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issue 214 SEPTEMBER 2017
T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f T h e s e a
THANKS FROM U.S. COMMANDER
NEW DEPUTY CHIEF OF NAVY
DEFENCE BLACKS VICTORY
cover image: aDm Scott Swift aDDreSSeS te KaHa’S crew.
PHoto: Po cHriS weiSSeNBorN
contents NAVY TODAY ISSUE 214 2017
04
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 215 October issue 15 September NT 216 November issue 15 October NT 217 December issue 15 NovemberSubject to change.
eDitor: Andrew Bonallack
Defence Public Affairs
HQ NZ Defence Force
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand
DeSigN & LaYoUt: Defence Public Affairs
PriNt: As part of a Government multi-agency
initiative the NZDF has changed to a single
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This magazine is now printed by Blue Star.
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quality of this publication is welcomed.
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04 THANKS FROM U.S. COMMANDER
06 NEW DEPUTY CHIEF OF NAVY
08 OTAGO’S GOOD WORKS
16 NEW RECRUITS SIGN ON
24 SOUTHERN KATIPO 2017
27 LEAVING NZDF
28 MARITIME TRADE ORGANISATIONS
33 LETTER FROM DAME VERA
34 DEFENCE BLACKS VICTORY
16 34
3YOURS AYE
yours aye
CHIEF OF NAVYRear Admiral John Martin
In previous editions I have written about the expansive maritime
area in which we operate. From the Arabian Gulf to Antarctica,
we send our people and our ships to conduct operations at
sea, and we contribute to missions ashore too. By operating in
these places, you develop a sense of familiarity and understanding.
Success requires the development of relationships that create trust
in which endeavours are shared.
Inside this Navy Today you will find evidence of our place in the
South West Pacific. Our involvement is comprehensive, deep and
vital to our mission to advance our interests from the sea. Although
sometimes overlooked as we rush to manage relationships in the
wider region – the South Pacific region, our region, is our oceanic
home. Here with our neighbours, we enjoy cultural and familial
ties, share the same concerns on climate change, transnational
crime, illegal and unreported fishing, and the effects of disasters; all
of these impact on our collective maritime security that is so critical
to our shared hopes and aspirations.
Through the lens of this Navy Today, you will see that New Zealand,
and the NZDF in particular, is invested in the region. Whether it’s
through the conduct of maritime security operations, the delivery
of training, sharing information or a myriad of other activities,
our role is to support our neighbours. As the RNZN we work
with our regional maritime security partners, sharing the burden
of maintaining the international legal frameworks that assure
economic stability, regional development and prosperity.
To underscore this point, during September we conducted the
inaugural meeting of the heads of South West Pacific maritime
forces1. Along with Assistant Commissioner Mike Rusbatch from the
New Zealand Police, I was privileged to host this meeting, aimed at
increasing cooperation, the ability to work together, and trust and
confidence between the heads of the member navies and maritime
law enforcement agencies. Until this meeting, there had not been a
forum that provided the principals a place to speak and build bonds,
something of particular importance given the rapid evolution of
maritime security threats and challenges that demand joined-up
regional responses.
As you would expect of neighbours, we not only found we share
the same concerns, but it was gratifying to see that we have tools
in common to address them. These include committed leadership,
maritime subject matter expertise, and response assets tailored to
the operational environment. Most importantly, we now have the
ability to speak collectively as the voice of the neighbourhood’s
maritime security practitioners, in order to better contribute to
the development of domestic and regional policy, strategies and
practical initiatives. It was resolved that we would meet regularly to
address this.
The idea of such a meeting was sparked by an accidental get-
together of some of the regional maritime heads at another
international forum. It could have been left at that, but rather than
drift into mediocrity, we aspired to do more and to excel. We seized
the initiative, and something significant and meaningful resulted.
Yours Aye,
Chief of Navy
1. Membership includes the heads of navies of Australia, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and New Zealand; and the heads of the maritime police forces of Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The New Zealand Police is also represented.
44 THANKS FROM U.S. COMMANDER
By Suzi Phillips, Senior communications advisor (North)
The bonds of friendship between the United States and New Zealand navies continue to flourish.
top of page: the crew of HmNZS te KaHa assemble on the flight deck to meet aDm Scott Swift.
above: aDm Swift in conversation with cDre Jim gilmour, maritime component commander, as they leave te KaHa.
That was the message from the United States Commander
of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, when he visited the
Devonport Naval Base in August.
ADM Swift was a keynote speaker at the RNZN Fleet Warfare
Forum where he thanked New Zealand for offering HMNZS TE
KAHA to take the place of USS FITZGERALD when that ship
suffered a collision at sea on 17 June, claiming the lives of seven
American sailors.
“A crisis never occurs at the time and place of our choosing, and
as security professionals it’s impossible to put a price on the value
of the relationship we have with New Zealand, where friends
help friends navigate the errant storms that darken each other’s
shorelines and the seas we sail.”
“Having TE KAHA as part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group during
their deployment was an excellent learning experience for both
navies and we thank you for allowing that.”
ADM Swift also visited TE KAHA in Devonport and personally
thanked her commanding officer, Commander Steve Lenik, and his
crew for their assistance in July.
“Our sailors loved the interaction with the Kiwis and the New
Zealand sailors I’ve spoken to have said the same,” ADM Swift said.
“I’m encouraged that the bonds of friendship forged between our
navies during World War II continue to flourish today.”
BONDS OF friendship flourish
5
top of page: a/caPt Simon rooke listens to aDm Swift’s address during the fleet warfare forum.
THANKS FROM U.S. COMMANDER
“It’s important to note the genesis of the assistance that New
Zealand offered us after the USS FITZGERALD calamity,” he said.
“It was a cellphone call from me to [Rear Admiral] John [Martin].
That is because we already had a relationship of mutual trust.”
Chief of Navy, RADM John Martin said having TE KAHA join the 7th
Fleet had nothing to do with reciprocal support. “It’s just what any
friend would do when called upon by another in time of need.”
“For us the deployment provided an opportunity to demonstrate
New Zealand’s commitment to regional security,” he said.
During the recent Fleet Warfare Forum in Auckland, ADM Swift
said his visit was “recognition of the importance of maritime
forces within this region to maintain security and of the history
that we share together – from the time we first fought shoulder
to shoulder in WWI”.
“It was about 75 years ago that American sailors, soldiers and
marines first arrived in New Zealand to help prepare these islands
for combat in the Pacific. Thankfully the war never reached this far,”
he said.
“Since then we have advanced together in other wars and the Kiwis
have served alongside the US with distinction. The same bonds of
friendship continue to flourish today.”
ADM Swift said it takes a sustained engagement for a partnership
to grow, mentioning the recent TALISMAN SABER exercise that
involved both the US strike groups and the Australian and New
Zealand amphibious groups.
“That exercise alone involved more than 31,000 personnel and
showed our combined forces can move an impressive amount of
combat power quickly,” he said.
“One of the most important things I do is build relationships, for
the simple reason that, certainly among sailors, there is a clear
understanding that the collective challenges we face are best faced
together rather than individually.”
“Trust is an essential asset to draw on within the expanses of the
Indo-Pacific,” he said. “And it forms the foundation of the military
exercises that we participate in.”
The inaugural Fleet Warfare Forum at Devonport, on 16 to 18
August, was themed on “Ready for Operations – How do we secure
New Zealand’s Interests at Sea”, with international partners from
Australia, United States and France attending.
The first day and a half focused at officers and senior ratings
with high level discussions on the RNZN Strategic Vision; recent
deployments to north-east Asia; territorial claims; cyber warfare
and capability replacement projects. The second part of the
conference was aimed at junior ratings and included more tactical
level discussions.
“One of the most important things I do is build relationships... there is a clear understanding that the collective challenges we face are best faced together rather than individually.” - Admiral Scott Swift
6
DISCIPLINE HELPS keep us safeBy Suzi Phillips, Senior communications advisor (North)
The importance of core values, as the foundation of discipline,
was emphasised by the new Deputy Chief of Navy,
Commodore Mat Williams as he was inducted into that role
in Devonport last month.
“Only those of us who have served at sea, can truly understand
the challenges. It’s an unforgiving environment and in the last
two months, two US ships have had collisions, both with loss of
life,” he told the more than 300 sailors and guests at the Change of
Command ceremony . “These tragic events took place in areas where
we often operate.”
“You will all be aware, and some of you were there, when TE KAHA
supported the 7th fleet in the wake of the USS FITZGERALD tragedy,”
said CDRE Williams. “The USS JOHN S. MCCAIN was in a similar
incident this week at the entrance to the Malacca Straits, which is a
strait we often transit, more often than we enter Auckland harbour.”
“These incidents are a stark reminder of the dangers we face at sea.”
CDRE Williams noted that it is discipline that helps us overcome
these very real dangers. “It’s this very same discipline that starts
with parade training, it’s what gets up for the middle watch, and
ensures we keep a proper look out and don’t cut corners – that we
follow orders, especially when we don’t agree with them.”
“It’s also this discipline that enabled our US shipmates of the
FITZGERALD and the MCCAIN, to save their ships - in the face of
adversity and in the most challenging of circumstances. We never
give up the ship.”
CDRE Williams said that discipline was built on something far
more fundamental. “It’s built on our shared values - values that
we share with our army, air force and civilian colleagues, as well as
many of our military friends and allies”: Courage, Commitment and
Comradeship.
He said the challenge was to get on with the job, especially in trying
circumstances, and to ask for help when needed.
“Our values are pretty easy when things are going well. But they
are much harder to live by when the going gets tough, but they are
fundamental and are the bedrock on which the Navy is anchored.
“We need to live them 24/7,” said CDRE Williams. “They are non-
negotiable. Four years ago we introduced the Navy creed which
says who we are, what we represent and reinforces our idea of
sailors and being in the Navy. It represents all of us.”
CDRE Williams quoted the Navy creed - noting that like many
sailors, he had never spoken the creed in public.
During his address at the Change of Command ceremony, he also
acknowledged the work of the outgoing Deputy Chief, Commodore
David Gibbs.
“Three days ago CDRE Gibbs and I, started our hand over. What
quickly became apparent was the enormous range of responsibility
and the breadth of interest of the Deputy Chief of Navy,” he said.
“What was also apparent was the esteem in which CDRE Gibbs was
held, and what a sterling job he has done in 20 months as the DCN.
“In his typical fashion, he has down-played his leadership in
the Navy’s successes and all within the context of the Kaikoura
earthquake and his demanding schedule, that is the lot of the DCN.”
Of note, CDRE Gibbs was awarded a Chief of Navy commendation
at the parade, reflecting his exceptional performance as the DCN.
NEW DEPUTY CHIEF
7
GUARD OUR reputation well
NEW DEPUTY CHIEF
By Suzi Phillips, Senior communications advisor (North)
The exchange of a pounamu mere signified the handing over of a huge workload by Naval Support Commander and Deputy Chief of Navy Commodore David Gibbs to
Commodore Mat Williams.
