symbols of
command. What could the Warrant Officer of the Navy have as
an alternate Symbol of Command? I have thought about this
for some time, even prior to taking up the position as to what
that could possibility be.
In deciding what significance should be placed in the creation
of the Symbol of Command for the Warrant of the Navy I
needed to connect the environment within which we work and
how to tie all these threads together to show the true strength
of the position that the WON holds within our organisation.
I needed to depict the Warrant Officer of the Navy as the
Kaitiaki for the position they hold in support for our sailors
and whanau and of course a little wisdom in the form of a ruru.
There was a requirement to combine the areas where we work
and play; sailors at sea, sailors in the air (pilots, observers, air
crew), sailors on the land and all our whanau and friends in
supporting us from wherever their locations may be.
The ruru has a story of its own. On my way to work early
one morning whilst Command Warrant Officer of HMNZS
TE KAHA I saw something sitting in the middle of Lake Road
which looked like a small screwed up piece of brown paper. It
wasn’t until I got closer that I realised what it was and without
hesitation stopped the traffic and went and picked the ruru up
off the road and went into Ngataringa Park to make sure it was
alright. What an amazing creature, it sat in my hands for a few
minutes before it flew away.
The vision I had was in the form of a Tokotoko, 900mm long
with the Kaitiaki (Guardian) at the top, Tangaroa (God of the
Sea) with a waka hoe on one side to symbolise the steerage
of future endeavours, Ranginui (Sky Father), Papatuanuku
(Earth Mother), and a Ruru (Owl) at the bottom representing
wisdom. All of which was to have a rope carved around the
entire length binding all forms together.
In Maori tradition, a tokotoko (walking stick) is a symbol of
the authority and the status of the speaker and it tells of the
history from which the authority came. The carving on the
tokotoko may represent an ancestor or a legend.
Well the vision is actually a reality, the Tokotoko has been
carved, a Taonga that will be passed from one Warrant Officer
of the Navy to another.
He heramana ahau—I am a sailor.
From top: WON WOCH Steve Bourke with his new Symbol of Command,
the Tokotoko; Close-up of carvings.
WON report
11
BCT Family Church Service
Reflections
The new recruits of Basic Common Training 14/03 joined their families for the traditional
BCT Family Church Service at the Chapel of St Christopher, Devonport Naval Base on 12
October. It was the first time they had seen their families since starting their training on
7 September. Four of the recruits were selected to give their reflections to the service on
their training to date. Here is what they said.
OWTR Ben Devlin
G
ood morning Sir, Ma’am, ladies and gentlemen and all
the families of Basic Common Training 14/03. My name
is Ben Devlin, also known by my more common name on
base, Recruit Devlin, from Whangaparaoa north of Auckland. It is a
pleasure to be talking to you today and reflecting upon the first five
weeks of my Navy training.
I felt an instant change the moment I stepped through Ngataringa
Gate on September 7. This was my last step as a civilian and the
first of my military career. We were quickly marched to a halt, but
my nerves betrayed me as I struggled to stand still. We were told to
drop our bags on our left side and I had to think hard to remember
exactly where that was.
Shortly after this I was brought up to my accommodation, or mess
deck, and introduced to my new mess mates. We shared a few quiet
introductions—five weeks later we are like brothers. We have shared
many a story, sung many a song, celebrated with each other through
the good times and helped each other through the tough times of
basic training. Thank you Rotoiti for all your companionship and I
sincerely hope it continues throughout all of our naval careers.
There was a lot of new information that we had to quickly absorb.
Naval terminology, which was previously foreign to me, became of
strict importance. You would not ask to take to “take the rubbish
out,” you would “ditch gash.” The mess deck security box is definitely
not called the “key box.” I also learned that it is incredibly rude to
get my superior’s rank wrong. Fortunately we have instructors who
will not hesitate to remind us, in no uncertain terms, when we have
said the wrong thing.
12
REFLECTIONS
On our very first Friday we collected our kit. It felt like Christmas had
come early. We received $4500 worth of Navy uniform. Of course
this was not a gift and brought with it great responsibility. We BCTs
are now starting to learn about kit musters. We have several pairs of
uniform to iron, fold correctly and maintain up to standard. As you
can see today, Navy uniforms look brilliant, but it takes a lot of hard
yards on the ironing board to look this swag.
I think a lot of us have had our trials and tribulations throughout
training. Mine can be summed up in a mere two words—parade
training. I never thought that I would find parade so hard prior to
BCT. It is quite disconcerting to learn that you have two left feet. I
have been the victim of my parade instructors’ wrath many times
now, but my marching has slowly improved. I have a lot more work
to do in this department, but again, the comradeship and support
from my fellow oppos has helped me to keep my chin up and
continue striving to improve.
Week four of training brought us to Shakedown Week at
Whangaparaoa. This was a moment that I know more than a few
of us felt some trepidation about. Shakedown Week? It sounded so
ominous. We had heard horror stories of Dems Range, a towering
mountain we were expected to struggle up. Having grown up in
Whangaparaoa, I felt a longing when we drove past my family home,
to be able to hop off the bus and catch up on some sleep.
Shakedown Week actually ended up being my favourite part of BCT
so far. I enjoyed the challenge of the physical training sessions—
well except for the early morning swims and the chafing. I feel like
my class, Class 2, really came together as a team during this week.
Dems Range, though steep, was conquered and the views of the
Hauraki Gulf from the top were spectacular. I set the goal early
during Shakedown Week to win the cross country run and was
OCH Eliza King
S
tandby…MOVE! Good morning parents, friends, family, my
team, Sir, Ma’am and staff. I am Recruit Eliza King, here to
reflect on my personal journey through the first phase of
Basic Common Training 14/03. When we were briefed on writing
a reflection, I told myself that this was the perfect opportunity
to not only talk about my personal journey but also my team’s
journey. I, as my team members and instructors have discovered,
have an extremely loud voice and personality so I thought I
better take advantage of it!
Day one of the big adventure. Eventually after travelling for what
seemed like forever from Tauranga, there was an uncontrollable
amount of watery drops falling from my numb face as Mum and
Dad hugged me goodbye. That was soon shaken when myself
and four other team members found ourselves stood side by
side in front of these abnormally staunch looking people that we
now address as Sir, Ma’am, Chief, PO or Leader. Turns out they
do have a bit of a soft side if you do what you are told and you
do it well, if not… standby!
From there, the first iron of my career, actually, the first iron of
my life was the good ol’ faded blue coveralls. I was pleased at
myself when the iron turned on—and then they expected us to
make this thick sack looking thing unwrinkled? However, this
challenge was completed and after much practice, the previously
foreign iron soon became my best friend.
On the first Wednesday, we then saw our staunch instructors
again inside the Navy Museum when we pledged our allegiance
to the Queen and the country. On this day we all stood together
side by side as a team in our coveralls, that I will add, were
beginning to get up to standard.
The day of our ocean swim testing came and so did the rain!
The walk to the ocean was… refreshing, but it prepared us
for the swim ahead. When waiting for what was recalled to
be orca whales to move along, we huddled together to keep
each other warm, names were still fresh at this time so the
experience forced us to come together. We all shrieked as our
bodies plunged into the ocean, but after being calmed by my
fellow team mates, I felt a sense of warmth in myself and with
able to achieve this. This is my proudest moment of BCT so far,
mostly because I had some excellent competition. Recruit Aubert in
particular gave me a great duel for first place and pushed me to run
a good race. I hope we get the opportunity to go for runs together
after BCT.
OCH Eliza King
those who floated beside me. Having to endure the physical and
mental challenge of this day was no mean feat, but as a team, a
division, we got through it in those trusty coveralls.
Comradeship couldn’t come sooner in week four when we were
up at Tamaki Leadership Centre (or so called Tender Love and
Care) for Shakedown Week. Thrown into a new environment
with a lot of hills and a lot of timings was definitely not an easy
challenge. Having to expect the unexpected left me feeling
on edge and at times, frustrated. Our leading hands always
“reminded” us that we could never get through this without
each other.
For example, day four, the Longest Day, an 0300 start where we
ran down the beloved hill to Army Bay and went for a dip under
the moonlight. I must admit I had a wee chuckle to myself trying
to come to terms that I had just sung… correction, shouted in the
ocean with my team Ring a Ring a Rosie at 0330 in the morning!
That’s something to be proud of I think!
I thought I had experienced some pretty challenging hills in my
lifetime, but then I met my favourite one of them all—Dems
Range! It may as well be a mountain! When we got to the
bottom of the monstrosity, we were instructed to make it to
the top in our mess deck groups. Once again my voice came in
handy as I ‘encouraged and chanted’ until Moa mess deck made
it to the top and at that moment, I have never felt a bigger sense
of courage and pride. Our instructors also identified our hard
work and efforts for the week and as a reward, we were able to
iron up our GWD rig, which is not coveralls and wear them for
our last day at TLC!
This would by far be the hardest experience I have ever had to
endure in my 17 years of life, but definitely the most rewarding.
All I can say is “standby,” because my team are about to “MOVE!”
Move through the final stretch of Basic Common Training! Bring
it on!!!
OWTR Ben Devlin
It feels like a real achievement to be standing before you all today.
