issue 204 OCTOBER 2016

NAVY IN THE POST

NAVAL REVIEW

NOT A BYSTANDER

1 Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy

contents

NAVY TODAY ISSUE 204 2016

DIRECTORY Published to inform, inspire and entertain serving and former members of the RNZN, their families and friends and the wider Navy community. Navy Today is the official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Published by Defence Public Affairs, Wellington. Navy Today is now in its twentieth year of publication. Views expressed in Navy Today are not necessarily those of the RNZN or the NZDF.

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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

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NOT A BYSTANDER issue 204 OCTOBER 2016

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MERCHANT NAVY DAY

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THE LONGEST DAY

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NAVY IN THE POST

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SEASPRITE EMBARKED NAVY IN THE POST

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GRAVE REPAIRS

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MODEL SHIPS

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SEA CADETS

NAVAL REVIEW

NOT A BYSTANDER

1 Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Royal New ZealaNd Navy

cover image: Able Musician Rebecca Nelson greets Prince Charles during the Battle of the Somme commemorations in northern France.

CHIEF NAVAL ENGINEER & MARITIME REGULATOR

Captain Tony Hayes

yours aye T

his past month has seen an important reinforcement and recognition of our Navy’s advancing technological environment and key enabling discipline (naval engineering) by the appointment of our first Chief Naval Engineer (CNE). I will shortly take up this new role, to give leadership and stewardship to a naval engineering function that has contracted over the past 10 years while Navy has had to grapple with the immediacy of Protector Fleet introduction, focused itself on improving shore-side support, committed to the centralisation of many pan-Defence functions and importantly put Seaworthiness on the map. Many advances have been made on these fronts but critically our excellence as a technology and asset-rich organisation has diminished – such that it is time for a “kick start” in a new direction. Later in this magazine you will read about a new initiative – Project RUTHERFORD. This project, led by our young and talented, will seek to recast naval engineering so that this function is a best fit for our Navy’s future. In many instances, elements of our contemporary naval engineering function – structures, competencies, knowledge management, change management, future system policies and doctrines, to name a few – are going to be outdated or impractical for the next batch of ships and systems arriving, and most certainly redundant beyond Anzac. I am after a critical review of all these elements, and a new state where naval engineering (which we own) is fully woven into and integrated with Defence and industry, and future capability management. Be part of Project RUTHERFORD when it comes knocking at your door. I am conscious that it is often easy to speculate and conveniently think to a future panacea. Immediate and burgeoning technical staffing gaps, maintenance under-performance and growing demands on training and course development challenge us right now. Project RUTHERFORD, together with my commitment and lead as CNE, will work to bridge these pressing challenges as well as meet the future. Take it from me, this is not a time to be totally despondent! Our Navy does naval engineering mostly well within the constraints of the model we find ourselves in. Navy is working with its industry partners closely, it is building on the early experience with our Prime Systems Integrator (PSI), we train our engineering professionals and technicians particularly well and our ships do get to sea and operate long and hard. And of course our Navy’s appetite for modern systems and discovering new ways of doing our business is being realised through the likes of the Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU), Maritime Sustainment Capability (MSC) and Littoral Operations Sustainment Capability (LOSC). Our plan is to take our positive experiences and improve on them.

Captain Tony Hayes

With the additional new role of CNE it means I will have accountability as both the Maritime Regulator and CNE. A clear conflict, you might say. To preserve that all-important functional integrity, distinct and different teams and staff will manage the separate business areas of Regulation, Assurance and Engineering Policy. So what, you might ask? Well, it means Navy can continue to confidently self-regulate “on the business” but also bring into action much-needed technical assurance and engineering policy work “in the business”. A key part of enabling this change is reconstituting the Directorate of Naval Engineering back within Navy. I want to close by saying that engineering, technology and innovation is clearly not just the remit of engineers. All of us in Navy work amongst, interface with and rely on technology. I wish to see our entire organisation push boundaries, enjoy the challenges that rapidly-changing technology offers, and develop in the Navy an inquisitive nature where fresh minds are able to innovate, be bold and uncover pragmatic solutions. I have seen all manner of ships, systems management, training and support models in my 30 years of service in the Navy and elsewhere. Constant through that time have been our people and professionals making a positive difference, and so our headmark for Naval Engineering will continue to hold true to being Agile, Adaptive, Able. It is time to engineer Navy for the future!

“Technologies, compliance, competency requirements, safety and asset management models are all on the move, and these and other factors will need to be carefully considered, articulated and owned if we are to successfully support the NZDF by preparing naval engineering for the ‘Next Navy’ and the one after that.” RADM A.J.O MARTIN, Chief of Navy, June 2016

YOURS AYE

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Celebrating our 75th Anniversary

NOVEMBER EV

OUR INTERNATIONAL NAVAL REVIEW

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ext month New Zealand welcomes the Navies of the world.

The International Naval Review in November is the climax of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations, with up to 12 ships arriving from overseas to participate in joint exercises and acknowledge our Navy’s milestone.

Formally, the 75th anniversary celebrations have been rolling since February 2016, when we opened the programme with a Veteran’s Day at Devonport Naval Base.

Auckland commuters and anyone who lives or works anywhere near the harbour will have spotted the White Ensign flying from Auckland Harbour Bridge on October 1, marking the 75th anniversary of the date our Navy was founded in 1941. It will be flown from the Harbour Bridge on October 1 every year from now on, and throughout the International Naval Review in November.