CDRE Gibbs said it was a privilege to serve as DCN because of the opportunities it afforded and for the ability of the position to effect real and meaningful change, when he spoke at the Change of Command ceremony at Devonport Naval Base last month.
“In the past 18 months we have secured the frigate upgrades, the contract to replace ENDEAVOUR with AOTEAROA, and delivered a seaworthiness framework that ensures safety targets are met,” he said.
“We have built an enviable reputation over the past few years at sea, at home and abroad and completed many exercises, including Op NEPTUNE, supporting Kaikoura, Op CRUCIBLE and TALISMAN SABER. And we have responded to the loss of ASA Tua in Samoa.
The handover of command took place with the exchange of the ceremonial mere that represents the land-based naval support command and with the words “I have the Navy Support Command” from new DCN, CDRE Williams.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral John Martin welcomed CDRE Williams and his family back from the United Kingdom where he has been studying. “Welcome to this role as the champion of our Navy and a senior leader in our Defence Force. Our mission is to be a world-class Navy for a large maritime nation and Mat, as part of the naval systems leadership team, you are going to lead us through the next crucial years as we execute our role in the NZDF strategic plan.”
He outlined the global challenges from those ”who seek to extend their interests at our expense” and said that CDRE Williams’ ability to create strategic relationships will be essential. “We need to build trust through relationships, so that we can co-operate with allies and friends and other like-minded nations when the government requires us and advance our combined interests,” he said.
“As you heard, David says you are going to work with a wonderful and inspiring group of naval and defence personnel who have at
heart, the interests of putting our ships at sea to conduct a wide range of tasks. We are looking forward to working with you as you bring your knowledge, expertise and leadership abilities… and wish you all the best as our new DCN,” said RADM Martin.
He then turned his attention to his outgoing Chief of Navy and Naval Support Commander, CDRE Gibbs.
“Over the last 20 months, David Gibbs has led the Naval Support Command and wider Naval family with a great skill and fine judgement,” he said. “As our DCN he has led it through significant challenges and at times he has executed his role above and beyond what we normally expect.
RDM Martin noted his “calm, level-headed manner”, empowering his team and demonstrating his leadership skills with the “nuanced management of operational and organisation management during the highly complex Navy 75th anniversary, Operation NEPTUNE”.
He also praised CDRE Gibbs for the implementation and operationalisation of the NZDF Seaworthiness Authority. “It was his initiative from inception and as DCN he saw the benefit and it has become a highly effective and trusted part of our system. His work has seen the framework mature as a credible engineering and operational force that has at its heart, the focus of keeping our sailors safe and our ships in war-fighting condition,” he said.
RDM Martin said CDRE Gibbs’ leadership after Kaikoura last year must be specifically recognised. “He worked quickly to re-establish the Naval functions in a new location in Wellington, ensuring that key leadership role ran smoothly. In an enterprise that expects its senior officers to have excellent skills, David Gibbs has demonstrated superior organisational ability and acted in a manner that is in the highest tradition of the RNZN for which I now commend him.”
top left: cDre David gibbs reviews the ceremonial guard during the change of command ceremony for Deputy chief of Navy.
top right: a parade ground haka for the departing Deputy chief of Navy, cDre David gibbs.
8 HMNZS OTAGO’S GOOD WORKS
HMNZS OTAGO was at the forefront of the fight against
illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing during
the latter half of Operation CALYPSO in the Pacific.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel’s patrols were part of work
undertaken by 10 member countries of the Forum Fisheries
Agency (FFA) and the Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group
comprising New Zealand, Australia, France and the United States.
Along with OTAGO, New Zealand contributed a RNZAF P-3K2
Orion to the hunt, which patrolled for three days and reported 60
vessels of interest.
IN PACIFIC FISHERIES PATROLSnZdf Boards Vessels26
By the nuMBers
comprising of
Along with HMNZS OTAGO, New Zealand contributed
a RNZAF P-3K2 Orion to the hunt
and reported
which patrolled for
60 vessels of interest.
days3
offshore patrol Vessel’s patrols
member countries of the undertaken by
foruM fisheries agency (ffa)
the Quadrilateral defence coordination group
10
9HMNZS OTAGO’S GOOD WORKS
But at the sharp end, OTAGO placed Ministry for Primary Industry
officials aboard 26 vessels during patrols in the exclusive economic
zones of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands and the adjacent high
seas pockets.
Lieutenant Commander Lorna Gray, the Commanding Officer
of OTAGO, said that among many minor breaches, four major
breaches were found. Shark fins were found on board one vessel,
she said. Another was found misreporting a large catch of big
eye tuna, while another was caught tampering with the vessel’s
monitoring system.
“Previous cases have shown that a significant percentage of IUU
activity across the region is being conducted by legally licensed
fishing vessels under- or misreporting their catch,” LTCDR Gray
said. “Physical inspection is the only way to verify that the catch is
being properly reported.”
Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the Air Component Commander,
said the patrols demonstrated New Zealand’s commitment to the
effort against IUU fishing, particularly with the direct enforcement
through actual boarding from ships like OTAGO.
AET Cheung’s skill as an interpreter was vital during
the Operation CALYPSO interceptions. Most fishing
vessels in Melanesian and Micronesian waters would have
Chinese or Taiwanese crews, with Chinese captains.
Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, AET Cheung would
be called to the bridge if the initial radio calls to the ship
received no response. “When we’re in range, we radio the
ship in English, but if we get no response, I come in.” That
scenario played out in nearly every case, with AET Cheung
explaining to the fishing vessel’s captain what OTAGO
wanted to do.
AET Cheung would then join the boarding party to head
over to the vessel, and introduce the ship’s captain to
the Ministry for Primary Industry officials. He says the
captain would often be reluctant to stop work, but his crew
appeared to welcome the break as the boarding party went
about their business.
He says the boarding parties got more practised
throughout the operation. “The first one took two
hours, but when we got the hang of it, we would do the
inspections in 30 to 45 minutes.”
He says it is very satisfying to catch illegal fishers. “If we
find the evidence, it’s like, yes! We’ve got you.”
AET Cheung’s family came to New Zealand in 1996, and
he joined the Navy five years ago. This is his second
Operation CALYPSO deployment, the previous being on
HMNZS WELLINGTON. “I like to travel, and the Navy goes
everywhere,” he says.
top of page: a cloud of spray heralds the arrival back of the boarding party.
above: members of the boarding party from HmNZS otago help each other on board a fishing vessel.
opposite page: the crew of HmNZS otago pose on the bow for a Ship’s company photo, while berthed at Honiara. Beside them is USS BarrY.
the boarding party heads out to investigate a vessel of interest.
above: the satisfaction of catching wrongdoers at sea is one of the high points for able electronics technician cheong cheung.
a vitaL traNSLator
10 HMNZS OTAGO’S GOOD WORKS
For many of the OTAGO crew, engaging with the sisters and families at the Christian Care Centre women’s refuge was the highlight of their Operation CALYPSO deployment.
When a call for volunteers went out among Ship’s
Company for a day’s work at the Christian Care Centre
in Honiara, there were more hands up than could be
spared from the ship.
Around 20 of the crew visited the centre, established to support
victims of domestic violence. The centre, which receives assistance
from the New Zealand government, is the only one of its kind in the
Solomon Islands.
The crew’s presence was thanks to the coordination by the NZDF
liaison officer to the Solomon Islands, Lieutenant Commander Phil
Rowe, who had visited the nuns in May to find out what the Navy
could do to support their work.
As a consequence, HMNZS OTAGO was loaded up with
donations of books and clothes, which were gratefully received
by the delighted sisters working at the centre. The crew also
broke out the paint and tools, engaging in repairs around the
centre and fixing the centre’s generator. Some played with the
children, while the chefs prepared a substantial sausage sizzle for
the volunteers and families.
Acting Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist Jack Walters,
OTAGO’s Chief Bosun’s Mate, said the volunteers spent a day
at the centre. “It felt like a very safe community,” he said. “Very
picturesque, very welcoming. It’s hidden away in the bush, 15
minutes’ drive, in a really out-of-the-way place. But when you get
there, it’s nice and open. The sisters were lovely.” He said they
understood what the Navy did, and the wider idea of being a
Making good in the soloMons
clockwise from top: LScS filomena Songivalu and aSa emarina Nikora read the donated books to children of the women at the refuge.
Karen rowe, the wife of NZDf Liaison officer LtcDr Phil rowe, stacks new books in the centre’s library.
crew from otago pose with the sisters at the christian care centre.
11HMNZS OTAGO’S GOOD WORKS
“Force for Good”. “They said they usually only had one or two
volunteers. To get 20 sailors there in one day, they reckoned they
got through two weeks’ work.” There was enough food left over
from the sausage sizzle, prepared by the crew, to last another day,
he said.
The children particularly bonded with the female sailors, he said,
but everyone enjoyed playing with them at the beach and during
soccer matches. “Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights.
Everyone agreed, this was worth doing.”
LTCDR Rowe said it was a great day. “Our appeal for donations was
greatly received in New Zealand. With the help of the NZ Defence
Attache to PNG, Lieutenant Samuel Hunter and the wife of the
PNG Honorary Consul-General in Auckland, Lorraine Antonovich,
OTAGO was able to bring us 17 banana boxes of books and about
10 bags of mixed clothing. Sister Phyllis was hugely appreciative of
the support given and judging by the mothers and pikininis they
also enjoyed looking at the books and getting some ‘new’ clothes.”
He says watching some of the Ship’s Company reading to the
children was a delight. “Just simple reading puts beaming smiles on
their faces.”
He said he and his wife Karen would continue to support the
Christian Care Centre throughout his posting.
clockwise from top: otago sailors tackle the centre’s generator.
a/PoScS Jack walters and Lt charlotte Burson paint a building.
a/PoScS walters plays with children on the beach.
During the Solomon islands’ visit, otago fronted a Sevens team to take on a Honiara Sevens team.
aSa emarina Nikora turns the sausages before the Navy volunteers shared a meal with the women of the refuge, their children, and the nuns that work there.
12 HMNZS HAWEA IN FIJI
OTAGO AT guadalcanalBy midshipman richard Horne
A wise man, George Santayana, once said, “Those who do
not remember history, are doomed to repeat it”. The Royal
New Zealand Navy and foreign navies around the world
know this to be true, and have a deeper connection with history
than some would suspect. So it was with a great sense of pride that
HMNZS OTAGO participated in the Guadalcanal 75th Anniversary
commemorations in the Solomon Islands during Operation
CALYPSO 02/17.
The Ship’s Company had the opportunity to remember the deeds of
the soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the battles of Guadalcanal during
WWII, where the US, Australians, Kiwis, and the Coastwatchers of
the Solomon Islands fought to maintain control of the Solomon
Islands from the Japanese. Not only did this prevent Japan
from gaining a military foothold in the south-west Pacific, but
allowed the Allied nations to gain a strategic victory and continue
operations in the South Pacific, ultimately leading to the turning
point of the war in the Pacific.
