December 2014, Issue 185

Transcription

issue 185 December 2014
75TH ANNIVERSARY
OF HMS ACHILLES
AT BATTLE OF THE
RIVER PLATE
HMNZS ENDEAVOUR–
OUR TANKER IS BACK
AT SEA
RNZN MEN’S
FORUM
our people
Te Taua Moana – warriors of the sea
1
contents
NAVY TODAY ISSUE 185 2014
DIRECTORY
Published to inform, inspire and entertain
serving and former members of the RNZN,
their families and friends and the wider Navy
community.
Navy Today is the official magazine of the
Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by
Defence Communications Group, Wellington.
Navy Today is now in its eighteenth year of
publication.
Views expressed in Navy Today are not
necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.
05
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 187 March issue
NT 188 April issue
NT 189 May issue
Subject to change.
15 February
15 March
15 April
EDITOR:
David McLoughlin
Defence Communications Group
HQ NZ Defence Force
21
14
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand
P: (04) 496 0219 F: (04) 496 0290
04
CDF’S PRIORITY FIVE AND CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
05
RIVER PLATE BATTLE’S IMPORTANT LEGACY FOR
TODAY’S NAVY
PRINT:
08
ACHILLES CO’S OUTSTANDING NAVY CAREER
13
HISTORIC RIVER PLATE PAINTING FOUND IN
ARCHIVES NZ
14
RNZN MEN’S FORUM 2014
15
CDRE MILLAR WRITES ABOUT NZ’S COMMAND
OF CTF 151
17
WON REPORT
18
OUR PEOPLE
20
EX BERSAMA LIMA 14
E: [email protected]
DESIGN & LAYOUT:
As part of a Government multi-agency
initiative the NZDF has changed to a single
provider for all of its Print Services.
This magazine is now printed by Blue Star.
Feedback to [email protected] on
the quality of this publication is welcomed.
INQUIRIES TO:
P: (04) 496 0270 F: (04) 496 0290
Devonport Naval Base
LT CDR Vicki Stevens
P: (09) 445 5002 F: (09) 445 5014
Director Defence Communications Group
P: (04) 496 0299 F: (04) 496 0290
21
NEWS
www.defencecareers.mil.nz
24
OPERATION NEPTUNE—THE NAVY’S 75TH
BIRTHDAY
CHANGING ADDRESS?
26
FLEET PROGRESS
33
THE GREAT BLAKE RACE
Defence Careers:
P: 0800 1FORCE (0800 136 723)
To join or leave our mailing list,
please contact:
E: [email protected]
2
cover image:
Frank Norton, HMS ACHILLES
in the Battle of the River Plate,
Gouache 799 x 752 mm. National
Collection of War Art, Archives
New Zealand, Wellington.
Ref: AAAC 898 NCWA Q223.
See page 13.
yours aye
F
or the last edition of Navy Today in 2014 it is perhaps
timely to focus on the year ahead. If we look back on 2014
there have been many successes and several highlights.
But that is looking back; let’s look ahead to 2015. Next year is a
significant year for our Navy, the New Zealand Defence Force
and New Zealand, as we commemorate the events of World War
I. There will be enormous demands on all of us as we contribute
to these commemorations. At the same time though, we need
to keep moving our Navy forward. We need to keep looking for
improvements that we can all do to make our Navy better.
To recall, 2013 was the “Year of Our People” and 2014 was the “Year
of Regeneration.” In both of these years we have made things
better for our people and also had a good go at our regeneration.
Last time I looked attrition was down from a high of around 23 per
cent to about 6 per cent and people are queuing up to join our
Navy. Well done to all of you for contributing to the changes that
have put us in this situation.
Of course the theme for each year continues on. We will always
look out for our people. Regenerating our Navy to the numbers and
structure we need will be an ongoing focus.
The Chief of Defence Force is implementing changes in a number of
areas of the Defence Force and these will impact on our Navy. After
all, we are part of the Defence Force and our job is to provide the
best maritime capability we possibly can.
With that in mind the theme for 2015 is “Empowerment”. We
need to push the ability to change our Navy further down in the
organisation. We need to give those in charge of various areas of
the Navy the opportunity and the ability to improve their own areas.
The way to move our Navy ahead is for people throughout our Navy
to improve the areas they work in. For them to take the lead, and
the responsibility to make changes. It will not work having all the
decisions made by the Chief of Navy or the Naval Leadership Board.
You are the ones who know what is best for us so you are the ones
who can implement the changes. With that will also come the
accountability for success or failure. But we also have to accept
that with empowerment there will be mistakes. That is fine as long
as we learn from those mistakes. That we use those mistakes as a
springboard to greater success and that we do not dump on those
who make mistakes.
CHIEF OF NAVY
Rear Admiral Jack Steer, ONZM
so to speak, are able to suggest or make changes? This should see
improvement throughout our Navy, no matter who is holding the
senior positions. We will become more of a learning organisation
that can look at itself and see where things can be made better.
So that is what we are going to do in 2015. We will be looking at the
structure of our Navy to ensure that it is the best we can to achieve
as much as we can with our limited resources. We will also be having
a look at how we maintain our ships, to ensure that our maintenance
plans are what best meet the needs of a modern Navy. We will also
be working hard to empower all of you. To provide you all with the
tools and the ability to make our Navy better. Good luck!
Enjoy the Christmas break. I hope you all get to spend plenty
of time with your families and friends, they are an incredibly
important part of our Navy. Thank you all for what you have
contributed to our Navy during 2014. You have all been magnificent
and you have made me incredibly proud of every one of you.
He heramana ahau
I am a sailor
Our Navy has been serving the people of New Zealand as the Royal
New Zealand Navy for 73 years. During that time people have come
and gone, mistakes have been made, our Navy has changed a lot;
and that will continue. What we need now is for you all to take a
good look at the role you play in our Navy.
What do you bring along and contribute to the outputs we try to
achieve? What can you do better, what can you change to make
our Navy better? In an organisation as small as ours everyone has
an important role to play. Everyone can make a difference. Rather
than just one leader making changes, imagine how effective it will
be if people throughout our organisation, those at the coal face
Above: CN presents CPOWTR Melissa Latu with her Long Service and Good
Conduct Medal in a ceremony on 21 November
yours aye
3
a message from the CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE
Lieutenant General Tim Keating, MNZM
CDF’s Christmas Message
Looking back across 2014 I have a great sense of pride in the way
we as a Defence Force have met head on the opportunities and
challenges we faced.
PRIORITY 5:
Stronger leadership, better governance
and improved management
M
y fifth priority focuses the Defence Force on being the
Force for New Zealand it should be. Without strong
leadership, solid governance and improved management
across the organisation I do not think we can fulfil our future.
As Defence Force men and women we do not have ordinary days
in the office: our day-job is serving New Zealand. Our people do
their job well because we prepare, train and lead to win in any
environment. But some of these environments are not on the
battle field, on exercise or in another country. They are here in
New Zealand where we actively contribute to the defence and
security of New Zealand and our country’s economic and social
well-being through strong leadership and working with our
partners in the public and private sectors.
As a professional force we set ourselves high standards and it is
here that strong leadership is paramount. We all have a leadership
role to play within Defence, within New Zealand’s government
and security communities and within the global context as well.
Everyone must own issues, make decisions and be accountable and
responsible for the outcomes.
Government is looking to our people plan to give it confidence
that we have a pool of bright young men and women with the right
talents to be future leaders and that they are able to meet the
challenges of organisational leadership and can drive our Defence
Force towards a bright future.
To make sure we are on target, I will be establishing development
opportunities, a succession planning model and a competitive
selection processes that will ensure Defence will have credible and
viable candidates for all future senior positions.
These future leaders will guide our people as they do their ‘dayjob’: responding to natural disasters; participating in search and
rescue; protecting our maritime resources; disposing of explosive
ordnance; supporting conservation efforts; counter-terrorism
planning and training; deterring unwelcome intrusions within our
region; and protecting our trading routes.
The strength of our future organisation will of course not rest
solely on the backs and brains of our people but also on the quality
of our management and solid governance processes. We need
rigor and oversight of our day-to-day activities and our projects to
successfully deliver and implement positive outcomes.
We gained the confidence of government when we conducted
the Defence Mid-Point Rebalancing Review which resulted in
additional operational funding. I want to increase that confidence.
To do that we must understand what is the best operating
model for the future. The upcoming Performance Improvement
Framework Review will show us where we need to work harder,
it will highlight questions around affordability of our proposed
actions and it should help us bring forward decisions as we will
have concrete evidence and solid processes to back them up.
Finally, the programme of activity called ‘Kotahitanga’ currently
underway at headquarters is about the DFLB and me achieving
greater unity of purpose, work and outcomes across the Defence
Force. Priority Five is one piece of a larger jigsaw puzzle we are
continually striving for excellence on.
4
CDF Message
It is all down to the efforts of you, the service people and civilians
who make up the New Zealand Defence Force. And of course we
couldn’t do what we do without the support of our families and
whanau. Thank you for your commitment, dedication, courage
and sacrifice.
The end of 2014 will provide for many a much needed opportunity
for respite and time with family and friends, but I know that some
of you in the Defence Force will still be conducting missions or on
standby in and around New Zealand.
Many of you are a long way from your loved ones, and are
working in harsh climates and inhospitable places. Many
others will be at work supporting the efforts of those who
are deployed. Your commitment reflects the pattern of 2014
where you have served in a variety of tasks and areas that
our Defence Force mission demands. These include major
international exercises such as RIMPAC, assisting in many
Search and Rescue efforts, including the search for MH370, and
supporting other government departments and those around
the world that require your unique skills to bring hope, peace,
security and protection. Standing behind those at the ‘front
line’, is of course a massive Defence Force team of Regular Force,
Reservists and Civilians who make sure every aspect of our
organisation runs well. It is together that we succeed in tasks
like these, demonstrating our professionalism and delivering to
exceptionally high standards.
Christmas and our summer holidays are traditionally a time
where we try to pause from the pace of our roles, renew bonds
with friends and family, relax a little, reflect on our own lives, and
assess where we are and where we are going. I encourage you, if
you can, to take the opportunity to have some time off.
Take some time to reflect on what you have achieved in 2014 and
what 2015 holds. For those reflecting on the past year, know that
your contribution is both valued and valuable. And remember
that our service does not recognise the boundaries of geography,
season or environment; it does not always give notice of
intention nor make allowance for rest and respite. You are special
people who serve selflessly and put the needs of the mission
before self interest. In so doing, you serve as a Force for Good, for
New Zealand and the world.
Together we are A Force For New Zealand.
Nga mihi o te wa me te tau hou
A merry Christmas and a happy New Year
LTGEN Tim Keating Chief of Defence Force
CDF’s Five Priorities
• A single plan for the NZDF implementing the DMRR investing in
smart capability, focused on excellence
• Focusing on the delivery of our core military skills towards the tasks
expected of us by Government and the people of New Zealand
• Growing the people we need and better supporting our military
families
• Greater partnering with other agencies and other militaries
• Stronger leadership, better governance and improved management
Battle of the river plate
HMS ACHILLES’ pivotal role in Battle
of the River Plate
a solid part of the Navy’s history today
By David McLoughlin, editor, Navy Today
O
n December 13, the Navy will commemorate the 75th
anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate, the first
naval battle of World War II and a historic moment
for New Zealand as our cruiser HMS ACHILLES took part,
marking the first time the New Zealand Blue Ensign flew in
battle. The commemorations will include a parade along Queen
Street in Auckland.
The story of the battle is a major part of the Royal New Zealand
Navy’s history. ACHILLES had joined fellow Leander-class ship
HMS AJAX and the heavy cruiser HMS EXETER off the South
American Atlantic coast to hunt the heavily armed German
Panzerschiff (armoured ship) ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE, which had
sunk nine British merchant ships between the outbreak of war in
September 1939 and December.
The three ships sighted GRAF SPEE east of Montevideo at
6.10am on 13 December and immediately attacked despite being
outgunned. During the 82-minute battle, ACHILLES sustained
relatively minor damage and lost four crew with nine more injured,
including the CO, CAPT Edward Parry. AJAX lost seven crew with
five injured and EXETER was severely damaged and forced to retire
with 61 crew dead and 23 injured.
Almost inexplicably, GRAF SPEE’s CO, CAPT Hans Langsdorff,
chose to attack the three ships—perhaps thinking they were
smaller destroyers—rather than standing off and sinking them
with her 11-inch radar-directed guns, which had a much longer
range than the smaller guns of ACHILLES, AJAX and EXETER. This
enabled the latter ships to inflict enough damage on GRAF SPEE to
force the German ship to flee with 36 dead and 60 injured and seek
From top: HMS ACHILLES under way
ACHILLES crew gets a pre-battle briefing
The Y Turret and Director Tower from HMS ACHILLES at the main gate of
Devonport Naval Base
NAVY HISTORY—BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE
5
respite in neutral Montevideo near the mouth of the Rio de la Plata
(River Plate).
When refused permission to remain in Montevideo longer than
72 hours, low on ammunition and unable to undertake the repairs
needed to attempt a return to Germany, CAPT Langsdorff opted
to scuttle his ship in the River Plate rather than lose the lives of
his 1000 sailors if forced to engage the superior British force he
believed had assembled to wait for him.