The last five weeks haven’t been easy. There are three things
that have helped me reach this point in my training – courage,
commitment and comradeship. These aren’t merely the Navy’s
buzz words. These are the core values that I think about whenever
I am struggling. These are the words that will help me get through
the next eight weeks of training. These are the words that will
help me to achieve my goal of becoming a sailor in the Royal New
Zealand Navy.
REFLECTIONS
13
OMTO Jess McShane
L
adies, gentlemen, friends, family, Sir and Ma’am, Welcome
to the 14/03 BCT church service and thank you for coming
today to share this occasion with us. My name is OMTO
Jess McShane and I’m from Auckland. Today I have the absolute
privilege of addressing you all. For many of us, almost from
the moment we entered those metal gates we began counting
down the weeks, days and finally hours until this church service.
This day is important to us for a number of reasons. Not only
does it offer an opportunity to see our family and friends but it
also gives us an opportunity to show just how much we have
achieved in the last five weeks.
Look at your sailor.
Have they changed since you last saw them? I’m going to
tell you about that change. How amazing individuals have
surpassed every expectation they ever had of themselves, how
we became believers in not only ourselves but also in the power
of commitment to what we are doing and the strength that
camaraderie can bring to us, even in the moments when we feel
overwhelmed with doubt of our ability to continue.
This change wasn’t overnight. We didn’t walk through the gates
and suddenly look at the blue boards with the values of courage,
comradeship and commitment and get it. It took blood, sweat
and many, many tears for us to start to understand these values
and what they meant to us.
The journey from that front gate on 7 September to now can
not be said to be smooth sailing. The last five weeks have
been littered with times when no amount of flash could cover
the scratches in the shower, when our boots could never be
shiny enough, when every piece of kit seemed to have an Irish
pennant and times when our bodies, exhausted and fatigued,
felt as though they could go no further. And then there are times
beyond what we believed we could endure. Moments when we
felt that we were literally caught in a cyclone, one we simply
could not escape but had to survive. It’s in these moments we
began to change.
One such moment occurred during the longest day, the fourth
day of Shakedown Week. A week meant to challenge us and help
us develop into self-reliant sailors. With the mess decks already
smelling strongly of deep heat and everyone still exhausted from
the days before, the 0315 Wakey Wakey will not be remembered
as a highlight.
With our bodies moving like cheetahs but our brains like the
slowest sloths we struggled to fold and barrack our sheets in a
tiddly fashion and race outside for the two-hour PT session that
awaited us. By 1500, or 3pm, you can imagine how exhausted the
team was. I was side-lined with a knee injury, but this moment in
the middle of the cyclone that is Shakedown Week was for many
the moment in which everything clicked.
Imagine for me a beach. Nice, right? However, when the
instructors told us we would be visiting the beach on this day it
was not happiness that we felt. It was apprehension. The beach
we would be visiting, carrying sandbags, is at the bottom of the
infamous Dems Range, the biggest and meanest series of hills
available to us at TLC. Not only did you have to make it down
Dems, you had to make it back up. Not at a walk, not at a jog, but
an absolute sprint.
An order of “Move” was enough for each mess deck to begin
sprinting up the hill. Every team member had to make it over the
line. Everyone exhausted. Tears streaming down their faces—
males and females pushed their ways up the hills. Cheering and
willing each other on, wanting to prove they belonged in the
Navy. Even the most unfit individuals were engulfed into their
team. Encouraged by their oppos not one individual was heard
to say “I can’t.” No matter how hard the task ahead of them,
people had the self-belief that they could and would do it, they
committed 100 per cent to the effort of getting up the hill.
As I stood at the top I had the honour of supporting them
through the last 40 metres, considered the most difficult part.
Every individual pushed beyond their perceived limit, made it
up that 40 metres, turned to their oppos and hugged them.
Rather than tears of discomfort it was tears of happiness, of
pride. Everyone was bubbling. They had made it. The biggest
challenge so far and they through self-belief, commitment and
comradeship demonstrated the courage to step outside their
comfort zones and complete the task.
OMTO Jess McShane
14
REFLECTIONS
To my oppos, I want you to remember that the sea will not
always be flat, there will be rough patches, and you may even
encounter a tropical storm along the way. But my challenge to
all my fellow recruits is to not try and be under the radar. Do
not try to play it safe because playing it safe isn’t safe at all. It
is the all-time way to be condemned to failure. You’ve got to
dream and you’ve got to take action, that is my challenge to
you all. Aim high BCT 14/03 continue to challenge yourself and
push your limits. To my instructors I say, Stand By, because the
recruits of 14/03 still have their best to come.
OET Josh Spackman
G
ood morning families, friends, Sir, Ma’am and staff, and of
course all of my fellow recruits. My name is Josh Spackman.
I’m 18. My favourite colour is blue. My lucky number
is eight. Sometimes I snore, apparently. I’m the oldest of three
brothers, one of which is here today. I come from little old Taupo
four hours south of here, and pretty much joined the Navy to get
away from there really. Nah, nah I’m kidding. I love Taupo really, it’s
mean. I did join the Navy though from a lot of positive influences
from family friends who have been through themselves, and
primarily for the culture, the relationships and to travel the world. So
now you all know a bit about me, I’ll let you know what I’m actually
up here for this morning.
I am here now to give a brief reflection on my personal journey
through the past five weeks of RNZN basic common training. Upon
taking up the opportunity to talk in front of you today, I had believed
this would be a pretty simple task—you know, write about all the
exciting stuff, slot in a few big words here and there and stir through
a bit of humour and you’re good to go! But later it dawned on me.
This reflection shouldn’t be all about the incredible experiences
we’ve all had—and they truly have been incredible—it should also
be about how much we all have achieved from those experiences.
How your loved ones have grown, and have individually earned the
right to wear the uniform they are wearing beside you right now
with pride. And even though this is a personal reflection of my own
experiences, I can surely say that all of the basic common training
recruits in this room have felt the same achievements as I have had.
Walking through the gate on the first day, I won’t lie, I was actually
pretty excited. Not nervous, much, but more I had that drive to
finally get started after the months and months of waiting. Little
did I know the first thing I would encounter was a very loud LCH
Larking, passing out my first orders as a new recruit. Stand properly
at ease. That became a bit of a shock for my posture over the next
few days I’ll admit. And unfortunately at the time, that wasn’t the
last to be seen of our energetic Leading Chef. Not by a long shot.
Aside from learning all of these new routines and commands in
the first few days, there was the challenging matter of learning to
live with 13 other males in what seemed at the time a small room,
sharing four toilets and showers between us, and actually trying
to keep it clean. I know, it sounds impossible. But we quickly learnt
it wasn’t. It was in fact our first lesson in comradeship, living in
communal harmony. We didn’t know it at the time but it would serve
us well in the weeks coming.
A week or so in, one of my oppos in our mess deck, whilst bringing
the room to attention for an instructor, fumbled his words a little and
so from then on out we had branded ourselves as the “Meck Dess.”
It may seem silly but to us, it has become a symbol of how we have
grown, learnt and bonded together; that and the old sea shanty that
we sing in the showers every night. I consider them all like brothers.
The first major experience for me was at the attestation ceremony
on September 10, signing the line. It was big because it meant no
turning back. From that point onwards any shred of doubt that this
was what I really wanted would go in the bin. “Ditch the gash” as we
now would say. And looking back now I thought I had an idea what I
was in for but really I didn’t.
OET Josh Spackman
Another set of high experiences for me would be the Physical
Training sessions so far. Although some may not have been very
fun, and made us all very sore the next day, I always felt capable
afterwards. It took courage for all of us to push through the barrier
of what we thought were physically possible. Not just once either,
but through every session.
Week four came around quickly, and so did shakedown at the
Tamaki Leadership Centre in Whangaparaoa. The week consisted of
beneficial PT sessions, bringing the use of Steyrs into parade, early
morning activities two kilometres down to the sea, and lots of team
building exercises and drills that would develop our groups, but also
exploit weaknesses and strengths within them and drive us to our
breaking points. And we did, all at some point, break.
I had no idea though that through all the rigorous training we would
come out on top, far surpassing our potentials in every possible way,
at the pinnacle of a lethally steep hill Dems Range, overlooking the
beautiful Hauraki Gulf and swelling inside with so much pride, as
the POCH Von Der Fecht imbued words of praise for surviving the
travails of the week, in turn helping us realise what we had all just
actually accomplished. And for that I would like to thank him. By
that point we were all far too knackered to realise it ourselves. I felt
pride in myself, in what I had accomplished as an individual, but even
more so what we had all accomplished together, as a team. That to
me is what comradeship is all about.
If anything has truly stuck with me the past 5 weeks, it has been
the Navy’s three core values, Courage, Commitment and of course
Comradeship. It has been the foundation for our learning, adapting
and our accomplishments so far and I believe it will be throughout
the rest of our careers. BCTs, keep up this drive that we have to be
better. We will all be marching side by side, together at graduation, all
68 of us. That is our next milestone, our next big accomplishment.