OTAGO represented New Zealand at a number of ceremonial
remembrance events, in company with the crew of HMAS
SUCCESS, USS BARRY, and RSIPV AUKI. The crew took part in a
parade through Honiara central, a memorial church service, the
unveiling of a new war memorial honouring the battle of Bloody
Ridge, and finally the laying of a wreath in tribute to the remains of
HMAS CANBERRA, lost in the Battle of Savo Island in 1942.
For some on board, this was their first overseas trip. For some, it
was their 20th. For everyone though, they showed the audiences of
admirals, commodores, old veterans, fresh sailors, and everyone in
between, what it truly meant to respect and remember those who
have gone, fought and sacrificed before them. What it truly meant
to be part of the RNZN, a Navy forged by history and tradition.
When OTAGO sailed in company with HMAS SUCCESS, USS BARRY
and RSIPV AUKI, the upper decks of the four ships were lined with
sailors dressed all in white. A wreath was laid in memory of HMAS
CANBERRA, and a final salute was given to both the ships present
and the wreck below before the final signal for the weekend was
executed, signalling for each ship to detach and proceed home. As
OTAGO sailed towards New Zealand, and the island of Guadalcanal
sank over the horizon, the Commanding Officer of HMNZS OTAGO,
Lieutenant Commander Lorna Gray, was asked for her thoughts
about the commemorations. She said: “Occasions such as this are
not only a chance to acknowledge the past and the sacrifices made,
but to also look ahead to the future. It was an honour to be part of
such a significant commemoration and to do so in company with
partner navies”.
clockwise from the top: commanding officer of HmNZS otago, LtcDr Lorna gray, talks with local girls on the path down from the Bloody ridge National Park ceremony.
acwS Lewis Holotau takes communion during the church service.
13
on the prowl Sniffer dogs working with Fiji’s Police and Customs staff got the opportunity to train on HMNZS HAWEA last month. The dogs have been trained to detect drugs, weapons, ammunition and cash. Lieutenant Sam Wilson, Military Liaison Officer for HAWEA, said the canine officers – all two-year-old Labradors – were led around the ship to check compartments and manoeuvre around obstructions during a two-hour session. While on the ship the dogs wore special booties – to protect their paws. “This was the first time the dogs had been on a ship, so it was the perfect opportunity to expose them to a different environment,” LT Wilson said. “The dogs seemed happy and excited to be on board. They walked around in their dog booties and found their way around the ship.”
DIVE PONTOON
Navy divers can now train in all weathers at Devonport
Naval Base.
The Navy’s new dive pontoon had an informal opening in
August with a morning tea and trial dive.
Divers from HMNZS MATATAUA and the Dive Training School
will use the new pontoon for dive training and a number of other
purposes. “We will also use it to load-out and support our small
craft such as dive support craft and survey craft, says Lieutenant
Commander Tim Gavin, Executive Officer of HMNZS MATATAUA.
The dive pontoon replaces an older one that was a lightweight
construction and situated in an area that suffered significant wave
action, making it unsafe in adverse weather conditions.
“Dive training was limited to sea state two or lower and, in adverse
conditions, support personnel were open to the environment for
long periods,” he says. “The new pontoon allows us to train safely
in weather conditions that were previously unsuitable on the older
pontoon. We helped design the functionality of the pontoon and a
marine construction company did the build. This pontoon enables
us to safely and effectively support dive training, Remote Operated
Vehicle training, and safely and securely berth the evolving growth
of vessels used by HMNZS MATATAUA and the Navy.”
Divers can conduct CABA (Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus)
and incorporate life line signal, drills and underwater search
techniques, as well underwater Explosive Ordnance Device training,
he says.
all-weather training froM new diVe pontoon
14 LAKE ROTORUA
By andrew Bonallack
Our hydrographers’ ability to map lake beds has proved
vital for scientists analysing the hydrothermal nature of
Lake Rotorua.
Last month a team from HMNZS MATATAUA returned to the lake
with GNS Science to complete a survey which covered around 40
per cent of the lake last year.
The teams are completing a bathymetric and magnetic survey
of the lake. By towing GNS Science’s magnetometer behind
MATATAUA’s 9m catamaran, FMB ADVENTURE, the scientists
can obtain readings from magnetite, a volcanic rock that achieves
magnetic properties caused while cooling. But if magnetite is
subjected to hydrothermal heat, it becomes demagnetised and
turns into iron pyrite. Readings of magnetism, alongside loss
of magnetism, indicates hydrothermal activity, often further
evidenced by bubble plumes at Lake Rotorua.
But readings are not enough. The scientists need to know where
on the lake this is happening and what features are present on the
lake bed. When the magnetic readings are overlaid on MATATAUA’s
bathymetric map, obtained from a multi-beam scan, the readings
start to explain themselves.
Principal scientist Dr Cornel de Ronde says the mapping by the
Navy is the framework that their data can hang from. “They
provide a really high resolution map, showing all sorts of features,
including pockmarks, where the gas is coming out. Without the
NAVY MAPPING IS “unsung hero” for science
map, we couldn’t interpret some of what the magnetometer
provides us. But lay it on top of MATATAUA’s map, and there’s a
one-on-one correlation between features on the lake floor and the
magnetometer data. The map is the unsung hero. It’s crucial.”
The survey shows Lake Rotorua is hydrothermically active. Examples
of hydrothermal activity revealed on the map include small
hydrothermal eruption craters that are likely expelling hot water, or
pockmarks or circular features that are several metres in diameter
and are formed as a result of gas being discharged through the lake
floor, according to Dr de Ronde. “Many of them appear in a linear
pattern, suggesting they may be related to underlying faults.”
The team are avoiding the shallowest parts of the lake and covering
about 80 per cent of the lake overall, which is around 40 metres at
its deepest. “The swath [covered by the sonar beam] is about four
times the depth. Shallow water takes too much time. It’s a pay-off
between getting what we want, and the time and costs involved.”
Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wierenga says the work for
GNS Science provides good training opportunities for the Navy
hydrographers. “One of my big aims was training in the use of the
multi-beam,” he says. “And GNS are thrilled. They would really
struggle to make their deductions without the mapping.”
He says the sonar data would be provided to Land Information
New Zealand at the conclusion, to update their records of
Lake Rotorua.
above: fmB aDveNtUre rests on Lake rotorua after a day of scientific surveys.
15HMNZS HAWEA
By andrew Bonallack
How do sailors get themselves into a life raft after
abandoning ship in the Southern Ocean? For the Defence
Technology Agency, it’s not good enough to simply say,
well, they just do it.
Last month the sailors on HMNZS OTAGO practised an Abandon
Ship procedure, donning cold-water immersion suits before making
the jump into Auckland harbour and clamouring aboard training
life rafts.
The exercise is timely due to OTAGO’s upcoming Southern Ocean
patrol this year, but there are other factors at stake. The Defence
Technology Agency is assessing survivability on life rafts in
Antarctic waters, prompted by new international Polar Codes that
came into effect this year.
DTA Scientist (Performance and Health) Adam Dooley says life rafts
need to provide a safe environment for four to five days, owing
to the remoteness of Antarctica. “So the question is, if you throw
25 people in a life raft in the Southern Ocean, will they live?” DTA
engaged scientists in Canada to conduct mathematical modelling
around human survivability and the answer is yes, but everything
has to go right. “Can people put the equipment on? Do people
know there’s two different immersion suit sizes, large and small?”
Even a small amount of cold water ingress into the suit reduces the
chances of survival, he says. “Can people get into the life raft? How
do they do it? We wanted to test these things.”
Ultimately, DTA want to find ways that increase the chances of
survival in the Southern Ocean and ensure the Navy meets new
maritime standards, as the Navy anticipates taking delivery of its
Antarctic-capable tanker AOTEAROA in 2020, and a third Offshore
Patrol Vessel in the future. “Every time we go to the Southern
Ocean, we get better, we know more about it. It’s a bad day when
you have to get into a life raft, but we’re continually learning and
working to provide the best options.
surViVal in the antarctic“One thing that really shone through, was OTAGO’s crew did really
well, getting from the ship to the raft. They figured out ways around
problems. You’ve got to give credit to the training those guys get.”
OTAGO Executive Officer Lieutenant Sam Fox says it was the first
time DTA had been involved in liferaft training with his crew.
“When we all came out everyone did a questionaire for DTA,”
he says.
top left: a sailor plunges into the sea from the deck.
top right: a liferaft is nearly full as crew help others aboard.
right: Sailors comfortably on board their liferaft, watched over by a boat team.
16 NEW RECRUITS SIGN ON
By Suzi Phillips, Senior communications advisor (North)
Early on a damp August morning, the open glass-protected
space of the Navy Museum’s WW100 Commemorative
Pavilion was a fitting venue for 80 new recruits to
pledge allegiance.
The new recruits were giving an oath or affirmation before signing
on to train in a new career with the Navy.
The Navy Museum is about two kilometres from Devonport Naval
Base, where the recruits will spend their next 18 weeks training.
As they walked from the Pavilion through the Museum to sign on,
they could absorb some of the 100-plus years of New Zealand naval
history on display.
NEW RECRUITS EMBARK on naVy career
top of page: recruit oStD chloe Sullivan shakes hands with the warrant officer of the Defence force, wo1 Danny Broughton.
Left: recruits swear an oath, some choosing a waterproof Bible.
Before their pledge, the recruits were addressed by the Navy’s
Assistant Chief of Fleet Personnel and Training, Captain Richard
Walker, who welcomed them into the Navy whanau and encouraged
them to make the most of the opportunities.
This day would be one they would remember for the rest of their
lives, he said.
“It’s the day you start your Naval journey – a journey that can offer
you so much in terms of development, life experience, adventure,
fun and much more.
“The next 18 weeks of Basic Common Training will be challenging
– you will be tested to your limits and you will find yourself doing
things that you never thought possible – but it will also be very
rewarding,” said CAPT Walker.
“Nothing is surer than that you will change during training, you will
learn new skills, gain new friends, and become a lot fitter. You will
grow throughout training, to become a self-reliant sailor.”
CAPT Walker said he often was asked to summarise what it was like
in the Navy.
“It is unlike any other job and about service to something bigger
than yourself,” he said. “You will get to do things that none of your
friends outside the Navy get to do and it is one of the few jobs
where people take a camera to work to take photos of themselves
at work.”
17NEW RECRUITS SIGN ON
defence acadeMy graduate signs on
New Navy recruit Miharo Sisley-Tihema, 18, from Kawerau, was
one of 80 young people from around New Zealand who signed up for a career with the NZ Defence Force recently.
Miharo, who went to Tarawera High School, says she made her decision to join the Navy on the last day
of her Defence Academy class at her college. After Basic Common Training she will undergo Branch Training as a chef.
“I’ve wanted to join the Navy since I started high school, partly because a few girls from my school, including the Head Girl, have gone on to join the Navy and I’ve heard about the opportunities,” says Recruit OCH Miharo. “In the Defence Academy class we prepared for basic training and the recruitment process. “
“I’m looking forward to becoming the best version of myself here and also looking forward to the travel and setting myself up for life with this career,” she says.