GRAF SPEE’s loss a huge boost to morale
This loss of one of Germany’s feared “pocket battleships” was an
enormous boost to British morale and a cause for huge celebration
in New Zealand also, given the role of ACHILLES, whose home port
was Devonport Naval Base. CAPT Parry went on to become the first
New Zealand Chief of Naval Staff and saw the New Zealand Division
of the Royal Navy become the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1941. Of
ACHILLES’ Ship’s Company of 567, 321 were New Zealanders.
ACHILLES returned to Auckland on 23 February 1940 to a
rapturous welcome. Huge crowds lined Queen Street as Ship’s
Company paraded with ex-servicemen, the Royal Marines Band,
the Navy and the second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in a
riot of colour and celebration.
It is both this parade and the battle itself that the Navy is
celebrating in Auckland on 13 December, with a re-enactment
of the parade starting at 11am. The parade will include the four
remaining veterans of the battle, their families, the Navy Band and
582 sailors of the RNZN. At the end of the parade, the veterans will
be awarded Defence Service Medals by the Governor-General, HE
LTGEN the Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.
Battle a major part of history of today’s RNZN
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, says the part ACHILLES
played in the battle is a major part of the Navy’s history and legacy.
“The legacy that has been passed on to us by the brave men of
ACHILLES is one we treasure,” said CN. “They did not shirk from
the challenges they faced against a better-armed opponent. They
worked with their shipmates to achieve a glorious victory. That is
why we honour the veterans of this battle every year and it is also
why the Director Tower and Y Turret from ACHILLES are at the
main gate of HMNZS PHILOMEL. When our new recruits join, half
of them are assigned to ACHILLES Division and they learn of the
history of this ship and of course this battle.
“For New Zealanders at the time, ACHILLES’ role in the battle was
a special source of pride,” added CN. “The men onboard had come
through their first test of combat with colours flying.
“Like all battles the outcome was never certain. The three allied
ships were outgunned by the GRAF SPEE and alternative decisions
by those in command on both sides could have seen quite a
different result.
“ACHILLES’ contribution to the victory was a real boost for the
New Zealand naval forces. It seemed to justify the effort that
had been put into them for the previous 25 years. This battle
foreshadowed the full part New Zealand would play in the naval
war over the next six years.”
ACHILLES played herself in 1956 film
The Navy is also looking at screening the 1956 film The Battle of
the River Plate as part of the commemorations.
The 119-minute British film was directed and produced by Michael
Powell and Emeric Pressburger and stars Jack Gwillim as CAPT
Parry (HMS ACHILLES), John Gregson as CAPT Frederick “Hookie”
Bell (HMS EXETER), Anthony Quayle as RADM Henry Harwood
(HMS AJAX), Bernard Lee as CAPT Patrick Dove (MS AFRICA, one
of the merchant ships taken by GRAF SPEE) and Peter Finch as
CAPT Hans Langsdorff (GRAF SPEE).
As well as actors playing historically accurate roles of many officers
and sailors, the film also stars the real HMS ACHILLES! ACHILLES
was sold to the Indian Navy in 1948 and became INS DELHI. The
Indian Navy loaned her to the film producers. The RNZN acquired
her Y Turret and Director Tower when the ship was scrapped in 1978.
The real HMS CUMBERLAND also played herself in scenes after
the battle when she met the other RN ships. HMS AJAX was played
6
by HMS SHEFFIELD and HMS EXETER by HMS JAMAICA. GRAF
SPEE was portrayed by the American heavy cruiser USS SALEM
The part of CAPT Dove was important in the film because he was
one of many officers and crew of merchant ships held prisoner
onboard GRAF SPEE. Many were transferred to GRAF SPEE’s
supply ship ALTMARK (the 1939 equivalent of a replenishment
tanker like HMNZS ENDEAVOUR) but CAPT Dove was one of
those who remained in GRAF SPEE until they were freed on arrival
in Montevideo.
CAPT DOVE later wrote a book about his experiences, I was a
prisoner on the GRAF SPEE, which made clear the humaneness
of CAPT Langsdorff. Before sinking the captured ships, CAPT
Langsdorff took off all their crews, so not one of them died.
CAPT Dove appears to have had almost free run onboard GRAF
SPEE until the final battle, and had many meetings with CAPT
Langsdorff. The film’s producers were impressed by CAPT Dove’s
book and partly because of that portrayed CAPT Langsdorff and his
crew as the gentlemen they were.
What the film barely hints at is that CAPT Langsdorff lay on GRAF
SPEE’s battle ensign and shot himself after scuttling his ship and
ensuring all his crew would be treated in accordance of the rules of
war. He had wanted to go down with the ship but was talked out of
that by his officers.
Opposite page, from top: GRAF SPEE burns after being scuttled
Admiral Graf Spee
This page, from top: Huge crowds lining Queen St for the welcome
home parade
An excited welcome home when ACHILLES returns to Auckland after
the battle
The ship’s bulldog, Achilles of course
7
ACHILLES
Commanding
Officer’s
outstanding
naval career
By RADM David Ledson RNZN (Rtd), former Chief of Navy
C
aptain Edward Parry, Commanding Officer of HMS
ACHILLES during the Battle of the River Plate, was no
stranger to war. He had joined the Royal Navy in 1905 at the
tender age of 12 and served at sea throughout World War I.
After the war, between 1917 and 1929, he specialised as a Torpedo
Officer in various posts including HMS VERNON, the Torpedo
School at Portsmouth; the Atlantic Fleet and HMS DOLPHIN, the
Submarine Depot ship. He had spent around 30 years of his career
focused on the torpedo and submarine aspects of naval warfare
when there was an elemental change in 1932 as he was posted to
the aircraft carrier HMS EAGLE as the Executive Officer—as a fairly
senior Commander.
Parry must have performed pretty well because he left EAGLE
having been promoted to Captain at the age of 41. In early 1936 he
assumed command of the Royal Navy’s Anti-Submarine School at
HMS OSPREY and after 15 months at OSPREY, he spent most of 1938
undergoing higher Defence training at the Imperial Defence College.
A well rounded officer
Consequently, he was what could be considered a “well-rounded”
officer when he took command of HMS ACHILLES in January 1939
before the outbreak of war some nine months later in September.
He brought with him his four years of World War I service and
a good mix of operational experience in a variety of maritime
dimensions, two of which were directly related to decisive areas in
the coming war—the U-Boat threat and the threat and exploitation
of air power. It can be assumed, too, that his torpedo specialty and
his most recent postings had given him some familiarity with the
importance of technology to the development and evolution of
military capabilities.
When CAPT Parry assumed command of ACHILLES the ship had
just completed an extensive refit. So, two months later when it left
the United Kingdom to sail back to New Zealand it was, presumably,
in a good material condition. Morale would have been high as the
large number of New Zealand sailors among the crew were on their
way home. However, war with Germany was inexorably drawing
closer and on 29 August 1939 CAPT Parry was ordered to sail
ACHILLES to her assigned war station with Royal Navy forces on
the West Indies station.
8
Five hours after the Sailing Orders were received, ACHILLES slipped
away from Devonport, Auckland, and sailed towards the ship’s and
crew’s moment of drama and victory at sea—a moment of which
CAPT Parry later said: “New Zealand has every reason to be proud of
her seamen during their baptism of fire.”
The Battle of the River Plate probably presented CAPT Parry with his
greatest challenge—and greatest success—at the tactical level. He
was made a Companion of the Bath (CB) for his performance.
Battle of the River Plate
During the battle an 11-inch shell from the GRAF SPEE hit the water
near ACHILLES’ bridge. The resulting shrapnel seriously wounded
two ratings and killed four others. CAPT Parry was hit in the legs and
knocked out. Regaining consciousness he realised the guns were not
being fired at the GRAF SPEE and using the voice pipe, he called the
gunnery officer, LT J E Washbourn, to rectify this. Washbourn had
been hit in the head and was just coming to but quickly took action
and soon the Director Tower was back in action with their guns
focused on the GRAF SPEE.
Parry commented later on the GRAF SPEE’s manoeuvrability: “She
appeared to turn as quickly as a ship one-half her size and she made
the fullest use of her mobility. On several occasions, when her
situation was becoming unhealthy, she turned 180 degrees away,
using smoke to cover her turn.”
Parry was proud of his seamen and RADM Henry Harwood
(Commander of the three-ship fleet that engaged GRAF SPEE),
concurred, writing to the New Zealand Naval Board: “The ACHILLES
was handled perfectly by her captain and fought magnificently
by her captain, officers and ship’s company.” By all accounts the
ACHILLES was a happy ship, CAPT Parry later wrote.
He was obviously enjoying his time in ACHILLES. However, less
than three months after the ship returned to New Zealand he
was to be required to step up and perform at the operational and
strategic levels.
Chief of Naval Staff
On 1 May 1940 CAPT Parry was made a Commodore 2nd Class
and posted as the First Naval Member of the New Zealand Naval
Board, Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore Commanding New Zealand
Squadron and Commanding Officer HMS ACHILLES. This wide
range of tasks would have been a heavy load in peace time—it
is hard to imagine their weight during war. Parry, however, was
clearly determined to make things work and was clear that it was
the strategic role that was the most important; although there are
indications that he would have preferred to remain at sea.
In September 1940 he sensibly recommended to the Government
that combining the Chief of Naval Staff and New Zealand Squadron
command responsibilities be separated and that the Chief of Naval
Staff should be based in Wellington. The Government agreed and on
15 October CDRE Parry left ACHILLES with, I am sure, a heavy heart.
However, he quickly set about organising the Naval Staff to meet the
demands of the war, clearly drawing on his experience in the United
Kingdom and his education at the Defence College.
There is no more appropriate summary of his contribution as
Chief of Naval Staff than that in S D Waters’ Official History of the
RNZN: “New Zealand was fortunate to have had the services of
Commodore Parry as Chief of Naval Staff during a critical period of
the war. When he took up that appointment he found Navy Office
ill-prepared to cope with many urgent problems… By the time Japan
entered the war… he had organised an adequate and balanced naval
staff, as well as a sound recruiting and training scheme. His foresight
in these and many other matters was confirmed by the march of
events. When the time for his departure came, the Government was
loath to lose him.”
Nevertheless, on 16 June 1942, after more than two years as Chief
of Naval Staff and having seen the birth of the RNZN, and, in the
process, becoming its first Chief, CDRE Parry returned to Royal
Navy service.
For almost all of 1943 he served in command of the battleship
HMS RENOWN and, after promotion to Rear Admiral in January
1944, he was the “Naval Commander of Force L” for the Allied
landings at Normandy.
Post WWII
At the conclusion of the war RADM Parry was appointed Chief of
Staff (Post-Hostilities) to the British Naval Commander in-Chief,
headquartered in London, and then as the Deputy Head of Naval
Division, Control Commission for Germany, based in Berlin.
In July 1946 he took up duties as Director of Naval Intelligence. After
almost two years in the post, and by then a Vice Admiral, Parry
moved on to his final Naval posting—in India as the Commanderin-Chief of the Royal Indian Navy, a post which was so reminiscent
of his New Zealand service. This must have delivered him one of
the most nostalgic moments of his long and distinguished career
because, here, he encountered the ACHILLES again, recommissioned
in 1948 with the Indian Navy as DELHI.
In January 1950 India became a republic and, so, RADM Parry had
the unique privilege of becoming not only the first Chief of Naval
Staff of one Navy, but the first Commander-in-Chief of another,
as the Royal Indian Navy then became the Indian Navy. Leaving
India in 1951, he was promoted to Admiral, and with a knighthood
from the 1950 New Year’s List, becoming Admiral Sir Edward Parry,
Knight Commander of the Bath(KCB). He died in London on 21
August 1972 aged 79.
Opposite page: CAPT Parry (left) with RADM Harwood, Commander of the
three-ship fleet that engaged GRAF SPEE
This page, from left to right: CAPT Parry with his wife
CAPT Parry on the bridge of HMS ACHILLES immediately after the battle,
with his wounded leg bandaged.
9
Proud of his uniform
By Kelly Ana Morey
C
hief Yeoman of Signals Lincoln “Bully” Martinson, who
joined the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy in 1921 at
16 as a signal boy, had been serving in HMS ACHILLES since
early 1939 and was quietly drinking a cup of tea when the German
raider the ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE came steaming into view shortly
after dawn on 13 December 1939.
As a result of a discussion the night before between Martinson and
CAPT Parry, the Battle Ensign along with the New Zealand flag was
hoisted, much to the delight of her crew as they secured the ship for
action and prepared to do battle.
HMS EXETER was ordered to investigate and within minutes the
German vessel was on the attack. EXETER responded with three
salvos in quick succession, before sustaining a direct hit on B turret
which Martinson in his signals capacity was witness to.
“I watched the captain of the ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE knock EXETER
amidships, bang her about aft, but he didn’t finish the job,”
Martinson recalled much later in an oral history recording. “He
didn’t finish her off. Why he didn’t, I don’t know. Then he took us
on and he took the AJAX on too. He damaged the AJAX and we got
some very near misses, but he didn’t actually damage us. We had a
few holes here and there, shrapnel holes.
“Then of course I got mine. Langsdorff put one 11-inch very close, it
was a beautiful shot, it only wanted another 10 feet and we would
have gone to glory on the bridge, the whole lot of us, but it just
dropped short. The shot got me and Captain Parry. He got shrapnel
wounds in the leg. The shot should have really got the lot of us, but
it didn’t.”