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INTERNATIONAL NAVAL REVIEW

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International Street March (Queen Street)

Sailors

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10 – 12

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Formation Entry (Auckland Harbour)

participating in exercises

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During November 10 to 12 ships will arrive in New Zealand, in preparation for two joint exercises, NGATAHI and MAHI TANGAROA, held in the approaches to Auckland.

17 Formation Entry (Auckland Harbour) On November 17, the ships taking part in the International Naval Review will enter harbour in four groups. The first group will exchange formal salutes with a Waka Taua manned by the Tamaki Werenga Trust, acknowledging the bond between the Navy and Tangata Whenua. Timings and vantage points will be advertised closer to the time.

18 INR Exhibition (The Cloud) 20 The Cloud on Queen’s Wharf will be the exhibition

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International Naval Review by Her Excellency the Governor General of New Zealand

centrepiece of the International Naval Review, telling “Our Story” to the public and visiting sailors.

18 International Street March (Queen Street)

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Ships open day (Auckland Waterfront)

On Friday November 18, a “thousand sailor march”, combining New Zealand and visiting sailors and featuring the Bands of the RNZN, NZ Army, and a contingent from the Band of the Royal Marines will take place on Queen St from Aotea Square to Britomart.

19 International Naval Review (INR) The International Naval Review in November is the climax of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations, with up to 12 ships arriving from overseas to participate in joint exercises and acknowledge our Navy’s milestone. On Saturday the Governor-General will review the fleet.

20 Ships Open to Visitors Day (Auckland Waterfront) On Sunday a number of ships berthed at downtown Auckland berths are expected to be open to the public, from 10am to 4pm.

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The ships depart Tuesday November 22.

INTERNATIONAL NAVAL REVIEW

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RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE NAVY SAFETY AWARD 2016 Can you think of a person, unit or workplace that has demonstrated superior efforts in promoting safety in the workplace? Is there a person, unit or workplace within the RNZN that you think has been relentless in the pursuit of safety excellence during 2016?

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, here is an opportunity to recognise this effort. 1.

 ominations for the Navy Safety Award 2016 are now open. N This award recognises superior efforts in promoting and pursuing safety excellence in the RNZN in order to promote the continual improvement of safety awareness, processes and practices. Any RNZN/RNZNVR service person or employee can submit a nomination.

2. Nominees can be: a Service person or employee, a unit or

department of the RNZN or Naval Reserve, or a ship or Force Element. In exceptional circumstances, any Service person or employee of the NZ Army, RNZAF, NZDF who performs an act of outstanding service in the interests of RNZN safety as outlined in the criteria are also eligible. 3. Assessment criteria: The award will consider efforts in the

areas of occupational safety, occupational health, operational safety and environmental protection across the following criteria: A. Any specific act/series of acts that materially contribute to the significant advancement of Naval safety. B. The consistent application of safety awareness, standards and requirements across all elements of the operation of the unit, department, force element or ship so that it enhances the culture within the Navy and/or its public reputation. C. Outstanding efforts in making and sustaining improvements in a work unit, department or ship following identified shortcomings through audits, reviews and/or safety evaluations of a workplace. 4. All nominations will be considered by the Naval Health and

Safety Committee (NHSC) on 2 November 2016, with the final recipient determined by the Chief of Navy. 5. Nominations are to be forwarded to NAVOSH by no

later than 1200, 28 October 2016 by: signal to NAVOSH AUCKLAND or Minute to Director Naval Safety (signed, scanned and emailed) to [email protected] Any queries should be emailed to [email protected]

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SAFETY & HEALTH

ARE YOU ALL RIGHT? By Andrew Bonallack

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he woman was small, subdued, and had bruising on her face. It didn’t look right to OMT Michael Hay.

The engineer, spending his days in Trade School at PHILOMEL, spotted the civilian staff member. “She had bruising just under her eye, her knuckles were bruised, she was limping. To me, it seemed a little bit off.” He approached her, started a conversation, and asked if she was all right. “She just told me she was being beaten up by her boyfriend. She just came out with it. I think she was a little bit taken aback, that such a blunt question would be asked of her. But sometimes that’s what you need to do, to try to help. Perhaps it was because I was a stranger, and she wanted to get it out.” OMT Hay, 22, told her she needed to get out of the situation. The woman had a young daughter from a previous relationship and it was not safe for her. “That’s not a good way to grow up, for the mentality of the child.” He advised her to call Women’s Refuge. The next day he talked to her again and she told him she had done exactly that. The Refuge was organising help for her and her daughter. OMT Hay says he was surprised no-one had seen the bruises and asked about it. “All the signs were there, you could see it. I just hope people weren’t walking past thinking, ‘well, it’s not my problem’. Because at the end of the day, it is. It’s about being a human being.” He says values like this were drilled into his class during BCTs. “It’s not about individuals when you’re in the Navy. And I really do thank the Navy for teaching me these values, and giving me the opportunity to express them.” Growing up in Fiji, he says his mother taught him a lot about life’s values as well. “She said, ‘if you want to change the world, start with changing one person’s life’.” He has been praised by his divisional officer and Warrant Officer of the Navy, Steve Bourke, for his actions. “I didn’t expect that to happen to a lowly OD.” But while he might be at the bottom of the Navy’s ranks, he says he hopes to lead by example. “I just want people, if they see something against their morals, to act. Just don’t turn around and walk away.” The woman had no family close by to fall back on. OMT Hay knew what that was like, having moved to New Zealand when he was 13. His mother and father have since moved back to Fiji, and his brother moved to Australia. “I’m the only one here. When they left