“Today I’ve finally achieved my goal of joining up and it feels amazing. I’m very excited about the training to come.”
She says one of the biggest challenges will be missing her family and being away from home, but she is sure she will get used to that.
liVing life to the full
A practical, outdoor focused job with some travel was the
aim for Tomcris Ozaki, 21, when he joined the Navy as a new recruit.
“I wanted a practical job where I could also help other people and live my life to the fullest,” he says.
His trade is Communication Warfare Specialist. Recruit OCWS Tomcris was born in Howick, Auckland and went to Sancta Maria Catholic College in Manukau before starting a double major commerce degree at the University of Auckland.
“I wanted to join the Navy and when the chance came up, my family backed me, saying I would be better off doing this than studying commerce,” he says.
“I’m really looking forward to the training and then travelling, and meeting new people.”His ambitions include becoming an officer and finishing his degree one day. And like many of his fellow recruits, he also thought homesickness would be one of the biggest challenges for him.
“But I think training and working hard will be a big distraction from that,” he says.
lots of challengesNew recruit, Claude Burke, 19, is
already a long way from home
– he comes from Invercargill in the
deep south.
“I was looking for a job with more
meaning than just working for
money,” he says. “I wanted a job
with lots of variety and adventure
too, and I am challenging myself
to be above average.” His chosen trade is Electronic Warfare
Specialist.
Recruit EWS Burke has had a couple of jobs since leaving his
school, Verdon College. He’s worked as a meat worker and as
a part-time bar-tender while studying audio production at the
Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill.
“Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes and
this seemed like a really good option.”
He says that Basic Common Training will be the biggest
challenge for starters, and overcoming the negative voices that
tell you to quit.
“I’ll keep trying, no matter how hard it gets,” he says.
“The chance to serve in the Navy is a privilege that will provide you
with a career with many challenges, opportunities and rewards,”
said CAPT Walker. “By attesting this morning, you are joining our
Navy whanau and serving something far bigger and more important
than you as an individual.”
After their attestation led by Initial Training Officer Lieutenant
Commander Dean Bloor, the recruits were invited to sign on and
then met senior officers including their course champion,
Warrant Officer of the NZDF WO1 Danny Broughton.
Next steps planned for the recruits’ day were a fitness test at the
gym and a welcome onto the Navy’s Te Taua Moana Marae in
nearby Ngataringa Bay.
As they formed up in ranks outside the Museum to march to
their bus and begin their Navy training, they already seemed to
walk taller.
This latest intake of new recruits for the Navy includes 47 men and
30 women with ages ranging from 17 to 29 years.
They start their 18 week basic training course with the Navy’s
Leadership Development Group at Devonport, starting with skills
such as parade and physical training and later they will learn core
mariner and military skills. Graduation will be held
in December.
18 OUR PEOPLE
01
03
02
05 06
1. acH Shelby ainsley and Ship’s medic, air force cPL rachelle canham, enjoy a shared birthday cake during their deployment on HmNZS otago. 2. aScS Luke Smith with the fo’c’sle party as HmNZS otago arrives at port in Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon islands. 3. HmNZS toroa reservists woewi roger Sheehan, wocwS Neill cameron and cPomt murray rowe, all mururoa veterans. 4. on board HmNZS otago, LcwS Patrice Jackson is the boarding communicator and LScS filomena Songivalu as the second in command, as they gear up to board a fishing vessel. 5. recruits from Bct 17/02 pose on the forecastle of the mock iPv hull at the Seamanship training aids facility in Devonport. 6. Deputy chief of Navy, cDre David gibbs awards DcN commendations to Poet Daniel Dewhurst, Lt charlotte Burson and LtcDr vanessa Jane Brown for outstanding contributions to the rNZN.
04
19OUR PEOPLE
09
07
11
7. caPt mat williams in promoted to commodore, in the lead up to his appointment as Deputy chief of Navy. Handling the rank slides are vice-chief of Defence force, avm Kevin Short and mrs williams. 8. Bct 17/02 recruit Luke finnigan smiles as he unpacks his new Navy gear in the fleet gym on Kit Up day. 9. aewS Nicole Bancroft talks to Prime minister Bill english during his visit to Devonport Naval Base in august. 10. a team motivation moment for HmNZS otago’s sevens team, preparing to play a game of rugby sevens against a local Honiara sevens team. 11. aDm Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific fleet, stands with the Ship’s company of HmNZS te KaHa.
10
08
20 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
By andrew Bonallack
Associate Professor Barbara Breen feels like she’s known
Defence Technology Agency research leader Phil Strong
for a long time. That’s because it’s his voice speaking to her
from her research drone’s autopilot system.
Professor Breen, at the Auckland University of Technology, is a
researcher in conservation biology, notably in protected areas that
are, invariably, hard-to-reach. AUT’s sciences department uses
off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and Professor Breen
employs a particularly durable and robust fixed-wing UAV from
Skycam UAV NZ Ltd, called the Polar Fox, to survey protected areas
of Antarctica.
“We have 25 UAVs at AUT,” she says. “We’ve been looking at
farmland, protected area mapping, with multi-spectral imaging, to
identify animal species. What we ask is: is this airframe going to
answer our research questions? Students use the multi-rotors, but
we needed a workhorse, something that would do the big jobs. For
Antarctica, with ASPAs (Antarctica Specially Protected Areas), we
needed a more robust airframe, with cameras in the payload, to
create 3-D maps. We needed something that would fly reliably for
45 minutes and go to the same location.” Skycam’s airframe was
fine, she says, and so were the cameras. In one flight, they can map
150 hectares to a 3 to 4 cm resolution by taking photos every 1.5
seconds.
But what she had not experienced before was a thoroughly reliable
autopilot system, and she was amazed at how good the Polar Fox’s
system was. She discovered the autopilot, licensed to Skycam,
had been originally created at the Defence Technology Agency in
Devonport. “That’s the magic, that’s the black box that flies it, and it
was developed here at DTA.”
As the Polar Fox flies, the autopilot system “talks” to Professor
Breen in programmed responses that happen to be the voice of one
of the designers of the autopilot, Phil Strong. “So it feels like I’ve
known Phil for quite some time. It was fun when we first met.”
She says the autopilot was the “best and amazing option” for their
work. “There’s nothing else on the market like this, particularly for
fixed wing. It’s reliable, safe, dependable. We can push the Polar
Fox to the limits, in extreme locations, because of the reliability of
this autopilot.” It is that reliability that made getting permission to
use the Polar Fox in Antarctica a lot easier. “From my perspective, I
could not have done a lot of work without it.”
That reliability was highlighted on one flight when the autopilot
brought the Polar Fox back to the researchers early, seemingly
for no reason. “It came home, and we looked at the flight log and
discovered it had a bad battery. That’s brilliant, that’s as safe as it
ever gets.”
Examples of their work include climate change issues. She can
measure plankton decay in the sea. In Antarctica UAVs can map
cyanobacteria mats, looking at how they react to disturbance or
changes in temperature. She has looked at the impact of humans
around Scott’s hut, looking at the paths where people walk and
assessing how long the impact lasts. “It’s such a low-impact way of
doing environmental monitoring. We can achieve high-resolution
maps with minimal impact – we’re just flying over the area. But you
need high precision navigation, that’s reliable and safe.”
Mr Strong says UAV technology is something DTA is invested
in. The autopilot came about because the army wanted an
experimental system, capable of flying 50km away to do
photogrammetric surveys, in which an aircraft takes photographs
directly perpendicular to the earth, overlapping on a set course. The
photos are later used to create maps.
“If something goes wrong, there’s an independent system to
monitor it, to bring the aircraft back, or deploy the parachute. You
can tell it where you want it to land, and the software will calculate
the windspeed.”
The team are still using the same autopilot and airframe five years
on, says Professor Breen. “I go to conferences and people say, wow,
you are actually doing it. They say, this is what we want to do, and I
say, well, we’re doing it.”
DTA EXCELLENCE pushes science Boundaries
the aUt team at antarctica, with their collection of drones, including two “Polar fox” models in yellow. Professor Barbara Breen is at the right.
21PROFESSOR HOADLEY
By Suzi Phillips, Senior communications advisor (North)
The past half century is characterised by rising human welfare
as a result of globally dominant United States leadership and
control, according to Associate Professor Stephen Hoadley,
from University of Auckland.
He was addressing a gathering at the RNZN Fleet Warfare Forum
at Devonport Naval Base in August and his audience included
New Zealand, Australian, French and American naval officers.
Professor Hoadley has served in the US Navy and is an honorary
RNZN Captain.
“The world order has had a benign hegemonic stability,
underpinned by the United States and to which like-minded
governments and navies have contributed voluntarily, according to
their capacity and will,” he said.
“Despite President Trump’s extravagant rhetoric, his administration
has not yet dismantled US alliances and commitments, or
succeeded in closing US borders to migrants, trade and investment.
At the working level, outside the White House, US institutions are
conducting political, economic and security business as usual,”
said Professor Hoadley who was summing up his address on the
strategic context of global geopolitics.
“Despite BREXIT, Britain remains a staunch supporter of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation, as does France, Germany and other
European countries. European economic and political discontent
has not yet affected the alliance. Russian influence may have
reached its limit, as NATO deploys to Poland, Lithuania and as
economic sanctions bite into the Russian budget,” he said.
“China’s South China Sea build-up, its anti-access area denial, A2AD
missile and submarine deployments, and declaration of an air-
defence identification zone (perhaps to be extended to the South
China Sea at any time), do have the potential to hamper air and
naval activity in the vicinity of China.”
Professor Hoadley said that on the hopeful side, President Xi’s
government appeared to be channelling much of its energy into
economic activities, not only to increase the consumer spending in
China itself in a move to a consumer-driven, rather than an export-
driven economy. He said China was emulating the US in economic
activities in south and central Asia, rather than directly challenging
US activities in the western Pacific, much less the US global status.
“Governments on China’s periphery are supporting a US presence
and also a New Zealand presence as well in their regions to
counterbalance their giant neighbour,” he said.
Professor Hoadley said no global threats have yet changed the
geopolitical map inherited after WW2 and none had toppled a
significant government.
He outlined possible world scenarios, from US stability, Chinese
dominance, a failing Russian economy or anarchic isolationism, and
asked – how should the government of NZ and the Navy respond?
“It is beyond New Zealand’s power to decide which scenario
will prevail,” he said . “But I am confident that New Zealand’s
leaders working with like minded governments and international
institutions can monitor, anticipate and perhaps shape the contours
of each of these scenarios and mitigate their consequences – at
least in the southern Pacific region. “
“The government of New Zealand through its security and
intelligence agencies (including in the Navy), can be aware early of
the emergence of these scenarios, follow their manifestations and
respond intelligently to their threats and occasional opportunities
that each presents.”
Professor Hoadley said an essential element to meet challenges
of governments from abroad was the Navy – one of the leading
institutions conducting New Zealand’s relationships with the
wider world.