“I was proud of my uniform,
and I was damned proud of the
boys who fought at the Plate.”
L C Martinson in 1938
Later in the battle CAPT Parry came down to the sick bay to check
on Martinson and convey some extremely bad news that had come
through on the wireless telegraph from Navy Office in Wellington
when AJAX had broken radio silence at the start of the action.
Martinson was taken down to the Boy’s Mess and was laying on top
of the lockers, thinking “well this is it, well so be it,” when one of his
signalmen arrived with a tot of rum.
“He came down and he asked me how I felt. I told him I didn’t feel
good, naturally. He said, ‘well I have got a piece of news for you.’ And
I thought, ‘what the devil can the piece of news be?’ I wasn’t in the
state to receive bad news or good news or any old bloody news, I was
just in a state where I wanted to sleep and finish with it. However,
the captain sat alongside me and he said, ‘I must give you the news.
It is my duty to do so.’ And he burst out crying. He was a fine man
you know; he was a man of feeling and emotion. He said, ‘I’m sorry to
tell you that your eldest daughter Joan has passed away’.”
“Now it wasn’t an ordinary tot of rum,” recounts Martinson. “It was
about three tots of rum in one bottle and I will never forget it, it was
neat. Anyway I took the tot of rum. I think that helped me to fight
everything that happened because after I had that tot of rum I was
ready for the world.”
Martinson was patched up onboard ACHILLES and sent directly to
the Navy hospital on the ship’s return to New Zealand but ultimately
lost his leg. He received a Distinguished Service Medal for his role in
the Battle of the River Plate, and stayed on in the service as a noncombatant, as a trainer until the end of the war.
Soon after Martinson was transferred to the sick bay and the ship’s
doctor did his best to save a leg that had been very seriously injured.
“My knee was mangled to glory. They couldn’t give me a new knee,
and I was hit in various other parts, a bit in the right hip and so on.
Up top I could hear the occasional boom, boom and the signalman
came down and put me in touch with what was going on.”
“I was proud of my uniform,” he says. “And I was damned proud of
the boys who fought at the Plate. So I thought to myself, ‘well if I
can do something that’s going to help, well I will do it,’ so I did and I
finished off my service in 1945 in PHILOMEL. I put many signalmen
through, good and bad, but all for the same reason to, fight a war
and that was that.”
ACHILLES in fact sustained two hits in this barrage from GRAF SPEE.
Four men were killed and seven others in addition to Martinson and
Parry were injured.
10
ACHILLES A turret crew
Able Seaman “Harry”
Huia Beesley
By Kelly Ana Morey
I
n 1932 16-year old Huia “Harry” Beesley, a cabin boy in the
Merchant Navy, answered the call for young recruits for the New
Zealand Division of the Royal Navy and was lucky to be one of 10
chosen from a pool of some 500 applicants. He subsequently trained
as a seaman gunner and was on board ACHILLES in that capacity
when the vessel set sail from New Zealand just two days before the
outbreak of war.
ACHILLES had been on patrol duty in the waters off the west coast
of South America for some six weeks with a number of Royal Naval
vessels before the fateful day it encountered the German pocketbattleship.
“About 6.10 am on the 13th December the alarms went and it was all
go. It was the GRAF SPEE, sighted in the horizon about 14-15 miles
away. The tip of her mast was the only thing to be seen. It was full
action stations. EXETER was despatched out to the port and within
minutes there was a flash on the horizon and in a suitable time the
shells started landing.
“My action station was on the open P1HA gun which is down on the
iron deck, just below and aft of the bridge. We couldn’t do much at
all really on our gun because of the range distance. We just had to
stay at our action stations until such time as things ceased. We fired
a couple of shots, but to no avail at all.
“There were one or two close misses,” he recalled many years later,
somewhat understatedly bearing in mind that his action station was
hit in one of the shrapnel bursts. “Unfortunately young Ian Grant
who was alongside me copped it in the chest. He died immediately.
Another chap dropped to the deck. He was shot all around the
buttocks. I picked him up, threw him over my shoulders like a sack of
coal to get him down to the sick bay.
“From then on it was catch-as-catch-can. Running in towards the
GRAF SPEE, firing a few, running out again. The way the ship was
handled was marvellous. It was flung about like a motor-boat you
know and it was really marvellous.”
After a period of playing cat and mouse, during which GRAF SPEE
was holding its own, the German vessel abruptly turned for shore,
heading up the estuary and into the nominally neutral Uruguayan
harbour of Montevideo.
“Why the ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE turned and went into Montevideo I
do not know. I don’t think anybody will know to this day.”
AJAX and ACHILLES followed the German vessel as far into shore as
they could. Beesley remembers the GRAF SPEE “was in the shadow
of the setting sun. She was running in to the west and you could see
her silhouette into the setting sun and as she entered harbour we
peeled off and waited outside.”
AJAX and ACHILLES, both low on fuel and ammunition, and HMS
CUMBERLAND which joined them after the battle, patrolled the
harbour entrance for four nights awaiting the German ship’s next
move which came on 17 December.
“Well eventually, when we got news that the GRAF SPEE had
sailed, well that was it! It was tense! We closed up at action
stations. I might add we never had much ammunition left anyway.
I think there was only about 10 rounds a gun left as I recall. She
could have blown us right out of the water had she known. Then
all of a sudden there was a mighty flash on the horizon where
ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE had run herself on to the English Bank, set
charges and had exploded BOOM!
“The next day we cruised up close to her, dipped the flag. Yeah we
dipped the flag to what was then a burned out hulk and then went
on about our business.”
11
River Plate battle seen by both
sides as ‘a square and fair fight’
Dr Hans Dietrich joined the German Navy in 1937. After training as an officer cadet he joined ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE
as a lieutenant. After the war he became a diplomat and was posted to New Zealand. He made a number of visits in
subsequent years. In 1999 while visiting Auckland, Dr Dietrich recorded an interview with the Navy Museum. This
article is based on that interview.
“GRAF SPEE commenced commerce raiding in the South Atlantic
shipping lanes where she was supplied and refuelled by the
ALTMARK, which also interned survivors from the nine ships sunk
by the GRAF SPEE,” Dietrich recalled. “ALTMARK was always hidden
in the South Atlantic and we would signal that we would meet them
and get ammunition and food.”
On 2 December 1939 the Blue Star liner DORIC STAR, Englandbound from New Zealand with a full cargo of meat, wool and dairy
produce, succeeded in transmitting her position before she was sunk
by GRAF SPEE.
Dietrich recalls: “The guns were directed at DORIC STAR and it was
ordered not to use its radio. The officers on the bridge wanted to
shoot but the Captain [Hans Langsdorff] said no. But the ship had
given his position. The Captain realised that our position was known
to the Allied forces and we went westward.”
RADM Henry Harwood, commander of Force ‘G’ (ACHILLES, AJAX
and EXETER) correctly anticipated that GRAF SPEE would probably
cross the South Atlantic arriving in the area of the River Plate and
Montevideo on or about 12 December. His ships were there to meet
the German raider.
“It was very shortly before 6 am that the alarm bells rang, the shrill is
a terrible noise indeed and so you wake up at once and that was the
beginning,” said Dr Dietrich. “I was under the deck and I could see
and hear something but nothing special. I hadn’t any idea who was
there and what was going on. Then gradually it was clear that there
were three ships of the Allies. As they came closer to us I could feel
Above: From left, the Navy Museum’s Cliff Heywood, German River Plate
veteran Dr Hans Dietrich and New Zealand River Plate veteran Eddie Telford
in front of ACHILLES’ Y Turret in 1999.
12
their shells exploding, amazing especially the ACHILLES coming so
close in battle. They were shooting at a speed that was fantastic.
“Then later I was told we had found a shell in the bed of a petty
officer not having exploded. The sailors from B Turret in ACHILLES
later said they had shot so fast that they couldn’t get a real shell and
so they took the practice shell and that is what ended in the bed.”
GRAF SPEE retreated to Montevideo to try to effect repairs
sustained during the battle.
“CAPT Langsdorff wasn’t sure if the ship—which had been hit in
several parts—was seaworthy again. There were holes especially on
the left side further down very close to the waterline.
“First the Allies said the ship must leave, then to the astonishment
of the people in Montevideo and the government there, they said,
‘no, leave the GRAF SPEE until it is ready,’ hoping that more and
more Royal Navy ships would come.”
The intense diplomatic pressure being exerted on the Uruguayan
government ultimately led to CAPT Langsdorff’s decision to take
GRAF SPEE beyond the three mile limit off Montevideo Harbour
and scuttle her. Langsdorff transferred most of his crew to the
merchantman TACOMA before the scuttling. GRAF SPEE’s ship’s
company then sailed in TACOMA to nearby Buenos Aires in
Argentina, also on the River Plate, where they were promptly
interned under a gentle regime in an immigration camp. Langsdorff’s
subsequent suicide shocked everyone.
“The morning that he killed himself we had gone for breakfast,”
recalled Dr Dietrich. “Then when we were all there I knocked at his
door but nothing happened. I knocked again, nothing happened
and a third time nothing happened. I opened the door and found
him in full uniform lying on the floor on the flag of GRAF SPEE close
to the window where he had been seated writing a letter to the
ambassador and another to his wife. He had shot himself in the right
temple, the pistol having fallen out of his hand. It was terrible for
First Artillery Officer Ascher who mentioned afterwards that he had
given his pistol to the captain who had demanded it on the pretext
to use it as a defence weapon in case of need.”
After the war Dietrich studied at the University of Heidelberg and
graduated with a PhD in law and joined the West German Foreign
Service, later serving in New Zealand. He eventually became
secretary of the New Zealand River Plate Veterans Association. At a
Rotary Club address in Wellington in the 1990s he told A G Stacey,
a fellow River Plate veteran: “Now we two are here together again
and getting along with each other as if nothing had happened. The
reason for this is, I think, that the River Plate was fought by all who
took part in it as a square and fair fight. This is without doubt a very
great thing.”
Historic ACHILLES
battle painting
turns up in
Archives NZ vaults
By David McLoughlin, editor, Navy Today
T
he painting of HMS ACHILLES in the Battle of the River
Plate on the cover of this Navy Today probably lay unseen
in Archives NZ for years. It was discovered recently along
with a trove of ACHILLES documents, including log books and
crew lists, by NZDF Heritage and Commemorations senior adviser
Jane Keig and Archives NZ staff. Jane was researching New
Zealand’s role in the battle for the marking of its 75th anniversary
on 13 December.
It was painted in London in early 1940 by New Zealand-born
Royal Australian Navy official war artist Frank Norton. He was
commissioned by the British Ministry of Information while in the
UK to design a propaganda poster depicting the Battle of the
River Plate.
The painting shows the New Zealand ship HMS ACHILLES, guns
blazing, in combat with the German ship ADMRAL GRAF SPEE. It
prominently depicts the New Zealand flag flying on ACHILLES’ mast,
the first time our battle flag had been flown in a naval engagement.
Fascinatingly, Frank Norton’s father, Charles Basil Norton, had
been a Royal Navy war artist and Frank’s daughter, Lynne Norton,
became an accomplished artist of RAN ships in her own right.
It is not known how the painting got to New Zealand. But Lynne
Norton, who lives in Perth—where her father was the trail-blazing
director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia from 1958 to
1976—has an idea.
“He would have had the original,” she told Navy Today. “He must
have passed it on to New Zealand somehow.”
She is familiar with the painting. She has 1940s Australian
magazine and newspaper articles that have pictures of her father’s
artworks, including the ACHILLES painting. She is certain it is the
one commissioned for the River Plate poster.
But how did Frank Norton come to be born in New Zealand of British
parents but become an official artist for the RAN living in Australia?
“His father Charles Basil Norton, my grandfather, was in the
Royal Navy from 1902 till 1911,” says Lynne. “He did a lot of Navy
art. He left as a leading signalman. He and his wife emigrated to
New Zealand.”
Frank Norton was born in Gisborne in April 1916. His parents
moved to Sydney when he was three. He graduated from the East
Sydney Technical College in 1936, winning the College Art Medal
as the most accomplished student in his year.
From the beginning of his art career, he loved painting ships. His
art teacher, Fred Leist, is quoted as saying: “Frank Norton literally
breathes ships and everything pertaining to them.”
He went to London near the start of the war to do paintings for
P&O. He was an official RAN war artist from 1941 to 1945, then again
in 1952 during the Korean War, when he held the rank of Lieutenant
Commander. The family moved from Sydney to Perth in 1958 when
he took up the post at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where
he campaigned tirelessly for recognition of the arts.
Lynne Norton finished a fine arts degree in 1988 and began
painting harbour and wharf scenes. In 1990, the RAN ships
DARWIN and ADELAIDE were about to depart Fleet Base West
at Rockingham, south of Perth, for that year’s Gulf War (after
Iraq invaded Kuwait). She asked if she could paint them. The base
public relations officer, a naval art historian, knew of her father’s
work and welcomed her. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra
later bought her work.
The memorial has a collection of 590 of her father’s paintings.
Others are held in almost 50 galleries and other buildings across
Australia.