NEED HELP? 0800NZDF4U (0800 693 348) is a free, confidential service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

OMT Michael Hay

“I just want people, if they see something against their morals, to act. Just don’t turn around and walk away.” I was 17, with a lot of responsibility on me. It helped me grow as a person. It’s like they say in the Navy: get thrown in the deep end, and swim from there.” OMT Hay says he has kept in touch with the woman, to see how things are going, and is helping her move to a new home. Her former partner has since been convicted and jailed on drug charges. She’s become a happy person, bubbly, talkative. “She’s said, ‘thank you for talking to me, for being there when I needed someone’. I guess, sometimes all it takes is a stranger coming up and saying, ‘it’s not right, you need to change your life, otherwise it’s going to go down a dark road’.”

What is ‘bystander intervention’? Bystander intervention is an approach that focuses on the way individuals who are not the targets of inappropriate behavior react. The bystander can intervene to help prevent, reduce and stop the negative consequences. Intervene appropriately when you observe inappropriate behaviours and consider all factors. If you are informed of an issue that does not fit with our values, you have a responsibility to inform the chain of command or your supervisor. We all have a duty of care, and a managerial obligation to create a safe working environment for all members of the NZDF. This enhances our nonoperational and operational effectiveness. Benefits of bystander intervention • N  egative behaviour is identified and results in positive shifts in behaviour and habits • Negative behaviour is corrected at the lowest level • Enhanced team and greater inclusiveness • Raised professional standards • A safer place to live and work

NOT A BYSTANDER

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Better relationships = better food A military marches on its stomach, so sending it out hungry was a recipe for disaster for the New Zealand Defence Force. The answer: employ an innovative approach to contract management

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hree years ago, what was informally dubbed “food-gate” hit the national headlines. Recruits claimed they were being served sub-standard, nutritionally poor food. Photos of unappetising field meals were splashed over the newspapers and on social media.

By 2013, the contract was officially in “default”. Both sides were losing: NZDF Category Manager Defence was receiving poor quality Anna van der Lugt services and Compass Group − which operates as ESS − was struggling to break even. But within three years, senior Defence and Compass leaders have transformed an “us versus them” relationship into one characterised by teamwork, mutual leadership, fairness and − to the relief of hungry personnel – a much higher standard of food. The improvement in food quality is due to “behind the scenes” work to improve what was an adversarial relationship between the New Zealand Defence Force and its hospitality supplier, Compass Group, explains Anna van der Lugt, NZDF Category Manager and a key driver of the change. “The master-slave relationship was quite ingrained. There was no cooperation, no trust,” she says. “But we have turned that around, into a culture of cooperation, joint training, respect for each other, and taking the successes together.” Ms van der Lugt, working together with Defence leaders including Charles Lott, Group Captain Wally Butt and Commodore David Proctor, and together with Defence Shared Services Group, worked closely with their counterparts in Compass Group to transform the relationship. Changing the contract was the easier task, says Ms van der Lugt. The most difficult was changing people’s perceptions, and getting everyone to work together effectively. To facilitate that, the two organisations enlisted the help of consultant Dr Sara Cullen, who ran joint workshops for key staff members. The workshops allowed the staff to voice their problems and identify solutions. “Both organisations discovered that they actually had the same bugbears,” says Ms van der Lugt. “Slowly, a sense of ‘we’re in this together’ emerged.” Right: Recruits on Basic Common Training load up at the Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparaoa.

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CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

In 2015, the NZDF and Compass signed a new contract, with pragmatic key performance indicators, cost transparency, a fair profit margin, a joint training programme and a ‘Relationship Charter’ based on trust, cooperation and innovation. NZDF Dietitian Major Nicola Martin was involved in developing the NZDF Catering Nutrition Standards. These “black and white” nutrition standards were implemented on 1 July, 2015 for ESS-led dining halls. While some changes have met with resistance, the overall lift in nutrition standards has been popular. For example, greater variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables, whole cuts of meat (including salmon fillets) and high-quality wholegrain bread. Everyone has won from the innovative approach to contract management, says Ms van der Lugt. “The food quality went up greatly, so people were happier. The supplier was happy because they were finally able to make a profit, and Defence was happy because across all camps and bases we now had one standard for food.” The project has been internationally recognised. Ms van der Lugt was a finalist in the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management’s (IACCM) “Excellence in Contract Management Awards 2016”. She travelled to Rome, in May, to be part of the award ceremony. In July, the NZDF became a corporate member of the International Organisation for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM). Those who manage contracts and suppliers are encouraged to contact Defence Commercial Services (DCS) to access the knowledge available through the IACCM.

MEDALS REUNITED By Andrew Bonallack

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t took a conscientious sailor only hours on social media to reunite an Afghanistan veteran with his stolen medals.