“The Navy has the responsibility to be informed and respond constructively and to keep the Minister and the public, up to date on changing maritime challenges,” he said. “The Navy is essential to the development of a body of
knowledge on maritime security and strategic matters that will
enhance the Navy’s position as New Zealand’s subject matter
experts in the maritime security domain.”
above: associate professor Stephen Hoadley, University of auckland.
united states power underpins gloBal staBility
22
NavY careerS
You might be on a ship. You might be in a tent with army personnel, or working with the air force. a Navy communications warfare Specialist gives value on many platforms.
6
As a Force for New Zealand we stand up for what is right. force4nZ.Mil.nZ
To apply, or to find out more information on a Technical life, trades and intake information, visit the Defence Careers website.
DefeNcecareerS.miL.NZ
Call to speak to an advisor: 0800 1 force
FIND OUT MORE
commUNicatioN eXPert iN DemaND
above: in this 2015 image, LcwS Nikita Leeks hails an intercepted fishing vessel via radio on the bridge of HmNZS weLLiNgtoN, watched by Senior inspector Kalsaf alick (centre) of the vanuatu maritime Police, and Senior Police constable edward Sugagari (left) of the royal Solomon islands Police force maritime Police.
On paper, a Communications Warfare Specialist provides
reliable, efficient and secure communication for their
unit.
It’s the word “unit” that is key to the role. In today’s Joint Forces
environment the skills of a CWS are desirable on an operation where
you might be many kilometres inland on exercise with coalition
forces. You might also be based at Joint Forces Headquarters for
cyberspace duties.
But all good things in the Navy start with ships. Acting Warrant
Officer Communications Warfare Specialist Rob Iosefa joined the
Navy 30 years ago when a communicator would be on the bridge
as a signaller and handling the radio. “These days, it’s a lot more
computer-orientated. It’s about communicating in a small group
environment, ship to ship, or if you need to make contact with other
navies. You make the connections.” On board, a CWS also looks after
the ship’s Wifi, working alongside the Electronic Technicians.
A/WOCWS Iosefa says the role works well with someone who
has a passion for computers and how they work and talk. “Back
then, I was into the radio scene. But if you are really interested,
get a basic knowledge of computers. If networks is something you
like, if you like putting two computers together and making them
talk, this could be for you.” He says what they teach in the Navy,
they teach at university, but with a warfare edge. His other piece
of advice is to find people you can vouch for you, in order to pass
security checks. “You’re an adult in a pretty high responsibility job.
You need people you can vouch for your background. Teachers,
ministers, that sort of thing.”
Able Communications Warfare Specialist Sarah Freeman, who joined
the Navy in 2013, says the likelihood of working across so many
different platforms was what appealed. “The trade offered so many
opportunities. You’re on the bridge, you’re outside, you’re working
with the army, doing exercises with the air force, working with other
countries.” She said communications suited her personality. “I like
interacting with other people. I’ve had a really good career so far,
been really exposed to Joint Forces.” Her last ship’s posting was on
HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, with another communicator. In a small ship’s
crew, she had other jobs, including being part of the flight crew on
deck when helicopters hot-fuelled from their ship, or were delivering
goods, during the Kaikoura Earthquake response.
23MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
By Suzi Phillips, Senior communications advisor (North)
Distinguished service as Protocol Officer during top
level American visits to Devonport Naval Base earned
Lieutenant Commander Roger Saynor a Presidential award
from the US Navy recently.
While visiting Devonport for the RNZN Fleet Warfare Forum, the
Commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, took time
out to personally present LTCDR Saynor with the Meritorious
Service Medal – presented in the name of the President of the
United States.
“This is an opportunity to
recognise the great work
done and is a true
representation of how close
our [US/NZ] relationship is,”
said ADM Swift.
“It came home to me as
Pacific Fleet Commander
that individual sailors do not
appreciate the considerable
contributions they make to
the collective organisation,” he
said. “This is an opportunity to
recognise an individual sailor
who has done well for the 7th
Fleet and the Pacific fleet.”
“When we bestow awards on
a foreign military member, authorised by the Secretary of the Navy,
you can be sure it is very significant that Roger was recognised,” he
said. “This award is made for an outstanding career.”
In 2013, LTCDR Saynor was asked to take over as Protocol Officer
at Devonport and served in that role for four and a half years. He is
now Executive Officer of HMNZS PHILOMEL at Devonport.
The citation for his Meritorious Service Award is signed by the US
Secretary of the Navy, Raymond Mabus. It describes LTCDR Saynor’s
involvement in 23 executive-level engagements, including visits
from the Vice President of the US, Secretary of the Navy, Chief of
Naval Operations, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and numerous
commanders within the US Pacific Command.
“His efforts were vital to the US Navy’s participation in the 75th
Anniversary of the RNZN and the International Naval Review which
marked the first time in more than 33 years that an US Navy vessel
had docked in New Zealand,” reads the citation.
“LTCDR Saynor’s exceptional professionalism, personal initiative
and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him, and were
in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. For the
President, signed Secretary of the Navy.”
At the presentation ceremony, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John
Martin said that it was quite something to be awarded a presidential
honour like this one.
“Your actions reflect well on you and on our Navy,” he said. He also
acknowledged the generosity of a system that could recognise the
work of other nations and the generosity of time to come taken to
present it.
LTCDR Saynor said, “I am very humbled by this award. I was just
lucky to be in the right place
at the right time and I had a
lot of support from people
here at the time – to do what
we did required a lot of co-
ordination.”
He said it was a period
when both sides were really
pushing to work together, with
exercises like RIMPAC taking
place.
“It was one of the most
exciting jobs in my 42-year
career in the Navy. I was asked
if I could do it and it was a
brilliant opportunity,” he said.
“From 2013 there was quite an influx of visitors from the American
Naval administration as well as a visit from Vice President Joe
Biden, the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, the Chief of Naval
Operations, the Commandant of the Coast Guard and several visits
by Admiral Swift.
“They visited Auckland and we worked closely with the American
Embassy to organise and deliver a programme for their visits,
including compiling briefings, plans, and schedules for our visitors,”
he said.
In 2015 he went to Guam as Protocol Officer to prepare for the
arrival of HMNZS TE KAHA into Guam – the first New Zealand ship
in 25 years to enter a US Naval Port.
“The Americans respect the Kiwis for what we do, even though we
are a very small Navy, and they are always charming and grateful for
assistance,” said LTCDR Saynor.
“I was lucky to be part of that event and I was delighted to see USS
SAMPSON in Auckland for the 75th Anniversary of the Navy in
November 2016 – that was the icing on the cake,” he said.
TOP ACCOLADE FROM aMerican naVy
above: the commander of the US Pacific fleet, admiral Scott Swift, presents LtcDr roger Saynor with the meritorious Service medal.
24 SOUTHERN KATIPO
passing the Message on
As in its previous two iterations, Southern Katipo 2017 (SK17) will be run as a four-phase military exercise by Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand to test and
evaluate the NZDF’s expeditionary capability.
“Southern Katipo is not a set-piece military campaign,” Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said.
“To keep the activity as a real test, participants will be presented with problems and constraints at every stage. They would have to solve these as they would in a real operation to achieve the mission. Only Exercise Control has the script.”
The exercise would cover the whole spectrum of operations, from ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), evacuation of civilians, delivery of humanitarian aid and maritime patrols through to peacekeeping and conventional warfighting.
“There is something to challenge every specialist NZDF function. We do not often deploy at such a large scale. This is a good opportunity to exercise our various capabilities so that we are ready to respond before a crisis demands it,” MAJGEN Gall said.
By Luz Baguioro, Public Affairs Manager – Joint Forces New Zealand
for about six weeks from mid-october, the top of the South island will again be recast as the fictional South Pacific country of Becara as the New Zealand
Defence force mounts its major military exercise Southern Katipo.
3000
will be taking part in the exercise.
trooPS
About
13countries including
from
25SOUTHERN KATIPO
from the top: a series of amphibious landing images from SK15, showing rNZN, NZ army and international partners in the marlborough Sounds.
opposite page: HmNZS caNterBUrY (foreground) and HmNZS weLLiNgtoN will take part in SK17.
Through several operations in the South Pacific, the NZDF has
demonstrated that it could establish its forces offshore and conduct
stability, support and humanitarian operations.
“But we have to keep on working at it. We have to keep on enhancing our ability to conduct joint operations involving maritime, land and air assets and to work alongside our international defence partners.”Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield said the
narrative for SK17 continued the unfinished business in Becara.
Two years after a multinational coalition led by the NZDF came to
help restore peace and stability, unresolved ethnic rivalries have
exploded into a new wave of violence. Tensions between the Wesso
majority and the Havo minority boiled over again recently, sparking
renewed bloodshed and causing large numbers of the population
to flee their homes. Unable to quell the fast-spreading unrest, the
government of Becara has again sought international assistance.
Hundreds of residents from the surrounding areas of Westport,
Greymouth, Kaikoura and Havelock have also been tapped to
play as protesters, displaced Becarans and foreign nationals in
need of evacuation.
New Zealand has come to the aid of its South Pacific neighbour and
is deploying a contingent to lead the multinational Combined Joint
Task Force (CJTF) 656.
Brigadier Mike Shapland, the Land Component Commander, has
been appointed to lead the deployed forces for the exercise.
As Commander of CJTF 656, BRIG Shapland has about 3000 troops,
11 ships, 18 aircraft and hundreds of military vehicles under his
command. His mission: to restore law and order in Becara, conduct
stability, support and humanitarian operations, including the
evacuation of internally displaced persons, and set the conditions
for the government of Becara to regain control.
“We know that operations do not unfold in a linear way. A lot of
factors can delay or entirely block progress towards your objective,”
BRIG Shapland said.
The first phase of SK17 will see the CJTF deploying to Becara and
establishing its presence, while phase two will focus on the delivery
of humanitarian aid. Phase three is about defeating hostile militia
groups, with the final phase paving the way for the government of
Becara to again manage its own governance and security.
LTCOL Dransfield said the players could better challenge
themselves if they approached the problems as they would for real
instead of thinking of them as an exercise.
26 MARITIME TRADE OPERATIONS EXERCISE
KEEPING TRACK WITH THE MaritiMe trade organisationBy LtcDr mike Stephens, rNZNvr, HmNZS oLPHert
From Northport in Whangarei to the Port of Bluff, in a
recent Two-Day Exercise Naval Reservists of the Maritime
Trade Operations (MTO) Branch from Auckland, Tauranga,
Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin honed their core Naval
Cooperation and Guidance of Shipping competencies. Exercise
TUATARA focused on training MTO personnel in their role of
tracking and reporting on Merchant Shipping movements around
New Zealand in support of NZDF operations. A key objective of
the exercise was developing better integration with relevant NZDF
entities through the use of Merchant Shipping data and their
systems and procedures.
During the exercise, MTO personnel undertook a wide range of
activities including testing communications procedures, deploying
to secondary ports, undertaking a number Merchant Ship
Boardings, updating Port and Merchant Shipping Databases, and
progressing MTO Branch members’ professional training.