REFLECTIONS
15
Counter-piracy role giving
new PWO good experience
By LT CDR Alex Haughey, CTF 151 N33 in Bahrain
I
t’s often impossible to teach someone everything they need
to know to do a job. Sometimes the best outcome is a strong
knowledge foundation, exposure to new ways of thinking and
then the opportunity to learn from experience (and more than likely
by making mistakes!).
I’d say that this is the case for me, two months into my first job as
a Principle Warfare Officer. After 12 months with the Royal Navy
learning how to fight a ship in the subsurface, surface and air
environment, I was ready to sink my teeth into a “real” job.
16
Counter piracy
My current role is N33 for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. CTF
151 is the counter piracy element of Combined Maritime Forces
(CMF) based in Bahrain. I look after the Battle Watch—the 24-hour
point of contact and response for piracy incidents in an area of
operations that includes the Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf and most of
the Indian Ocean. We are responsible for coordinating operations
between NATO, the European Union, CMF, and nations that conduct
independent counter-piracy deterrence patrols and convoy escorts.
Situation, assess, intend. If I had a dollar for every time I heard
that on PWO course! I acknowledge that there is less urgency in
our counter-piracy operations than when simulating an air raid or
torpedo firing; however the principle remains. The requirement to
constantly add value and action to an observation is critical in order
to maintain our reputation as a respected and professional navy and
is a key focus of CTF 151.
Piracy reports received by CTF 151 are often third hand, time late and
conflicting. You quickly learn to ask the right questions and decide
how much weight to put on various pieces of information. Being
able to fight through the “chaff” in order to quickly understand
the situation is a skill that I had learnt prior to, but honed on,
PWO course. A similar skill is the ability to quickly connect
tactical, operational and strategic information; knowing individual
ship boarding team capabilities, surveillance areas and national
operational constraints for example, all ensure the most effective
reaction to a suspected piracy event.
Hopefully these points begin to illustrate that the vast majority
of the formal PWO course syllabus is not directly relevant to my
current role. The specific “warfighting” tactical knowledge will
become useful in due course; in the meantime, it’s more important
to understand the requirements of an operational staff officer. The
majority of my current role relies on skills that are learnt indirectly
or through osmosis—communicating accurately and succinctly in
all media (this means staff work!), understanding where my role fits
into the wider organisation and knowing what battles are able to be
won and therefore picked.
Overall I have greatly appreciated the opportunity that the N33 role
brings to a junior PWO. CTF 151, if not directly preparing you to sit in
the seat and fight a ship, will allow you to experience multinational
coalitions, work as part of a battle staff, gain exposure to maritime
security and counter piracy operations, appreciate the value of the
Alliance and understand how the US Navy operates.
Opposite page: LT CDR Haughey making the obligatory tourist visit to the
tree of life in Bahrain—a 400-plus years old tree in the middle of the desert.
TE MANA’s counter-piracy experiences
shared with Massey class
By SQNLDR Robert Nash, NZDF Teaching Fellow, Centre for
Defence and Security Studies, Massey University
L
T CDR Andrew Mahoney, Executive Officer of HMNZS
TE MANA, spoke to a group of students at Massey
University in Palmerston North on 26 August about the
deployment of TE MANA on counter-piracy operations in the
Indian Ocean during Operation TIKI VI. CDR Shane Arndell,
the frigate’s Commanding Officer during TIKI VI, spoke on the
same topic to a similar audience on 17 September.
Massey University paper 149.245—Irregular Warfare—
challenges students studying at the Centre for Defence and
Security Studies to explore the shifting sands of contemporary
operations in an irregular environment from the perspective
of land, maritime, air and joint, interagency and multinational
operations, and to explore the political dimensions of irregular
conflict. The paper focuses on the 21st Century manifestations
of insurgency, terrorism, maritime-based transnational crime
and unconventional warfare.
The maritime environment, blue water, brown water and
riverine, is ideally suited to irregular warfare. It has been plied
by pirates, corsairs, privateers, smugglers, revolutionaries,
insurgents and terrorists from ancient times. All have elicited
naval responses from states dependent upon the maritime
commons for security and trade. Unrestricted submarine
warfare and maritime interdiction operations represent
modern variations on the ancient strategy of blockade.
Piracy, a form of transnational crime, is the best known
manifestation of irregular warfare in the 21st Century maritime
environment; other common forms include the smuggling
and trafficking of people and goods. Piracy, smuggling and
trafficking, with the ever present risk of terrorism, provided
a rich tapestry of challenges for TE MANA and her crew
during their deployment. By sharing with our students their
experiences in a complex and often ambiguous operational
environment, LT CDR Mahoney and CDR Arndell provided
them with real-world examples that reinforced the principles
and concepts discussed in the classroom. It also highlighted
the important role that the Navy plays in defending and
promoting the diplomatic, economic and security interests of
New Zealand.
Chief of Defence Force LT GEN Tim Keating regularly challenges
everyone in uniform to share our stories with the New Zealand
public. Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer has written in this
magazine about the importance of recruiting, training and
educating the Navy of the future. Some of that future may
have been sitting in the classroom at Massey University on 26
August or 17 September. Clearly, the Navy shares with the Army
and Air Force a responsibility to contribute to a well-educated
citizenry. Sharing our experiences with public audiences, young
and old, is vital to our future.
The Centre for Defence and Security Studies is deeply grateful
to the Navy for the support provided to the education of
our students. It is our earnest intent to grow further the
relationship with the Navy and the Defence Force at large so
that our students benefit from the many varied and fascinating
stories that New Zealand‘s sailors, soldiers and airmen have
to offer; stories based on experience that can be acquired only
in the conduct of challenging operations in defence of the
nation’s vital interests.
COUNTER PIRACY
17
good order at sea
The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) mission is
‘securing New Zealand’s prosperity through a versatile,
responsive and effective Navy’.
• New Zealand has 15,100km of
coastline (the 9th longest in the
world)
The RNZN’s vision is to be the best small nation Navy
in the world, through:
• Excellence at Maritime Operations
• Enabled by Excellent People
• Supported by an Excellent Organisation.
• New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic
Zone is 3.8 million km2 (the 4th
largest in the world).
naval support
navy mission and vision
littoral warfare
our people
Regular Force 2,087
Reserve Force 118
394
8.44
* as at 1 October 2014
years
The average length of
service within the RNZN
The RNZN has the highest percentage of
women for all of the Services at 22.2%
The RNZN recently received the Randstad Award
for ‘Most Attractive Employer – Job Security’ in
recognition for being an employer that offers the best
job security in Wellington. The RNZN also took top
spot in four areas:
• Career Progression Opportunities
• Long Term Job Security
• Good Training, and
• Strong Management
18
30,000,000
The number of km2 of ocean that New Zealand’s search and
rescue region covers, 12.5% of the earth’s surface.
• 99% of New Zealand’s trade carried
by shipping
• 10,000+km to most major
international markets
• Approx 1,800 km to Australia
• Sub Tropical to Antarctic
environment, with over 15,000
known marine species
• 5000+ commercial ship visits per
annum visiting NZ’s 13 trading ports
• 125 cruise ship visits with over
200,000 passengers per annum
• 1,500 commercial fishing vessels
• 900,000+ recreational craft.
naval patrol
Civilian
naval combat
protecting our Marit
Globally
• 74,000 merchant vessels
• 8.9 billion tonnes of goods
transported per annum.
Te Taua Moana o aotear
time nation
current fleet
outputs
HMNZS TE KAHA
HMNZS TE MANA
HMNZS CANTERBURY
HMNZS ENDEAVOUR
HMNZS MANAWANUI
operational dive team, mine countermeasures
team, maritime survey team
HMNZS WELLINGTON
HMNZS OTAGO
HMNZS TAUPO
HMNZS ROTOITI
HMNZS PUKAKI
• Operations to establish sea control
• Sealift for combat and humanitarian
missions
• Disrupting enemy, terrorist or criminal
supply lines (interdiction)
• Replenishment at sea to sustain long term
deployments
• Operations in coastal areas (Littoral)
• Guidance and supervision of shipping
HMNZS HAWEA
• Support Government’s efforts to protect
New Zealand’s borders and offshore
maritime interests
• Support foreign policy objectives that
strengthen security and avert conflict
• Provide Government with options in the
maritime environment
• Maintain security and stability in New
Zealand’s immediate area of interest
• Respond to events which impact safety and
wellbeing in our region.
near Future capability
littoral operational support
maritime sustainment capability
* HMNZS ENDEAVOUR will cease to be a legally compliant and operationally viable in 2018, and will be
replaced by Maritime Sustainment capability. HMNZS MANAWANUI will also be decomissioned in
2018, at age 40.