“I’ve been on sea days on Navy ships,” says Lynne. “They’re much
more modern now of course but I could still recognise many
places in the ships from my father’s paintings.”
From top: Frank Norton painting aboard HMAS SYDNEY.
Lynne Norton and one of her paintings with CAPT Reg Cook, CO,
HMAS STIRLING
13
Looking after ourselves
RNZN Men’s Forum 2014
By MID Jacob Laird, RNZN
O
ne of the many benefits of being a part of this
organisation is that we are regularly able to engage in
events that develop us professionally and personally. On
17 November the RNZN held its first Men’s Forum at the Spencer
on Byron, Takapuna. This was not only a thought-provoking event
but also a platform used to learn from the advice and knowledge of
our comrades and guest speakers.
After an ice-breaker and a warm welcome from Deputy Chief of
Navy, CDRE Dean McDougall, a Defence Psychologist, LT CDR
Matt Harrison discussed resilience and the impact is has on the
organisation. Being able to be buoyant in times of trouble is a
necessity to our members, particularly when on deployment.
Following on were some gripping personal stories about success
and adversity from our own members. Captivating the audience’s
attention before morning tea, these people proved what incredible
people work among us. Each spoke directly and honestly about the
changes they have made, or were making, to improve their future.
Brendon Johnson (television’s Money Man) was seen by many to
be the highlight of the day with an impressionable presentation
that outlined the need to become more financially aware. This
was particularly relevant to our younger members in attendance
as he discussed the need for a savings plan, emergency funds and
kick-starting a Kiwisaver fund. Our sailors have access to decent
salaries from a young age, so having access to professional advice
in such an atmosphere was priceless.
Lunch was reduced due to a timetable alteration so many were
furiously attempting to ‘eat it and beat it.’ Psychologist Nigel
Latta was preparing to entertain us with his highly enthusiastic
and entertaining presentation about young families and
relationships. One of many great things about Nigel is that he
is very good at presenting to everybody in the room. Amidst
a lot of laughter, mental notes were being taken by all and an
14
MEN’S FORUM 2014
understanding of how our partners adjust to life while we are on
deployment was enlightening.
Professor Grant Schofield, professor of public health at AUT
University, eased us into the afternoon with a thought provoking
lecture about the brain. Systematically explaining various parts of
our cerebrum and giving us an understanding of a male’s thinking
patterns, he offered us four simple rules to maximise our brain
potential. It was interesting to note that although a male’s brain
lacks the capacity to multi-task, unlike our opposite gender, he did
say that men have a greater ability to parallel park, much to the
amusement of the audience. Jason Hallie of the Naval Community
Organisation rounded off the afternoon with a brief presentation
about his unit and the support they offer when called upon.
Overall, the forum provided many of us with the chance to think a
little differently about topics that are often overlooked or ignored,
increasing our own sense of personal watertight integrity. As an
organisation that is spread across many facets of the NZDF, it was
gratifying to be able to come together as a group and celebrate the
success of our men in service.
From top: “Money Man” Brendon Johnson addresses the forum
WOPTI Peter Hodge (left) motivates the crowd with a conference ice-breaker
getting people to be vocal and active with a number draw for prizes.
NZ-led counter-piracy mission
all about saving lives
By CDRE Tony Millar, Commander CTF 151 August–November 2014
W
e are lucky that, despite having a small Defence Force,
New Zealand maintains an excellent reputation for
the quality and professionalism of its people. Between
August and late November I was very fortunate to once again deploy
with some very special representatives of our military family as part
of OP TIKI VIII—this time to take command of one of the task forces
within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
CMF is a naval partnership of some 30 nations. It exists to promote
security, stability and prosperity across approximately 2.5 million
square miles of international waters, including the Persian Gulf,
the Arabian and Red seas, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Within CMF there are three task forces, each with its own area of
responsibility.
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) conducts a broad maritime
security mission within the Indian Ocean region, while CTF 152
conducts a similar mission focused on the Persian Gulf. CTF 151 has
the job of coordinating the counter piracy mission within the Gulf of
Aden, Arabian Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.
New Zealand had the privilege of commanding CTF 151. This was
only the second time that we have held the post and the first time
that New Zealand has deployed a maritime headquarters staff to
command a multinational naval operation.
New Zealand’s maritime forces have played a significant role in
this region, dating back to HMNZS WELLINGTON’s (FFH 69)
deployment to the northern Persian Gulf in 1995 through to the
more recent operations conducted by TE KAHA and TE MANA.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the fine work
conducted by our P3K Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft
over many years based out of our logistics hub in the Middle East.
The OP TIKI VIII counter piracy mission is just another example of
New Zealand’s commitment to peace and security in this important
part of the world.
So how did the piracy problem start? In the early 1980s the
Government of Somalia launched a development program to take
advantage of the abundant local fisheries. This program led to an
increase in maritime-related employment opportunities and the
government permitted foreign fishing through official licensing
and joint venture agreements. The subsequent civil war caused
the disbandment of the Somali Navy and left Somali territorial
waters undefended. Unregulated foreign fishing activities severely
reduced the fish stocks—which was made worse by foreign entities
dumping toxic waste off the coast. Seeing no fish at sea, and little
opportunities ashore, these local mariners joined with ex-militia
members and branched out to conduct at-sea robbery, hijacking
and hostage-taking. Piracy was a lucrative—albeit a less-than legal—
enterprise. But of course with little to no domestic governance in
Somalia, who was going to stop them?
Unfortunately, piracy activities are not confined to cargo and cash.
The pirates have also kidnapped innocent mariners for ransom.
At one point there were over 730 hostages, now whittled down to
around 30.
The best pirate target is slow, with a relatively low freeboard and
steaming alone without an embarked armed security team. The
pirates tend to utilise tactics to distinguish the resilient merchant
ships from the lame ducks. It is in the pirates’ interest to remain
close to other more-legitimate local traffic to provide a degree of
concealment and increase the chance of successfully closing in on
their prey. Like all mariners though, the pirates’ best laid plans can
still be undone by the weather.
Unlike New Zealand’s relatively stable temperate climate, the region
around the Indian sub-continent is dominated by the monsoons,
Above, from left to right: CDRE Millar accepting a gift from RADM Zhuang
Chuanshu in Salalah, Oman
CDRE Millar receiving a tour of JS TAKANAMI from her CO
CTF 151
15
At well as getting used to this new environment we had to conduct
our base indoctrination, understand the tactical situation and receive
a handover from our South Korean predecessors. On 28 August, I
formally assumed command of CTF 151 from Rear Admiral Cho Young
Joo, Republic of Korean Navy, and it was time to get stuck in and
continue to build upon the great work of our Korean comrades.
As we warmed to our task we came to understand just how
unique CMF is as an organisation. CMF is based solely upon the
free will of 30 nations to cooperate to achieve a shared mutually
beneficial objective. No nation is asked to do anything it would
be uncomfortable with and there is only minimal guidance or
doctrine to railroad participants into certain courses of action. This
methodology uncovers incredible synergies between culturally
diverse nations and acts to encourage innovation rather than stymie
it within dogmatic doctrine.
An important aspect to the activities of CMF is the conduct of Key
Leadership Engagement. It is through these relationship-building
endeavours that CMF is able to understand the region, encourage
an ongoing security dialogue and build confidence amongst a very
diverse stakeholder group.
The breadth of entities interested in the maritime security of the
region could not be better demonstrated than taking a look at
the makeup of the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE)
meeting. SHADE allows the standing military counter-piracy forces
(EU, NATO, CMF) along with the more ad hoc group of Independent
Deploying nations (China, Russia, India) to interact with the wider
maritime industry to discuss the ongoing fight to counter the piracy
threat in the region. A significant output from these meetings has
been the production of an industry wide publication called “Best
Management Practice” (BMP) which sets out recommended actions
for merchant vessels to reduce the risk of being the victim of a
successful pirate attack.
which produce significant fluctuations in sea conditions. During
the monsoon season the sea state within the Indian Ocean can
become quite dangerous for the small craft that conduct piracy,
drug trafficking and weapons smuggling, so they tend to wait for the
calmer weather that occurs in two, three-month periods annually.
The first ‘transition’ happens March-May and the second one turns
up September-November. So, the transition periods are the ones
where there is more maritime activity and the time when piracy
is much more likely to occur. In recognition of this, we arrived in
mid-August to be ready for the promised calmer conditions with a
greater chance to disrupt illegal activities.
Unfortunately, August is also the hottest month in the year,
featuring average temperatures of 42 degrees coupled with 90
percent humidity. Quite a change from 10 to 15 degrees and rainy
which is the norm in New Zealand. Wrapped up in our dark blue
GWDs it felt like a DCEX (damage control exercise) whenever we
had to walk the 500 metres to the CMF headquarters. These balmy
conditions lasted through to the start of November, when it became
noticeably cooler and by mid-November we were experiencing
temperatures in the late-20s and early-30s. Some of the team even
resorted to wearing fluffy jackets!
16
CTF 151
Shortly after taking command of CTF 151, I had the opportunity to
meet the other major players in the counter piracy business within
the Area of Operations, CDRE Aage Burr Jensen, Royal Danish
Navy, representing NATO Task Force 508; and RADM Guido Rando
of the Italian Navy, representing EUNAVFOR Task Force 465.
The meeting of the “Big 3” as it was known, occurred in Muscat,
Oman onboard the NATO flagship, HDMS ESBERN SNARE, and
allowed us to discuss the latest developments in our organisations’
approach to operations and identify opportunities to coordinate
our activities. During the same visit to Muscat, I was also
privileged to be invited to witness CDR Angelo Virdis relieve CDR
Gianfranco Annunziata as Commanding Officer of the EUNAVFOR
flagship, ITS ANDREA DORIA.
In October I was able to meet RDM Zhuang Chuanshu, Commander
of China’s Expeditionary Task Group 989, and CDR Anand Kulkarni,
Commanding Officer of the Indian ship INS SUMEDHA in Salalah,
Oman. Both meetings were highly successful and allowed a frank
exchange of views to understand perspectives and identify ways in
which we could assist each other.
While piracy has been deterred within our area of operations by
the combined efforts of the Big 3, the Independent Deployers
escorting convoys, excellent airborne reconnaissance and adherence
by merchant vessels to the BMP, our presence means that we
The bulk of these false alarms tend to occur in the Bab-al-Mandeb
Strait (BAM) at the southern extremity of the Red Sea and the
Straits of Hormuz (SOH) which is the entry into the Persian Gulf.
Both of these areas feature a major shipping route, constrained sea
room and a multitude of local craft conducting trading or fishing. It
was obvious that concentrating so many water craft in a small area
would cause a degree of over-reaction. In an attempt to understand
the pattern of life in these waterways we conducted two focused
operations to identify why small craft would approach merchant
ships and to inform the dhows about how their movements could be
misinterpreted by passing shipping. The operations were also used
to engage with local coastal states and provide reassurance to the
merchant ships that naval units were actively patrolling the area for
everyone’s safety.
In order to communicate with the local fishing population the CTF
151 team constructed a card which provided safety information in a
visual form. This proved to be a very successful initiative which drew
praise from the CMF leadership. A post-op assessment concluded
that both the transiting merchant traffic and local craft needed to
be aware of the habits of the other and we commenced planning for
an information campaign to aid shared awareness of each other’s
habits. These follow on operations will be conducted by our reliefs.
This has been a wonderful experience, but like all command periods,
far too short. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to
lead such a fine group of professional staff in command of the
first shore based NZ-led CTF 151; but more importantly we should
remember that there are still 30 innocent mariners being held
hostage somewhere in Somalia. This counter piracy mission is about
safeguarding lives — not just property.
rrant
ff
icer o
f
e n av y
Another aspect to consider is the mood of the merchant vessels
that transit through waters which only three years ago were a
pirate’s paradise. To these merchant mariners almost every craft that
approaches within a few miles is a suspected pirate and consequently
they will tend to raise the alarm, requiring the urgent and immediate
response from the on-scene counter piracy forces. Upon further
investigation nearly all of these incidents were false alarms.
Warrant Officer of
the Navy Steve Bourke
o
th
The support provided by the Yemini Coast Guard is emblematic
of the gradual improvement in the capabilities of local coastal
states. Greater stability ashore has allowed for domestic policing to
improve and businesses to develop. It has also encouraged overseas
investment in infrastructure. Taken together, these may also reduce
the pool of labour available to conduct seagoing criminal activities.
Although there has been a reduction in piracy activities it does not
mean that we have won the fight—on the contrary, there is clear
evidence that if we reduce our activities, these seagoing criminals
will fill the void that we will have created.
WON REPORT
wa
are available to assist mariners in a range of other situations. For
example, JS TAKANAMI came to the aid of a disabled dhow in the
Gulf of Aden and carefully towed it back to Yemeni territorial waters
where it was taken charge of by the local Coast Guard.
A
s the festive season fast approaches and Santa Claus
loads his sleigh (what, you don’t believe in Santa?), we
ask the question “well where did that year go, or did I
miss something?”
No you didn’t, the days were all there. It was just that there
was so much going on around us, with us and for us to make
our Navy a better place. Take a snapshot of what you have
achieved, what you have seen, what you have been part of, not
only with the Navy but in your own personal arena. You will all
be amazed as to what has gone on.