The Exercise Director Lieutenant Commander Peter Arnold RNZNR,
based at the Wellington Naval Reserve HQ HMNZS OLPHERT, said
he was pleased with the commitment of the personnel involved,
the tempo of the Exercise and lessons learnt. A number of the
participating MTO personnel will be posted to the upcoming
Exercise SOUTHERN KATIPO 17. LTCDR Arnold also acknowledged
the great contribution of Lieutenant Lester, RNZN, and Flight
Sergeant Stockler at Headquarters Joint Forces NZ to the success of
the Exercise.
The Officer Conducting the exercise, Lieutenant Commander Kerry
Moloney RNZNVR, also based at the Wellington Naval Reserve
HQ HMNZS OLPHERT, confirmed all the Exercise objectives were
met. He said post Exercise feedback from the participating Naval
Reserve Units is currently being reviewed, and will be used in
planning for MTO involvement in future exercises and operations.
The Maritime Trade Operations Branch is a specialist trade for the
Navy provided by the Naval Reserve within the Royal New Zealand
Navy Operations Branch. MTO Units are based at Naval Reserve
Headquarters at HMNZS NGAPONA Auckland, HMNZS OLPHERT
Wellington, HMNZS PEGASUS Christchurch and HMNZS TOROA
Dunedin and the Tauranga Sub-Unit of HMNZS NGAPONA in
Tauranga. The MTO Branch liaises between the NZ Defence Force
and local maritime industry, by completing tasks such as port-based
liaison, briefing of merchant vessels’ masters, vessel tracking and
maritime operational analysis. The Branch also ensures the NZDF
has ongoing connectivity to both allied naval cooperation and
guidance agencies, and the New Zealand Shipping and Port sectors
in support of the NZDF’s objectives of supporting New Zealand’s
maritime trade and its security, valued at $83.6 Billion in the
2015/2016 Year.
top left: amto grant wallace and omto Julie taylor tracking merchant Ships at mto tauranga.
top right: HmNZS NaPoNa undertake an mto briefing. from left, oSea gem mendoza, oSea ed Hughes, amto emil Penev, Pomto Simon fox (as mto Duty officer) and omto andy Bevan.
For further information on the Maritime Trade Operations
Branch, see:
http://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/navy/reserves
27
Chief Petty Officer Stores Accountant Melonie Wallace had been in the Royal New Zealand Navy for 22 years when she was told that her contract would not be extended.“I went, “Ooh…” she says. “Time to ‘grow up and get a real job’,” she
jokes.
Being made to leave the Navy could have come as a big shock, but
Melonie says she “embraced it”.
“I didn’t get upset; I know that the organisation needs to bring in
new people in order to grow. I took it as a ‘Yes – the next chapter of
my life is going to start, and what am I going to do?’”
Her career in naval logistics had taken her all over the world. “I
have had some amazing postings and trips, to so many amazing
countries,” she says. “But the best aspect of life in the Navy has to
be the friendships – I have my Navy family.
“When you’re on a ship with X number of people, you have to rely
on those people to save the ship – it’s your home. You have very
strong bonds.”
She attended an NZDF transition seminar, which was “invaluable”
in helping her to re-work her CV, and prepare for interviews. After
finding a new job, she used her Resettlement Study Assistance
entitlement to 45 days’ work experience – paid for by the NZDF –
to help her settle into the new role.
She felt confident starting her new role. Defence personnel should
feel proud of the skills they have gained in the military, she says.
“There are a lot of transparent, hidden skills we take with us that
are huge attributes out there [in civilian workplaces]. We know
how to turn up on time; we know how to think for ourselves. Don’t
undersell yourself. You might not have qualifications on paper, but
you have huge life experience – money can’t buy that.
As it turned out, her first job wasn’t the right fit. “I felt way
overqualified, actually. I felt quite bored with it.”
what surprised you about civilian life?
When you’re in the military and something happens, everyone
bonds together, everyone just gets in and does the job.
There were a few times when I would work late, and my colleagues
would say, “you’ll get paid overtime” – and I was like, “what’s this
overtime buzz?” If something comes in and you need to do it, you
just do it. But people who haven’t had that military background
don’t necessarily do that.
was there anything else you wished you were told?
Clothes – I didn’t know how to dress! I would have liked to have
been told what is acceptable [civilian attire]. On my first day I
was wearing a dress jacket, a shirt, and a suit and heels – I was
overdressed. So I had to go shopping, and I didn’t even know where
to go to buy the clothes – as I either had my date-night clothes, my
going-out-to-dinner clothes, or my PT gears. The Navy had always
given me my working clothes.
I also needed to find a doctor and a dentist – things that Joe Bloggs
takes for granted.
Do you have any advice for people leaving the NZDf?
Tick the reserve box! I have recently returned to the NZDF under
the reserve scheme, so I can only work a certain number of
days, but casual, short-term work suits me. I’m working for SCE
(Strategic Commitments and Engagement) Branch, upgrading their
SharePoint site. I have only uploaded documents in SharePoint
before, but because I have the appropriate security clearance
and am a reservist I was given this opportunity. With the correct
mindset and attitude you can learn and do anything. If I can give up
Auckland, and come to Wellington without knowing anybody and
start again, anyone can do it.
• It’s OK – in fact, you are expected – to think about life after the military.
• Leaving is not being disloyal or disrespectful.
• Transitioning out of the service is a significant and challenging milestone in your life.
• Being prepared will help ease the stress around ‘getting out’.
• You may remain in the Reserves and have the opportunity to return to NZDF again in the future.
KeeP iN miND:
GETTING PAST THE
culture shock
LEAVING NZDF
28
from the top: LtcDr garth mathieson, vrD, rNZNvr, officer in-charge – NgaPoNa tauranga, with raDm John martin, chief of Navy.
LtcDr gerard mcgrath and Pomto mark Pilcher (mv SoocHow).
MARITIME TRADE ORGANISATIONS
By woScS golding
2016 was the beginning of a dedicated merchant ship
familiarisation training programme, an essential component
of the Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) branch, which was
made possible through an association with the China Navigation
Company Pte Ltd. (CNCo), Swire Shipping, and Quadrant Pacific
Port Agents (NZ). The 2016 programme was an unqualified success
primarily due to the generosity and understanding of “S” Series
vessels’ masters and crew. Their positive engagement towards
providing merchant ship experiences and awareness is vital to the
core role of the MTO branch.
The Royal New Zealand Navy is active in operations around the
world, interacting daily with merchant ships, promoting freedom of
navigation, advising on maritime security and assisting merchant
ships in their response to piracy and other threats.
Therefore, this training effort is important to the wider Navy’s,
and in this case HMNZS NGAPONA’s, strategic plans. Merchant
ship attachments were subsequently recognised as high value
outputs by the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral John Martin. HMNZS
NGAPONA (Tauranga), being the lead unit in the programme, was
awarded the Murano Trophy for the Naval Reserve Division of
the Year, for displaying organisational efficiency throughout the
year, with the planning and execution of the 2016 merchant ship
programme being a strong contributor to that success.
Early in 2017, CNCo was approached once again in order to
continue this initiative. It was very reassuring that CNCo’s
management in Singapore continued to be very supportive
towards this RNZN training.
Three New Zealand coastal voyages were undertaken; the first a
relatively short, but highly relevant, passage between Tauranga
and Napier, allowing the former Commanding Officer of HMNZS
NGAPONA, LTCDR Gerard McGrath, RNZNVR, to experience
the programme first hand, together with POMTO Mark Pilcher.
LTCDR McGrath was impressed by the welcoming, good natured
and friendly manner in which the master and crew assisted them
(MV SOOCHOW – CAPT Yuhui Wang). LTCDR McGrath further
mentioned the training as essential to the MTO branch, with the
result being a more credible understanding of merchant shipping
and the role that Navy Reserve personnel would undertake in times
of crisis.
The next two voyages were between Tauranga and Timaru, and
Auckland and Timaru (Prime Port). These voyages have proven to
be popular because they provide extra time for Navy personnel to
integrate with the ship; indeed, the Master of MV SHAOSHING,
CAPT Jin Wei Lin, acknowledged this and recommended passage
between Noumea and Auckland as being a possibility to gain a
longer and more beneficial experience.
CAPT Andriy Savchenko was the master of MV SHANTUNG, which
undertook the third and final coastal voyage. Gale force winds and
DEVELOPING EXPERIENCE IN CHINA naVigation coMpany ships
weather caused delays in joining the ship, however this is part of
commercial shipping to which the Navy has had to adapt.
MV SHANTUNG’s passage from Auckland to Timaru occurred
during one of New Zealand’s worst storm events. Asked to describe
his experience, CPOMTO John van der Zanden (a barrister in
civilian life) characterised his experience as follows:
29MTO NGAPONA
The MV SHANTUNG, a China Navigation container vessel departed
from Auckland for Timaru at 0800. Successfully steaming south,
the SHANTUNG then patiently waited for the front to pass before
tentatively creeping south again. As the wind blew and the rain
pelted down there was rolling and creaking of cargo aboard.
But the rolling was mostly from me as I fell out of shower the
following morning when the 25,483 tonne ship was tossed upon our
unforgiving waves.
CPOMTO van der Zanden further observed and was impressed by
the way Captain Savchenko conducted a 180-degree turn of the
SHANTUNG in the confined Timaru harbour without incident,
demonstrating a high level of seamanship.
CPOMTO van der Zanden was accompanied by AMTO Julie Taylor, a
former Tauranga Regional Council Harbour Master’s Assistant. Her
observations were as follows:
“After a few changes to the schedule caused by 12 hours of
bad weather during passage down from Noumea, we boarded
successfully on Tuesday (11 July) during the afternoon at Jellicoe
wharf, where we signed in and were introduced to the Chief
Officer and the Captain. Both from the Ukraine, their English was
excellent which would make life onboard over the next six days an
absolute pleasure. A deck brief followed shortly after and a full
ship orientation by the 4th Officer the following morning, both of
which highlighted very early on that this company and its crew take
safety seriously. The health and safety culture on this vessel was
impressive and all personnel from the Captain to the Steward were
fully engaged in keeping it above the SOLAS standard.
“The accommodation and meals were excellent. The assistance
from the engineers, duty watchkeepers, and 4th to 2nd Officers
in achieving our tasks and goals went over and above what we
needed to achieve. This voyage not only cemented the current
MTO knowledge I had, but allowed me to experience first-hand the
challenges merchant ship vessels operate under, the cargoes, the
demands on the crew, officers and captain, and their relationship
with the stevedores, shipping agencies and their management at
CNCo – Swire Shipping. The captain and his crew could not have
been more helpful and welcoming and I believe both SHANTUNG
and MTO personnel gained an immense amount of knowledge
about each other’s role in the maritime environment.”
In conclusion, this exposure to merchant shipping is of immense
importance to the ongoing development of knowledge while
increasing individual MTO’s experience in merchant vessels. This
has proven vastly important when actually involved in counter-
piracy operations in the Middle East and other potential maritime
hot spots around the world, contributing to the freedom of
navigation vital to commercial shipping. Observing merchant
professionals in the workplace has definitely enhanced Reservists’
skills and understanding. HMNZS NGAPONA looks forward to this
association enduring.
from the top: Pomto Pilcher with chief engineer, igor Drobotenko.
