facebook.com/NZNavytwitter.com/NZNavyissue 224 August 2018

training on the water

san Diego DiVer aCtion

royal naVy exChange

cover image: HmNZS Te maNa fireS Her five-iNcH guN duriNg THe rodeo guNNery compeTiTioN aT exerciSe rimpac.

pHoTo: image from video

Contents NAVY tODAY IssuE 224 2018

08

direcTory

Published to inform, inspire and entertain serving and former members of the RNZN, their families and friends and the wider Navy community.

Navy today is the official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by Defence Public Affairs, Wellington. Navy today is now in its twenty first year of publication.

Views expressed in Navy today are not necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.

Contributions are welcomed, including stories, photographs and letters. Please submit stories and letters by email in Microsoft Word or the body of an email. Articles up to 500 words welcomed, longer if required by the subject. Please consult the editor about long articles. Digital photos submitted by email also welcomed, at least

500kb preferred.

copy deadLiNeS for NT 5pm aS foLLoWS: Nt 225 september issue 15 August Nt 226 October issue 15 september Nt 227 November issue 15 October subject to change.ediTor:

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04 tAuPO DRug Bust

06 sAN DIEgO DIVER ACtION

11 CABIN COMFORt

14 tRAININg ON tHE WAtER

16 COMMAND WARRANt OFFICER

22 PIPEs AND DRuMs

25 ROYAL NAVY EXCHANgE

26 WAtCHINg tHE BOMB FALL

33 FuN At sCHOOL

14 33

3

Chief of naVyRear Admiral John Martin

Climate change, law of the sea, illegal migration, trans-national organised crime, illegal fishing, and security of Exclusive Economic Zones are just some of the issues we are facing together. the opportunity is to be able to leverage off each other to build better joint capacity and competencies and together create a more stable and secure region. What’s unique about the grouping is that we are the heads of the member navies and maritime law enforcement agencies of twelve nations, joined by the common bond of being of and in the south Pacific. It is our patch to look after and we know we can’t do it alone.

so, well done to tAuPO and the rest of the NZDF and RNZN team who are representing us in the south Pacific. Our efforts do not stop there and we wish HMNZs OtAgO well as she takes over Op Wasawasa in the next month, patrols the EEZ’s of our other partners, and supports the PNgDF during APEC. together this work is advancing New Zealand’s interests from the sea.

Yours Aye

YOuRs AYEYOuRs AYE

In its Strategic Defence Policy Statement, the Government has clearly signalled the importance of the Pacific, and South Pacific in particular. The Navy is a key tool in being able to execute a strategy of engagement, presence and partnership in the region.

for example, New Zealand’s contribution to Fijian maritime patrols and wider regional security through Operation Wasawasa is best of breed when

it comes to supporting our friends in the south Pacific. But there is more to it than that – there’s our partnership with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). Recently I was privileged to visit Fiji, catch up with senior military leaders, attend a Fiji Navy Anniversary and check in with HMNZs tAuPO who was in suva between patrols.

Like us, the Fiji Navy is going through big changes with new ships and a need to grow and develop new skills. I was extremely pleased to see how Warrant Officer Ricky Derksen is settling in to his new job as technical Adviser with the Fijian Navy. His role is to share his seamanship experience and expertise with young sailors in the RFMF. It’s a job that will develop and be at the centre of a lasting relationship between our navies and is much valued by the RFMF leadership.

HMNZs tAuPO is doing spectacularly well in Op Wasawasa, building on the foundations laid by HMNZs HAWEA last year. Her patrols, conducted in support of Fiji Customs, Police and Fisheries, are achieving solid results both in terms of infringements detected but also in growing a culture of training for tAuPO’s ship’s Company and training Fijian sailors who are embarked. It’s a team affair with NZDF, MPI and local agencies creating a unique coalition to address maritime security issues.

there is a key role for the NZDF in supporting the RFMF as it takes on the challenges of upholding values of international law, maritime security and resource management. this position is under challenge as the winds of economic and national development blow stronger than those that bring security concerns. While our approach is more ‘slow burn’ than other, more wealthy donors, we should not be deterred from taking the path that will strengthen a key institution of state and in the end create a valuable professional, cultural, and familial relationship.

there is more work to do in the region. Later this month the second south Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces Meeting will convene in tonga to address the mutual maritime security challenges we face in the south Pacific.

A J O MARtINChief of Navy

4 tAuPO DRug Bust

The ship’s Company of HMNZs tAuPO has assisted Fiji authorities in retrieving over 12 kilograms of cocaine, found on a remote island last month.

Lieutenant Benjamin Flight, the Commanding Officer of tAuPO, said members of the ship’s Company recovered the illicit drugs from an island that forms part of Fiji’s Lau group, following a request from Fiji Revenue and Customs service.

Early in July, Fiji authorities recovered 40 kilograms of cocaine from the same island, which is accessible only by ship.

tAuPO, which undertook combined maritime patrols with the Republic of Fiji Navy and other Fiji enforcement agencies, brought the cocaine cache to the Fijian capital of suva before resuming the fisheries patrol. the Fiji Police Force tested the retrieved packages and confirmed that they contained cocaine.

“Although our combined maritime patrols are focussed primarily on enforcing regulations for inshore fishing, we also support enforcement action by other Fiji agencies,” Lt Flight said.

Mr Visvanath Das, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs service, said the joint operation sends a clear message.

“Fiji authorities are determined to protect our country’s borders and will not allow it to be used as a transit or a destination for illegal drugs. surveillance in coastal communities and seas is an ongoing challenge for Customs. However, with the assistance and cooperation from island communities, we can protect our borders from illicit trade,” Mr Das said.

tAuPO’s patrols began in early June.

naVy helPs fiJi reCoVer CoCaine

5

i haVe the fleet

as Maritime Component Commander designate, CDRE tony Millar, ONZM, RNZN managed to fit in a swift visit to RIMPAC to see HMNZs MAtAtAuA’s

base of operations, before jetting back to New Zealand for his Change of Command ceremony.

CDRE Millar, promoted from Captain on 16 July, declared “I have the fleet” to outgoing MCC Captain Dave McEwan in a ceremony at the Fleet gymnasium, Devonport Naval Base, on 27 July. the MCC is responsible for the command and readiness of the Fleet and specialist teams to deliver the Navy’s missions.

CAPt McEwan, who has held the MCC role since 1 March, will return to his Captain Fleet Operational Readiness (CFOR) role, reporting to CDRE Millar.

CDRE Millar, who joined the Navy in 1982, has been Executive Officer of HMNZs tE KAHA, Commanding Officer of HMNZs MANAWANuI, the first Commanding Officer of HMNZs CANtERBuRY (L421) and Commander of the Maritime Operational Evaluation team (MOEt). His promotion to Commodore followed a period of study at the Eisenhower school for National Resource strategy in Washington DC.

in this image, the thrill in taking a familiarisation ride in a Navy seasprite sH2-g(I) is obvious on the faces of four lucky trainees of BCt 18/01. this happy moment has

meant the photographer, Chief Petty Officer Electronic Warfare specialist greg gatley, is the chosen August winner of the Navy top shot competition.

CPOEWs gatley, the Achilles Division Chief Instructor at the Leadership Development group, was supervising the BCt Efficiency Cup at tamaki Leadership Centre on Whangaparaoa Peninsula. A seasprite presence is not a regular part of BCt training, but the instructors made the most of the visit. “We choose four lucky ratings to go up for a flight,” he said. “When I photographed them, they had just come back from their flight, and they were all pretty ecstatic.”

CPOEWs gatley’s photo will be displayed in the Vince Mcglone galley until replaced by next month’s winner. He is now in the running for Photo of the Year.

naVy ‘toP shot’ CoMPetition

want to enter?

the competition is open to NZDF amateur photographers – civilian or uniform.

send your photo(s) with:

• Your name

• A detailed description of the image

• Where and when it was taken

• the names of key people in the photo

• Your contact number, to navyphoto@nzdf.mil.nz

Each photo much be no less than 3mb, portrait or landscape.

Every photo not chosen will carry over to subsequent months.

NAVY PHOtO COMPEtItION 5

6

By andrew Bonallack

New Zealand’s “get the job done” attitude earned HMNZS MATATAUA a command role in the Mine Countermeasures phase of Exercise RIMPAC in San Diego.

MAtAtAuA’s clearance divers and hydrographers were the leads in a multi-nation force charged with clearing san Diego’s sea lanes and harbour entrance of mines, in preparation for an amphibious force landing.

“We’ve had a really exciting time here,” says Lieutenant Commander Ben Martin, Officer in Charge of around 40 personnel from MAtAtAuA. “In the first week, we cleared all the boat lanes and approaches, covering around 100 linear kilometres. Last week, we shifted to the approaches to san Diego harbour, using our REMus 100 Autonomous underwater Vehicle (AuV) to hunt for mines. Once found we’d send our divers down. that was a lot of work, over 16 to 18-hour days.”

get the JoB Done

rimpac

By the nuMBers

Over 100 dives

As well as the MAtAtAuA personnel, LtCDR Martin commanded teams from Japan, Netherlands and a Marine Mammal Dolphins team from the us Navy. “the cool thing about this mission was having all the right tools for this type of environment. Dolphins can detect buried objects under water. the REMus, with a high coverage rate, can locate mines. then we used three teams of clearance divers to neutralise mines via explosive means.”

At time of writing, the combined team had just declared the harbour ‘cleared’ for shipping. “We’re now shifting into that phase of internal training, lessons learnt and reconstitution before returning to New Zealand.”