• Provision of military intelligence services to
Government to support decision making for
the defence and security of New Zealand.
oa – warriors of the sea
19
Version 1.0
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02
05
06
07
04
1. At the commemorative service for the World War I troopship departure centenary commemorations in Albany, Western
Australia on 1 November, from left Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter, Flag Lieutenant to Chief of Navy LT Eric Chapman and
Chief of Navy in his magnificent korowai RADM Jack Steer. 2. OSCS Kiana Turanga (centre) singing the New Zealand National
Anthem with Australian sailors accompanying her at the World War I troopship departure centenary commemorations in
Albany, Western Australia on 1 November. 3. WOSCS Kevin Stinson after receiving his Long Service and Good Conduct
Clasp from CN RADM Jack Steer. 4. ASTD Nirah Nathan in the TE KAHA contingent of the Troop March for the World War I
20
Our People
03
08
09
troopship departure centenary commemorations in Albany, Western Australia on 1 November. 5. Members of Basic Common
Training (BCT) 14/03 practising divisions on 31 October. 6. On 23 October, a group of former sailors visited Devonport Naval
Base. Here is former Writer Harvey Tutauha with AMT Crighton Rangiwananga (a distant family member) onboard HMNZS
TE MANA. 7. Powhiri for visiting Republic of Korea Navy officers at Te Taua Moana Marae, 15 October. 8. Marine Engineer
Officer MID Caitlin Wiseman in HMNZS TE MANA. 9. The Navy was part of the tri-service Guard at the opening of the 51st
New Zealand Parliament in Wellington on October.
our people
21
Ex Bluebird brings Seasprites to snow
By Natala Faith
L
anding a Navy Seasprite helicopter on a snow capped mountain
is a far cry from being embarked onboard an RNZN ship, but an
essential part of No. 6 Squadron’s annual training programme.
Exercise Bluebird at Dip Flat (an Air Force field training facility at
the base of the Saint Arnaud Range at the eastern boundary of
Nelson Lakes National Park) is a week-long exercise for our Seasprite
helicopters and crew. Seasprite pilot LT Wicus Marais says Bluebird
provides effective flying training over different terrains, which is
essential in maintaining mountain flying currency for the crews.
“It’s important that everyone in the squadron is qualified in basic
mountain flying because when we are embarked on a ship at sea,
we could get a call for search and rescue on land in mountainous
terrain. The training conducted at Dip Flat means we would be
better prepared for such a tasking, as we’ve completed mountain
flying training in the last 12 months.”
Flying in the mountains surrounding Dip Flat isn’t a walk in the
park. It is steep terrain that can have considerable wind gusts. The
weather is also very changeable, particularly in spring when there is
almost four seasons in one day. Factoring in weather and wind are
two key elements of flying and 6 SQN (which operates the Navy’s
Seasprite fleet) prefer to take a cautious approach given their
infrequent visits to this kind of environment. This involves talking
extensively as a team about the flying plan before going airborne
and identifying any risks that need to be monitored.
“A storm came up the country from the south at the start of the
exercise which did hamper our flying a little bit,” said LT Marais.
“By the end of the exercise we had flown 22 training hours and then
14 transit hours. We are happy with the amount of flying we were
able to get done.
“Landing in snow was a good challenge. It can be quite deceptive
because you don’t know how hard the snow will be or what is
underneath. It was a good test for the team.”
For LT Marais the highlight of the exercise was the ability for the
whole squadron to go away from Base Auckland together. “Being
away from the work environment makes the exercise feel like an
actual tasking rather than practice scenarios. Plus the stunning
landscape in Nelson and Marlborough can’t be compared. We all
had a great week at Dip Flat.”
The remainder of 2014 will be particularly busy for 6 SQN. One of
the Seasprites is embarked in HMNZS TE KAHA until December
as the ship is participating in a number of exercises with the Royal
Australian Navy off the Australian coast. The squadron also recently
welcomed a new crewman straight from Helicopter Basic Course
at Ohakea and has a Seasprite pilot completing his training before
being qualified at the unit.
Renewed identity for Maritime Operational Evaluation Team
By CDR Keith Robb RNZN, CO MOET
T
he Maritime Operational Evaluation Team (MOET) has
received approval to raise and use a unit badge and motto.
Since the establishment of MOET in 2001 no formal unit
badge or motto has been sought and with this in mind a design
was recently proposed and approved by the Deputy Chief of
Navy, CDRE Dean McDougall.
The badge will now be
a distinctive symbol for
MOET and when worn in
conjunction with General
Working Dress (RNZN No 5)
will provide recognition of
MOET personnel.
Together with the
improvement of the
22
News
recognition for the MOET, a badge and motto will provide a
focus for unit identity and esprit de corps within the team.
The key elements of the badge design are:
•
A green background representing the distinctive green
uniform MOET personnel wear when undertaking duties.
•
DCN’s Broad Pennant denoting MOET as part of the Naval
Support Command under DCN, and
•
A Maori Taki which is used during the Wero, where it is
laid down as the challenge to be accepted. The design on
the taki refers to Tangaroa, God of the sea.
The Motto—“Whakahauhau – Whakareri – To Encourage –
To Make Ready” is in itself self explanatory however, it also
shows the focus of MOET in the generation, maintenance and
evaluation of the operational capability of fleet elements.
The MOET team looks forward to proudly displaying the new
badge and motto to the Fleet, RNZN and NZDF.
Making our Navy a Safer and
Healthier Workplace
T
he reaction to Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer’s alcohol
policy announced on 8 October has been largely
favourable, judging by the scores of comments about it
posted on the Navy’s Facebook page.
“While most people in the Navy have a healthy attitude towards
alcohol there are a small number of people who are taking things
too far, getting drunk and doing stupid things like getting into
fights, drink driving and acting inappropriately around members
of the public,” CN said in a With All Despatch. “This has to stop.”
CN announced:
• Ships will be dry while they are under way or at anchor.
There will be no duty- free alcohol or cigarettes at sea.
• No consumption of alcohol during work hours, unless
expressly approved by the Deputy Chief of Navy. This
includes off base as well as on.
• A price rise for drinks in the ships’ messes. Any extra profit
made by the messes will be put straight back into mess funds
and spent on events and other things which benefit the
mess members.
• Greater enforcement of bar rules and host responsibility
and increased education and awareness programmes.
• Personnel convicted of drink driving will likely be
discharged from the Navy.
“These changes are not about punishing people,” CN said.
“They are about changing our culture and championing an
environment where our people take responsibility and behave
like ambassadors for our Navy and our nation.”
The Facebook post linking to CN’s With All Despatch was viewed
by 32,128 people, close to a record for a Navy Facebook post. It
received 268 likes and more comments and sub-comments than
could be easily counted.
Most comments were positive. Said one: “The aftermath of many
of the incidents was often heart wrenching for those affected
and those who dealt with them so a move like this is one step
towards changing attitudes. A bold move but at the end of the
day if you value the bottle over your oppo and your job then it's
time to move on.”
And another: “GO NAVY!!! That is excellent leadership from the
Top!! There is no sense in excessive drinking and smoking not
only in the RNZN but life in general! We all drunk far too much in
our time in the puss, which still haunts me today, 30 years later.”
Negative comments included: “Not many people drink at sea.
But having the opportunity to have a beer after dinner if you
aren't on watch or in a fire and emergency party is a small thing,
but taking it away says we don’t trust you to be responsible to
have a drink while you are out.”
Mainstream media articles were also generally positive, with the
story being picked up by many overseas media too.
From 1 December, the breath alcohol limits for adult drivers 20 years
and over will reduce from 400 micrograms of alcohol per litre of
breath, to 250mcg. The blood alcohol limits will reduce from 80mg
of alcohol per 100ml of blood, to 50mg. The zero alcohol limit for
drivers under 20 remains unchanged.
RESOLUTION sold,
departs Devonport
T
he former survey ship HMNZS RESOLUTION has been
sold and left Devonport Naval Base for the last time on
Saturday 11 October as GEO RESOLUTION under its new
owner, international survey company EGS Group.
RESOLUTION was originally the United States Navy’s USNS
TENACIOUS, a Stalwart Class ocean surveillance ship used to
track submarines from 1989 to 1997.
TENACIOUS was bought by the New Zealand Government and
commissioned as HMNZS RESOLUTION on 13 February 1997.
She was the RNZN's principal hydrographic survey and littoral
warfare support ship.
During RESOLUTION’s service the vessel conducted surveying
and charting of New Zealand waters, littoral operations which
included Rapid Environmental Assessment, Mine Counter
Measures, surveillance and patrol taskings to assist in the safety
of New Zealand interests both at home at abroad.
RESOLUTION's contribution to these interests was clearly
demonstrated in February 2011 when the vessel conducted a
confidence survey of Lyttelton Harbour during the devastating
earthquake which stuck Christchurch at that time.
The ship was decommissioned on 27 April 2012 and remained
berthed at Devonport pending sale.
“RESOLUTION will be missed, but certainly not forgotten,”
says LT Tarindu Weeramuni, Project Manager of the HMNZS
RESOLUTION Disposal Project. “The RNZN wishes her a long
and successful life with EGS.”
Naming competition for
Seamanship Training Aids facility
By LT CDR Ange Barker RNZNR
H
ave you ever thought you have a way with words, but no
way to prove it? Now is your chance! The new Seamanship
Training Aids facility at Devonport Naval Base is mid-way
through construction (see Navy Today issue 183) and prior to its
opening in early 2015, it requires a name.
The importance of this facility cannot be understated as it will
provide safer, more competent sailors to our ships and reduce the
On Job Training component of seamanship training at sea.
So what shall we name it? Well that’s where you come in. Here are
the rules:
• All entries must include a small commentary (300 words or less)
on how you came up with the name and why you think it works
for this Facility.