Lmto Kevin waiari at Navigation Station.
mv SHaNtUNg steaming south towards timaru.
above: cPomto frost and Lmto Kevin waiari presenting a NgaPoNa crest to captain Jin wei Lin.
“GALE WARNING IN FORCE FOR ALL NZ AREAS”, read the weather report at 0502 hrs on 13 July 2017.
30 NZDSU
A CUSTOMER’S perspectiVe
above: officials from the New Zealand Defence Support Unit, South east asia (NZDSU(Sea)) watch as HmNZS te KaHa manourvres into the Sembawang wharves at Singapore.
It’s another port visit in a six-month-long list of foreign ports to
stop, refuel, re-store and have some rest before taking to the
seas to complete the mission. Next stop: Singapore, same drills
as always right?
Actually that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.
Did you know that the NZDF has a permanent support base at
the Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI) in Singapore? The New
Zealand Defence Support Unit, South East Asia or NZDSU(SEA)
is a support establishment located in Singapore that offers an air
of familiarity when visiting the south east Asian metropolis. Just
a two-and-a-half hour transit up the Johor Strait and you’re at the
Sembawang Wharves, a naval installation now mostly frequented
by the USN and RAN, but was once a major UK base for their
Asian presence. The UK, or British Defence Singapore Support
Unit (BDSSU), still manage the operations of the wharf and the
oil depot for refuelling the ships, and are responsible for that part
of the infrastructure at SNI.
As of July 2017 there were two constants when visiting
Sembawang: 1. Commanding Officer NZDSU(SEA), Commander
Paul Gray excitedly greeting a rare visit of an RNZN vessel
to Singapore, and 2. Mr Edmond Chong: the friendly and
enthusiastic Logistics Coordinator who makes a stop in at
Singapore just that much easier.
NZDSU(SEA) offers similar services to those expected from a
civilian providoring service, however they also cater specifically
to military requirements and are inherently more understanding
of how eventful and quick-changing a frigate’s port visit can and
probably will be.
At the forefront of NZDSU(SEA)’s staff come the faces of those
who become very familiar throughout a port visit and are go-to
contacts to get the job done. Squadron Leader Tim Scott, Staff
Officer Support, visits the Ship regularly each day as both a
service provider and the NZDSU logistics manager liaising on
further requirements and seeking feedback on how the visit is
going. He is ably assisted by Mr Chong who not only is just one
phone call away from getting seemingly anything achieved within
minutes, but is also able to point you in the right direction for the
best places to see, eat, and enjoy while in Singapore.
Behind the scenes, NZDSU(SEA) are sorting out all the many
and varied requirements of an operational port visit, from
weeks ahead in the berthing and tug arrangements, to fuelling
trucks and potable water; while also dealing with the last-
minute, urgent or unforeseen requests, such as immigration
requirements, programme changes, booking of base facilities,
even a port visit at 48 hours’ notice. While the unexpected is to
be expected, changing plans is a near-specialty of the team, even
sending staff to other ports in the region to develop their support
plans, provide special logistics support and assist in the Ship’s
requirements in various ports outside of Singapore.
While HMNZS TE KAHA has finally completed her deployment
in south east Asia, and another RNZN ship’s visit to Singapore is
still a long way off, this will not mean a pipe-down for the staff
of NZDSU(SEA). Within the increasingly strategically important
region there is always more work to do, more service platforms
and personnel to provide for, whether they be of the NZDF or of
any other nation the NZDF works with within south east Asia.
What smooths the way in Singapore? As a happy customer, Sub-Lieutenant Michael Linehan reflects on the role of the New Zealand Defence Support Unit for ships coming into foreign ports.
31
top left: Petty officer chef amanda growcott, sea cadet advisor at Burnham.
CADET FORCES
But for those looking to try something a little less ordinary a
posting to the New Zealand Cadet Forces could be exactly
what is needed to shake things up a little.
Many of our military personnel have come through the NZCF
as either an Air, Sea or Army cadet, with many senior military
leaders having had the cadet force experience.
Current Commandant of New Zealand Cadet Forces Lieutenant
Colonel Grant Morris says the NZCF environment is like no other
in the NZDF.
“Because the NZCF sits outside of the NZDF, the range of
activities, people, opportunities and issues are quite unique.”
He says he would like to see some of the already highly skilled
military personnel putting their hands up to be part of the team.
“The role of a NZCF Advisor is varied, with new challenges
presenting almost every day. Some days may include delivering
lessons to cadets at a unit, other days may be organising a Junior
or Senior Non Commissioned Officers course, or managing
shooting coaches and range conducting officer courses.
“Sometimes it may be assisting with Cadet Coxswains or
Maritime Safety Officers courses, or organising travel, uniforms
or equipment for cadet units. Or it may be providing advice to
NZCF officers, parents and/or community members.”
Petty Officer Amanda Growcott has stepped away from her trade
as a chef and galley manager at Vince McGlone and now finds
herself learning seamanship skills that she would never have got
in her trade.
As a sea cadet advisor in Burnham POCH Growcott says she is
growing into her new job looking after five sea cadet and two
air cadet units and she’s enjoying interacting with people she
wouldn’t normally deal with.
“Getting the exposure to other services too is great. I would
really recommend this job to other people. It’s hands-on learning
as you go along and I really like that.”
She sees this posting as an opportunity to gain skills that will
stay with her and benefit her throughout her career.
“I have a two-year-old daughter and I was looking for a role that
would give me a challenge until she went to school and being in
Christchurch means I’m close to family.”
POCH Growcott says after her posting she expects she will go
back to Devonport and a sea posting.
LTCOL Morris says people looking to expand their outlook,
skill set and opportunities should look seriously at a posting
within NZCF.
“Key skills every advisor will enhance during their time with the
NZCF are interpersonal skills and relationship management. If you
are looking to develop your skills, then this is the place to do it.”
for more information about this role contact [email protected] or www.cadetforces.org.nz
cadet forces as a career option
Delegates from the biennial conference of the Sea cadet association of New Zealand pose for a photograph at Devonport Naval Base. the conference, across 11-13 august, involved the chairpeople and representatives from the 16 sea cadet units around the country. they met to cover national issues facing the sea cadets, discuss health and safety, how to work with media, and networking opportunities between units.
Carving a pathway through a military career can throw up many options, some obvious and some not so much.
caDet UNitS togetHer
32 NZ MEMORIAL MUSEUM
A New Zealand trust has secured purchase rights to houses and a former police station with the blessing of a northern French town who wants to honour the sacrifice of New Zealanders during the war.
After a 12-year search, the New Zealand Memorial Museum
Trust has secured purchase rights to a former Gendarmerie,
built in 1901, and nine adjacent police officers’ houses in the
northern French town of Le Quesnoy.
The trust is establishing a memorial museum and is refurbishing
the houses into self-catering accommodation for New Zealanders.
The museum will be a permanent record for future generations
honouring New Zealand’s service and sacrifice in Europe during two
World Wars.
Near the end of the First World War, on 4 November, 1918, the
New Zealand Division ended four years of German occupation of
the medieval-walled town, without any of the 3,000 civilian lives
being lost.
When a section of the 4th Battalion reached the inner walls about
midday on 4 November, they had already scaled the complex
network of outer ramparts with ladders, supplied by the sappers.
However, because of the height of the inner wall, the riflemen could
only position a ladder on a narrow ledge on top of a sluice gate. Led
by Lieutenant Leslie Averill, the battalion’s intelligence officer, a
small group of men quickly climbed the wall.
After exchanging shots with fleeing Germans, the New Zealanders
entered the town and the garrison quickly surrendered.
The medieval-like assault on Le Quesnoy captured the imagination
of the townspeople, who were overjoyed at their release from a
four-year bondage. Ever since, the town has maintained a strong
affinity with New Zealand and they honour Anzac Day every year
with a series of events.
Le Quesnoy Mayor Marie-Sophie Lesne said the people in the
town today retained huge gratitude for the heroics of the New
Zealanders nearly a century ago.
“Our friendship is unique and very special because it talks to our
soul and to New Zealand’s soul,” she said.
“We take care of the 135 Kiwi soldiers who died here, as if they were
our sons. We want to honour them in eternity. Consequently, this
museum project is significant for both New Zealand and the people
of Le Quesnoy.”
To help raise the $11.2 million needed to pay for the land, building
acquisitions and the refurbishment work the trust is seeking
donations from the New Zealand public. It believes the facility will
then, in spirit, be owned by all New Zealanders.
“I invite all New Zealanders to become part of this project,” Ms
Lesne said. “And I invite you all to come to Le Quesnoy for the
inauguration in November 2018.
“This project is very important for both France and New Zealand.”
The trust plans to open the New Zealand Memorial Museum on the
centenary of the battle, on 4 November, 2018.
New Zealand Defence Force personnel who make a donation
of $100 or more will receive an invitation to attend the museum
opening.
we wiLL rememBer tHem
above: the New Zealand Defence force contingent passes through a gateway in the town of Le Quesnoy on anzac Day 2017.
register on the trust’s website – nzmemorialmuseum.org.nz – and an information package will be sent to you.
33LETTER FROM DAME VERA
The Sea Cadets of TS
LEANDER paid tribute to
New Zealand’s only holder of
the Navy Victoria Cross holder on
the 100th anniversary of his death
last month.
For more than 15 years the
TS LEANDER cadets have
commemorated the memory
of Lieutenant Commander
William Sanders with a ceremony in Sanders Avenue in
Takapuna, Auckland. LTCDR Sanders commanded a Q-ship
during WWI, part of a secret campaign to lure German
submarines into range before uncloaking hidden guns.
It was a dangerous strategy, as the Q-ship had to endure
bombardment before being able to open fire.
LTCDR Sanders was awarded the Victoria Cross for
precisely this action on 30 April 1917 when he all but sank
a German U-Boat. However, in August his Q-ship, HMS
PRIZE, was torpedoed by a German submarine, with the
loss of Lieutenant Commander Sanders and all his men.
For the service on 13 August, Chaplain Reverend Bruce
Thompson of the New Zealand Cadet Forces officiated,
while Lieutenant Commander James Burt, of the Royal New
Zealand Naval Reserve, read the biography. The citation
was read by Lieutenant Commander William Dryden, of the
New Zealand Cadet Forces.
Unit Support Committee chairwoman Raewyn Rasch said it
was an opportunity for young people to learn about a hero.
“So few people know the story of LTCDR Sanders and what
he did for his country, so it’s very appropriate for our Sea
Cadets to uphold this tradition and keep his memory alive.”
Eric Welch, a great nephew of LTCDR Sanders, said the
service was an honour to attend.
“I wish my grandmother could see this,” Mr Welch said.