Discovered 50 mines

Working 16 to 18 hours a day

Clearing 12 square nautical miles of water

7RIMPAC

Highlights have included a “pouncer” operation, where divers deploy out the rear of a slow-moving helicopter – in this instance a MH-53E sea Dragon from a us Navy Helicopter Mine Countermeasures squadron. It is a method to get clearance divers close to floating and drifting mines, dealing to them as quickly as possible. “the maritime assets the us Navy have got access to are some of the world’s best,” says LtCDR Martin. “the sea Dragon is probably one of the bigger utility aircraft in their fleet. It’s impressively large and loud, carrying about 40 people. In its Aerial Mine Counter Measures role it tows sonars and hunts for mines. It’s a great asset.” the standard procedure is the helicopter at 10 feet high, travelling about 10 knots. “It depends on the pilots. We want it to be as low as possible, because reduces the chances of things going wrong for the diver.”

Exciting as it was, it is a technique MAtAtAuA is well-trained for. “We do it annually, sometimes twice a year. Our Air Force can’t conduct heli-casting at the moment, or pouncer operations, until complete operational release of the NH90. so we use the Northern Emergency services helicopter, out of Whangarei, or we train with the us Navy or Australia.”

A Kiwi attitude to adaptability would be obvious to any visitor to their setup at Naval Base Port Loma. “What’s been really cool has been the sustainment side of this mission. We brought over four full 20-foot shipping containers. We’ve set up this headquarters in a carpark, with tents – it’s pretty austere. Our two chefs have been getting up at 4am, serving 45 meals per sitting for the last four weeks.”

sustainment of the force is a key mission objective, and one that the team has really focussed on. strategy 25 Integrated Defence Force goals are also being achieved. “We have also deployed, for the first time, a NZDF-secure communication suite, meaning we can log in securely and send data. It’s really pushing our network integration capabilities of Command and Control.”

LtCDR Martin says MAtAtAuA’s tactical teams are highly trained and among the best in the world, although everyone is professional across nations. “Keep in mind the mine warfare community is so small. In a time of crisis, we would all be used, and it’s the strength of the whole that does it. New Zealand might not have the flash kit, but we bring to the party a mission focus and a keenness to get the job done.”

MATATAUA divers await their moment aboard the Sea Dragon helicopter. Visible from left are ADR Ethan Shergold, ADR William Sellick-Shaw, ODR Simon Shields, PODR Joshua Kauika, ADR Zane Douglas and LT Wes Moir.

From right are ADR Craig Smith, A/LDR Kyran Bennett and ADR Arana Te Patu

8 tE MANA At RIMPAC8

te Mana PreMier fighting unit

By LT richard daniel-Nield

This June and July HMNZs tE MANA has had the opportunity to participate in RIMPAC 2018 in Hawaii. RIMPAC’s purpose is to promote regional

stability in the Pacific. It is the premier joint and combined maritime exercise, leveraging world class training facilities. With inclusivity at its core, RIMPAC fosters multi-national cooperation and trust, enhances interoperability, enables professional engagement, and achieves respective national objectives to build capable and adaptive partners. this year there are 27 different countries, with 52 ships, 5 submarines, 200+ aircraft and 25,000 personnel all in Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam.

RIMPAC has allowed tE MANA, as the premier fighting unit of the Royal New Zealand Navy, to showcase our skills to all other Pacific nations. these skills have been

27 different countries

5 submarines

200 + aircraft

52 ships

rimpac

25,000 personnel

9tE MANA At RIMPAC 9

the adventures continue for newly-promoted Able sea Dog slushy, HMNZs tE MANA’s official Operation Crucible mascot. In this image he proudly displays his new rank while heading up on a sH-2g(I) seasprite with Flight Observer sub Lieutenant Harrison Jennings and Lieutenant sam Williams, pilot. Along for the ride is his friend Kiwi, from the NZ Consulate to the united states of America.

reaChing new heights

developed throughout the year with our Work up and Exercise Ocean Explorer.

We started RIMPAC off by turning a number of heads across the sporting sphere, coming 4th equal overall in the RIMPAC sports tournament. special shout-outs go to: the soccer team who made it to the semi-finals after knocking out the piped favourites, the Chileans; to AWt Cole McDowell who placed 2nd overall in the men’s swimming; and to AMED Nicole Kuka who placed first in the female Bench press.

After embarrassing a number of Australian teams on the sports field, tE MANA went on to provide one of the best national receptions on the Flight Deck. the Offical Reception was hosted by COMJFNZ, and featured an amazing performance from the Maori Cultural group accompanied by mouth-watering delicacies put together by our chefs, Of those who were lucky enough to be invited, all proclaimed that it was one of the best ship functions of RIMPAC 2018.

tE MANA then went to sea to start rubbing shoulders with the “Big Dogs” of Naval warfare. A week of working with our Five Eyes partners on scientific testing prepared us for the Force Integration training. this period allowed us to learn how to operate with our partners, familiar ones such as usA, Australia, Canada, and with some nations with whom we do not operate with as frequently: Korea, Malaysia, Peru, Japan, singapore.

From there, tE MANA has had the opportunity to prove its warfighting effectiveness against many assets such as Los Angeles Class attack submarines, which we do not normally have the pleasure of working with. Being able to work in such close proximity to these units allows our operators to experience a large range of scenarios, allowing the Navy to build its depth of knowledge and experience throughout our ranks.

On Completion of the Force Integration training Phase, the Commanding Officer of tE MANA became Ctu of CtF 176.3.2. this meant CDR Lisa Hunn was in charge of the units of the Opposition Force (OPFOR) fighting for the mighty nation of “Orion”, against the pesky “griffons”. Our job was to disrupt and destroy the griffin Carrier strike group and Expeditionary strike group. As I sit here writing this article, a RNZAF P3-K2 Orion has just targeted our enemy Mission Essential unit (MEu) HMAs ADELAIDE, for which we are now providing a firing solution with our paper load-out of surface-to-surface Missiles. Again, as in Ocean Explorer 18, tE MANA as the OPFOR will gain a Mission Kill within the opening hours of the exercise.

Overall, RIMPAC has been an exciting time, and it is not finished yet! tE MANA has had a lot of fun and has been presented with plenty of training opportunities. We look forward to finding out our official results in comparison to the other nations.

CDR Lisa Hunn, CO of TE MANA, greets VADM John Alexander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

10 tE MANA At RIMPAC10

a marine engineer serving on

HMNZs tE MANA has received a thank-you letter from the Child Cancer Foundation after raising over $1000 from raffling hand-made brass tankards made from artillery cartridges.

Acting Leading Marine technician (Propulsion) William Kerse, Whanganui, uses British 25-pound artillery cartridges purchased from tradeMe and donated from friends to fashion a variety of tankards. As an added embellishment he affixes British half-crowns to the base of the mugs with dates that match the year of the shell.

olD Mugs for Charity

rimpac

the tankards are popular among service personnel, resulting in A/LMt(P) Kerse donating $1,230 to Child Cancer. He has received a thank-you from the Foundation’s chief executive, Robyn Kiddle, for his generous support.

A/LMt(P) Kerse initially began making the tankards at the trade training school at Devonport while recovering from an injury, and has continued making them in his own time on tE MANA’s workshop while the ship is deployed at RIMPAC. the handles are solid brass, machined at the trade school.

“I just felt like they were a good foundation piece,” he said. “I’ve had family members go through cancer. It was hard for them and my family, so I just thought it would be even worse for kids. One of the members of my branch went through a tough time and the Child Cancer Foundation helped him and his family through it. I know that Naval personnel want those mugs, so I saw it as a good opportunity to raise money for a good thing instead of me just selling them off for profit.”

He is planning on doing another raffle for a WWII mug to raise money for Men’s Health in November. He thanked a colleague, Paul Fineron, for his “huge help” with engineering knowledge.

we won!For the first time in the history of RIMPAC, a New Zealand ship has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Naval surface Fire support Rodeo competition, with HMNZs tE MANA landing her shells closer to the target than any other ship – from over 6km away. the competition included two Australian frigates and seven us vessels, plus other nations. In Navy Today september we’ll have more detail on how our gunners showed the rest of the maritime world how its done.

11CABIN COMFORt

Leading Writer Lauren Snell test-drives the new Junior Rates cabin layout on AOTEAROA. Her verdict – two thumbs up!

It’s been four months since my arrival in ulsan, south Korea, where I am working in the Maritime sustainment Capability (MsC) project team.

During my time here I have seen 2-D plans, simulated images and even 3-D design of AOtEAROA, but recently I finally got the chance to see design plans come to life.

Commander Des tiller, Mr Eric Riordan and I were invited to attend the first “mock up” trial for the ship’s accommodation. this was a replica of what will be a Junior Ratings cabin and ensuite.

Our mission was to test the cabin for design flaws and ensure it was completely user-friendly.

My first impression – “Wow!” the cabin was open, spacious and had loads of features including usB ports, storage for personal belongings – both in the bunks and the lockers – and our own ensuite between four. the amount of space allocated for each person was really generous – unlike anything I had seen in any Junior Rates cabin.

Between us, we drew on previous experience to ensure the cabin had been created to meet all the needs of a sailor.

We checked everything from the position of power points and mirrors, to the height of the bunk beds and the brightness of the lights.

the three of us sat and discussed our observations and talked about the “evolution” of accommodation in Navy ships.

We all agree this was a place you would want to come back to after work and I could imagine myself turning this cabin into my home away from home.

a hoMe away froM hoMe

the MsC team have been working not only to create a ship that meets the capability requirements of the Navy, but also the comforts and requirements of the ship’s crew.

the cabin “mock up” perfectly reflected the amount of thought and consideration that is going into the building of AOtEAROA for current and future sailors.

Feather as a canvas

the Abecedarium in the Navy Museum is home to many curious objects including this delicate feather; an unusual canvas for a watercolour of HMs DuNEDIN. the artist, Able seaman Frank turner, joined the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy in 1921 and served in various ships, including HMs PHILOMEL, CHAtHAM and DuNEDIN. He was discharged in 1926, due to injury, but re-joined in March 1941, serving in HMNZs PHILOMEL.