• Entries are to be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]
with the subject line “STA Naming Competition”.
• Entries close at 1600 Friday 5 December 2014.
A multi rank and trade judging panel will evaluate the entries for
CN’s final endorsement, with the winner being announced on
Wednesday 10 December 2014. Time to get creative!!!!
News
23
Problems and solutions
from CN’s Whakaaro
Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer held a highly successful Whakaaro at Devonport Naval Base on 21 and 22 August,
its theme to “Inspire; Empower; Overcome—Working for a better Navy.” One of the many highlights was
eight personnel from across the ranks and trades describing their stories of problems, solutions, success and
empowerment. On these two pages we reproduce the text of what two of them said.
Mrs Dawoomi Jung
Modelling frigate combat systems
I
work at Defence Technology Agency as an operations
analyst. Since I started working there, I have assisted
many projects, and particularly have been developing my
knowledge in maritime combat modelling and simulation.
When I first started, our team had no simulation tool for
maritime combat. And as the frigates systems upgrade (FSU)
project began, we needed a programme that could produce
some quantitative data to measure the current frigates’ combat
systems and defence capability, and the future frigates’ capability.
We thought that by having a modelling tool for the ship
defence, we could thoroughly think about the process, how
the frigates’ defence system works, and which could provide
valuable data for the FSU team as a solid evidence. Having a
model also meant that we could save a lot of money by doing
the missile firing activities in simulation, not in real life.
I first used a program developed by the Defence Science and
Technology Organisation, which is equivalent to DTA in Australia.
The program was free, so we hoped it would do what we needed
so that we don’t need to spend a lot of our precious budget.
This program could generate some useful information such
as the Probability of Raid Annihilation (PRA), the number of
threats leaked and the number of friendly missiles fired at
each threat. But the amount of information I could put in was
somewhat limited.
We have a good relationship with Canada, the UK, the US and
Australia, and they have been using a programme called SADM
(Ship Air Defence Model). This program was also what the
contractor for the FSU project was using. Its annual license was
about $70,000 NZD, but we decided that it was worth a try.
So I tried this program for three months, and was convinced
why all the other Five Eye nations were using it. It seemed
that this tool would benefit our FSU team by providing quite
accurate and relevant information on the frigates’ defence
capabilities and performance.
The rest of the team also saw benefits in this model, and we
purchased it in 2012. Since then, I have used it to model the
performance of the radar systems, missile systems including
semi-active and active missiles, electronic surveillance measures,
infra-red search and track and soft-kill assets. This tool was also
used to select which systems work better than others.
It is currently “the” model for the FSU project. We received
positive feedbacks on this program including how its data
helped the team to make decisions. This tool will be used for
the future analysis.
Above: Screen capture of SADM.
Left: Mrs Jung at the Whakaaro.
24
cn’s Whakaaro
LMT (L) Jemal Bowler
Marine Engineering branch coin
M
y story starts in mid 2009, where on a trip on TE
MANA, I was able to cross deck to USS KIDD for a day.
Whilst onboard there, I was given a tour around the
engineering spaces of the ship by a PO2 gas turbine mechanic.
This resulted in meeting their equivalent of our chief stoker who
happened to be a Master Chief. In thanks for the tour I gave
them both a ship’s cap. In return, the chief stoker gave me a
ship’s senior chiefs' coin. This coin sparked the idea of a branch
coin for my trade.
Over the next few years, I toyed with the idea of a coin, drawing
up ideas, working on the motto. This showed in some early
research, as well as seeing different interpretations of it, that
there were multiple and somewhat nonsensical translations of
the Marine Engineers’ motto “Without Us Nothing.” All the while
seeing other trades produce their own, unofficial coins to show
branch pride.
In 2012, when I had a bit more spare time on my hands and
was able to actively chase my idea further, I jumped on Google
and searched manufacturers. One of the first to come up
was Tribe Designs, based in Wellington, which already had
a Defence agreement to produce items. Some of them can
be seen in the canteens: these include the little pins and
brooches of NZDF symbols.
Just prior to Anzac day in 2012, I was at home in Otaki, on leave
to attend the ceremony there. I had also made an appointment
to visit Tribe Design in Wellington to discuss feasibility of
making a branch coin. So with a few hand drawn and computer
drawn samples in hand and some coins to provide reference, I
made my way in.
Safe to say during the meeting, my idea was put out there and
I was told that it was quite easy to achieve, and when would I
want production to begin? I told them that production would
have to wait until some official confirmation came through.
I carried out some research into the motto. It turns out that the
Latin “Extra Nos Nequam” that many a proud stoker wore with
pride didn’t mean what we thought it meant. One of the rough
translations turned out to mean “us out of bad”. But with a bit
of help we soon found out that “Nil Sine Nobis” fitted the bill. It
meant “nothing without us/ without us nothing.”
With this motto plugged into the design proof I then attached it
to an email for the Fleet Marine Engineering Officer to send to the
Marine Engineering Officers of the fleet to ask both their opinion
and their department’s. Results came back as very positive.
Subsequent meetings with the FMEO eventually led to me
writing up a minute with guidance from him, expressing my
desire for not only the branch to have its own coin/symbol, but
to pave the way for other branches to follow.
This minute was directed at the previous Deputy Chief of Navy
and asked a few key things of him, mainly to ask for permission to
use naval symbols, approve a set of rules to govern the coin and
to use the Armed Forces Canteen Council as a vendor for sale.
Eventually a year went by, I got promoted, went to back to sea
and the coin plan was placed at the back of my mind. Eventually
I was told I should contact the Warrant Officer of the Navy and
see if he could help. And surely enough he did. Within a few days
progress was made, the minute got approved, and I was ecstatic.
I got straight on over to the canteen to see Rob Gledhill and then
emailed Tribe, telling them we were good to go. Their response
was great, however due to it being late November by this time, the
first batch of coins wouldn’t arrive till mid-January at the earliest.
Christmas rolled past, work started back up and I received an
email from Rob Gledhill, telling me that the coins had finally
arrived, so I went over to the canteen, only to find that they
hadn’t updated their design proof and had crafted an entire
batch with an incorrect motto! This led to the production of a
correct batch, now available to the stokers. Some further on-flow
is that both the Seaman Combat Specialist and Chef trades have
engaged in making or re-designing a coin, I was able to give
them the reference of my minute, allowing them to coat-tail and
hopefully fast-track them to getting into the branches.
The branch coin idea I had has now blossomed into something
real and I know for my trade it is getting recognition. Some of
the best successes I had in this project was getting the idea out
there and finding very few people were opposed to it, having my
minute approved and finally having a coin that both the branch
and the fleet could be proud of.
The Marine Engineering coins are available for sale from the
canteens at HMNZS PHILOMEL, but sales are restricted only
to members of the Marine Engineering branch who have either
passed their BBT MT course or JOCT for ME officers. Ex-serving
engineers are invited to purchase and be a part of this.
From top: The Marine Engineering branch coin; LMT (L) Jemal Bowler
at the Whakaaro.
Cn’s Whakaaro
25
fleet progress
HMNZS te kaha
back in action
By LT Shiv Prasad RNZN
E
arly October saw HMNZS TE KAHA alongside Devonport
Naval Base, having satisfactorily completed Sea Acceptance
Trials. After a Herculean effort by Ship’s Company over the
previous month to get TEK safely to sea, morale was high and the
focus on board shifted to the upcoming deployment. An integral
part of this was regenerating TE KAHA’s aviation capability and
with a week left until sailing, Ship’s Company once more dived into
internal training with great enthusiasm. This culminated in the ship
conducting a “Fast Cruise” to provide a simulated environment in
which personnel were put through their paces.
On Saturday 11 October, in the presence of family and friends, TE
KAHA slipped from Devonport Naval Base and proceeded into
the stream for departure. En route to Wellington, TEK stopped
off near Gisborne to embark the Chief of Navy, RADM Jack Steer.
Ship’s Company used this opportunity to proudly show off the new,
26
fleet progress
upgraded systems on board, after which CN spent valuable time
talking to the individual messes onboard.
Wellington was shaping up to be a busy port visit and as TEK
conducted a pilotage around Matiu/Somes Island, a number of
media outlets were embarked. Upon berthing at Queens Wharf and
amongst a hive of activity, the ship provided interviews and tours
for Defence personnel and various government agencies.
A particular highlight was a CN-hosted luncheon on board, with
all three Service Chiefs and the Secretary of Defence amongst
the guests. The visit was capped off with a Ship Open To Visitors
which provided an opportunity for TEK and the RNZN to showcase
our foremost fighting frigate. Wellington put on a great day and
nearly 2000 members of the public looked through the ship—an
impressive number given it was a working day.
fleet progress
Home town port visit
By AMED Caitlin Williams
W
ellington was TE KAHA’s first stop on its long
awaited deployment after being in maintenance for
an extended period and there was no better way
for me to kick off my first deployment than with a visit to my
hometown. It provided an amazing opportunity to showcase
what we do on board TE KAHA to friends, family and the public.
Over the four days in port nearly 2000 members of the public
came through the ship and got an idea of what it is like onboard.