“She was a great supporter and kept a record of her
brother’s career. She’d be very proud.”
above: tS Leander Sea cadets with officers of HmNZS Ngapona and, not in uniform, eric welch, a great nephew of Lieutenant-commander william Sanders.
SeaL of aPProvaLSometimes you just have to pinch yourself.
That was the feeling for Able Musician Rebecca Nelson, who
received a signed letter from wartime singer Dame Vera Lynn, complimenting her latest album.
AMUS Nelson, who cites the 100-year-old Dame as one of her biggest
inspirations in her singing career, sent Dame Vera a copy of her latest album, Poppies and Pohutukawa. In her album are covers of two of Dame Vera’s famous songs, We’ll Meet Again and White Cliffs of Dover.
“She’s someone I’ve idolised,” says AMUS Nelson. “I sent them a letter and album, and someone got in touch, saying Dame Vera would like to respond.” Dame Vera complimented AMUS Nelson on her “beautiful voice” and said she was truly talented. “It must be wonderful that you now sing for the Navy in New Zealand.”
AMUS Nelson says it was very emotional for her to get that letter. “I was stoked to get her seal of approval,” she says. AMUS Nelson joined the Navy in 2013 after being spotted busking on the streets of Devonport by the band’s musical director at the time, LTCDR Owen Clarke. She has released three albums, and has toured both with the band and in her own right as a singer.
In October AMUS Nelson will be singing at the 100-year-commemorations at Passchendaele in Belgium.
Personnel from HMNZS
OLPHERT had the pleasure
of helping present four cheques
to Hawke’s Bay charities and
community organisations during a
visit to Napier on 12 August.
A Royal New Zealand Navy Band charity concert during February’s
Art Deco Festival in Napier raised $12,000. Last month Napier
mayor Bill Dalton, along with HMNZS OLPHERT commanding
officer Lieutenant Commander Richard Davies and his Ship’s
Company, met at the HMNZS TUI Anchor Memorial to distribute
the funds. Westshore Sea Scouts received $1000, the City of Napier
Army Cadet Corps received $4000 and the No. 13 (City of Napier)
Squadron Air Training Corps received $2000. A later presentation
of $5000 was made on location at Hohepa Hawke’s Bay, a disability
service provider. Hohepa is the chosen charity of HMNZS TE KAHA.
During the weekend Lieutenant Commander Neville Smith, the
Regional Naval Officer, was presented with his New Zealand
Distinguished Service Medal. The handovers and presentation were
combined with a Maritime Trade Organisation port visit for HMNZS
OLPHERT personnel.
New ZeaLaND NavaL Hero rememBereD
cHaritY iN NaPier
above: LtcDr richard Davies, co of HmNZS oLPHert, presents a cheque to Napier’s westshore Sea Scouts, part of the proceeds from a charity concert by the rNZN Band.
above: the cover of Poppies and Pohutukawa.
34
By andrew Bonallack
The New Zealand Defence Blacks downed the Australian
Defence Force rugby team last month in a second half
romp that capitalised on a wide-running game plan and
Australian fatigue.
The Blacks won 39–14 at Trentham’s Davis Field on 25 August,
titling them champions of the Cubic Military Tri-Nations Rugby
Tournament between Australia, New Zealand and France. Earlier in
the month New Zealand had defeated France 18–15, while France
had beaten Australia 20–10.
New Zealand led Australia 11–7 at the break but had spent much of
the first half frustrated for possession and territory, with Australia
capitalising on turnovers, their stronger scrum, near flawless
lineout possession and a taste for pick-and-go charges near the
New Zealand tryline. Blacks captain RNZAF Corporal Ben Wyness
put the first points on the board with a penalty kick but Australia,
receiving a penalty in a similar position, opted to kick for touch
and were rewarded with a converted try after a series of charges.
Australia enjoyed the bulk of penalties, but turned down any
goal-kicking options in favour of field position or scrums to get
themselves near the Black’s 22 and pushing New Zealand’s defence.
However, a penalty in New Zealand’s favour 13 minutes before half-
time saw Wyness lining up the Australian posts with no hesitation,
closing the gap to 7–6 .
The Black’s first try came after Australia kicked clear from their try
line. A quick throw in from the side and a series of passes on the
right wing saw Sapper Jared Deal touch down. The try, unconverted,
put the Blacks ahead 11–7 and invigorated them, prompting an
almost-try after an inspired run by Leading Aircraftman Patrick
Tafili-Reid set up Able Marine Technician Odin Robinson on the
wing, who was forced over the side several metres short. A kicking
game ensued in the close of the first half, with Australia opting
for their pick-and-go to get over the tryline, only to have their ball
carrier held up by New Zealand.
The Blacks looked like a team with a mission in the second half,
and in a mood for a passing game. 12 minutes in, the Blacks snared
above: SPr Logan Broughton on the charge with LcPL Sam Prosser backing up.
above: Lac Patrick tafili-reid with the ball, with support from LcPL tainui woodmass and LcPL Sam Prosser.
a ball in field after Australia attempted to kick clear, and following
the tackle the ball was launched in a series of passes to the left
wing, catching out the Australians and allowing Lance Corporal
Tafa Tafa to cross, which Wyness converted. Australia continued
with their tactics, but it was the turn of New Zealand to capitalise
on turnovers and Australian errors, testing the Australian defence
with short kicks forward and securing the ball. The Blacks were
held up over the Australian line, but a five-metre scrum saw a quick
pass to Corporal Tainui Woodmass for the try, which Wyness again
converted, bringing the score to 25–7.
Australia rallied with a series of charges near New Zealand’s line,
gaining a penalty try after New Zealand infringed. The Blacks won
a turnover shortly after the kickoff, with Talifi-Reid again breaking
clear. A scrum five metres from the Australian line saw Sergeant
Hamiora Thomas almost jauntily jog over the line on the blindside.
Wyness converted again, bring the score to 32–14.
The closing minutes saw Australia working hard to stem the flood.
A misjudged lineout throw for Australia saw the Blacks secure the
ball and kick wide for position, with a lone Australian securing the
ball but penalised for not releasing. A superb cross-kick from the
scrum floated the ball neatly to the left wing and into the hands of
Tafa, who crossed again for a converted try just before full time.
Wyness, who kicked 14 points, said they had been frustrated by
Australia’s game in the first half, and discipline was letting them
down. “We needed to stick to our game plan. But to still be up at
half time was a big confidence booster. We just needed to cut out
the penalties. We just wore them down.” He said the team had a
pool of enormous talent. “Once they got tired, we had a lot of fun
out there. It’s a privilege to able to do this. It’s not often you get to
play an international match with guys you serve with.”
The win means the Defence Blacks are the holders of the Anzac
Cup, which is contested between New Zealand and Australia, and
the Chief of Defence Force’s Challenge Cup, which is on the line any
time New Zealand play another team in New Zealand.
defence Blacks roMp hoMe
35NOTICES
OTAGO AND ALL SHIPS REUNION
The HMNZS Otago Association is holding a reunion on 13–15
April 2018 and invites members and ex-sailors from all ships to
attend at the Poenamo Hotel, 31 Northcote Road, Takapuna,
Auckland. Contact: Noel Davies [email protected]
HMNZS OLPHERT 90TH ANNIVERSARY 9 – 11 MARCH
HMNZS OLPHERT welcomes all former RNZN, RNZNVR
and Civilian Staff of HMNZS OLPHERT to join us. We are
looking for expressions of interest to attend this event. A draft
program has been prepared and consists of a Meet and Greet
on the Friday evening at HMNZS OLPHERT, a Dinner on the
Saturday evening in Lower Hutt, and Church Service, BBQ and
informal farewell on the Sunday at HMNZS OLPHERT. If you
are interested in attending please email your contact details to: [email protected]
CAMBODIA REUNION
There is to be a reunion for all Navy personnel who deployed to
Cambodia 1992 and 1993 as part of the NZ Navy Detachments
(NZNAVDET) in support of the United Nations Transitional
Authority Cambodia (UNTAC). The reunion is to be held in
Taupo 23–26 April 2018 and is to include a Platoon march at the
Dawn Service on 25 April 2018. All Navy personnel who were
members of the two UNTAC detachments are encouraged to
attend and to contact Wayne DULEY ([email protected]) to
advise of attendance or go to the “RNZN UNTAC Reunion”
Facebook page.
COOKS AND STEWARDS’ REUNION
A reunion for all ex RNZN Cooks and Stewards and serving
RNZN Chefs and Stewards will be held on the weekend of
05–07 October 2018. Celebrations will be immense. Partners,
wives and husbands are more than welcome to join us for the
weekend – the more the merrier! The Reunion will be held in
Auckland at Ngataringa. An
in-depth programme will be published in due course. For any
further information please contact Jon walker on 021 103 5856,
george coffin on 021 081 26783 or margret mitchell on 027
6044 571 or join us in the Cooks and Stewards Reunion Group
on Facebook.
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION NATIONAL REUNION 2017
To celebrate 75 years of women in the Navy, a National
Reunion will be held in Auckland over the weekend 13th–15th
October 2017. It is open to women who have served in the
Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service, Royal New
Zealand Navy, the Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve
and Commonwealth Naval Forces. For further information on
events happening over the weekend and a registration form,
please contact either: carrie Hodson: [email protected]
or Donna russell: [email protected]
By andrew Bonallack
A former cricketing international and Navy supply officer
has re-attested back into the Navy after over four years
working in Australian sporting circles.
Lieutenant Amanda Green, who joined the Navy in 2007, left the
Navy in 2012 and rejoined with an attestation ceremony at Fryberg
Building in Wellington on 28 August.
Capt Maxine Lawes, who officiated the attestation, said in some
respects taking an oath of allegiance meant more the second time
around. “You wouldn’t have known what you were getting into
the first time, and now you know – and you have chosen to come
back here as an adult”. As an officer, Lt Green retained her rank on
discharge as she never resigned her commission. On discharging
from the Navy Lt Green retained a reserve liability for four years.
As she re-enlisted more than four years later, she had to re-attest
on re-enlisting.
LT Green, who attended with her wife and parents, was an
international cricketer and bowler who played in fourteen One Day
Internationals between 2003 and 2004, as well as being prominent
in Wellington womens’ cricket.
She said she “fell on her feet” with a job with cricket operations
for New South Wales, after working for Baua Media before that.
She met her wife, Jen, in Sydney. Coming back to the Navy was
“following her heart”, she said. “Jen has been super-supportive.”
She didn’t know she would have to re-attest, but agrees with CAPT
Lawes – she knows what defence is about this time around. “I’m
excited about what I’m coming back to.” LT Green will be based at
Freyberg Building – where her mother, Carol Green, also works.
Jen Dive said it was very much a joint decision to come to New
Zealand and they were both ready “for a new adventure. The Navy,
it’s something she loves. What’s better than that”?
BETTER second tiMe AROUND
Below: Lt amanda green needed to reaffirm her oath to the Navy to rejoin after four years away. She is pictured with father tony green, wife Jen Dive and mother carol green.
VISIT AOTEAROA.MIL.NZ FOR DETAILS I #HMNZSAOTEAROA
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