Curious oBJeCt

12 sAFEtY

One of the hardest elements with making a regular contribution to the Navy Today (for me) is in developing a title that will catch the eye and from there engage you, the reader of this article, to read on.

If the primary reason that we as a Navy have a focus on safety is to ensure the safe return home of all personnel after every period of duty and we can consistently achieve this, then we are all winners. Notwithstanding this, one of the great foundations of our Navy and our Defence Force is our capacity to recognise and celebrate our Champions in a variety of areas.

Recognition of our Naval safety Champions is no exception.

the Naval Health and safety Committee have recently approved two amendments to the Annual RNZN safety Awards that will take effect with this year’s nominations.

the first amendment is that there are now two Navy safety Excellence Awards instead of just one.

anD the winner is …By commander raymond mcLaughlin director of Naval Safety and Health

The two award categories available to rNZN personnel, contractors or volunteers are;

the Navy safety Excellence Award for an Individual

the Navy safety Excellence Award for a unit

this amends the single Award construct which considered both Individuals and units together and is now more consistent with comparable Awards which delineate between individual champions and group or departmental champions.

the second amendment is that the nomination and selection process timings for the Navy safety Excellence Awards are being brought forward from this year onwards. this amendment allows the Award nominations to be put forward for consideration in the NZDF safety Awards and potentially the NZDF Person of the Year award. these new timings will be promulgated to the Fleet and Ashore by signal, ILP RNZN Announcements and PHL Bulletin Board.

the Naval safety Excellence Awards will still be presented at the RNZN Bravo Zulu Awards presentation. these amendments and the full Awards criteria are laid out in DFO(N) Part 3, Chap 4. Further required amplification can be sought from the Director of Naval safety and Health, CDR R. McLaughlin, RNZN or the Health and safety Manager (Navy), Mr g. Jackson.

raymond.mclaughlin@nzdf.mil.nz

gerard.jackson@nzdf.mil.nz

Last year the RNZN Safety Award was shared between LTCDR Tuijo Thompson of HMNZS TE KAHA and CPODR Bevan Wilson of HMNZS MATATAUA. This year there will be two awards, for an individual and a unit.

13

A friendship with one of the future King’s former First Lieutenants led Able Musician Rebecca Nelson to a singing engagement at Highgrove, UK.

AMus Nelson is friends with Roy Clare, formerly a Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy and Auckland Museum Director from 2011 to 2016. Mr Clare, who has returned to the uK, met with AMus Nelson and her husband in March while she was in London as a guest singer for the Band of the Welsh guards.

Mr Clare, who had served with His Royal Highness Prince Charles in the seventies in HMs BRONINgtON, said he was arranging an old shipmates’ reunion for Prince Charles, across the ships he had served in. “Do you need a singer for that?” asked AMus Nelson’s husband, half in jest. But when she returned to New Zealand, an invitation arrived, to sing at Highgrove for his Royal Highness and former shipmates.

AMus Nelson says she was so nervous about the day. “I think I must have ironed my uniform four times! Once all the guests had arrived at Highgrove we were invited on a tour of the gardens which were just incredible, it was like walking into a fairy tale. the gardens are a culmination of 38 years of imagination and passion from Prince Charles and are maintained by 11 gardeners. I wish I had pictures to share but cameras and phones were strictly forbidden.”

she sang a variety of songs, including Pokarekare Ana. “Prince Charles said he remembered meeting me in France at the Battle of the somme centenary and was extremely grateful that I had made the trip over from New Zealand. the rest of the conversation is all a bit of a blur, I think I was a little overwhelmed.”

AMus Nelson’s tours this year have taken in the Royal Air Force’s 100th celebrations and flyover across London. she visited Help for Heroes, “an amazing charity set up to provide lifelong support to service Personnel and Military Veterans with injuries, illnesses and wounds sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces”.

she performed in London for the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital. “What an audience! they were all singing and laughing the whole way through and their banter was brilliant. Chelsea Pensioners are former members of the British Army, but I was pulled aside by one group and they whispered, ‘we aren’t meant to be here, we are Royal Marine veterans but we just had to come see you’, which absolutely made my day.”

Meeting the PrinCe

she visited Brockenhurst Village in the New Forest, the former site of No.1 New Zealand general Hospital, which treated 21,000 New Zealand casualties during the First World War, including 93 who died and were laid to rest at the st Nicholas Church cemetery. While there she met up with students from st Andrew’s College, Christchurch, who were researching New Zealand soldiers. she joined with the students as a wreath was placed and the National Anthem sung.

she visited the gravesite of a New Zealand sailor who is being returned to New Zealand as part of te Auraki: the Return project. “I have met his sister on a number of occasions through the Devonport RsA, she is a lovely lady. I placed a few poppies on his grave and told him how happy his family are that he is coming home, it was quite an emotional moment.”

AMus Nelson, a naval reservist and professional singer ‘discovered’ by the RNZN Band while busking in Devonport, says she could not imagine her life without the New Zealand Defence Force. “I have had so many incredible opportunities including singing at major commemorations in gallipoli, France and Belgium. I give a very special thank you to the team at HMNZs NgAPONA who helped make this all possible. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had since joining the RNZNR, I have so much respect for all those that serve and I am always so proud to wear the uniform.”

14 XXXX

15tRAININg ON tHE WAtER

“This will make a difference to the fleet and to the Defence Force in how we prepare to go to sea.”

– LtCDR Ange Barker

When Lieutenant Commander Ange Barker returned to work to head up the seamanship training Aid (stA) Facility programme, her youngest child was

seven months old. Last month, as Phase 2 of the project was finished, he had nearly turned six.

the Waterside Pontoon phase of the stA Facility was officially opened on 19 July at Devonport Naval Base. Accessed by a 35-metre bridge, the 145-tonne floating construct has decks, rails, lines and ladders, along with winches, cranes and hydraulics needed to raise and lower sea boats. It carries on the concept of Realistic Working Environments as a core training principle of the Reclaiming seaman Excellence programme, which started with Phase I with the opening of the Bill Morley Building and its in-house hull mock-ups in 2015.

the new facility enables sailors to learn and hone water-based seamanship skills such as man-overboard recovery, launching of rigid-hulled inflatable boats by crane, pilot ladder use, and life raft launch and recovery.

Its completion means the Navy’s modern seamanship training complex is now finished.

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin praised the completion of the facility. “Now we can have standardised seamanship training for all of the New Zealand Defence Force, not just the Navy, in an environment where these skills can be practised day or night – allowing repetition that develops experience before going to sea,” he said.

training faCility CoMPlete

“Our people no longer need to rely on classroom work or heaving lines across the parade ground, they can now train in these evolutions on site and for real,” he said. “this will make a difference to the fleet and to the Defence Force in how we prepare to go to sea.

“this facility ensures we have the capability and equipment to train our people, not just in the basic evolution training of skills, but also in developing experience and managing risk.”

LtCDR Barker says training will officially start in september, once the training staff have familiarised themselves and prepared their standard Operating Procedures. “We’ve come from nothing to two facilities, and feels a bit surreal, now it’s all done,” she said. “It feels like it’s been my whole life, but it’s been a fantastic journey.” the opening was a lovely chance to showcase the facility to many who had only seen plans and photos.

the team also had Navy personnel use the facility for rehearsals. “People I’ve talked to have been really thrilled and excited to use it, to have a play with all these big pieces of kit. People have said it will take away the anxiety of training at sea, because now they can do training in a controlled environment.”

Lieutenant Commander Bill Morley RNZN (Rtd), accompanied by Rosemary Morley and Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral John Martin, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Waterside Pontoon.

16 COMMAND WARRANt OFFICER

By andrew Bonallack

Warrant Officer Writer Lynette Bokany has always liked people. It’s an excellent attribute to bring to her third Command Warrant Officer role.

WOWtR Bokany has transitioned from the Command Warrant Officer / Chief of staff Leadership Development position to CWO Naval support Command, taking over from Warrant Officer Electronic Warfare specialist Peter (general) Patton last month.

Command Warrant Officers are charged with understanding the needs and viewpoints of sailors and communicating this to the chain of command. In the manner of the Maritime Component Commander’s CWO being the voice of ratings at sea, WOWtR Bokany represents the shore-based element within the Naval support Command, including Reserve Force units.

she is excited about the new role, she says. “It’s a completely new challenge. this is my third CWO role, and I had thought I had done my dash. Each role has been completely different. And this is on a far bigger scale than what I have done before. It’s all about understanding what is going on, connecting the lower ranks to the senior leadership, and making people feel like they have a voice.”

WOWtR Bokany joined the Navy in 1989, becoming a Warrant Officer in 2008. As well as serving in HMNZs MONOWAI, CHARLEs uPHAM and tE MANA, she has been CWO in CANtERBuRY.

she enjoys meeting people, likes to talk, and is driven to grow people. she sees her new role as an excellent platform to drive the Navy Mentoring scheme.

“I’ve picked it up this year and I’ve been trying to drive it a lot more, as the messages haven’t been getting out there. Mentoring is about life experiences in nearly everything, to bring people from good to great.” the Navy brings people in with a huge amount of skill, including life skills, and everyone has something to offer, she says. “You might be a Leading Hand that has improved fitness-wise. You could be mentoring a Lieutenant Commander in how to do that. In mentoring, rank is irrelevant. Most of us do it in our everyday lives already, so the scheme can give you some tools to assist.”

she says if you want to discover new things about yourself, a posting to the Leadership Development group can be life-changing. “growing people is really rewarding,” she says. “People are our bread and butter, we can’t do anything without people. Leadership Development group is a world not everyone understands, but it is one of the most amazing places to work because you learn so much about yourself. I thought I knew a lot about the service after 29 years, but there’s nothing like LDg. I loved it here.” the group also showcases and celebrates the “amazing” skills recruits arrive with. “We don’t go for one size fits all these days. We recognise and embrace people’s skills and diversity.”

a PeoPle MoVer anD shaKer

17

The correct title is “surgeon Lieutenant” but Dylan Mordaunt says people simply call him “doc”.

the Auckland paediatrician has become one of only three full-time Royal New Zealand Navy doctors, undertaking the gruelling 22-week officer training course to earn a commission.

sgN Lt Mordaunt, from Auckland, graduated as a midshipman on 30 June at Devonport Naval Base, with 22 other classmates. He was then promoted two levels to Navy Lieutenant, recognising his prior training and experience as a qualified doctor.