We have many amazing people in our Navy who are freely
sharing and providing ideas about what we can or could do to
make it a better place to work. These ideas may be large and
small, varied and challenging, but to have them free flowing is
refreshing.
Every time I come through the Main Gate of HMNZS
PHILOMEL I ask myself what has changed today, because she
changes all the time, she just gets better with age and it shows
the pride we have in our Home of the Navy.
We have had a number of overseas visitors grace our shores
during the year. One of those I remember very fondly is the visit
of the Fleet Master Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Marco Ramirez,
based in Hawaii. He was completely overwhelmed by our
hospitality, generosity and the way we do business. I quote him:
“I leave New Zealand with the want to return. You guys have it
right—continue your course and you will continue to succeed.”
I am very proud to share with others what we have as a Navy
and you should all be proud to share your views and stories
about our Navy to those you meet, whoever and wherever that
may be.
Early December saw the combined graduation for the Junior
Officer Common Trainees and Basic Common Trainees held
in the North Yard with the Minister of Defence Hon Gerry
Brownlee as the Reviewing Officer. A great day for the
families and friends to witness. To our newest shipmates,
welcome aboard.
The year is not over for some of our shipmates as they are
carrying on with their duties over the Christmas period. For
wherever they may be; riding the waves of the Southern
Ocean, overseas on an operational tasking and even duty
during the Reduced Services Period, I thank you for what you
are doing.
To the wider Navy family, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year in 2015. Take time to reflect, enjoy the time
with your families over the holiday period, you all deserve the
break.
Look after yourselves.
Opposite page, from top: Yemeni Coast Guard sea-rider explaining the cards
that give local craft guidance how to approach merchant vessels in order to
minimise the chance of their approach being considered suspicious
He heramana ahau—I am a sailor.
CTF 151 card for local vessels in Arabic
Won report
17
01
02
05
06
07
04
1. All three Navy members of the Latu family together at CN’s awards and medals ceremony at Devonport Naval Base on
21 November. CPOWTR Melissa Latu (centre) who had just been awarded her Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, her
husband CPOSCS Mark Latu (right) and her brother-in-law ASCS Sione Latu. 2. With HMNZS ENDEAVOUR back at sea, ACSC
Dennis Nepia is enjoying being able to satisfy his Coxswain Taskbook Requirements. 3. AHSO Mahia Morton of HMNZS
WELLINGTON getting some boat work in before the ship’s departure for Antarctica in late November. 4. In one of his last
acts as Commanding Officer of HMNZS CANTERBURY, CDR David Turner promotes OMT Jack Loughnan to AMT(L). The 20
November ceremony took place onboard the ship. 5. HMNZS TE KAHA’s mid-November visit to Melbourne coincided with the
birthday of Commanding Officer CDR David McEwan’s mother, Beverly, who lives there, as does his sister Fiona. TEK’s amazing
and hardworking chefs baked her a cake. From left CDR McEwan, his mother and sister. 6. Movember Prizegiving winners
18
Our People
03
08
09
LMT(P) Rawiri Brightwell, LT CDR Steve Barker, Mr Jamie Hyslop, LT Simon Vissers, PO Liam Hulse and CPO Kerry Dornbusch
with CAPT Maxine Lawes, CO HMNZS PHILOMEL. November 28. 7. LT CDR Rob McCaw and family with his Kingston
University Master of Science with Commendation Degree for Technology (Maritime Operations). LT CDR McCaw is the
first RNZN recipient of this award, presented by Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer at CN’s awards and medals ceremony on 21
November. 8. With HMNZS WELLINGTON now in the Southern Ocean, Christmas photos were taken before departure. Here
are Commanding Officer LT CDR Graham MacLean (left) with SLT Patrick Collins of the RAN, one of several RAN members of
Ship’s Company on this operation. 9. Basic Common Training (BCT) 14/03 recruits Ryan Geyvan Pittius and Santina Lidgard
await their turn to be winched into a 6 Sqn Navy Seasprite for a quick flight at Tamaki Leadership Centre during the final stage
of their training. November 28.
our people
19
BERSAMA LIMA gives officer knowledge,
experience and friendships to last for years
By LT Tenisha Cawte, RNZN
T
he Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)— Australia,
Malaysia, New Zealand Singapore and United Kingdom—
came together in October for the regular Exercise BERSAMA
LIMA. Hosted by the Singapore Defence Force, its headquarters
operated out of Changi Naval Base. The exercise participants,
including navy, air force and army components, operated in the
vicinity of Malaysia and Singapore.
With the intention of enhancing interoperability between nations,
BL 14 proved to be a valuable experience, enabling us to build on
our knowledge and to strategise and network. The Supporting
Officer (SO) Scenario Logistics (LOG) role in which I was appointed
involved creating logistics-based exercise injects; amendments to
necessary exercise documentation, including Exercise Instructions
(EXINST) and the Order of Battle (ORBAT); and providing logistics
subject matter expertise. In addition, the SO Scenario (LOG) role
required an awareness of all available logistics capability and
deployability, including air, land and maritime assets.
The BL 14 exercise scenario for the first time included the
integration of a land component, and dedicated Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) planning and execution.
Initially the exercise compromised of a potential threat scenario
from the Democratic Republic of Plainchants (DRP) and the FPDA
were asked to provide assistance to deter any further conflict. This
meant heightened security measures were implemented, and a
number of process and noise-related incidents were injected by all
components to test responses and procedures.
Once the DRP threat was no longer an issue, Typhoon Jonis hit the
Island of Karu and a full scale HADR scenario was executed with
20
EX BERSAMA LIMA 14
the Logistics Component taking the lead. This required the FPDA
networking with Non Government Organisations (NGOs), including
Singapore Red Cross, Mercy Malaysia and Mercy Relief Singapore
to arrange medical, power, communications, engineering, transport,
food and water support.
The HADR exercise intent was very process driven, which
commenced with a reconnoitre of all entry and exit points to the
Island of Karu, which (in the exercise) suffered substantial damage.
This was followed by using military assets such as landing craft,
fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to move supplies and personnel
to and from damage-stricken areas that were not easily accessible.
Overall BL 14 was an insightful deployment. Heavily focused on
the Joint Military Appreciation Process (JMAP), BL 14 provided
a valuable opportunity for Five Power Defence Arrangements
elements to learn and apply these skills within a relevant working
environment. Furthermore, the JMAP Instructors from the
Australian Defence Force have offered New Zealand Defence Force
personnel the chance to attend their courses, which would be
extremely valuable to develop our knowledge and skill sets.
While there were a number of lessons identified for logistics,
the exercise as a whole achieved its overall intent, which was to
enhance interoperability of FPDA, and as a result I can take away
from BL 14, knowledge, an additional experience, and friendships
that will assist me in years to come.
Above: LT Cawte with Singapore Navy engineering officer ME4 Zjun Huang.
They worked together at BERSAMA LIMA 14.
The Big E
HMNZS ENDEAVOUR – back at sea after long upgrade
The fleet replenishment tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR returned to sea on Monday 24 November after 18 months of upgrading to allow it to continue in service
until its planned replacement arrives in 2018. The ship “purred” out of Auckland harbour, said the CO, CDR Sandra Walker, into calm waters in the Hauraki
Gulf (pictured) for trials. The Big E has a busy schedule next year.
HMNZS TE MANA project charter signed
H
MNZS TE MANA has signed a project charter along
with its strategic partners Babcock NZ and the
Ministry of Defence responsible for undertaking
the ship’s coming Platform Systems Upgrade.
The charter details the mission statement and core values
needed to successfully work together to complete the
PSU. This represents the commencement of dockyard-level
preparations. Long lead items are now being purchased and
pre-manufacture of equipment commenced ashore, while
onboard a full de-store has been completed and physical
compartment preparations are now underway.
TEM crew have now moved off-ship and are housed within
Building 87 in Devonport Naval Base.
Right: Project charter signing on 21 November, from left TE MANA
CO CDR Kelvin Wishart, Mr Andrew Curlewis, Programme Director,
Babcock NZ, Mr Pat Williams, Programme Director, Ministry of
Defence and CDR Raymond McLaughlin, Repair and Maintenance
Commander, Logistics Command Maritime.
News
21
New CPO
management course
• An e-Learning course – a pre-course online learning
package is currently under development and this will also be
accessible to students as an information resource during and
following course completion.
By LT CDR Fiona Smith, RNZN
• A contact course – a two-week course at Devonport Naval
Base provided by the Leadership Training Squadron (duration
subject to change as course development progresses).
T
he Fleet Personnel Training Organisation has announced
the introduction of a new Chief Petty Officer Management
Course. The course contributes to the recently released
RNZN Personnel Strategy and demonstrates the organisation’s
commitment to delivering opportunities to its personnel.
The course will be a substantial learning and development
opportunity for senior petty officers. It will ensure that those
with demonstrated potential are provided with appropriate
levels of training and familiarisation to improve their
preparedness for the CPO rank and associated roles.
The new course encourages learning flexibility and individual
ownership of learning. It will comprise:
The course differs from the former CPO Common Promotion
Course which was dissolved in 2005. The course content (scalar)
has been designed to address current recognised learning gaps
within the training pipeline at the CPO rank level. It concentrates
on developing students’ generic knowledge and skill sets
identified as the most essential for today’s CPO in the workplace.
It will not deliver trade-specific or divisional-focused learning as
the organisation already offers such targeted courses.
The first CPOMC will be scheduled in the second half of 2015.
The Leadership Training Squadron will continue to release
updated information about the course in the months leading up
to the pilot course.
NZDF sexual assault prevention seminar
By Mark Sleeman, Navy Communications Manager
A
pproximately 200 people from across the Defence Force
gathered in Wellington on 14 October to learn more about
the prevention and management of sexual assault.
The seminar was bought together by NZDF Equity and Diversity
Manager Sue Russ and involved expert speakers from across a wide
range of agencies including the Australian Defence Force.
“Societies around the world are grappling with the issue of sexual
assaults and are looking at better ways to create environments
which are safe for everyone,” says Sue.
“The NZDF is not immune. In fact, the age and gender profile of our
people means we carry a higher risk than many organisations, which
is why we need to be proactive in the prevention of sexual assaults
and the seminar was a first step towards the NZDF becoming a
leader in this field.”
The seminar’s lead speaker, Dr Denise LieVore from the Ministry of
Women’s Affairs, challenged many preconceptions of sexual assault
and highlighted that in the vast majority of sexual assaults the
victim will know the attacker, and the most common weapon used in
sexual assaults is alcohol.
“The good news is that sexual assault is preventable and our job is
to make sure our workplaces champion respectful and consenting
relationships. This means looking out for our colleagues and
tackling all disrespectful behaviours, including so called ‘lower end’
issues such as derogatory comments and sexist jokes which if left
unchecked can create a culture in which sexual assaults are more
likely to occur.
“NZDF people are known for being compassionate and empathetic
which is why we’re highly valued international peacekeepers.
Therefore we want to build our capability to respond and support
anyone who have been the victim of sexual assault, not just our
people but, people from the wider community or even overseas on
an operational deployment.”
This is why the seminar heard from a range of services including
counsellors, a specialist health service and the Police Adult Sexual
Assault Investigation Service about the best ways to help someone
affected by an assault.
Invited to the seminar was the Australian Defence Force’s GPCAPT
Dee Gibbon who talked about some of the high-profile incidents
which led to the ADF putting together a specialist unit to deal with
sexual assaults.
Sue Russ adds: “The feedback we’ve had following the seminar has
been positive, and we’re now looking at ensuring there are clear
messages and better education about unacceptable behaviour
across the NZDF. We are also reviewing our practices to ensure
that victims have timely access to appropriate support if the need
does arise.
“The NZDF can become a leader in this field if we all do out part to
ensure unacceptable behaviours are not tolerated.”
Left: Fiona McNamara, Coordinator, Sexual Abuse Prevention Network,
addresses the seminar.
22
News
Don’t be a statistic
drive safely this
holiday season
By WOMAA Richard Mathers, Fleet Naval Police Officer
I
t is all too easy to become complacent whilst driving during long
or even short journeys. The NZDF Military Police would like to
remind you of some safe driving tips to ensure you get to your
destination safely and refreshed this holiday season.
Before you head off on your journey
Get plenty of sleep if travelling a long distance. If you take
medication, ensure it will not effect your driving. Ensure you have
your driver’s licence with you. Drive within the conditions of your
licence. Secure your load if towing a trailer.
Get comfortable in your car, adjust your seat, mirrors and controls
before departing. Check that your passengers have their seatbelts on.
Drive within the limits
Don’t drink and drive—250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath
is the new limit for over-20s. No alcohol at all for under-20s. Don’t
speed—it won’t get you there any quicker. Don’t use your mobile
phone when driving—stay focused on the task of driving. Drive to
the conditions of the road. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
Keep alert
Look at least five vehicles ahead so you can respond quicker.
Constantly identify emergency places to stop. Constantly check
around you—use your mirrors. Pay extra attention at intersections
and congested areas. Always check your blind spots before
changing lanes, turning, pulling out of a parking space or getting
out of your car. Don’t drive tired—drive at the times you are
normally awake. If you feel sleepy, pull over and take a nap.
Being in the right place on the road
Keep a safe distance behind, follow the 2 or 4 (in the wet) second
rule—don’t tailgate. Brake on the straight, not the corner. Stay
within the marked lanes. Ensure you’re in the correct lane for where
you want to go. Always stop at red lights. Stop at orange lights if
safe to do so. Come to a complete stop before the line at stop signs.