TE KAHA departed Wellington on Thursday 16 October, exactly 100
years to the day that troops from the New Zealand Expeditionary
Forces departed Wellington for Albany, Australia. In front of a
considerable crowd, Ship’s Company lined the upper decks for
Procedure Alpha and two tugs escorted us out of harbour.
The passage to Tasmania involved an intense few days during which
Ship’s Company were assessed as part of a Maritime Operational
Evaluation Team shakedown. Normal shipboard activities were
overlaid with a series of co-ordinated emergencies, designed to
test the ship’s ability to react and safely deal with such scenarios. In
addition to this, TEK was also conducting her Safety and Readiness
Check (Aviation) concurrently. Despite inclement weather testing
This port visit also provided an opportunity for Ship’s Company
to have a well deserved rest and get out there and explore
Wellington City. An especially proud moment for me was being
awarded my first Good Conduct Badge in front of my family. I
was able to give them a tour and show them where I work and
how a warship runs, hopefully they will now understand me a bit
better when I tell them stories.
Above: AMED Williams receives her first Good Conduct Badge from the
CO, CDR Dave McEwan.
the sea legs of the younger crew, TEK was assessed to be on track in
its regeneration continuum.
TE KAHA entered Hobart, Tasmania under a clear blue sky and
calm conditions for a period of rest and relaxation. From there
she rendezvoused with Royal Australian Navy units prior to
proceeding in company with them to Albany, Western Australia
in support of the 100 year commemorations of World War One.
Australian and New Zealand Forces departed from Albany at the
start of the Great War.
Opposite page: Procedure Alpha on TE KAHA’s flight deck as the ship
leaves Wellington for Australia.
fleet progress
27
fleet progress
TE MANA
HMNZS te Mana
getting ready for her big upgrade
By LT CDR Andy Mahoney, RN (XO TEM)
A
s I sit here on Trafalgar Day I think back to where we were
in TE MANA this time last year; in the thick of an intense
work-up period off Darwin, Australia preparing to conduct
a counter-piracy mission on Operation Tiki VI in the Somali Basin.
One year on we are sitting in the relative safety of Devonport Naval
Base and, whilst there is no threat of a Somali pirate entering the
Hauraki Gulf, we have retained a level of operational notice and the
tempo onboard remains high.
With a significantly reduced Ship’s Company, our main focus has
been on all the necessary preparations for the planned Platforms
Systems Upgrade (PSU) and ultimately the Frigate Systems
Upgrade (FSU). It goes without saying that this has required
significant interaction between departments internally and with
numerous external agencies, all working towards a common goal—
ultimately generating the most capable and versatile asset in the
RNZN. So while that seems a long way on the horizon what have
we been doing?
Our Marine and Weapons Engineering departments, whilst
continuing with their own routine maintenance, were actively
involved with our sister ship, TE KAHA, assisting in her regeneration
by helping with defect rectification and equipment support.
Interaction with TEK also afforded us the opportunity to share
ideas and learn from their experiences as we prepare for our own
upgrades. Whilst it was with some jealousy we watched her depart
Auckland, we are proud of all she has achieved and overcome
during the past few months and wish them every success for their
future programme.
The Marine Engineering department also used this period to
conduct training, ranging from switchboard operator training for
the able rates and leading hands, to shore-based courses for career
progression. Highlights for the department included a number
of promotions as well as the award of CPOMT A Orr’s Marine
Engineering Charge Certificate and POMT A Kirkland’s Systems
Management Certificate—well done!
The Weapons Engineers and Weapons technicians have also
enjoyed a number of promotions at every level whilst actively
28
fleet progress
supporting career courses and facilitating FSU project ship checks.
They also took an active role in the development and trial of
the FSU “mock Operations Room”. This was a joint FSU project/
Defence Technology Agency initiative creating a life size model
of what we can expect our new Operations Room to look like and
allow a “hands on” experience to see what does, and ultimately
does not, work.
The Operations/Executive Department, whilst significantly smaller
than when fully operational, continues to support external agencies
with training ranging from LSCS courses to conducting training
within MWTC working towards career progression and maintaining
their own operational currency.
As always, TEM’s Support Department has been extremely busy
in the background with their main effort working towards a full
de-store ahead of PSU. This is obviously no small task and one
week alone saw the transfer of approximately 13 tonnes of items
back to the Naval Supply Depot, before we have even started on
departmental and mess deck stores.
Sixteen members of Ship’s Company also took the opportunity
to conduct an exped to Ohakune taking in some skiing and
snowboarding. Aside from the benefits of partaking in physical
activity in the fresh air it also permitted cross-rank and
departmental team building leading to an increased cohesion in TE
MANA. Special mention must go to AEWS Matthew Fletcher for
providing most of the morale on the trip due to his lack of balance
and coordination!
The next step on our journey means we have now entered a period
of extended non-operational availability. In preparation for PSU
work we will soon start to remove significant pieces of equipment
and will also be required to move off-ship into a temporary home
within Devonport Naval Base. This will be a strange feeling for
many, but rest assured the TE MANA spirit will continue as we look
forward to the future and what we will become.
Below (left to right): XO TEM presiding over Travis Peters being promoted
to LMT by his partner AWTR Kate Batty and the AMEO; TEM’s intrepid
adventurers on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu.
fleet progress
HMNZS OTAGO
in the South Pacific
By Midshipman A. Garnett RNZN
H
MNZS OTAGO arrived on the beautiful island of
Rarotonga on Friday 26 September following a two week
fisheries patrol in the northern Cook Islands. OTAGO
hosted a Cocktail Party onboard, with many prominent attendees,
including traditional leaders of Rarotonga, the High Commissioner
and many more guests. The following morning OTAGO held a
Ship’s tour, hosting nearly 400 tourists and locals of Rarotonga.
The visitors enjoyed the opportunity to explore OTAGO and the
ship’s company were inundated with questions regarding OTAGO’s
role in the Pacific, and about the sailors themselves. After these
official events were complete, the ship’s company took the
opportunity to discover the tropical attractions of the island.
OTAGO embarked local Fisheries and Police Officers in Avatiu,
Rarotonga and sailed for two weeks conducting a fisheries patrol
in Cook Islands waters, in the vicinity of Suwarrow Island. The
primary purpose of the patrol was to support the Cook Islands
Government in ensuring that fishing regulations in the area were
being adhered to.
Whilst patrolling, Ship’s Company were fortunate enough to
spend a day exploring the remote Suwarrow Island. Suwarrow is
an intermittently inhabited, low coral atoll in the Pacific Islands.
Personnel were transferred ashore via sea boat, where they swam
with sharks, snorkelled, sunbathed and engaged with the sole
caretaker on the island.
OTAGO returned to Rarotonga on Friday 10 October for another
five days, allowing the Ship’s Company another opportunity to step
ashore, wade in the warm island waters, soak up the sun and enjoy
a social game of touch rugby with the local team.
Upon departing Rarotonga, OTAGO made passage for Alofi,
Niue to participate in the 40th Anniversary celebrations of
Niue’s Self Governance. New Zealand’s relationship with Niue
started in the 1900s and continued in various formats until 1974,
when both governments
agreed to establish a state
of self government in free
association with New
Zealand. Whilst in Niue,
OTAGO personnel supported
an evening function at
the High Commissioner’s
Residence and attended the
island’s Sunday morning
church service. Members of
ship’s company also took part
in sporting events hosted on
the island and paraded with
elements of the New Zealand
Army for a flag raising
ceremony.
Before returning to New
Zealand, OTAGO conducted
a three day fisheries patrol
in the Niue Exclusive Economic Zone, which helped show our
ongoing commitment to our small island neighbours.
On her way home, OTAGO stopped at Raoul Island in support of a
multi-agency tasking. OTAGO disembarked GNS (Geological and
Nuclear Sciences, New Zealand) personnel ashore to conduct repairs
to New Zealand’s Tsunami Warning System. OTAGO also transported
Department of Conservation supplies to the isolated island.
OTAGO returned to Devonport Naval Base on Friday 31 October,
ending a successful deployment to the South Pacific.
Top (left to right): Coming ashore at Niue, OTAGO in background; Spearthrowing games on Niue.
Above: Hands to bathe!
fleet progress
29
fleet progress
MANAWANUI
HMNZS MANAWANUI
rescues, OOW course and sea-ride
By LT Payton Kaiwai RNZN
L
ast month was a busy time for HMNZS MANAWANUI, taking
the Officer of the Watch (B) Course 14/2 to sea, hosting some
of the Sister Anzac production cast and crew for a day at
sea and conducting a couple of search and rescue operations in
support of New Zealand Police.
We hosted the recent OOW(B) course for four weeks (22 September
to 17 October) which included a port visit to Tauranga. This was
an intense time for the ship, particularly the bridge team with
the students conducting a significant amount of pilotage as
well as having simulated emergencies throughout every watch.
The students were also treated to some Officer of the Watch
Manoeuvres and Towing Exercises in company with HMNZS
ROTOITI to give them the full sea experience.