Medical officers in the Royal New Zealand Navy have red strips between their gold epaulettes and have “surgeon” in front of their rank, rather than “doctor”.

“I know it sounds unusual, a paediatrician coming to the Navy. I qualified as a doctor in 2006 and finished specialist training as a paediatrician in 2016. I’ve worked in hospitals, and in healthcare management. I started talking to the Defence Force in mid-2015 and applied in 2017.”

A physically active man, he says the idea of being paid to stay fit was attractive. “In hospitals, people manage to stay fit but it’s a challenge to have an active life. And I was keen not to continue in a hospital environment. Hospitals are very technically challenging, but the nature and variety of leadership challenges in Defence Health are quite enormous. You achieve a lot with a little. I know that sounds like Public Health generally, but with trying to support deployed operations and shore-based care, the challenge is a different scale.”

Completing the full officer training means he is qualified to deploy on a RNZN ship as a medical officer if required. It is standard to have medics on a ship, but a doctor would be

the DoCtor will see you nowBy andrew Bonallack

deployed for a specific reason. On exercises or operations, such as a Humanitarian Disaster and Relief (HADR) mission, a doctor would provide clinical care to civilians and assess heightened levels of risk to the ship’s Company. When not deployed, he will be based at the Navy Health unit at Devonport Naval Base.

He says that as NZDF doctors are part of a joint service, it is possible to train quicker through reservist training or through the Army specialist Officer Induction Course. “I talked it over with colleagues from Air Force and Army. We decided the Navy suited me. It’s got a very strong HADR track record. I’m a swimmer, and like to dive. And it was the service that had the least number of doctors. I was keen to go where my skills were most needed.” He says this is a great opportunity for any doctor.

He was pleased with his fitness during Junior Officer Common training, but 22 weeks with 22 people in barracks was challenging. “to be honest, after practising medicine for 15 years, a 22-week course is quite full-on. Leading a team under a pressured situation is very challenging.”

He has a young family, and appreciates he may be overseas if the Navy requires it. “My children are excited about it. the decision to join the Navy obviously wasn’t made lightly, and it was made with them in mind. My perspective is they will no doubt will miss me on the times I’m deployed, but they will value the experiences and stories that I gain.”

NEW NAVY DOCtOR

MID Dylan Mordaunt is promoted to Lieutenant shortly after his graduation. From left, his brother Trevor, twins Fionn and Niamh (7) and his mother Geraldine have the privilege of fitting his rank slides.

18 A LIFE LEss ORDINARY

our PeoPle

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1. The Navy personnel in the Contingent travelling to Belgium to participate in the Belgian National Day Parade in Brussels. 2. A Chief of Navy Medals and Parchment Ceremony at Devonport Naval Base in July. 3. WOSCS Jack Rudolph, the NZDF Cultural Adviser, with CPOCT Korin O’Brien, at the blessing ceremony at Terendak Military Cemetery Malaysia, marking the beginning of the repatriation of NZDF personnel buried in Malaysia as part of project Te Auraki (The Return). 4. During RIMPAC, LTCDR Ben Martin and MCC designate CDRE Tony Millar place the new Able Diver rank slides onto ADR Simon Shields. 5. Chief People Officer Liz Huckerby, with WOMED Mike Wiig in the background, visits HMNZS ROTOITI and LT Regan Harris, Commanding Officer. 6. All in the family, with LTCDR Richard Gilvray and OCWS Trish Gilvray replacing OWT David Gilvray’s rank slides at his graduation from BBT training. 7. CPODR Spencer Dimond (right) and

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AHSO George Forrest (centre) of HMNZS MATATAUA along with a sailor from the Royal Australian Navy prepare to recover RNZN divers who had just participated in a ‘pouncer’ operation from a U.S. Navy helicopter in San Diego as part of Exercise RIMPAC. 8. LSCS Sloan Paniani performs a haka with his Ship’s Company in HMNZS TE MANA at Hawaii. 9. OHSO Matthew Putt and ODR Blake Gibson train on the new waterside Seamanship Training Aid Facility. 10. Acting Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Peter Siulai receives his new rank slides from LT Evan Kaska and POLSS Dean Hapi, in what might be the first promotion for the recently renamed branch. 11. Chaplain Richard Lander is formally inducted into the NZDF Chaplaincy and receives his Officer’s Parchment from Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin.

20 RYAN PEARsE tOuR

naVy role-MoDels ConfiDenCeBy andrew Bonallack

Seeing people in uniform, confident and assured, meant a lot to autistic teenager Ryan Pearse.

the 17-year-old, with a professed love for the Navy, was given a guest seat at the graduation of BCt 18/01 and JOCt 18/01 in June, along with his spectrum Care supporter Rafael Brandt.

under the direction of Defence Public Affairs officer Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lincoln, the pair also took in a tour of HMNZs CANtERBuRY before enjoying lunch at the Vince Mcglone galley and an afternoon at the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Ryan said the graduation was “really enjoyable”, particularly the physical displays and fire-fighting. “It was my first time on CANtERBuRY. they showed me the cabins, the machine control room, and the bridge. I expected the passageways to be narrow, but the ship was wider than I thought. I suppose that’s because it’s supposed to carry lots of people.”

Mr Brandt made the request to visit Devonport Naval Base on behalf of Ryan. “spectrum Care is an organisation that supports disabled people in New Zealand. Ryan needs to develop his social skills, to be confident in saying what he wants. It’s about finding things he is in love with. He loves warships and I asked him, have you ever been to a warship. so I sent in an email request, and LtCDR Lincoln answered in a very kind way.”

Ryan says Rafael makes it easier for him to talk to people. “He gave me confidence today. I was excited and nervous to meet organised people, in nice uniforms, who look after our nation. It was very inspiring.”

Mr Brandt says this kind of excursion helps with Ryan’s identity and what he wants to do in life. the young man also has a science bent, and Mr Brandt has organised tours of science labs at Auckland university.

He says he is happy Ryan gets to grow up in a country where people are valued. He is from south America. “I tell friends in Brazil, New Zealand is a place where everyone can be what they want to be.”

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royal New Zealand Naval Reserve personnel worked together with their Australian counterparts when they took part in a week-long exercise recently,

honing their skills in responding to piracy activities affecting commercial shipping surrounding fictitious countries in the tasman sea.

Exercise gOANNA 18 drew on lessons learnt from RAN and RNZN deployments in domestic and international maritime military operations and exercises.

the exercise trained and tested members of both navies as they worked together with commercial shipping operators to avoid simulated pirate attacks and support the warfighting effort underpinning the exercise.

Exercise director, Commander David Neumann RANR, of the Royal Australian Navy’s Maritime trade Operations team One, said that as island nations, Australia and New Zealand have always been heavily reliant on commercial shipping. As a result it is of vital importance that both navies interact and engage with merchant shipping and the commercial maritime industry to help protect maritime trade and maintain the integrity of our sea lines of communication.

“On any given day there are thousands of vessels across the world sailing to support Australia’s and New Zealand’s trade and economic security. For maritime countries such as ours, even a low-level conflict could have severe effects on our way of life and that of our neighbours and partners. Our dependence on imported fuel is a good example.”

“Our Maritime trade Operations (MtO) officers work with commercial operators in the maritime industry, and supporting government agencies to make sure that in the event of a conflict, we can keep shipping moving with minimal economic disruption,” he said.

the exercise has its roots in the tAsMANEX exercises of the 80’s, when MtO personnel routinely conducted cross-training. this has lapsed in recent years but during the week, Australian and New Zealand personnel were located in the ports of Newcastle, Brisbane, Botany and tauranga, in an activity that simulated disruptions to cross-tasman shipping as a result of a small-scale regional conflict and associated piracy attacks.

Key parts of the activity included the rapid roll-out of shipping Control teams to ports, and the boarding and briefing of commercial ships.

“Our seas are only going to get more crowded as populations and trade grows, so the task of making sure shipping can continue to operate and service that growth in a safe and efficient manner, during tension or conflict, remains a key focus for our respective navies. supporting this naval task is what we trained for this week,” CDR Neumann said.

Exercises such as gOANNA help train MtO officers for the role they undertake when they deploy to Dubai, in support of the uK Maritime trade Operations (uKMtO) detachment. LtCDR garth Mathieson RNZNVR has just been relieved by sLt tiffany Duke RNZNVR as International Liaison Officer to uKMtO, which acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels as they transit through High Risk Areas in the Red sea, gulf of Aden and Arabian sea. It also liaises with military forces in the region, including CtF 150 and CtF 151, task forces to which the RNZN currently has CAPt Richard Walker and CAPt Karl Woodhead deployed.

KeePing traDe flowingBy WomTo alyson douglas rNZNvr

EXERCIsE gOANNA

22

By andrew Bonallack

Playing in a Pipe and Drum Band has been a lifetime hobby for Derek Hobbs.

Mr Hobbs, a security officer at Devonport Naval Base, is the bass drummer in the Royal New Zealand Navy Pipes and Drums Club band, made up of amateur bagpipers and drummers from the Defence Force and wider community.

spectators of the silverdale Anzac Parade, or Christmas Parades in towns north of Auckland, will be familiar with the club, who have a wide variety of official engagements in their year’s calendar.