The three medals, spotted in a charity shop in Auckland last month, rang alarm bells for former Able Radar Plotter Kelly Kidd. “My wife saw the medals, and she called me. She sent me a photo, and I saw they were very recent medals. I thought, why would they be in an op shop? So I said, ‘pay for them, bring them home’.” Mr Kidd, who served in the Royal New Zealand Navy between 1980 and 1986, knew there would be a name and service number engraved on the medals. He put the details out on the Ex-RNZN Facebook page, asking for help. “It pretty much went nuts from there. Absolutely nuts.” In a matter of hours he was talking to the owner of the medals, former Lance Corporal Paul Chambers, who had done two tours of Afghanistan and now lived in Blenheim. He had thought the medals were lost forever after they had been stolen during a burglary of his parents’ house in Auckland on April 15. “He could not believe they had turned up. He was nearly in tears of joy.” Mr Kidd says he did it because of the camaraderie among service personnel. “I’m proud to have served my country. It was instilled in me to do this sort of thing. Even if you have left the service, it never leaves you. If my medals had been lost or stolen, I would like to get them back.”

Left: The stolen medals. From left, The NZ Operational Service Medal, the NZ General Service Medal 2002 (Afghanistan), the NATO medal for the Non-Article 5 ISAF operation in Afghanistan.

Mr Chambers, 28, who served as a signalman, says he had left the army in 2012 and had been working in Australia when the burglary happened. Last month, he got a call from a man who had done basic training with him. “Hey bro, are these your medals? The number is very close to mine.” Mr Chambers went online and discovered messages from his army mates, who had seen the Ex-RNZN Facebook post. “That post had been shared through several different ex-service pages. Maybe two to four hours, and I ended up with the name and phone number of Kelly Kidd – the legend who started it all.”

Above: Christine Chambers (left) is reunited with her son’s stolen medals after former sailor Kelly Kidd started a social media campaign to find their rightful owner.

He is “very thankful” for Mr Kidd’s efforts. “He wouldn’t know me from a bar of soap. I’m blown away, and stoked with the response from everybody. It was very cool to see everyone tagging, helping out.” Mr Kidd has delivered the medals to Mr Chambers’ mother, Christine, where they will stay for the time being. Mrs Chambers has called it a “remarkable” effort. They lost laptops, cameras, an air rifle and 38 years worth of jewellery in the burglary, but what hurt most was the loss of her son’s medals, which had been stored with the jewellery. “This was a part of our son’s life that we were really proud of,” she says. “He was so pleased to serve in Afghanistan – he said, ‘this is why I joined the army, to contribute to something that had a purpose’.” She is impressed how quickly the social media networks had worked. “It just went viral. It just demonstrates that camaraderie in the Defence Force – it never goes.” Sadly, her husband’s grandfather’s WWI medals, which were also taken in the burglary, remain missing. Mr Kidd has been refunded the cost of the medals by the charity shop manager, although he did not ask for that. “The $75 I paid for them is irrelevant to what they mean to the person who risked their life for their country.” He does not blame the shop for putting the medals up for sale, saying it was part of a pile of donated goods left outside the shop. However, he has recommended the manager call him – or the police – if any medals turn up again.

MEDAL RECOVERY

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Where technology meets reality By LT CDR Rip Takhar Deputy Director Naval Engineering Project Manager – Project RUTHERFORD

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he RNZN operates and maintains some of the most expensive and complex assets in New Zealand. Our people get the opportunity every day to live, work and play aboard these impressive feats of engineering that provide everything from fresh water to sophisticated mission systems for defence. Simply stated, engineering is where science and technology meet reality. It is a critical component of our organisation that ensures the systems are safe, reliable and available. Whether that's the domestic services that make the ships habitable, or the mission systems the war fighter needs to deliver military effect. So what is naval engineering? A common misconception is that it is a discipline exclusive to the Navy. However, it is better defined as: “The congregation of activities and consequent totality of effort required to be applied by engineers, technologists, and technicians in the conceptualisation, design, construction, test and evaluation, operation, maintenance and disposal of maritime materiel." It supports every stage of the capability lifecycle and includes people from across the NZDF (uniform and civilian) and industry. While RNZN and industry engineers and technicians are doing a great job of delivering engineering support to capability and operations, a number of current challenges and future opportunities require the RNZN to review and modernise its Naval Engineering Function. It is important to understand the definition above because the current and future challenges can only be explored and addressed by working together and coordinating effort across the full spectrum of Naval Engineering.

Current challenges The RNZN is an expert in the maritime domain and provides a valuable contribution to the NZDF. The high calibre of its people and that of its industry partners has ensured that the fleet is operated and maintained to the best possible standards. But recent events and the results of a fleet-wide engineering survey prove that there is room for improvement. The Coles Review, Fleet Seaworthiness Assessment, and systemic engineering shortcomings demonstrate the RNZN has experienced problems with its engineering function. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests the fragmentation of the RNZN engineering community across multiple NZDF commands/organisations has resulted in a number of issues related to the blurred accountabilities and responsibilities that are consequential of matrix organisations. These issues include ineffective prioritisation and coordination of limited engineering resources, and the consequent dilution of technical expertise. The recent fleet-wide engineering survey was initiated to determine what RNZN engineers and technicians thought were

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PROJECT RUTHERFORD

the biggest impediments to them as they conduct their work. The response was overwhelming, and it was pleasing to see so many suggestions for improvement. Some common themes emerged: leadership; policy and process; training, career management and professional development; and frontline engineering LT CDR Rip Takhar support. The great news is that a number of changes have already been implemented (see below) which, in the fullness of time, will address many of the concerns. But as the saying goes, good things take time, and many of the issues will take longer to resolve.