Sharing the Road
Indicate for at least three seconds before making any deviation.
Only pass vehicles where you’re legally allowed to—be patient.
When overtaking ensure you have 100 metres clear road in front
of you at the completion of the manoeuvre. Be courteous to other
drivers—if you are holding up traffic, pull over where safe to do so.
Allow extra room when passing cyclists, horses or pedestrians.
As a driver, you never stop learning. You should always be looking
for ways to improve your safe driving skills! Don’t become the next
news headline or statistic. You are important to us, please keep it
that way!
Above: WOMAA Mathers launches the Naval Police Safe Driving Campaign at
Devonport Naval Base.
NZDF personnel welcome at GLBTIQ events
O
verWatch is a group that provides peer support
and guidance to NZDF’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (GLBTIQ)
community, as well as to their commanders and managers,
families, friends and colleagues.
As part of OverWatch’s annual event calendar, three big
events are coming up in February that members, supporters
and peers alike, attend to celebrate the diverse workforce
that NZDF offers. These events are:
•
•
Big Gay Out (Auckland) – Sunday 8 February 2015.
This annual event is held at Coyle Park and is intended
to provide a family friendly atmosphere. OverWatch
will be managing a stall, providing information to the
public on the key NZDF equity and diversity messages.
Out in the Park (Wellington) – Saturday 14 February
2015. Wellington hosts its own GLBTIQ event in
Waitangi Park and OverWatch will be there to
represent NZDF through a walking parade from Civic
Square to Waitangi Park along the waterfront, as well
as managing a stall promoting NZDF’s equity and
diversity messages.
•
Auckland Pride Parade (Auckland) – Sat 21 February
2015. The Auckland Pride Parade is the final event of
the Auckland Pride Festival and OverWatch will be
taking part in the march. As with 2014, OverWatch
invites all personnel, including our “Straight Allies”, to
take part. Personnel will wear service dress and march
throughout the parade, usually to great fanfare from
the public.
These events are important in demonstrating the diverse
culture of NZDF and are an opportunity to show members
of the public how inclusive and accepting the NZDF is.
OverWatch invites all NZDF personnel and families to take
part in these events, either through getting involved or
supporting colleagues to take part.
Further information can be found at the OverWatch intranet
site, as well as by contacting OverWatch through their
committee members or via [email protected]
News
23
Get fit via mobile with
Force Fit App
D
efence Recruiting has introduced the Force Fit fitness
app which can be used in smart phones to help new
applicants to the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Force Fit is designed around the existing six-week challenge
to help applicants gain the level of fitness required at their
assessment day. It’s the beginning of the fitness journey they
take when they join.
Fitness is a big barrier to joining the services for a lot
of people. The app helps to break down that barrier by
providing an achievable fitness regime to follow to meet
minimum entry requirements. Available to anyone, on Apple
and Android app stores, Force Fit is free to download
The app is tri-service, and features specific information on
fitness tests across the three services. There are different
levels— beginner and advanced, adaptable for male and
female. The icons, videos and requirements used match the
gender of whoever is using the app.
The app’s information and video content guides users
through the correct way to complete exercises, and there
is a GPS tracking screen for running. Also included are
suggestions on recommended daily water intake, BMI
information and suggestions for warm ups and stretching.
Op NEPTUNE
driving the 75th Anni
By CAPT Andy Watts RNZN
T
he New Zealand Division of the Royal New Zealand Navy
became the Royal New Zealand Navy on 1 October 1941.
History isn’t clear as to whether this was marked by a
great deal of ceremony, but it seems unlikely given that there
was a world war on at the time and that Kiwi ships and sailors
were in the thick of it.
Perhaps the most visible sign of the change was the replacement
of “HMS” with “HMNZS” on our cap tallies. Whether or not
there was much outward fuss, I suspect that the change actually
did mean a great deal to our people at the time. We were
fighting for nothing less than the right of future generations of
New Zealanders to live in peace and freedom. To take our place
alongside the navies of the free world as New Zealand’s navy
as opposed to an offshoot of someone else’s must have made a
huge difference to the way our people viewed the war and their
role in winning it.
When I joined the Navy in 1980 (yes, I know what you’re thinking
LT CDR, Warrant Officers Jamieson, Derksen and others) we
didn’t really celebrate our history. Looking back I think this was
because living history was still around us in the form of people
still in uniform who’d served in the Second World War, Korea,
the Malayan Emergency, Confrontation and various other major
conflicts. As these people gradually left us, we became less and
less conscious of our heritage, despite the valiant efforts of a
succession of under-resourced museum custodians without
whom much of our history would have been lost for good.
Thankfully that has now changed, and successive Chiefs of
Navy have given our heritage the priority and investment
it deserves, as can be seen by the commissioning of our
magnificent museum at Torpedo Bay. Our newest sailors are
formally inducted into our Navy within the museum precincts
surrounded by the legacy of service and sacrifice bequeathed to
us by our forbears.
The priority we now give to our heritage enables us to properly
acknowledge and value our more recent past (Cambodia,
Yugoslavia, Bougainville, Afghanistan, Timor Leste, the
Solomons, the Arabian Sea/Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and a score
of other peace support operations), and to recognise that we
add to our legacy every day as we continue to deliver security
and prosperity to the people of New Zealand by performing our
mission with courage, commitment and comradeship.
Above: The app’s intro screen on a mobile phone
24
News
Every time we pass a Safety and Readiness Check, Operational
Readiness Evaluation, carry out a boarding operation or any of
the other demanding things we do on a daily basis, that’s exactly
what we’re doing—adding to our legacy. Celebrating that and
the unbroken link between the past and the present is what Op
NEPTUNE is all about.
versary of the RNZN
Why NEPTUNE?
What we’re going to do
Many of you will already understand this. HMS NEPTUNE was
being progressively manned by Kiwi sailors to become the third
cruiser in the RNZN (after ACHILLES and LEANDER) when she sank
in an enemy minefield in the Mediterranean on the night of 18/19
December 1941 with the loss of all but one of her complement of
764. All 150 New Zealanders were lost, including 19 year old twin
brothers Able Seamen William John and Henry Bruce Anderson
(their names, with sequential service numbers, can be seen on the
Naval Memorial in PHILOMEL). This remains the single greatest loss
of life ever sustained by our Navy.
Having read about the aims we’re
setting out to achieve, Navy Today
readers will want to know how we’re
going to achieve them—in other
words, what are we going to do?
Why we’re doing it
Op NEPTUNE is a naval operation, so it has to have clear aims. Its
aims are based on what we’re calling the four Rs.
Reputation. We want to capture the attention of the people of
New Zealand and show them that they get value for money from
their navy because we do things that are critical to our country’s
security and prosperity. We also want to showcase the pride we take
in living the values that New Zealanders expect us to uphold. By
referencing what we and our predecessors have achieved over the
years, we want to show New Zealanders that they can take pride in
their Navy.
Relationships. As New Zealanders we pride ourselves on pulling
our weight when it comes to serving the cause of peace and the rule
of international law. That’s why there are so many names on our
memorial wall. For us this means fitting seamlessly into coalition
forces that are often made up of as many different nationalities as
there are ships in the force. To prepare for these operations and to
execute them effectively, we need relationships with other navies
based on trust and friendship. One of the best ways to form and
cement these friendships is to invite our friends to our home for a
celebration, which is why the centrepiece for Op NEPTUNE will be
an International Naval Review (INR) to which navies from all over
the world have been invited.
Retention. Our Navy derives its strength from our people.
Retaining men and women who’ve already shown the courage,
commitment, comradeship and skills we need is a far more effective
way of maintaining that strength than recruiting more people than
we would otherwise need. Retention is a multi-facetted leadership
challenge that cannot be over-simplified. However, one of our main
points of difference in relation to the private sector is the pride we
take in belonging to a service with a proud history, and our pride in
the achievements of ourselves and our comrades. One of the aims of
Op NEPTUNE is to support retention by reinforcing that pride.
Recruiting. We’ve always been in a tough market for the people
we need and we always will be. The fourth aim of Op NEPTUNE is
to reinforce our recruiting message by showcasing to our potential
recruit pool (including lateral recruits) the opportunities that await
them should they opt for a naval career.
The fact of the matter is that we live
in resource-constrained times. Strict
controls have to be maintained over all forms of spending,
no matter how well justified, and there are many demands
competing with Op NEPTUNE. We’re doing our utmost to offset
the cost of various Op NEPTUNE events through commercial
sponsorship, and we’ve already had some success. Nonetheless
funding has yet to be confirmed for most events. While we’ve
identified a range of events and activities that we think should
be achievable (to do this we held a decision conference attended
by a cross section of junior rates, senior rates and officers), at
this stage it would be unwise to commit in print to any specific
programme aside from the INR. That said, you’ll hear a range of
specific events being discussed at various times and in various
forums. As soon we can commit to a specific programme, we will.
The INR will be held over 17 to 22 November 2016.
We’re looking at the following broad programme:
17 Nov: Ships arrive in groups each led by an RNZN unit as Commander Task Unit
18 Nov: Street march through Auckland CBD
19 Nov: Review proper
20 Nov: Multi-Faith service, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell; selected ships open to public
21 Nov: Sports tournament followed by cultural performance; selected ships open to public
22 Nov: Ships and VIPs disperse
We will of course be staging hospitality events for the visiting
ships. The form these will take has yet to be decided on, but it is
important that our people own any events as hosts. Accordingly,
I’ll be canvassing the Fleet Mess committees for ideas (getting
right round the fleet isn’t practicable and I ask our sea-going
personnel to regard the Fleet messes as conduits). The obvious
caveats are that events must showcase our Navy, the size and
scope of any event has to allow us to do it really well, and it’s not
all about alcohol.
We’ve also allowed for a Visiting Sailors Centre with information
on attractions, activities, and possibly an internet café. Feedback
from Junior Rates who attended the Fleet Review in Canada in
2010 is that this worked very well and gave our people a great
impression of the Royal Canadian Navy and of Canada. This is
exactly the sort of feedback I’m seeking.
Stand by for further updates as planning progresses.
Operation neptune
25
fleet progress
HMNZS Canterbury
O
change of command
ur amphibious sea-lift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY had
a Change of Command on 20 November. In a ceremony
onboard conducted by Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer,
CDR Simon Rooke assumed command from CDR David Turner.
The change of command took place with the traditional phrases.
CDR Turner said: “You have the ship” and CDR Rooke replied “I have
the ship.” The two then exchanged the Symbol of Command for
HMNZS CANTERBURY, a greenstone mere.
CDR Turner had commanded CANTERBURY since November 2012.
In 2014, the ship participated in Exercise Rim of the Pacific, the
world’s largest international maritime exercise.
CDR Turner left the ship transferring from CANTERBURY’s stern
ramp to one of the ship’s rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB), in a
twist on the traditional method of being rowed ashore by the crew.
He has subsequently been appointed Executive Officer of HMNZS
PHILOMEL.
Kawerau-born CDR Rooke joined the Navy in 1991 as a midshipman.
He has served ashore in HMNZS TAMAKI, HMNZS WAKEFIELD
(Naval Staff), HQJFNZ (Joint Forces HQ) and HMNZS PHILOMEL.
He has served at sea in HMNZ Ships CANTERBURY (frigate), TUI,
WELLINGTON (frigate), MONOWAI, ENDEAVOUR, HINAU, KAHU
26
fleet progress
and the Offshore Patrol Vessels OTAGO and WELLINGTON, as well
as a 30-month exchange in the Australian frigate HMAS ARUNTA.
CDR Rooke was the delivery captain for HMNZ Ships OTAGO and
WELLINGTON which involved accepting both RNZN’s Offshore
Patrol Vessels from their builder in Melbourne and bringing the
ships home. He remained with OTAGO as the Commissioning
Commanding Officer which, in addition to the numerous firsts
undertaken as the lead ship of a new class, also saw OTAGO as one
of three RNZN ships alongside in Lyttelton providing disaster relief
following the devastating Christchurch earthquake in February 2011.
His most recent previous role was as the Commander of
Personnel and Training for the Operations sailors of the RNZN;
a post enhanced during his time to include career management
responsibility for all RNZN enlisted personnel.
CDR Rooke lives in Auckland with his wife Corenna and their two
daughters Kaitlin and Samantha.
Top: The formal Change of Command. As CN watches, CDR Rooke (left)
accepts the mere—CAN’s Symbol of Command—from CDR Turner.
Below (left to right): CDR Rooke after the ceremony with wife Corenna and
daughters Kaitlin and Samantha.
CDR Turner leaves CANTERBURY aboard one of the ship’s RHIBs.
fleet progress
HMNZS te kaha
An able rate’s fantastic voyage
By ASTD Joel McDowell
M
y time on TE KAHA has been truly exciting and full of
new experiences. I have met new friends and collected
a lot of great memories. Ship life has had its ups and
downs, and although it has been tough at times, the rewards have
made it all worthwhile.
One of my jobs on board is the Standing Sea Emergency Party’s
Incident Board Operator (IBO) which means I get to use the
new battle damage control system. This system makes being the
IBO more efficient and draws a better picture for the Damage
Control Officer. The system is a giant touch screen which means
that plotting incidents is a lot easier and faster than the previous
manual system. I have enjoyed using this system and think that it as
a definite upgrade in capability.