Pipers and drummers have been connected with the RNZN since the nineties, and in 1999 the then Chief of Navy suggested a Pipe and Drum Band be formalised under the umbrella of the Naval sports and Recreation Council. It means the band, with its own constitution, is an incorporated society and technically a social and non-competitive sports club.

“We’re all volunteers,” says Mr Hobbs. “some of us have Navy backgrounds, Defence backgrounds, or just live in the area. Our oldest, Jim Kirker, is in his nineties, and still plays and teaches. Our youngest is maybe nine or ten.” According to its constitution, at least half the members must be serving members of the RNZN.

Mr Hobbs got interested in pipe bands as a teenager. “When I was at school, we went to a park for the annual fireworks display. there was a pipe band there, and I fell in love with it. there’s something about it that stirs your blood.” Mr Hobbs would later join a youth band, then the police band.

the Pipes and Drums are a regular for Anzac Day at Devonport Naval Base, then head north to silverdale for their parade, while the RNZN Band covers the Devonport township’s Anzac service.

the sharing of resources is typical of bands at a time when New Zealand is paying greater attention to commemorative services, he says. “sometimes we do parades if the RNZN band can’t do it. Bands are stretched these days, the demand is so high.”

the Pipes and Drums train at HMNZs NgAPONA at Devonport Naval Base on tuesday nights. the British Army gifted some Black Watch tartan kilts, and they still have originals left, unworn. the children in the band wear different kilts, as all the Black Watch ones are adult-sized. the white socks, shirts and ties are Navy issue, but the piper brogues – the lace-up shoes – are special to a pipe band.

He points out with some pride that pipers and drummers don’t have music sheets attached to their instruments. “these guys, they have to remember every tune. that’s what rehearsals are for.”

It’s not all old music, he says. “People think it is, and there is some, but some music is really new. there was music written for the Navy’s 75th. there’s piping music being written all the time.”

their tempo, however, is usually slower than a march beat. “When marching with the Basic Common trainees, for example, they’d find us a bit slow. We have to raise our tempo and go a bit faster.”

PiPers stir the BlooD

The RNZN Pipes and Drums Club band marches towards the memorial wall at Devonport Naval Base on Anzac day.

23

Charity suPPort in soloMonsThe Royal New Zealand Navy continues to support the Christian Care Centre in the Solomon Islands, with a delivery of presents to the sisters last month.

Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe presented several boxes to sister Phyllis, which had been earlier delivered by the Royal New Zealand Air Force as part of a flight to the solomons.

A number of parcels contained bras, organised by Lieutenant Commander Victoria stevens, who assists with the Pacific’s uplift Project (www.upliftbras.org).

Kay shepherd, National Maritime Coordination Centre at HQ JFNZ, provided donations of clothes, bedding, toiletries and towels.

LtCDR Rowe said sister Phyllis was overjoyed to receive the items. “the Care Centre provides valuable support to the victims of family violence and sexual abuse. With limited funds from the government the CCC relies heavily on practical donations and over the last 18 months has welcomed much from the NZDF.”

The Chief of Navy issued a collective thank-you last month to the Events and Protocol Department for their work in

organising events and visits, topping it off with a commendation.

Events Protocol Officer Desireè Rawson was caught by surprise when Rear Admiral John Martin announced she was a recipient of a ‘Chief of Navy Commendation’. the team were enjoying his collective thank-you for their work when Ms Rawson spotted her family entering the room.

“It was very overwhelming and a big surprise.”

Ms Rawson has been with the team from 2012, becoming a Protocol Officer in 2015. “It’s such a unique environment to work in, it’s creative and at the same very time structured.” Change of Command Ceremonies are a particular event she enjoys. “those types of events are a high point because they become part of history. Coordinating the opening ceremony for a new facility on base is particularly special as you are celebrating the birth of an asset that will serve the Navy and its people for years to come. VIP visits are an opportunity to showcase the New Zealand Defence Force and our Navy to other countries, enhancing and strengthening our relationships.”

the International Naval Review was a distinctive event, she says. “I took the lead on the Partners Programme for our international VIP guests – that was a rewarding and memorable experience.”

she says she feels lucky to be doing the job she does, exercising a passion for events management.

“I am thankful for my wonderful team and the support of my managers”.

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LTCDR Phil Rowe and Sister Phyllis at the Christian Care Centre, Solomon Islands.

24 RN AND RNZN tALKs

The RNZN recently conducted talks with the Royal Navy (RN) in London. these talks focus on the relationship between our two navies, and how we

can work better together. the key strategic objectives for the talks were:

• TostrengthentheRN/RNZNrelationshipthroughrecognition of the strategic interests, and understanding the value we provide to each other;

• ToincreasetheunderstandingofcurrentNavyissuesand promote greater information exchange; and

• Toencouragefurthercooperationandpotentialcollaboration in the areas of capability development, and personnel and training.

the RNZN team was led by Commodore Mat Williams, with the RN team led by Rear Admiral Nick Hine. In recognising the historic nature of the relationship, the RN hosted the talks in the even-more historic Admiralty Boardroom.

the boardroom, on the first floor of the 1725 Admiralty Building has been used to determine the strategy and the tactics of the Royal Navy since its first occupation. today, although ownership has been transferred to the Cabinet Office, the room is still used by the First sea Lord and the

Admiralty Board. the paintings and objects within the room are exclusively naval in their provenance. the room’s most striking feature is the wooden panelling. the centre panel, with its ‘eye in glory’ carving was rescued from the Palace of Whitehall which was destroyed by fire in 1698. Other panels show navigational instruments of the mid-17th century, surrounded by garlands, fish and other objects of a nautical theme. the table itself dates from the early 18th century as do the chairs, including the Lord High Admiral’s chair. An impressive portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson dominates the wall behind the Lord High Admiral’s chair. the Admiralty Clock in the room dates from 1697. Above the fireplace sits an ornamental wind dial, operated by a weather vane on the roof. the vane details the wind direction over London, and whether or not the wind was favourable for a potential enemy attack on England.

It was a significant honour to have been hosted by the RN in the historic Admiralty Boardroom. Acknowledgement of the historic relationship between our two navies helped contribute to the overall success of the talks.

An Historic Relationship

engaging with the royal naVy

CDRE Mat Williams and RADM Nick Hine shake hands at the conclusion of the talks. The RNZN team standing behind are from left: SLT Jack Walters, CAPT Maxine Lawes, CDR Andrew Law, and CDR Dave Crossman. The painting behind is of King William IV, who served in the RN, becoming known as the ‘Sailor King’.

By cdr andrew Lawdirector Strategic engagement (Navy)

25

training with the Brits

ROYAL NAVY EXCHANgE

four years ago Pauline theron, who was in her third year as an engineering student at Massey university at Palmerston North, had to decide what career to pursue.

“Joining the Royal New Zealand Navy seemed a great way to combine my interest in engineering and my love for the sea,” she said.

two years ago she was the top graduating officer from her JOCt course at Devonport Naval Base. she followed that up by topping her systems Engineering Management Course (Marine Engineering) at HMs suLtAN in the uK. this led to her current attachment as Assistant Marine Engineering Officer on HMs ALBION.

In this role sLt theron is gaining hands-on experience operating the ship’s marine engineering machinery. she is also learning how the ship’s 70-strong marine engineering department is run.

“the Royal Navy personnel have been very accommodating and welcoming. the camaraderie is good and the ship’s Company have become like a second family,” she said.

the 23,000-tonne HMs ALBION, which has 550 crew members, is currently deployed in the Asia-Pacific to strengthen the united Kingdom’s partnerships in a part of the world that is growing in strategic importance.

the ship has visited singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and south Korea so far and exercised with a French task group in the Java sea. It was recently in Japan to work alongside the united Kingdom’s allies and partners to support maritime security in the region’s busy shipping lanes.

“Being away from home can be challenging, so it’s great that we have email and occasional phone calls,” sLt theron said.

“It’s quite amusing seeing a stream of crew members

Sub Lieutenant Pauline Theron

23,000-tonne HMs ALBION

550 crew members

heading to the nearest Wi-Fi zone every time the ship comes alongside in a foreign port.”

Born in south Africa, sLt theron migrated to New Zealand with her family when she was 14. they settled on the Kapiti Coast and later in Palmerston North.

With a bursary from the RNZN, she completed her engineering degree in December 2015 and joined the Regular Force the following month. she deployed to the southern Ocean in 2016 as the Assistant Engineering Officer of Offshore Patrol Vessel HMNZs WELLINgtON.

“As an engineer, to be involved in docking and undocking a ship and in the meticulous planning that is required is an enriching experience,” she said.

“Walking underneath a large ship, such as when it enters a dry dock for repairs to the underwater portion of the hull, is a surreal experience.”

“Joining the Royal New Zealand Navy seemed a great way to combine my interest in engineering and my love for the sea.”

26

a luCKy warBy andrew Bonallack

WAtCHINg tHE BOMB FALL

geoffrey Douglas Attrill, reclining in a comfortable armchair in his daughter’s house in tauranga, looks genuinely startled as I remove my cap. “What

happened to your hair?” he asks, looking at my bald top. Mr Attrill, 95, points at his enviable mop of dark grey hair falling slightly over his eyebrows and tells me his secret. “Vegetable juice,” he says.

Longevity and good fortune – even in hairline - appears to be a trademark of the Attrill family. He was married to childhood sweetheart Audrey, who died eight weeks before my interview, for 74 years. He is a survivor of World War II, notably as a gunnery rating who leapt clear from a sinking HMNZs MOA in the solomon Islands.

It is because of MOA that I’m ready with an apology to Mr Attrill. Navy Today had on two occasions detailed Whangarei’s Jack Harold (17/9/22 to 15/4/17) as the last surviving MOA veteran. that’s not the case, wrote his daughter Viviene to the editor. I agreed his story – and an apology – was worth a trip to tauranga for.