Future opportunities Global strategic trends show significant changes to 2045 across a broad spectrum of areas including demographics, technology, and the environment, which will require the RNZN to keep evolving and adapt to the context within which it operates. These changes will have significant implications for future maritime capabilities and the delivery of engineering services to support those capabilities. That future, coupled with a “parent-navy” responsibility, will invoke greater demand for a Naval Engineering Function that is unified, coherent, modern, expert, and able to continually evolve to meet the demands placed upon it. Perhaps the most significant trend for Naval Engineering is the rapid growth and change in technology. There are direct implications such as greater automation, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and machine learning. But there are also indirect consequences. Technology has changed the way people socialise, communicate, learn and work. Therefore, the Naval Engineering Function must be capable of managing future technologies and also accommodate the expectations of the future workforce.

What has been done In order for Naval Engineering to be ready, the Chief of Navy has approved the establishment of a Chief Naval Engineer (CNE) and has appointed CAPT Tony Hayes, RNZN (refer to “Yours Aye” on page 3) as the inaugural RNZN CNE. Additionally, the Chief of Defence Force has approved the return of the Directorate of Naval Engineering (9 positions in total) from Capability Branch back to the RNZN reporting to the CNE. This is part of a wider programme of work known as Seaworthiness Tier II that will strengthen the Seaworthiness System, and provide necessary focus and resource in the upstream engineering required for increased levels of technical integrity and assurance, and capability steerage.

The CN and CNE (Desig) announced the initiation of Project RUTHERFORD at the 2016 RNZN Engineering Conference. Project RUTHERFORD will develop a comprehensive model of the “current state”, explore the global strategic trends, develop “future state” options, conduct gap analysis, and develop a road map for a Reform Programme to deliver the desired future state. Initial investigation indicates the need to approach this project with clearly articulated short, medium and long-term goals. For example, the project needs to develop a plan with short-term goals to address the known issues (some of which are expressed above), but also identify other immediate opportunities for improvement. The more complex issues and opportunities (current and future) will inform the medium and long term goals and will take longer to achieve.

What needs to be done Firstly, it is important that the CNE is embedded, resourced and supported to become a credible and trusted partner within the RNZN's senior leadership. This will form the foundation that will strengthen engineering leadership and enable a holistic and coordinated approach to the professional development of RNZN engineers and technicians, and the role of Naval Engineering across the entire capability lifecycle. As Project RUTHERFORD progresses from initiation to investigation, it will establish an advisory panel, a steering group, and hold regular workshops and focus groups. The project team will be looking for input and support from people at all levels of the NZDF and industry, including operators, engineers, technicians, logisticians and all people across Naval Engineering. This input and support is vital to enable the project to understand the wide range of issues, and develop effective solutions.

Conclusion The RNZN operates and maintains some of the greatest assets in New Zealand. Naval Engineering is a critical function that supports and manages those assets from conceptualisation through to disposal. People across the spectrum of Naval Engineering continue to deliver great engineering services but there is a need to address the current challenges and prepare for future opportunities. Future ships will have new and advanced technology, and the expectations of the future workforce will be different. Therefore, the Naval Engineering Function needs to evolve in order to continue to attract the best engineering talent, deliver excellent engineering services, ensure the reliability and availability of systems, and enable the war fighters to deliver military effect to achieve the mission, now and in the future.

ON THE RIGHT COURSE Above: PHILOMEL’s Seminar Centre boasted a well-attended Naval Engineering Conference.

By LT Thomas Dando Assistant director Naval Engineering Capability Branch

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he Chief of Navy opened this year’s Naval Engineering Conference, held at the PHILOMEL Seminar Centre over August 31 and September 1, and challenged the audience with the question: Will the Navy After Next be defined by people enabled by technology or technology enabled by people? The majority of conference presenters were from outside industries, organisations and government departments, with a common theme being the impact of rapidly evolving technologies and the implications for the Navy after Next. Many of the conference attendees had not appreciated just how fast technology is evolving, and the potential for radical and far-ranging changes in all aspects of our lives to occur before the decade is out. One example cited was how a large NZ technology company pays high school students to write software applications after school, doing what they term a “digital paper round”. Other notable challenges to the RNZN came from Frances Valintine, the chairwoman and founder of Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab, for leadership to remain engaged and up-todate with changing technologies. Rod Snodgrass, from Spark Venture, came to the conference with the challenge of doing more with fewer people and meaning it. As a Navy we must be ready to usher in the generational change in technology heralded by the Future Surface Combatant that will replace today’s Anzac Frigates. This means we must understand the rapidly changing world in which we live, and ensure we become agile and adaptive in order to avoid becoming irrelevant and ineffective. The 2016 Naval Engineering Conference gave the opportunity for the Engineering Fraternity to learn about and discuss the rapidly advancing technologies that we must be set up to receive and manage as we turn to the Navy After Next. This, coupled with the relationships formed and strengthened by the interactions with members of NZ Inc. (Treasury and MFAT), Industry Partners and overseas Navies, shows that we are on the right course to the future.

PROJECT RUTHERFORD

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New dockyard contract a transformative journey

HMNZS TE MANA boasts a new coat of paint while in Devonport Naval Base’s drydock, during her Platform Systems Upgrade in 2015.