In the six weeks before we returned to Devonport Naval Base on
25 November, TEK was deployed on Operation CRADOCK. As part
of this, we visited some very good ports including Wellington,
Hobart, Albany, Fremantle and most recently Melbourne. Albany
was the focal point of our deployment and we formed part of a
multi-national contingent that contributed towards the 100th year
commemorations of the Australian and New Zealand Expeditionary
Forces departing for World War One (see Navy Today 184).
In some ways, this was the start of the Anzac legend and it was
an extremely exciting and humbling experience. The ship had a
platoon march in Albany, where tens of thousands of people lined
the streets and gave a rapturous reception to “the Kiwis.” Similar
numbers turned out to watch the ships sail in a formation sail-past
and took a look during ships’ open to visitors day. It was pretty cool
watching it all from live television inside the ship!
After Albany I was lucky enough to spend a few days on the
Japanese destroyer, JNS KIRISAME. Things on the ship were very
different, from the routine at sea to the showers, whilst at the same
time other aspects were very similar.
Their damage control procedures were almost identical with just
different equipment. Meal times were the same except unlike our
typical three meat choices, they had one with a choice of a daily
vegetable, rice and tea.
A traditional Japanese-style bath happens between 1600 and 2200
when you would enter a big open room with a stainless steel bath
in the centre with waist high showers on the surrounding walls. You
would go to a shower, sit on a stool and rinse off. Then get into the
bath which was heated salt water and soak for about 10 minutes.
After that you would go back to your stool and soap off and head
out. It was a very social event with everyone saying hello and
goodbye when they entered and left. The language barrier was hard
to overcome but with a little dictionary that could translate one
word at a time I managed to overcome it. I had a good experience
on KIRISAME and I would love to experience other cross-decks.
My experience was topped off with a flight back to TE KAHA on
our Seasprite. I was then lucky enough to be used for winching
operations from the forecastle of TEK the next day. I have always
been intrigued by flying and this was an opportunity that is up
there with some of the best experiences I have had. It was cool
seeing the ship out at sea from the air and the sea around made our
ship look pea-size in the water.
Now back home, I am excited to see my family again and have some
respite prior to deploying again next year. I have had a great time
on TE KAHA and it has been wonderful to see the ship regenerate
and be the foremost fighting frigate of the RNZN.
Above: ASTD McDowell being winched on to the Seasprite.
fleet progress
27
fleet progress
HMNZS Wellington
summer on ice
By ENS Nick Braun, RNZN
O
ffshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS WELLINGTON departed
Dunedin on 27 November for the Southern Ocean,
beginning the Navy’s annual fisheries patrols in that most
inhospitable of seas, with its often-ferocious weather, icebergs
and freezing temperatures. And summer is the best weather down
there! All in a day’s work for our versatile OPVs.
After months of planning and training for this operation, the crew
are excited to finally be putting all their new knowledge and skills
to the test!
The ship won’t return to base until late January so this is an
important deployment for the Navy and the various government
agency personnel who will be onboard for different parts of
the voyage. It is part of an all-of-government approach that
demonstrates New Zealand’s support to CCAMLR (Commission for
the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) and the
protection of marine resources in the Southern Ocean.
WELLINGTON stopped in Dunedin for fuel and stores on the way
south. The port visit provided some time to relax for the crew and
also allowed them crew to get out and about in Dunedin to engage
with the local schools and communities. These visits included
Tahuna School in St Kilda where students were taught how to
tie different knots by LSCS Craig Lochrie. Several of the ship’s
communicators taught the two year-seven classes how to write
their names using Morse code.
The Children’s Ward at Dunedin Hospital received a visit from
some of the crew, with the children excited to have a concert
28
fleet progress
fleet progress
put on for them in their new outdoor area. Personnel also visited
the Montecillo Veterans’ Home where stories were exchanged
between past and present servicemen and women.
Before Dunedin, WELLINGTON had a busy four weeks while the
Maritime Operational Evaluation Team (MOET) came onboard to
assess whether we were ready to conduct every type of operation
that could be required in the Southern Ocean.
The four weeks were a huge success as the Mighty WELLINGTON
emerged from the Work Up, having passed with flying colours.
The first three weeks of the Work Up were scenario-based with
WELLINGTON being deployed into an area with the two fictional
nations of Boolack and Soome. Tensions were high with these nations
and it was WELLINGTON’s job to calm the tensions and provide
assistance to the Government of Soome. The MOET team threw all
kinds of situations at WELLINGTON including disaster relief for an
area that was struck by an earthquake, multiple search and rescue
operations for vessels in distress as well as plenty of floods and fires
onboard WELLINGTON. Even though everything was part of an
exercise the detail of the scenario gave it a very real feeling and the
crew responded just as they would for a real situation.
A port visit to Gisborne proved to be both relaxing and intense. A
simulated fire in the engine spaces saw four local fire trucks come
screaming down the wharf along with two St John Ambulance
teams who came to assist WELLINGTON crew deal with the fire
and casualties. This large exercise was not only beneficial to the
Navy but to the Fire Service and the local paramedics. In another
test for the crew, a large group of protesters occupied the wharf
where WELLINGTON was berthed and the crew onboard had to
respond to being egged and stopping any protesters gaining access
to the ship. The local police turned up, lights and sirens going, to
drive the protesters away.
The weekend provided a valuable training evolution for all three
emergency services working alongside the Navy. All of the local
volunteers who had helped as actors for the scenario came onboard
for a personal tour of the ship before we departed Gisborne.
The last week of Work Up saw WELLINGTON put through her
paces in a cold weather climate. The crew endured 22 degree heat
while dressed up for -20 degree weather. This included boarding
vessels in simulated ice covered waters and assisting vessels in
distress from being stuck in the ice. WELLINGTON’s crew also
prepared for the worst case scenario of abandoning ship and
getting into the life rafts.
Opposite page, from top: OSCS Sioeli Tu’Ipuloto-Lomano keeps watch on the
bridge of HMNZS WELLINGTON.
LMT (L) Chris Lapham is awarded Sailor of the Quarter by the CO, LT CDR
Graham MacLean for his continued hard work and dedication to training those
below him and providing outputs above and beyond the normal requirements.
LT James Knight shares his stories with some of the veterans from Montecillo
Veterans’ Home.
Above: The gunnery team closed- up to deal with any force protection
scenarios during the work up.
fleet progress
29
Sea cadets
TRAINING SHIP CHATHAM
Parade of National Significance
By LT CDR Sandra Berry, NZCF, Executive Officer, TS CHATHAM
C
adets and officers from TS CHATHAM, Western Bay of
Plenty Cadet Unit and No 16 (City of Tauranga) Squadron
Air Training Corps marched through the streets of Tauranga
on Sunday 9 November in a Parade of National Significance
to celebrate 150 years of Cadet Forces in New Zealand and to
commemorate Armistice Day.
The parade of over 70 people, led by Bay of Plenty Pipes and Drums,
wound its way through the city centre to Masonic Park where they
were met by SQNLDR Doug Fisher, NZCF. The parade was reviewed
by the Mayor, Stuart Crosby who praised the cadets for their turnout
and congratulated New Zealand Cadet Forces for their milestone of
150 years. The mayor also said this was only the third time in 10 years
the streets of the city had been closed for such a parade.
Preparations for the parade
began on Wednesday evening
with two hours of training
for the three Colour Parties.
Emphasis at this time was
placed on teaching the 12
selected cadets to turn
appropriately as a group.
Practice continued on Saturday
morning with all personnel
gathering for four hours of
parade drill in formation.
On Sunday, simultaneous
parades were held throughout
New Zealand to mark both
the NZCF anniversary and the
Armistice commemoration
30
Sea cadets
(November 11). Three cadets from the Tauranga cadet units were
selected to represent their units at a special Parade of National
Significance in Wellington. Leading Cadet Carlos Del La Varis, who
represented TS CHATHAM at Parliament, said it had been an honour
to represent his unit at such an important and memorable parade.
All cadets and officers can be proud of their achievements and that of
New Zealand Cadet Forces. We look forward to the next 150 years.
Clockwise from top: Cadets from the three Tauranga units on parade.
The Bay of Plenty Pipes and Drums lead the parade through Tauranga on
9 November.
Able Cadet Aleshia Kyle at the Tauranga parade.
Sea cadets
Remembrance Sunday
parades a highlight of
Cadet Forces’ 150th anniversary
By MAJ Wayne Henderson NZCF
T
his year has been the 150th celebration of the formation
of Cadets in New Zealand, having started at Dunedin High
School (now Otago Boys’ High) in 1864. This year is also the
100th commemoration of the start of WWI.
The New Zealand Cadet Forces are made up of the Sea Cadet
Corps, NZ Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps. All uphold
the cadet forces core values of Respect, Integrity, Loyalty and
Discipline in all their training and activities.
The Sea Cadets were formed in 1929 by the Canterbury
Navy League creating Training Ship STEADFAST (presently
amalgamated with TS CORNWELL to form TS GODLEY). Sea
Cadets retain a strong interest in sailing, boat work and other
nautical activities.
By way of a tribute to recognise those who have served and to
celebrate turning 150 years, New Zealand cadets undertook a
Parade of National Significance. Sunday 9 November, the Sunday
closest to Armistice Day (known as Remembrance Sunday) was
chosen in conjunction with the Returned and Services’ Association.
These parades were held in cities and towns around New Zealand
and were organised by local NZCF staff and cadet units in
conjunction with local RSA and local councils. Virtually every cadet
in the country paraded at the same time on Remembrance Sunday.
Some main areas had more than one cadet unit parading, so
the parades could consist of Sea Cadet, NZ Cadet Corps and
Air Training Corps units. In many cases serving or former NZDF
personnel also paraded.
A major parade was held at Parliament in Wellington, with one
cadet from each of the 99 Cadet Force units from throughout
New Zealand attending. The reviewing officer for the parade was
LTGEN (Rtd) Don McIvor CMG OBE, the immediate past National
President of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’
Association. Officers and cadets then marched to St Paul’s
Cathedral in Wellington for a formal service.
The Christchurch Parade of National Significance, organised by
FLTLT Pip Corlett, was fortunate to have the NZ Army Band lead
their parade. At the end of the march cadets were inspected by
Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short.
Another special event for the Cadets’ 150th was the CADET150
exercise at Waiouru Army Camp last January. The exercise saw
about 1000 NZCF personnel involved in a wide range of activities,
ranging from flying, to tramping, shooting, RNZN boat rides and
abseiling to mention but a few.
New Zealand Cadet Forces would like to thank all those who have
supported the events during our 150th year and we look forward
to future years.
Top: Cadets on parade in Christchurch.
Left: On parade at Parliament, Remembrance Sunday
CAdet forces 150th
31
Regional Naval Officers
why we have them, who they are and what they do
By By CDR Lisa Hunn, RNZN, Commander Naval Regions
T
he Regional Naval Officers were hosted by Chief of
Navy RADM Jack Steer at Devonport Naval Base over
the weekend 10-12 October for their annual conference.
The conference focus was on reputation management and
representation out to the RNZN 75th Anniversary in 2016. It
provided the opportunity to network and update the RNOs
on priorities and upcoming Navy activities. It also provided an
opportunity to participate in a formal dining out mess dinner at
HMNZS PHILOMEL Wardroom.
So why do we have RNOs? Our regional officers are drawn from
throughout New Zealand and provide support to the Navy in
the form of liaison for ship port visits, assisting recruiting, and
supporting groups who pass through their individual regions.
They also represent CN at regional functions when required.
RNOs are selected for their skills, knowledge of the region and
their professional networks and are a key enabler for telling the
Navy’s story throughout New Zealand. There are 16 RNOs and
one full time Resident Naval Officer in Christchurch. All RNOs are
responsible to the Commanding Officer PHILOMEL through the
Commander Naval Regions and administered through their local
Naval Reserve Division.
The newest additions to the RNO team are Lieutenant
Commanders Tony Buchanan (of Dunedin), Luke Taylor (of
Queenstown), Tony Pereira (of Gisborne), Geoff Bromley (of
Greymouth) and Resident Naval Officer, Christchurch, LT CDR Ian
Marshall. A brief introduction for each follows:
LT CDR Buchanan was appointed the RNO for the Otago region
in June 2013. Tony served in the RNZN for 25 years, both ashore
and at sea and on operations in the Arabian Gulf and the Sinai. In
civilian life, Tony is Head of the University Flats at the University
of Otago, providing accommodation and pastoral care for over
500 mainly international students.
LT CDR Taylor was appointed RNO for the Queenstown-Lakes
district in September 2013. Luke served in the Navy for 11 years,
ashore and at sea including time as CO of HMNZS TAUPO.
He left the Navy in May 2013 to become operations manager
Queenstown for Real Journeys Ltd, one of New Zealand’s largest
maritime tour operators.
LT CDR Pereira was appointed RNO for the Gisborne region in
October 2013. Tony served in the RNZN for 12 years, leaving in
December 1999 to pursue his career as a chef. He now works as
the operations manager for the hotel division of Te Runanganui O
Ngati Porou business, based in Gisborne.