Mr Attrill waves off my apology. He remembers “shorty” Harold very well when MOA was patrolling around the solomon Islands. “He and I, we were always volunteering to take MOA’s whaler into tulagi to get the mail. We’d take two others. It was a long haul to row the whaler into the harbour. But we enjoyed it. We were young. I believed in exercise.” He sighs. “It doesn’t pay to get old.”

He remembers his posting to Bird-class minesweeper MOA in November 1942, for two reasons. It came as a sudden interruption to what was supposed to be a fortnight’s leave, and involved an eerie moment of prophecy. “MOA needed an AA gunnery rating, so I went on board a day or two before she sailed for the solomon Islands. the night before we left, one of the crew went ashore. He saw a fortune teller who told him, MOA is not coming back to New Zealand. But we didn’t think anything of it, of course.”

MOA became part of the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla, engaged in the routine work of patrolling and escorting duties with HMNZ ships KIWI, MAtAI and tuI. Mr Attrill remembers enjoying bananas, strung up on the deck, and the placid waters of the islands. sailors got a pound of tobacco a month. “Never smoke,” he says, pointing at me. “Bad business.”One night their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Peter Phipps (later Chief of Navy and New Zealand’s first Chief of Defence staff), sounded a muster at 3am. “He said to us: listen. We could hear, boom boom, and he told us, that’s the tokyo Express.” the crew were hearing the Japanese destroyers, contesting the Americans while delivering supplies to Japanese forces. It was a reminder of war.

It was KIWI who detected a Japanese submarine on the night of 29 January 1943, leading to the now-famous defeat of submarine I-1. “His AsDIC picked up the sub. He [Lieutenant Commander gordon Bridson] was the senior captain. He said, we’ll fix it. When the submarine came up, we weren’t far away. We fired all our guns at it.” LtCDR Bridson rammed the submarine twice, and MOA chased the submarine until it ran aground.

Fast forward to April 1943, with MOA being refuelled in tulagi Harbour in the solomons, alongside the oil barge ERsKINE M PHELPs. gunner Attrill had been caught playing cards in the mess deck, and was doing penalty, on duty beside his gun. In retrospect, he says, he was lucky to be there.

Geoffrey Douglas Attrill, with a portrait taken while he was posted to MOA.

27WAtCHINg tHE BOMB FALL

MOA and the Americans had been caught by surprise from the low-level raid from Japanese Aichi D3A “Val” bombers. History reports that either one or two bombs hit MOA, with the fatal bomb passing through the Captain’s cabin and detonating in the bowels of the ship. “I felt the impact. I knew there was only one place for me – over the side. How long did it take to swim ashore? It’s hard to say. You tend to exaggerate these things. An American was on the shore, urging me on, and he pulled me from the water. No-one else was there. My crew had seen my hat floating on the water and they had thought: poor old Atts.”

Five men from MOA did die from the attack, and 15 were wounded, including LtCDR Phipps with a broken ankle and shrapnel injuries.

Mr Attrill returned to New Zealand wearing pieces of American uniform, he says. He married Audrey, a woman he had known in his New Plymouth hometown since he was 15 and she 13, on 1 May 1944. He was discharged from the Navy on 15 May. He has since held a variety of local government roles, as well as being a Justice of the Peace, and has been retired “longer than a young man’s life”, he says.

He and Audrey had discussed frankly who should go first, with the thought that he could survive the loss better. He struggles for words at this point, then recovers his rueful practicality. “It’s time, Andrew, it’s time for me. the sooner I go west, as the crow flies, the better.”

“I remember how Tulagi harbour, like most harbours, there’s an entranceway. Believe me, I saw that plane. It was just a little plane, a low-level bomber. I saw it come in that entrance. I saw the bomb detach and he lost his balance a little bit.”

A computer-generated image depicting HMNZS KIWI bearing down on submarine I-1.

28

hMnZs laChlan anD NZ’S HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING

RIVER CLAss FRIgAtEs

By June 1939 she had surveyed northern North Island waters, but with the growing likelihood of war, the Admiralty redeployed ENDEAVOuR to singapore and later to the Eastern Mediterranean.

After WWII, the British indicated it was time for New Zealand to take responsibility for surveying its own waters. As part of the 1947 reassessment of New Zealand’s defence needs, the NZ Naval Board proposed to purchase a seventh Loch-class frigate (in addition to the six Lochs being purchased to form New Zealand’s anti-submarine squadron) and have it converted for survey duties. this plan fell through, as did a subsequent proposal to build a brand new survey ship in British yards. In the meantime a temporary solution was offered by Australia, to loan the frigate LACHLAN, which was otherwise going into reserve.

In 1949 LACHLAN was formally paid off from the RAN and a RNZN advance party took her over in Fremantle. the full crew arrived during september to begin sea trials, then on 5 October the frigate was formally commissioned into the RNZN.

LACHLAN berthed at Devonport Naval Base for the first time on 2 November 1949. the Dockyard immediately began work to completely disarm the ship and build a new, large, charthouse aft, where the hydrographers could plot their soundings and prepare their Fair Charts.

LACHLAN sailed just 12 days later to begin her first survey; Dockyard staff remained aboard to complete the fit-out of the new charthouse. the high priority areas in need of up-to-date charts were the entrance to Wellington Harbour and the approaches to Bluff. After three weeks surveying in Cook strait, LACHLAN remained in Wellington for Christmas then sailed for Bluff on 2 January, setting a pattern of hard work and minimal holidays that became a hallmark of the Hydrographic Branch.

these surveys also set another benchmark; the new charts could not be produced in the uK – there the RN

hydrographers had a backlog for their own work and it would take two years to print the new NZ charts – so between the Department of Lands and survey and the government Printer, monitored closely by LACHLAN’s surveyors, the new charts were soon printed.

LACHLAN’s routine became well established; during the summer months she surveyed in New Zealand coastal waters, with working visits to most of the New Zealand ports. this was a time when coastal shipping was still important (there was no long-distance trucking and ‘big rigs’ were a thing of the future) so many smaller ports and wharves were used by the coasters. the long jetty at tolaga Bay, for example, survives from that era.

During each winter LACHLAN usually surveyed ports and waters of the south Pacific islands; Fiji, Western samoa (as it then was), the Cook Islands, tonga, Niue, and tokelau, were all considered to be in New Zealand’s area of charting responsibility. the ship also voyaged to Australia, the gilbert and Ellice Islands (today Kiribati) and to tahiti; naturally the Hydrographers took and plotted ocean soundings en route.

During 1953 the ship took a temporary break from surveying and provided air-sea rescue cover for the England-Christchurch international air race. the race was won by an RAF Canberra bomber, but with a Dutch DC-6 (carrying passengers, migrants to NZ) winning on handicap.

Later that same year LACHLAN and the two survey MLs joined the Royal Yacht gOtHIC and, with HMNZs BLACK PRINCE, formed the close escort for the Queen’s arrival in Auckland.

When in 1957 the British decided to undertake their Hydrogen Bomb tests at Christmas and Malden Islands in the central Pacific, New Zealand provided LACHLAN to undertake necessary surveying before the British task force could anchor there.

Part 2Before WWii, the surveying of the NZ coast had been an admiralty responsibility, with a proud heritage going all the way back to captain cook. HmS eNdeavour, a coal-burning steam ship (with attractive yacht-like lines) was deployed by the admiralty to New Zealand in 1937, with her operations in New Zealand waters funded and controlled by the marine department in Wellington.

By richard Jackson

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29

One unexpected task in 1960 was to rapidly locate and accurately chart Anchorite Rock in the Hauraki gulf; this rock pinnacle was apparently well known to local fishermen but in an era of lead-line and single-beam echo sounders had been missed by official surveys. Reputedly the local fishermen did not draw attention to its absence when the Hauraki gulf charts were published.

the submarine ANCHORItE (one of the 4th submarine Division based in sydney and co-funded by the RAN and RNZN) was proceeding submerged when her bow hit the rock. the submarine surfaced safely and limped back to Auckland to report the ‘unknown obstruction’. LACHLAN surveyed the area as a matter of urgency and the A-class submarine’s name is now immortalised on the charts.

Other specific survey work, adding value to ‘NZ Inc’, was for the oil refinery at Marsden Point, in Doubtful sound for the Manapouri power station, in Cook strait for the inter-island power cables and, for the iron-sand loading facilities at Waipipi and taharoa (off the North Island’s west coast).

LACHLAN’s status as a loan ship continued year by year, presumably on a handshake basis between the Chief of Naval staff and his Australian counterpart. But in 1963 the ship was bought outright, being valued at £16,000 (which equates to $1,240,000 in today’s dollars).

LACHLAN was kept up-to-date in terms of her hydrographic equipment; in 1949 she was given the latest available high definition surface radar; in 1950 a small scientific laboratory was fitted for oceanographic work and in 1958 she embarked the (then) high-tech two-range Decca electronic navigation system (known as 2RD). the year before she had embarked a tellurometer, a man-portable, 35 mile (56km) ranged distance measuring electronic system for establishing accurate base line distances.

A refit in 1955 improved her accommodation, fitting bunks in place of hammocks and a central galley for cafeteria-style messing. In 1961 part of the Quarterdeck was plated in to increase internal accommodation; five years later a flight deck was fitted over the Quarterdeck, for use by the new Wasp helicopters. Over subsequent years various civilian helicopters on contract also used the flight deck, as did RNZAF Iroquois.

When in December 1960 the port of Bluff formally opened its new port (featuring extensive reclaimed land, new wharves and sophisticated mechanised loading facilities) LACHLAN was the RNZN representative and arrived with due ceremony to berth in front of the assembled dignitaries. As she approached, a flight of RNZAF Canberra bombers flew past in salute.