The Sister Anzac team were hosted on Monday 29 September for a
day cruise around the inner Hauraki Gulf Islands. After departing
Auckland in company with ROTOITI we conducted a light line
transfer together in less than favourable conditions before heading
for the relative calm between Rakino and Waiheke islands for
lunch. The two ships then returned the visitors to Torpedo Bay
Wharf. Despite some uncomfortable conditions all of the visitors
departed smiling after having had a good day at sea, some even
commenting that the rough conditions gave them more of an
insight as to what the nurses at sea off Gallipoli must have had to
deal with (the subject of the Sister Anzac play, held at the Torpedo
Bay Navy Museum).
The half way point of OOW(B) was marked with a port visit to
Tauranga over the period 3-6 October. As the ship headed towards
Tauranga on the Friday morning, we woke up to the news that
youngster Jack Dixon was still missing after being swept off rocks
around Mt Maunganui earlier in the week. After some quick
liaison between headquarters and NZ Police, MANAWANUI’s
zodiac joined the search along with the local surf-lifesavers
and local police. With the weather getting better but expected
to deteriorate later in the day, this search window was vital to
exploit and although unsuccessful the search efforts were greatly
appreciated by the police.
After Tauranga the OOW(B) training continued and in no time
the final week of the course was upon the students and the
assessment week began. Now the students were virtually left to
their own devices to keep the ship safe, on track and on time.
30
Fleet Progress
These assessments included pilotage through Kawau Bay by
day and Auckland Harbour at night as well as steering-gear
breakdowns, gyro compass failures, damage control exercises and
man overboard exercises.
During the week we were again involved in a search and rescue
operation, this time around Kawau Island. On the morning of 15
October we proceeded to Kawau Bay and anchored in a central
location in order to act as a command platform and forward
operating base for the search and rescue operation for a missing
boat and the two men onboard. In benign conditions our seaboat
and zodiac, as well as a J3 RHIB from ROTOITI joined the search
effort which already included a coastguard light plane, police
and Westpac rescue helicopters and a large number of police,
coastguard and harbour master RHIBs.
MANAWANUI was able to keep the search boats fed and refreshed
and support the Maritime Police search co-ordinator onboard
in searching for the missing men in and around Kawau Bay. The
search operation was partially successful with one man recovered
and subsequently returned to his family to assist in the grieving
process of that family.
After a long day of searching the operation was suspended that
evening for the day and the ship stood down, we returned to sea
once again to finish the OOW(B) assessments.
After the course was completed (which they pleasingly all passed!)
the ship returned to base for maintenance, with the crew getting
some well-deserved time at home.
Top: Light line transfer between MANAWANUI and ROTOITI.
Above: Sister Anzac cast and crew ready for their sea-ride.
fleet progress
ENDEAVOUR
HMNZS
Endeavour
Exped to Whitianga
By LT Matthew Middleton, RAN
H
MNZS ENDEAVOUR is currently conducting an Anzac
exchange and has a range of personnel from across
Australia, many who had not been to New Zealand
before. During a period of respite in ENDEAVOUR’s program
the Australians were given the opportunity to see some sights
and conduct adventurous activities around the Coromandel
and Whitianga area. The exped also provided a chance for crew
members to build comradeship and give the Australians an
insight into the Maori culture.
The trip down from Auckland was well received by the Aussies
who were all impressed by the view out the window. A surprise
was seeing flocks of birds apparently safely contained in their
own small paddocks (no foxes in NZ!). Also impressive was the
valley that, as promised, was filled with fog. Along the journey
stops were made at Miranda Hot Springs and the Driving Creek
Railway. The railway was built by the owner on his property to
transport clay diggings down to his pottery. It took him three
decades to complete. On inquiring what the trap with an egg in it
was for, the Aussies discovered New Zealand did have predators
after all with the English stoat and the Australian possum
terrorising all before them.
That night a group of us visited the Whitianga Scouts and found
a very receptive group who had plenty of questions they wanted
answered. Each member of our group gave them an outline of our
specific roles and the scouts undoubtedly left with a much better
picture of what being in the Navy is really about, underlining the
obvious worth of such visits.
Another group visited Mercury Bay Area School on the third
afternoon and had a similarly worthwhile meeting with a dozen
senior students interested enough to attend.
The second day was one of those rare perfect weather days
which arrived fortuitously on the day the group were to visit
a beach and kayak. Sensibly the beach chosen was Hot Water
Beach and much fun was had digging into the sand and rerouting
water between rival pools to achieve best temperature at the
neighbour’s expense. The kayaking was superb with a tour guide
providing interesting historical information on the local Maori
and Captain Cook’s observation of the transit of Mercury with
the cliffs and sea life filling the experience.
It did not take long before some discovered that the rudder of
a rival’s kayak could be flicked up and it was surprising to some
Kiwis that others (Aussies) found this tactic amusing for hours.
Lunch was taken at Cathedral Cove Beach where the Navigator
and Operations Officer braved the cold water and took a swim
and the guide served up lattes, cappuccinos and hot chocolates
with home made biscuits.
On the third day the party divided in two with one half horseriding and the other tramping over the rocks and muddy tracks
to New Chums Beach. The perfect weather was now behind
us but still the scenery was spectacular with the horse riders
being led through, up and down a sprawling farm enclosing pigs,
Above: ENDEAVOUR Ship’s Exped Members pose with the Whitianga
Sea Scout Troop. The Executive Officer, LT CDR Muzz Kennett, presents
Pauline Curtain with an HMNZS ENDEAVOUR Ship’s Crest.
goats, peacocks, cows and many sheep including hundreds of
lambs. Some of the slopes were very muddy and a few horses
found themselves suddenly in slippery situations but superb
horsemanship coaxed them to safety.
It was a tired crew who returned to Auckland the next day. It had
proved to be a successful trip seeing the Aussies fast-tracking
their familiarity with New Zealand and New Zealanders and
taking to it very well pronouncing all “wh’s as “f’s and playing a
mean game of “HEY COW.”
Endeavour’s SMET
visit to Navy Day Care
By LWTR Kayla Mitchell
A
good friend of mine, Anna, who works for the Navy
Day Care Centre, told me how she was teaching the
children in her group about the human body. She
said she was having trouble finding people with medical
knowledge to show them the equipment that first aiders use
to fix people that have been injured. I talked to the HMNZS
ENDEAVOUR Ship’s Medical Emergency Team (SMET) and we
offered to show the kids what we do and how we look after
their mums and dads when they go away on the ships.
First the children introduced themselves and then we
introduced ourselves. We showed them our kit bags and the
different bandages, plasters and splints we carried. They
loved it and started to bandage each other and us. They even
wanted to wear the bandages for the rest of the day!
Next we showed the kids how to listen to their heartbeats
and listen to each others with stethoscopes. We were amazed
to see how much the kids actually knew about the human
heart. They knew how many litres of blood in the body and
how blood gets pumped around the body using the heart.
Anna then took the kids for a run around the yard for five
minutes and then they listened to their hearts again and
could hear their elevated heartbeat.
Overall it was a great experience for the ENDEAVOUR SMET
to get out into the community and to teach our skills in an
unfamiliar environment. It was a lot of fun.
Fleet progress
31
Invictus Games
Are you eligible to compete?
By W/O Gary Clark, Manager 2014 NZDF Invictus Games team
A
s a result of the recent NZDF Invictus Games success (see
Navy Today issue 183) and the awareness that is now out
there about the games it is a good time to advise people of
the competitor criteria.
The main criteria for the Invictus Games is that athletes male and
female must have been wounded, injured or suffered a serious
illness (including mental health) whilst enlisted in a Defence Force.
The incident that caused eligibility may have occurred on or off
duty. Athletes may still be serving, retired (veteran) or have joined
the civilian sector of the Defence Force.
At the inaugural 2014 games there were amputees, paraplegics,
cancer sufferers, burn victims, hip replacements, people who
had been severely injured in vehicle accidents or had shoulder
reconstruction, chronic arthritic conditions, Parkinson’s Disease,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and many more. There were
Paralympians and high performance athletes.
The games—brainchild of HRH Prince Harry following a visit to the
USA’s Warrior Games—saw over 400 competitors from 13 countries
battle team and individual sporting events in London from 10 to 14
September. The 12-membert NZDF team won six medals, including
two by the Navy’s CPOMED Amy Baines.
Whilst the future of the Invictus Games is currently being
determined it is important that, if you think you are eligible for
selection, you consult with your Medical Officer, who can then put
you in contact with a rehab PTI who can help get your category
assessed. They will then assist you in training for individual
sports and give advice and guidance in joining a team sport like
32
Sport
Wheelchair Basketball or Wheelchair Rugby at your local Parafed
Association. Go and learn what adaptive sports are all about
and show your command chain you have a commitment. Then,
importantly, keep your eyes out for advertising when volunteers are
called for the next Invictus Games which will probably occur in 2016.
The Invictus Games is a life-changing event involving swimming,
track and field events (running, discus, shot-put, javelin), archery,
indoor rowing, cycling, power-lifting, seated volleyball, wheelchair
rugby and wheelchair basketball.
Challenging yourself to compete at a high level takes dedication
and commitment; however, the satisfaction in competing against
people with similar afflictions is also inspiring and at times
emotional.