By Mike Wardlaw Managing Director, Babcock (NZ) Ltd

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ne of the toughest decisions an organisation can make is to undertake transformation that will challenge the effectiveness of decades of history and habit, aiming to emerge with a more dynamic and innovative environment. This is the call that Babcock made in March 2015, when we commenced a renewed five-year agreement with the New Zealand Defence Force as the Prime Systems Integrator (PSI), providing fleet maintenance and engineering support services for the Royal New Zealand Navy. This new chapter marks a shift from a suppliercustomer arrangement to a commercial partnership model in which Babcock takes a much greater role in planning and where commercial risk and reward are shared. In real terms, this has meant that Babcock became fully engaged in through-life maintenance planning, optimisation of maintenance programmes and strategic planning to provide greater fleet availability. The Maritime Engineering Support Team (MEST), epitomises collaboration, combining the talents and cultures of the Defence and private sector to great effect. This model, successfully replicated by Babcock International Group globally, is viewed as the best way to meet the Navy’s 2020 Strategic Plan key operational and capability goals. It is an opportunity for the NZDF to trial and assess a new defence/service provider relationship that could benchmark similar relationships in the future. Undertaking transformation in such an environment first relies on ensuring solid working foundations are in place for business-critical operations, introducing an environment of continuous improvement to the operation, and then identifying opportunities to revolutionise and reinvigorate the way work is carried out. Transformation relies on the skills and commitment of many. It’s an opportunity for individuals to apply their considerable experience and insight to contribute to working smarter, and towards greater return on investment. It’s fair to say progress within this model has been slower than envisaged since Vesting Date, as both organisations navigated a steep learning curve, beginning to understand each other and how to work together towards a shared vision.

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BABCOCK ENGINEERING

Above: Babcock and Navy working together.

Resource constraints are a frequent challenge when undertaking a “roots and branches” review of operations. Understanding what investment needs to be made to achieve a desired future state can be tricky to quantify, but that has become much clearer as the project has progressed. As we ramp up transformational activity, key successes that demonstrate transformation in action are being identified, including: • s ignificant advances in the area of testing and acceptance processes and outputs • improvements in configuration management, including documentation and new technology • a dvancing the development of through-life maintenance planning to better define the required maintenance over the life of a vessel • t he completion – on budget and on time – of the Platform Systems Upgrade (PSU) on HMNZS TE MANA under the governance for the first time of a joint collaborative committee of Babcock and NZDF personnel. One of the greatest successes to date has been the recognition that many hands make light work. Captain Andrew Nuttall, Logistics Commander (Maritime), sees that commitment on a daily basis: “Three months into the job, I’ve seen a genuine desire to make the new partnership work, and for both sides to contribute to doing what we do best, which is getting our ships to sea and, most importantly, mission-capable.” This spirit of collaboration is captured by the Relationship Charter, under which the MEST operates. Full credit must be given to all members of this new endeavour, as we strive to deliver on that charter, and on our transformation vision.

TURBINE REPAIRS By Andrew Bonallack and POMT(P) Blake Coverdale

You can read about it, learn about it, and look at the diagrams. But an engine takes on real meaning when you pull it apart.

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MNZS TE MANA’s Assistant Marine Engineering Officer, Sub Lieutenant Laura Stapley, had a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of the frigate’s gas turbine engine during an overhaul at Devonport Naval Base. TE MANA had been transiting back to Devonport, carrying out gas turbine (GT)-related training, when a fault occurred. The General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engine was leaking oil from the GT MidFrame left side vent, well above the allowable limit specified. This is where Air New Zealand gets a call, because the gas turbine engine in the frigates is very similar to those on an aircraft. A bore scope inspection identified the problem at the “C” Sump scavenge pump oil supply tube at an internal gasket that appeared to be leaking. To get to that gasket, the 250kg turbine mid frame would have to be split off, transported up three ship levels with block, tackle and crane, and a spare would have to be transported in the same way. “This is a big deal,” says SLT Stapley. “We’ve essentially unbolted the engine in half.” The task required three full shipping containers of tools and equipment drawn from the Anzac ship pool, shipped from Sydney. Then rigging had to be installed to facilitate support and lifting. The inlet screen and bell mouth were hoisted up into the intake plenum to allow for the GT removal rail system to be rigged in the enclosure

Top of page: TE MANA’s Gas Turbine Mid Frame is hoisted up. Inset: Discs of plywood were made so the Mid Frame could roll down the main passageways.

so the gas generator could be relocated to the forward end of the GT Enclosure. Then Air New Zealand contractors begun the slow process of removing all hoses and lines that connected the GT to the ship’s systems, plus about 240 bolts that connected the turbine mid frame to the combustion chamber and power turbine. Once the mid frame was free, it was rigged out of the compartment and rolled down the main passageways on specially made plywood discs. It was then craned off from one of the side openings on the quarterdeck. But there was more to come. The opportunity was taken for maintenance while the gas turbine was exposed, and it was discovered there were several cracks on the first stage blades of the high pressure turbine (HPT). This meant the HPT had to be replaced. To do that, the new mid frame had to be fitted, then the gas turbine reassembled, then the engine re-split on either side of the High Pressure Turbine. SLT Stapley says faulty portions are then repaired and go into the “pool” of engine parts for the Anzac-class frigates operated by New Zealand and Australia. The rectification of these defects was extensive but provided a rare learning opportunity for TE MANA’s engineers. Interested visitors from other departments called in to watch the process. “It’s rare to split a gas turbine, and it’s pretty cool,” says SLT Stapley. “What we normally do is maintenance – you fix things on the outside. On my course in Australia, you learn the ins and outs of gas turbines and the problems that happen. But you get on a ship, and it all goes into this box and you don’t get to see the whole side of it. So this was a really good opportunity. It’s completely different when you get to open it up and look inside. You know how it works, but it’s all hidden away.”