Over the years LACHLAN took part in various search and rescue missions; one example occurred in November 1963, when the American ketch HuNAKAI was feared missing off the East Coast after southerly gales battered the region. An RNZAF Dakota was launched to search and found the yacht drifting without power and its suite of sails torn. LACHLAN was directed to the scene and subsequently towed the yacht to gisborne.

throughout all this time LACHLAN had her wartime open bridge, which had long been an issue for the ‘Drogs’. the enclosure for the Bridge was designed and prefabricated at the Dockyard, but it was kept in an obscure corner until the 1970-71 refit. the writer was told at that time that some of the WWII-era senior officers thought that open bridges were good enough for them in the war, then why should the ‘Drogs’ need an enclosed bridge!

LACHLAN’s last survey season was in 1974, by that time she had steamed over 500,000 nm in RNZN service. the decision had already been taken to replace LACHLAN and a farewell cruise of eight New Zealand ports was planned. the first ‘farewell’ port was gisborne – always a good run ashore. But high winds were blowing on departure day and the ship swung across the narrow basin, damaging one propeller and the rudder. subsequently LACHLAN limped home to Auckland and was paid off, as planned, on ‘River Plate Day’ 1974.

It was an anti-climactic ending to an impressive career; the war-built frigate had served both Australia and New Zealand well and the Hydrographic Branch of the RNZN had conducted surveys and produced charts to the highest international standards. HMNZs LACHLAN takes an honoured place in our Navy’s history.

RIVER CLAss FRIgAtEs 29

30

By aWTr dannielle Keegan

PEARL HARBOR VIsIt

Pearl harBor reView

on Wednesday 14th June I was able to visit Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, located in O’ahu, Hawai’i. My host was PO1 Mulvaney, who is my

administrative counterpart within the us Navy. He was kind enough to pick me up from my hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu and bring me to the Base.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was originally two separate bases – one for Navy and one for Air Force. After the attack on Pearl Harbour during World War II on December 7 1941, the base was combined into one. the original fence dividing the two sides is still there today. After the events of september 11 in 2001, security was tightened up enormously, including armed guards on duty.

the Navy side of the base splits itself into two sections – surface and submarine. Both have their own dry docks and maintenance warehouses, which are tightly secured; access is granted to ships’ Company of those ships in maintenance only. In contrast to our accommodations, sailors up to the rank of Petty Officer third Class are required to live on base; Petty Officer second Class and above are able to apply to live off base. those who are married are able to apply to live off base, or in service housing on base.

the us Navy also conducts Colours and sunset ceremonies, but there are small differences to ours. For Colours in the morning, instead of piping hands and bell ringers, the National Anthem is played over loudspeaker. When ships are in port visiting, their National Anthem is played as well. During a large exercise like RIMPAC, Colours could go on for 20-30 minutes!

Hold onto your beards lads! Male sailors are not permitted to grow beards, unless it is for medical reasons. this was implemented in the 1970s and has been the status quo ever since.

Female sailors are not permitted their hair below the top of their collar, so all wear their hair in a bun. We are quite lucky with being able to have several different styles.*

their uniforms are like what you see on the movies - the general working dress has camouflage pattern, and their dress uniforms are khaki brown. sailors have black trousers, while senior rates and officers have brown trousers. their full dress uniforms are similar in style to ours, however their black silk is sewn on, and it is much easier to don.

I was lucky enough to get a tour of the uss HALsEY, an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer (similar to

the uss JOHN PAuL JONEs in the movie Battleship). the HALsEY is considered a small ship, however is larger than our frigates, with a ship’s Company of 270. their on-watch Quartermaster wears full dress whites while on the brow, and all sailors and officers are required to salute the quarterdeck when passing. When embarking and disembarking on the brow, everyone turns to stern and salutes the ensign, as opposed to saluting when crossing the brow onto the ship like we do. sailors are very specialised in their trades, with many contained within one branch. For example, my job as a Writer is split into Personnel specialist (who deals with pay) and Yeoman (who do a bit of everything). they do not have multiple hats like we do, with one person having multiple jobs. the sailors were shocked when I told them about my roles as ship’s Writer on board HMNZs WELLINgtON.

A busy day on base complete, PO1 Mulvaney and I said our goodbyes, and we met with Commander David turner, who is the NZDF Liason Officer to the us INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND. He also works with the New Zealand Consulate in Honolulu.

CDR turner took me to his offices in downtown Honolulu, and I met the team at the NZ Consulate. their office has a wonderful view over the harbour, and the small team at the Consulate are very friendly. they are there not only to assist New Zealanders with any consular issues they may have, but the Consulate also promotes and protects New Zealand’s interests in the area. CDR turner is there to provide advice from a military perspective to the Consul-general, Ms Karena Lyons. I gave Ms Lyons a quick overview on the activities WELLINgtON has conducted so far this year, and gave her my final WgN patch as a keepsake. she was quite impressed with what our ship has accomplished so far this year.

I look forward to visiting Pearl Harbor on one of our ships in the future, and am glad to have made a new oppo over the Pacific. I look forward to the next time I can visit Hawai’i.

*since this story was written, the us Navy has relaxed regulations for female personnel.

From left, Mr David Treacher (Deputy Consul-General), AWTR Dannielle Keegan, Ms Karena Lyons (Consul-General), CDR David Turner (NZDF Liaison Officer).

31

By marie arnott, press officer royal Navy

friday 6 July marked the completion of the SHamaN course in the maritime intelligence exploitation group (mixg) Headquarters at HmS coLLiNgWood.

the occasion was marked by the course giving a presentation on the equipment to a number of guests, followed by the presentation of certificates.

the course was eight weeks long, with students from the Royal Navy (4) and Royal New Zealand Navy (5). the instructors were all uK personnel. the course is a mixture of theory and live environment training (in a trainer).

this course showed, once again, the close links between the two Navies, with the Royal Navy providing training to one of its closest partners. the students also developed a closer understanding of the respective Navies and now have good contacts. In additionally, as the equipment is new to both of the Navies it will provide good opportunities to share best practice and learn from each other’s activity in the future.

sHAMAN is an essential Information surveillance targeting and Reconnaissance (IstAR) tool in the delivery of Maritime Force Protection, security and manoeuvre.

the end of course presentation was attended by Deputy Assistant Chief Of staff Naval Intelligence, Captain Barry Doig RN; New Zealand Naval Advisor Commander David Crossman RNZN and Commanding Officer of MIXg, Commander Roger Noyce RN.

Course member, Able Communications technician Calvin Basso RN said “It was a tough course, but it’s good to now have the knowledge of such a great bit of kit, and beneficial to train alongside the Royal New Zealand Navy and see how they’re going to use it as well. All in all a great experience and I think I speak on behalf of the whole course when I say how much both Navies have gained from training together”.

Course colleague Able Communications technician Kevin Lloyd RNZN, said “the course was professionally taught and supported by a great training facility. It was an opportunity for us to build relationships and share sME knowledge, I personally have made life time friends. I am excited for the possiblity of up and coming Cts to be able to do this course in the near future and continue to strengthen the RN and RNZN relationship”.

uK anD nZ together on shaMan

researCh in nZDf is Changingthe New Zealand Defence Force has new rules in place around all research related to people.

the Defence Force Order covering research has been expanded to include all human-related research that uses members of the NZDF as participants (including health and human performance), research conducted by NZDF members in the course of their professional duties, or research that has been commissioned by NZDF.

Before a new research project is given approval to get underway, it will need to be reviewed and endorsed by a new NZDF Research Ethics Committee.

In the last century, there have been a number of cases both internationally and in New Zealand of research being harmful to participants, and this has resulted in basic ethical principles being developed to protect participants. All NZDF members have a right to be informed about any research prior to giving consent to participate. NZDF members may not be ordered to participate in any research activity, and may not be punished for withdrawing or refusing to participate.

If NZDF personnel or civilian members of staff are asked to participate in research but aren’t sure whether it has been through the approval process, they can get in touch with the OrgResearch team. All research is voluntary, so no one has to participate if they don’t want to.

anyone in the NZdf wanting to get research approved can contact orgresearch@nzdf.mil.nz.

32

The Aumangea programme has the mission to grow the spirit and belief in an individual so that they may win, regardless of the environment.

this is something Able seaman Combat specialist Janneke Olthuis excelled at in the programme earlier this year, and she is the first female to top it.

AsCs Olthuis said she was surprised but also filled with pride when she discovered in the final days of the programme she had come out on top.

“I was surprised. I am not a feminist but I do believe that nobody is limited by anything, everyone is just as strong as the next person, and it’s just a mind-set.

“I know there were others who deserved the trophy too, and hope that me topping the programme inspires others to give it a go and do the same things as I don’t see a reason why anyone can’t be that person,” she said.

the Aumangea programme, which runs for 35 days, focuses on the operational mindset to place the students in high tempo, fluid situations where the unknown is a large factor. Having faced trials unknown by many and having put their true self to the test, the aim for the students is to return and be a force for change regardless of rank or position.

feMale toPs auMangea By charlene Williamson, Senior communications advisor (South), defence public affairs

AsCs Olthuis said that the programme was really valuable and taught her to take a step back and look at what is around her and apply that to everyday life.

“I was able to transfer it into my everyday life at home by learning what was necessary and what wasn’t, what mattered and what didn’t, what I wanted and what I didn’t want.

“I even knew what I wanted to do with my career and what was next for me, something I was trying to figure out,” she said.

she said the programme gave her the opportunity to put evaluations on herself under a microscope, into practical scenarios, get to know the real her and how to improve to be the best she can be.

“It is totally true that the body will do as much as the mind tells it to but we create excuses to let ourselves think we can’t.

“the programme pushed me through any of my excuses and although we didn’t really say it aloud, we all had them, but we pushed them aside ourselves,” she said.

AsCs Olthuis said that she would definitely recommend the programme to others.