Whatever your criteria is, it means life has changed for you—
adaptive sport can provide a means to compete again at a high
level and to meet people who have travelled the same or similar
journeys. The NZDF is embracing this opportunity and we are
developing an understanding of the importance of sport in the
rehabilitation process.
You know the options – go for it.
Further details can be obtained from CAPT Rebecca Maddaford
021 2438318, SSGT Phil Stanbridge 337 7382 or W/O Gary Clark
345 6026. I am sure any of the athletes from the 2014 team would
also be more than happy to receive contact from you.
Above: The NZ Defence Force team compete in swimming at the London
Aquatic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
RNZN ARE 2014
TRI-NATIONS
RUGBY LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS
T
he Royal New Zealand Navy representative Rugby League
team participated in and won the 2014 Tri-Nations Navy
Rugby League tournament hosted by the Royal Australian
Navy at Leichardt Oval in Sydney from October 4 to 13.
The competition was between the Royal Navy, the RAN and the
RNZN. At stake was the Navy Rugby League Tri-Nations Cup
currently held by the RNZN, who won the inaugural tournament
in 2010.
The results of the RNZN games were RNZN 28–RN 14, RNZN 26–
RAN 22. Final tournament placings were 1st–RNZN, 2nd–RAN and
3rd–RN.
The following awards were presented at the conclusion of the
tournament:
Player of the Tournament: AMUS Leni Sulusi
Back of the Tournament: ACSS Joseph Lavaki
Forward of the Tournament:
ACSS Itaifale Toleafoa
Congratulations to WOET Roy Wattie (Coach), WODR Brendon
Johnson (Manager) and all the team members for an outstanding
achievement.
The team was selected on completion of Inter-services League,
Inter-services Rugby and the Rugby Commonwealth Cup
Tournaments. Selection was based on performances from players
at inter-ship, Inter-services, from past performances at previous
tournaments and a comprehensive training programme. A squad of
25 players, a coach and management staff were selected.
Our team consisted of twelve new caps and therefore was the
youngest side we have taken into a major tournament. Despite
this, they showed great courage and passion with a “never say die”
attitude and this was evident in the game against a powerful RAN
side, where the team came through from a 22–all draw to win with
10 minutes remaining in the 30 degree Sydney heat.
In summary, the tournament was a great success for the RNZN,
ensuring the Tri-nations Cup remains in NZ for another 4 years.
The future of RNZN league is strong with a majority of young
talented players. The team represented the Navy at the highest
professional level on and off the field while fostering great
friendships with an excellent networking opportunity with both
the RAN and RN.
The RNZN will retain the Tri-nations Cup until 2018 when the next
tournament will be hosted by the RN.
Above: Dynamic photos of the RNZN – RN game.
Sport
33
Coastal Classic Yacht Race 2014
Fleet Sailing Expedition
By Mr Phil Bishop, Navy Adventure Training Centre Manager
T
This is New Zealand's premier fleet yacht race and has been held
annually since the event's inception in 1982.
The weather was near perfect and both boats were able to fly
their big spinnakers (coated in the Navy Logo and Crest) out of
Auckland and all the way to the Hen and Chickens Islands. The
wind varied from 20 to 30 knots with some moderate swells,
which provided some challenging conditions for new personnel,
and opportunities to get people out of their comfort zone whilst
changing sails in the dark.
We had 14 personnel spread across the two boats. Experience
levels were varied and included eight personnel experiencing the
race for the first time.
PAEA II (skippered by Mr Phil Bishop) was first into Russell at 2am
Saturday, and MAKO (LT CDR Leon Harvey) arrived at 2.45am. The
race was almost as perfect as you could get.
Thanks to some prior planning we were able to load the boats with
food, fuel, and water on Thursday with the teams meeting at the
Navy Adventure Training Centre at 6.30am next day to commence
their adventure.
Personnel had the opportunity to go ashore at Russell for a few
hours to have a look around, and at 2pm on Saturday both boats
departed for the return voyage. It was a contrast to the first,
with the opposite weather conditions, and the more experienced
personnel taking some time out to let the rest of the crew run
the boat. Beneficial navigation training, skipper training, and
boat familiarisation was undertaken on the way home to build
experience and skills for future skippers and mates.
he Navy entered two of its 40-foot Chico Sail Training Craft
in the Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Devonport Wharf to
Russell in the Bay of Islands at Labour Weekend.
PAEA II kept watches through the night to gain valuable night
hours on watch, and arrived back at Bayswater at 10am Sunday.
MAKO spent the night at Urquhart's Bay, and Sunday night at Gulf
Harbour Marina, arriving home at 10am Monday.
People I spoke to in Russell were extremely surprised and very
happy to see the Navy back taking part in the race. They all have
stories to tell of their experiences racing the Navy on the high seas.
Both teams represented the Navy to the highest standard in the
race and ashore, and gained valuable experience along the way.
There was publicity gained here that money can't buy.
Top: MAKO leaving Auckland.
Left: From left, Bradley Marshall, Tom Duffett, George Hopkins.
34
Sport
HMS ACHILLES—Battle of the River Plate
75th Memorial buffet luncheon, 13 December 2014
Commerce Club, Greenlane, Auckland. Limit 200 tickets, open to all.
$30.00 per head. Contact Gerry Wright at [email protected] or
Box 9352 Newmarket 1149
1975 RNZN Intake Reunion
Saturday 17 January 2015, in Auckland, venue TBA
Calling all BCTs, Artificer Apprentices, WRNZNS and Officers, Instructors
and Divisional Officers who enlisted in or were involved with this 1975
group. Probable ship/Naval Base tour followed by dinner and city sights.
Register your interest either by FB 1975 RNZN Intake Reunion or email
either Glen at [email protected] or Terry at [email protected]
and should there be sufficient interest, further detail will be promulgated.
HMNZS OTAGO Association 55th Reunion
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March 2015, Whangarei
All members and all other ship’s matelots and partners are warmly invited
to attend. Based at the Whangarei RSA. For further details either go to
www.hmnzsotago.org, email the Claymore Editor/Vice Pres (Terry Whimp)
at [email protected] or ring (09)473-8854 (during office hours!)
A registration form will be included with the December 2014 Claymore and
posted on the website.
Services National Army Museum Golf Tournament
Tuesday 10 –Friday 13 March 2015 inclusive, Burnham Military
Camp and Burnham Golf Club
Inviting current and ex-servicemen and servicewomen to join this annual
event that has been operating for the last 32 years. This is a great gathering
of ex-service people from New Zealand and Commonwealth nations. All
proceeds are donated to the National Army Museum in Waiouru. Fee $180
which includes at least two games, accommodation in barracks at Burnham
Camp for three nights, meals and entertainment.
Contact Rob Hughes – Secretary (03) 338 7473, [email protected]
or Paul Dale – Treasurer (03) 348 7527, [email protected]
RNZN Engine Room Branch Reunion
Selected RNZN rank abbreviations
With the various Navy trades, the trade has the same title
across all relevant ranks, so, for example, a LSCS (Leading
Seaman Combat Specialist) is the same trade as a CPOSCS
(Chief Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist), and so on.
Men and women have the same rank titles—a Midshipman
or Leading Seaman Combat Specialist can be (and are) men
and women. Almost a quarter of Navy personnel now are
women, up to the rank of Captain.
RADM: Rear Admiral
CDRE: Commodore
CAPT: Captain
CDR: Commander
LT CDR: Lieutenant Commander
LT: Lieutenant
SLT: Sub Lieutenant
ENS: Ensign
MID: Midshipman
WOCH: Warrant Officer Chef
WOMED: Warrant Officer Medic
CPOWTR: Chief Petty Officer Writer
CPOEWS: Chief Petty Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist
POPTI: Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor
POCSS: Petty Officer Combat System Specialist
LSCS: Leading Seaman Combat Specialist
LSA: Leading Stores Accountant
LMT (P): Leading Marine Technician (Propulsion)
6–8 November 2015, Napier
AMUS: Able Musician
This Reunion will be held in Napier on the weekend of 6–8 November 2015.
For details please contact:
Dennis Zachan, 12 Norrie Place, Tamatea, Napier
Ph Home: 06 8442201 Mob: 021 673 242Email: [email protected]
ADR: Able Diver
AHCM: Able Helicopter Crewman
OSTD: Ordinary Steward
OMT (L): Ordinary Marine Technician (Electrical)
OCWS: Ordinary Communications Warfare Specialist
Jackspeak—Navy slang
BZ: The flag signal Bravo Zulu, meaning “well done”
Brow: Gangway between ship and wharf
Crossing the bar: To die
Dit: A Navy yarn
EMAs: Early Morning Activities—running, swimming etc for
new recruits
Gash: Rubbish
Goffas: Non-alcoholic drink
Heads: Toilets. In sail days they were under the figurehead.
MOET: Maritime Operational Evaluation Team
Oppos: Shipmates
Oscar: The flag signal for “man overboard.” The name of the manoverboard dummy used for drills.
RHIB: Rigid hull inflatable boat, jetboat carried on our ships
Rig: Uniform
Roughers: As it looks, rough seas
Scran: Food
Work-up: Intense exercises working a ship up to its full
operational capabilities, conducted by MOET.
NOTICES
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