LT CDR Bromley was appointed RNO for the Greymouth/
Westland region in April 2014. Greymouth-born Geoff enlisted in
the RNZN in 1979, training in the Seamanship specialisation. He
left in 1983 and is now the field engineer, renewals, for Kiwi Rail,
where has worked for the past 28 years.
LT CDR Marshall was appointed Resident Naval Officer,
Christchurch in May 2014. Ian enlisted in the RNZNVR in January
1991 at PEGASUS as an Ordinary Writer and commissioned
from the ranks in July 2000, prior to transferring to TOROA in
2004. Ian has undertaken operational deployments to Korea
and Afghanistan. Prior to joining the Navy full time, Ian was a
commercial lending manager at an Invercargill bank.
With a busy calendar leading up to Anzac Day 2015 and the Navy
75th Anniversary activities within the next 24 months, it will be
important for event and operational planners to engage with the
RNOs within the regions early so that activities are coordinated.
Above: Our Resident Naval Officers. Back row from left LT CDR Tony Pereira (Gisborne), LT CDR Paul Smith (CO PEGASUS), LT CDR Neil Connell (Marlborough),
CDR Keith Wisnesky (Rotorua), LT CDR Grant Finlayson (South Canterbury), LT CDR Ian Marshall (RNO, Christchurch).
Middle row: LT CDR Luke Taylor (Queenstown-Lakes), LT CDR Ian Wells (CO OLPHERT), LT CDR Dave Leese (Palmerston North), LT CDR Terence Archer
(Westport), LT CDR Nigel Finnerty (Southland), LT CDR John Smith (Taupo), LT CDR Geoff Bromley (Greymouth), LT CDR Rob Tomlinson (CO TOROA)
Front Row: CDR Margaret Weller (Commander Naval Reserves (Personnel), CAPT Maxine Lawes (CO PHL), CDRE Dean McDougall (DCN), RADM Jack Steer
(CN), CDR Lisa Hunn (Commander Naval Regions), CDR Cathy Knight (Nelson), LT CDR Janet Wrightson-Lean (New Plymouth)
Absent: LT CDR Michael Smith (Northland), LT CDR Tony Buchanan (Otago), LT CDR Neville Smith (Napier)
32
RNO Forum
Yachting legend
Chris Dickson
helps Navy to
silver in Great Race
supporting yachting legend
Peter Blake’s trust
By LMT Jerram Cassidy
T
he Navy was recently invited to participate in a charity
race to fundraise for the Sir Peter Blake Trust. MID Julian
Grimmett, OCSS Tom Duffett and myself were given the
opportunity to take part in the spectacular Great Blake Race.
The afternoon began at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
with a light lunch, a welcome to all the crews and the draw of the
line-up of professional skippers. The Navy crew were fortunate
to draw Chris Dickson, MBE, former Olympian, America’s Cup
Skipper, World Match Racing Champion and Skipper of TOKIO
in the 1993-94 Round the World Race to name a few of his many
accomplishments.
With our stomachs full and the crews slipped, slopped, slapped
and wrapped, we were eager to get down to the boats and get on
the water. After a quick skipper’s brief and run-down of how the
Elliot 7m yachts worked we were out on the race course.
The skill level was varied throughout the field from neversailed-before novices to very experienced sportsman such as
Emirates Team New Zealand tactician Ray Davies and bowman
Richard Meacham. The other nine teams were made up of the big
corporates such as Spark, Westpac and North Sails/Southern Spars.
With everyone in good spirits and racing for a great legacy (Sir
Peter Blake) the racing was on and the competitiveness very alive
between crews. Chris Dickson pushed us hard which put us in
front for the first of four races. The competition was close, fast
and demanding right up to the line leaving us to finish with a very
close and well earned second place.
It was an action-packed afternoon and the second race would see
us finish fourth due to an unnamed LMT falling in the tide with
second and third places in the remaining races. This put us on the
podium for an outstanding second equal place overall, tied with a
crew from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
The sailing was just a small part of the event, with the evening
beginning with a gourmet BBQ dinner and finishing with a charity
auction. The RNZN donation to the auction was a table for four
onboard HMNZS OTAGO for the Auckland Anniversary Day
Regatta which went under the auctioneers hammer for $1300.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the evening was the chance
to talk with some inspiring people who love and support what
the Royal New Zealand Navy does and how we operate. The Sir
Peter Blake Trust supports the young leaders of New Zealand by
providing them opportunities to develop their leadership skills
in areas that continue the legacy Sir Peter Blake created through
environmental awareness, adventure and leadership in action.
We as the Navy have worked with the trust by assisting Young
Blake Expeditions to such places as the sub-Antarctic and Kermadec
islands which would not be accomplished without our support. To
be thanked first hand and in person by these people was rewarding
and made our crew proud to be apart of the RNZN.
From top: Navy racing near the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The Navy team, from left Chris Dickson, LMT Jerram Cassidy, MID Julian
Grimmett and OCSS Tom Duffett
THE GREAT BLAKE RACE
33
Royal New Zealand Naval Association Hamilton
seeks members
HMNZS NGAPONA 90th Anniversary Dinner
The Royal NZ Naval Association Hamilton invites all serving and ex-serving
men and women in the Waikato to join the Hamilton (Waikato) branch of
the RNZNA.
Contact President; Brian Stokes by email at [email protected] or
by phone 021 166 0982 and 07 839 0555; or Secretary/Treasurer Jan Lutterell
at [email protected] or 027 698 8897 and 07 855 3862.
An invitation to all serving and retired Ship’s Company of HMNZS
NGAPONA and their partners to attend a formal function to be held at the
Pt. Chevalier RSA from 1830 to 2359. Dress for non serving personnel will
be jacket and tie/cocktail dress. Expressions of interest in attending should
be forwarded to either Miss Lisa Bean – [email protected], or Mr Jerry
Payne – [email protected]. Please advise your service number and dates
you served when you email. Tickets $40 per person going on sale from
1 March 2015. There will be a limited number of tickets.
1975 RNZN Intake Reunion
Saturday 17 January 2015, in Auckland, venue TBA
Calling all BCTs, Artificer Apprentices, WRNZNS and Officers, Instructors
and Divisional Officers who enlisted in or were involved with this 1975
group. Probable ship/Naval Base tour followed by dinner and city sights.
Register your interest either by FB 1975 RNZN Intake Reunion or email
either Glen at [email protected] or Terry at [email protected]
and should there be sufficient interest, further detail will be promulgated.
HMNZS CANTERBURY F 421, First Commission,
Mess Members of 3 L
These members are holding a reunion on 20, 21 and 22 March 2015 at the
Lakeland Resort, 282 Lake Terrace, Taupo. Activities include meet and greet
Friday, Saturday evening dinner, and Sunday ‘Tot Time’. Any of the frigate
CANTERBURY’s crew, or in fact any ex-RNZN personnel, are welcome to
join us. Contact Bob McKenzie, 25 Truro Road, Camborne 6006, Wellington.
Phone 04 233 2188 or email [email protected]
Saturday 9 May 2015, Auckland
RNZN May 1980 Intake “35 Year” Reunion
Friday 29 May 2015 to Sunday 31 May 2015, Auckland, venue TBC
Calling all BCTs who enlisted on 28 or 29 May 1980 plus Instructors and
Divisional Officers who were involved with this group. Registration forms
are available from Sandy Hiku at [email protected] or on our
FB page (RNZN Intake 28.05.1980. The FB page is by invitation only so
to be added as a member, please send Sandy Hiku a FB friend request.
Completed forms (including confirmation of payment(s) made) are to be
returned to LT CDR Chris Smith at [email protected] by 28
February 2015. Further details, proposed programme, and event costs will
be advised in due course.
RNZN Engine Room Branch Reunion
6–8 November 2015, Napier
HMNZS OTAGO Association 55th Reunion
This Reunion will be held in Napier on the weekend of 6–8 November 2015.
For details please contact:
Dennis Zachan, 12 Norrie Place, Tamatea, Napier
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March 2015, Whangarei
Ph Home: 06 8442201 Mob: 021 673 242Email: [email protected]
All members and all other ship’s matelots and partners are warmly invited
to attend. Based at the Whangarei RSA. For further details either go to
www.hmnzsotago.org, email the Claymore Editor/Vice Pres (Terry Whimp)
at [email protected] or ring (09)473-8854 (during office hours!)
A registration form will be included with the December 2014 Claymore and
posted on the website.
Services National Army Museum Golf Tournament
Jackspeak—Navy slang
BZ: The flag signal Bravo Zulu, meaning “well done”
Brow: Gangway between ship and wharf
Crossing the bar: To die
Dit: A Navy yarn
EMAs: Early Morning Activities—running, swimming etc for
new recruits
Gash: Rubbish
Goffas: Non-alcoholic drink
Heads: Toilets. In sail days they were under the figurehead.
MOET: Maritime Operational Evaluation Team
Oppos: Shipmates
Oscar: The flag signal for “man overboard.” The name of the manoverboard dummy used for drills.
RHIB: Rigid hull inflatable boat, jetboat carried on our ships
Rig: Uniform
Roughers: As it looks, rough seas
Scran: Food
Work-up: Intense exercises working a ship up to its full
operational capabilities, conducted by MOET.
For all your Christmas shopping visit
the Navy Museum’s gift shop.
Browse our selection of merchandise
including naval and maritime memorabilia,
books, clothing, jewellery, children’s games
and more. You’ll find exclusive items that have
been inspired by our collections, and gifts
that will delight all ages.
Our friendly knowledgeable staff will be
pleased to help you select that special gift.
Open 7 Days A Week* | 10am to 5pm
* Museum closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Located at 64 King Edward Parade, Torpedo Bay, Devonport, Auckland Phone 09 445 5186
34
Notices
Tuesday 10 –Friday 13 March 2015 inclusive, Burnham Military
Camp and Burnham Golf Club
Inviting current and ex-servicemen and servicewomen to join this annual
event that has been operating for the last 32 years. This is a great gathering
of ex-service people from New Zealand and Commonwealth nations. All
proceeds are donated to the National Army Museum in Waiouru. Fee $180
which includes at least two games, accommodation in barracks at Burnham
Camp for three nights, meals and entertainment.
Contact Rob Hughes – Secretary (03) 338 7473, [email protected]
or Paul Dale – Treasurer (03) 348 7527, [email protected]
DEFENCE FORCE FIVE:
Our Collective
1. What is our ‘collective purpose’?
Our collective purpose, being A Force for New
Zealand, is a new way of talking about who we
are and what we do in a way that everyone in the
Defence Force – Regular Force, Reservist and
Civilian – can connect to. It’s about telling our
story, reinforcing our passion and strength as a
military organisation, and providing a common
ground that reflects the hard work of all sailors,
soldiers, airmen and women, and civilians.
2. W
here does our purpose sit
in relation to our mission and
values?
Our mission – to secure New Zealand against
external threat and to protect our sovereign
interests – has not changed. Our purpose is
being A Force for New Zealand by being an
armed Force; a Force for good; a professional
Force; a Force equipped to succeed; and a
Force pursuing excellence. In everything we
do, we demonstrate our values of courage,
commitment and comradeship.
3. W
here did the idea come from?
A Force for New Zealand, is the result of a
process that began several months ago when
our Chief of Defence Force tasked a small
group of senior military and civilian staff with
developing a way of talking about our purpose
and our value to New Zealand. Ideas were
discussed and tested with service people
and civilians at different stages of the project.
This feedback was taken into account and
helped shape the words, story and visual
representation that together make up our
statement of collective purpose.
4. W
e already understand
the role of our own Service.
Why do we need a Force for
New Zealand?
It’s important that each service has a strong
culture and understands its unique identity, and
this isn’t a challenge top that. But everyday we
work with colleagues from across the whole
Defence Force, other civilian organisations, and
international forces. A Force for New Zealand
reflects that our work as a Defence Force is a
collective effort that is far greater than the sum
of our individual parts. With nearly 2900 civilians
in the Defence Force, as well as many uniformed
roles in joint and headquarters teams, it is
important that we develop a collective purpose
that tells the story of our whole Force.
5. What’s the connection to the
white kiwi on black roundel?
The white kiwi is an enduring symbol that has
been associated with New Zealand Forces
since before World War I. It is currently worn by
service people on deployment overseas. We
aren’t changing the patches our people wear
when deploying. The look of A Force for New
Zealand borrows from the kiwi roundel, but does
not change the patch itself. We think it captures
the best of our collective efforts, so we’ve sought
to borrow from its mana to help reinforce our
collective purpose. It is an expression of being
both of, and for New Zealand. stages of the
project. This feedback was taken into account
and helped shape the words, story and visual
representation that together make up our
statement of collective purpose.
To find out more:
You can find our more about A Force for New Zealand on the NZDF intranet, simply by clicking on the
A Force for New Zealand icon at the top of the home page. This includes copies of material we’ve produced,
guides and toolkits, questions and answers, as well as some useful templates and screensavers.
NOTICES
35
36

December 2014, Issue 185

Transcription

Similar documents

Visit a Navy AutoSource Representative on-board

OLD NAVY - The Crossings at Fox Run

SMARTWebMove makes PCS moves easier

Georgia Tech`s Pacific Study Abroad Program

Unionville Spirit Wear

Poster - Macklin Symposium - Autism and the Military Child

drauden point apparel