TE MANA GAS TURBINE

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HONOURING THE “FOURTH SERVICE”

The flag bearers surround the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Coping with short-notice deployments By Commander Rodger Ward, Commander Current Operations

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y wife and I are both senior officers in the Royal New Zealand Navy, so I have spent time as both the deployed and stay-at-home partner having had to deal with holding the family together from both ends. In my role as Current Operations Commander at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, I manage the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) end of our deployed personnel, which often has a welfare-related aspect. Although my article mentions deployments in the wake of devastating cyclones, the suggestions I’ve drawn up can apply to any deployment with little advance warning. The NZDF will shortly conduct its contingency planning and issue Warning Orders for the south-west Pacific cyclone season again. Many of us will be affected by this, whether it be in the headquarters here in New Zealand, as deploying personnel, as

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SHORT NOTICE DEPLOYMENT

reserves or as the home guard left to look after our families. For those who might be required to deploy this means more than just taking your pack to work with you. Your family and the community need to be prepared for your absence as well. Experience tells us that the most likely response for a cyclone in the south-west Pacific will involve 400-500 people deploying for a period of two months to a place where there will be limited infrastructure that we can rely on. The deploying force will be heavy in medical, engineering, aviation, logistics and maritime skills. For our people who deploy in response to cyclone emergencies our New Zealand summers can be heavily disrupted. Summer vacations, school athletics, swimming sports, summer touch season, starting school and moving as part of the New Year posting cycle can all be affected. A little bit of thought and

Above: LMUS Philip Wiley, with the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, salutes as the Last Post is played.

bombed, with survivors spending days or weeks in lifeboats before being rescued. These rigours earned the Merchant Navy the expression of “the fourth service”, but it wasn’t until 2010 when New Zealand made Merchant Navy Day official, after campaigning from the Merchant Navy Association. September 3 marks the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after World War II began.

Top left: ACWS Cody Burgess (left), beside ODR Ashton Richards, checks to his right as a frail veteran is helped into the hall. Above: CDRE Jim Gilmour, representing NZDF, takes the wreath for NZDF.

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ew Zealand’s national commemoration to honour those who served in the Merchant Navy was held on September 3 at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

The day honours several thousand New Zealand seafarers who served in WWI and WWII, usually under the British Red Ensign. The hour-long service, in the Hall of Memories, was standing room only, with the Royal New Zealand Navy providing a catafalque guard, wreath attendants, bugler and drummer. The Navy’s Maori Cultural Advisor, WO Te Kani Te Wiata, recited the Ode in Te Reo, while Commodore Jim Gilmour, Maritime Component Commander placed a wreath on behalf of the Defence Force. During the wars Merchant Navy sailors faced dangers daily, as civilian volunteers, transporting troops, military equipment and supplies of food, fuel and raw materials. Ships were torpedoed or

Attendees at the service included the Royal New Zealand Navy, the NZ Shipping Federation, NZ Company of Master Mariners, NZ Merchant Service Guild and the Russian Convoy Club. A new feature this year was the inclusion of a variety of service flags, including Salvation Army and NZ Police. Two students, from Queen Margaret’s College and Scots College, represented youth. After the service the flags were flown by bearers around the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. RADM David Ledson (rtd) says the day was more than just WWII. “[It is] the importance of the contribution the Merchant Navy makes today for New Zealand prosperity. Without ships to link the rest of the world to us, we would be a destitute nation.” WO Te Wiata says it was his first Merchant Navy service and thought it was “fantastic”. Lewis Robertson, honorary secretary of the Merchant Navy Association, says the service is still a “learning curve” but it was pleasing to grow the concept with other flags and youth representation. “We had only ever paraded the Merchant Navy flag before,” he says. “But we thought, there’s a lot of other people involved. And they were really pleased to be asked.”

are separated?

preparation can help greatly to make things easier on those deploying and for those remaining at home:

• What are you not going to tell each other?

• Are you ready for this?

• What don’t you want to know about?

• Do you have a plan?

The NZDF is a great place to work and we will always be there to look after our people in need. But every time we do this we consume resources that we are not able to commit to people who might have a greater need and are far less fortunate than we are.

• Have you got access to the household finances? • Do you have a reliable means to move your family around? • D  o you have someone identified to provide some respite to the daily grind of family life? • C  an you cope without being able to have reliable communications with each other? • A  s a family have you talked through the challenges you might face during an extended separation? • How are you going to manage being absent for key dates? • What are you going to do if there is a bereavement while you

If you take a few moments as a family in the time leading up to Christmas to talk about the points I have mentioned you will be in a far better position to cope with the uncertainty that comes with a short-notice deployment. Your resilience as a family makes it easier for us to support you and our Pacific friends as a Force for New Zealand.