“It is not about your physical or mental ability, it is about your willingness to learn more, to never stop and better yourself no matter what level or position you are in. I knew at the end holding the trophy that I had proven this to myself.”

At time of writing, AsCs Olthuis had been asked to take on an instructor’s role with the Aumangea programme.

If you want to take part in the Aumangea programme contact the Army Depot.

“There is no reason not to give it a go. You can do just as well as anyone else and if you don’t already believe this, I urge you to try.”

– AsCs Janneke Olthuis

32 AuMANgEA PROgRAMME

33

Fitness, trust and bonding as a team were themes explored during hands-on activities hosted by the Navy at an Auckland primary school last month.

Fourteen crewmembers from HMNZs tE KAHA spent most of a sunny day at their affiliated school, Bailey Road school, hosting a series of Navy evolutions for over 100 senior pupils.

students took part in tug-of-war, bucketball, knot tying, trust falls, electric fence problem-solving, uckers and dress-up.

Petty Officer Marine technician (Propulsion) tony Kotlowski said they received a request from the school for some fun activities to tie in with the school’s current study topic of bonding together. Bailey Road school has been the ship’s official Auckland charity for over 20 years. “the kids loved it,” he said. “In fact, I think they were enjoying themselves too much. I reckon they tie knots better than we can, for sure.”

BonDing oVer gaMes

teacher Michelle smith, who made the request of tE KAHA, said the Navy personnel provided a great variety of activities. “they’ve all been smiling and having a great time. We’ve been learning about bonding together, and looking at how it’s 250 years since Captain Cook landed in New Zealand. We’ve been learning about navigation and compass points. so I thought it would be a good time for the Navy to come here, to work as a community and do this team building.”

Warrant Officer Marine technician (Propulson) Desmond Rangiwai, tE KAHA’s Command Warrant Officer, gifted his coin to Kauri Rekohu Reriti-Mallard, year 8, for giving the thank-you speech.

FuN At sCHOOL

Meritorius serViCe BooKthere were only 26 recipients of the New Zealand Meritorious service Medal (MsM) and now a book, authored by Lieutenant Commander Ralph McNabb RNZNR, details them all as a permanent record. the MsM was awarded to members of the RNZN between 1985 and 2013, after which the award was discontinued. the book is available for purchase, $35 P&P, queries to ralphmcnabb@xtra.co.nz.

TE KAHA crew with the year 7s and 8s from Bailey Road School.

POMT(P) Anthony Kotlowski supervises the tug of war.

34 INVICtus gAMEs sPONsORs

nZDF’s Invictus games teams over the years could not do what they do without the generous support of their sponsors, sydney 2018 team member Chief

Petty Officer Writer Bart Couprie says.

His comments follow a Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) driving challenge and an evening at Eden Park hosted by the Auckland RsA.

“the ‘old’ vets continue to reach out to the ‘new’ vets, and we are truly grateful. the backing we have received from the Christchurch Memorial and Auckland RsAs year after year is central to our success as a team,” CPOWtR Couprie said.

Auckland RsA president graham gibson said agreeing to sponsor the NZDF Invictus games team was the quickest decision it had ever made.

“It’s a no brainer for us to help them. It’s not about the money. It’s about making them aware that we care and we’re there for them.

“they’ve all had a hard day in the office.”

Christchurch Memorial RsA president Pete Dawson said the team was a great cause to sponsor.

“the RsA is all about veterans’ welfare, so it’s a logical cause for us to support. It’s a way for us to assist the more contemporary veterans on top of what we do traditionally with our older veterans, which could be cataract operations or hearing aids, that sort of thing,” Mr Dawson said.

JLR is the global sponsor of the games and has been holding drive days for the team, to get them used to the vehicles; two members from each of the 18 teams competing in the games will face off in a JLR driving challenge in sydney.

“the Auckland drive day was just so much fun; the professionalism and expertise of the drivers and how they shared everything with us was fantastic,” CPOWtR Couprie said.

JLR national marketing manager Luke Meurant said JLR New Zealand was keen for the NZDF team to have a “much better than fighting chance” at doing well in the challenge, hence the drive days.

Fulton Hogan is another sponsor that feels its culture is a “huge fit” with that of the NZDF.

Partnership manager Kenny Didham said the team was inspirational for the company’s 3000-odd staff, and the talks team members gave to the company were often an eye-opener. One such talk had resulted in the company offering extra support for staff, after a number identified with the anxiety raised by a speaker.

“to us that is huge. We’ve [found] four out of 60 who heard the talk but we’ve got 3000 employees – how many do we have with similar issues,” he said.

the Invictus games sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover will take place from 20-27 October 2018. Competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 different adaptive sports with events being held across greater sydney, including sydney Olympic Park and on and around the iconic sydney Harbour.

the NZDF team’s journey can be followed on: facebook.com/NZinvictusTeam and instagram.com/NZinvictusTeam

lanD roVer for inViCtus

naVy anD frienDs Marathon weeKFollowing on from the success of the Navy Half Marathon in April, organisers have announced a Navy and Friends Marathon week to run over 22 – 28 October.

Regardless of where you are, results can be collated using the online app “strava” (or an official race result), enabling people to compete in different locations and at a time that suits them.

During the week of 22-28 October, you need to run 42.2km using the “strava” App and your result will be recorded.

to enter, simply create your personal profile on the “strava” app, join the “Navy and friends” running group, add the “Navy and Friends Marathon Week” to your event calendar, and begin your training!

For those wanting the prestige of an event to run in, the week includes the Auckland Marathon on 28 October. More details can be found at www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz, team name Navy and Friends.

In April Navy personnel participated from around the globe, but for those deployed, please be mindful of operational security requirements when using the “strava” App.

You can run the marathon in four lots of 11km, for example, or do it as one continuous run, which will put you in the running for trophies.

For more information, or ideas for training, email LtCDR scott Mcgregor at scott.mcgregor@nzdf.mil.nz.

35

the military women who are working alongside 1(NZ) sAs Regiment members as part of the Female Engagement team (FEt)

say adaptability, flexibility and a high level of fitness are key to their role.

the FEt deployed on exercise overseas recently for the first time, and their contribution has been praised by the soldiers they worked alongside.

“I look back at the many times we have deployed without a FEt – and know now that it will make us more precise and agile and will amplify the NZDF’s capability. We are already a diverse group of tri-service men and women, so it’s great to have more female sOF in my hangar, it only makes us better, ” says Warrant Officer Class One F, a senior enlisted leader in the special Operations task unit.

the FEt was established last year to support special Operations Force (sOF) objectives. Its primary role is to engage with local women and adolescents where the sOF are involved and in situations where it would be culturally unacceptable to involve male sOF operators.

FEt women receive training in soldier survivability, operational orientation, general and regional culture, engagement, face-to-face communication, and gathering tactical information.

“the FEt is a NZDF asset that over time will grow, promote and develop combat-capable female leaders who will return to their trades and services better than when they left,” says the Commanding Officer of the NZsAs.

are you interested in joining the fet?

FEt assessment testing will be in November 2018, with selected applicants conducting training in 2019, or 2020 depending career requirements.

Nominations are open now. For more information visit http://org/nzsof/LP/Recruiting.aspx.

applicants are required to be:

• Rank LCPL – ssgt (E), 2Lt – CAPt (E)) (or equivalent RNZN, RNZAF).

• Physically fit – RFL within six months.

• Agile, Determined, Resilient, Adaptable, Ready for a challenge!

feMale engageMent teaM

rnZn antarCtiC Veterans reunionA proposed reunion of all naval personnel who have taken part in Operation Deep Freeze and southern Ocean operations to be held at the Rangiora RsA over Queen’s Birthday weekend 2019.

those most welcome are crew from HMNZ ships ENDEAVOuRs 1 and 2, Loch Class Frigates PuKAKI and ROtOItI, OPVs WELLINgtON and OtAgO, tE KAHA and those on tARANAKI’s Medevac May/June 1966.

the intent is to gather old and serving hands under one roof, to swap tales of icebergs and rough seas.

expressions of interest to: Bill Lochrie 021 040 3511, bill.lochrie@xtra.co.nz or peter Stent 021 624 559 pstent@snap.net.nz

50 year reunionA 50th reunion for the BCt Intake of January 1969 will be held on the weekend 25-27 January 2019. the reunion will be held at Devonport Naval Base and Ngataringa sports Complex.

for any further information please contact:Bill peni 0210630577, or ian Stewart 0274523358, or fred Wilkins 021442430 or join us on our facebook page. cLaSS of 22 JaN 69 reuNioN

rnZn artifiCer aPPrentiCes assoCiation reunion lunCh 2019the Biannual Lunch is being held at the RNZN Ngataringa Bay sports Complex in Devonport, Auckland on saturday 25 May 2019 from 1100 to 1430.

All those who joined the RNZN as an Artificer Apprentice are cordially invited to the Luncheon. Wives, Partners and Widows are also most welcome to attend.

for registration forms please contact either:andy francis email: andy.francis@xtra.co.nz mobile: 0274 740 050

or chris cooper email: cmcooper@xtra.co.nz mobile: 021 078 5769

hMnZs otago assoCiation 2019 reunionIncluding All ships, to be held at Birkenhead RsA, Auckland on saturday 6 April 2019. Note this is a one day event. Program will be along lines of 1500 Muster; 1600 Otago AgM; 1700 Pre-dinner drinks; 1800 Buffet dinner; Pipe down on completion.

details to be further promulgated in claymore Newsletter and www.hmnzsotago.org.

attention all MeMBers of intaKe BCt 1/70Our 50th anniversary reunion is being held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend 2020. Come along and chew the fat and swing the lantern with your old mates.

for all enquiries contact alan Smith by email to the.miffs@xtra.co.nz

safety awarDs now oPen

Email NZDFSafety@nzdf.mil.nz for more info

ENtriES cloSE 14 SEptEmbEr