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

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KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE

By Andrew Bonallack

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aval aviation veterans who came together last month to celebrate 50 years of helicopter service are putting their hands up to refurbish a Westland Wasp helicopter for the Navy museum. More than 90 veterans of New Zealand naval aviation enjoyed a get-together, parade and formal function over a Friday and Saturday at Whenuapai and Devonport. Lieutenant Commander Phil McBride says the celebration, marking 50 years since the Westland Wasp was embarked on Navy ships, was a case of “lots of old friends being reunited”. The celebration was divided between an open day and parade at 6 Squadron, and a formal function on the flight deck of HMNZS TE MANA at Devonport. LT CDR McBride says ex-Wasp personnel want to support the museum’s bid to tidy up a Wasp helicopter, formerly from the Museum of Transport and Technology and now stored at Devonport. “They’ve got experience to offer with this sort of thing,” he says. Museum director David Wright says the museum is about to start a fundraising campaign to build new gallery space at the back of the museum to showcase the Wasp and our naval aviation history.

Above: Naval aviation veterans enjoy the open day at Whenuapai’s 6 Squadron during the 50th anniversary naval aviation celebrations. Below: Photo: Navy Museum. While Devonport and Whenuapai celebrated 50 years of Naval Helicopter Aviation in New Zealand, it is worth marking 2016 as 80 years of New Zealand naval aviation in general. Light cruiser HMS ACHILLES, of Battle of the River Plate fame, was commissioned in 1936 in Chatham, England and embarked on loan to New Zealand with a Supermarine Walrus (pictured) flying boat on board. Sister ship HMS LEANDER, also on loan to New Zealand, embarked from England with a Walrus a year later.

Above: An image supplied by Michael Porter, dated July 7, 1998, showing a Wasp (left) which had just been delivered to the RNZAF Museum, beside a newly delivered Seasprite SH-2F.

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50 YEARS NAVAL AVIATION

DEAL WITH IT NOW Bart Couprie has saved two lives by listening to what his body was telling him.

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e was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer of the prostate in November 2014, and has been under treatment for the past two years. It was his diagnosis that prompted him to call his twin brother, who also discovered he was in the early stages of prostate cancer. His message, get checked, featured in September’s Prostate Cancer Awareness campaign, Blue September, when CPOWTR Couprie told his story on national television. He says he is “beating the odds” so far, after two years of drug therapy and seven weeks of radiation therapy. In September he married his then fiancée, Jude, and enjoyed a two-week honeymoon in the Cook Islands.

“The diagnosis was a bolt from the blue,” he says. “At the age of 47, you don’t expect to have a diagnosis like that thrown at you. I always thought that prostate cancer was an old man’s disease.”

He has been told more and more Kiwi males are being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their 30s and 40s. He personally knows a young man diagnosed in his early 20s. “Prostate cancer tends to be much more aggressive in younger patients than in older men, but if caught early enough even aggressive tumours can be treated with high rates of success,” CPOWTR Couprie says. “There is also a huge genetic factor in cancer rates as well.” It was that last factor that made him think immediately of his brother. “I called my twin brother after I was diagnosed, and told him to get checked. He did exactly that, and found that he was in the very early stages of prostate cancer. Given the highly aggressive nature of the cancer I was under treatment for, his doctor offered the option of surgery to remove the prostate. He took that option, and he is now cured.” The New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation wanted to get the message to the men of New Zealand, and they asked if CPOWTR Couprie would help. He and his brother Boudewyn, who is ex-Navy, were interviewed to tell their story on TV3’s Newshub programme. He says all men should start getting annual tests for prostate cancer from the age of 45, with high risk groups starting at age 40. A combination of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) is the best way to ensure that any abnormality is detected early. Diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight reduce the risk of prostate cancer. “It’s also vital that you listen to your body,” he says. “I went to the doctor when I found that I had trouble passing urine. If you have any issues with the waterworks, please get checked out. It might be something simple, but if it’s something serious you are better off knowing about it, so you can deal with it” “The statistics are sobering,” he says. “Every day, eight or nine New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Every year, we lose 600 men to this disease, with Maori and Pacific Islanders at higher risk.” For CPOWTR Couprie’s wedding, the pair asked for donations in lieu of gifts, with the money going to the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation.

For more information about prostate cancer, and how to maintain a healthy prostate, check out www.prostate.org.nz Above: CPOWTR Bart Couprie is interviewed by Newshub about his treatment for prostate cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER

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09 1. LWTR Maria Joseph helps the RSA pack boxes of food for our personnel overseas. 2. Hobbit actor LT CDR Mark Hadlow with Phillippa Jones of Lincoln University, and Gary Harrow during an awards evening at HMNZS PEGASUS in Christchurch. 3. CDRE Jim Gilmour, Maritime Component Commander, delivers a pep talk to the Ship’s Company on ENDEAVOUR’s flight deck. 4. ASTD Aleshia MacGregor, from Gisborne, found her great great uncle’s name among 72,000 listed on the Thiepval Memorial in France. 5. ASCS Loth Loth’s face is a picture as he undergoes Flood Simulation refresher training with his HMNZS WELLINGTON crewmates. 6. LT David Taylor waits to bring a wreath forward during the National Merchant Navy Day commemoration service at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. 7. AMUS Rebecca Nelson, wearing the NZDF feathered cloak, Nga Tapuwae Kahu Huruhuru, sings at the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial in northern France, during the centenary commemorations of the Battle of the Somme. 8. Lion Breweries celebrate their association with the Navy Reserves

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our PEOPLE

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13 veterans, based on the Canterbury Reserves being housed at the old Canterbury Breweries site prior to WWII. Pictured are Laurie Carr (WWII veteran), Jim Calder (WWII veteran and last remaining vet who joined from the Breweries in 1939), Doug Greenslade, Allan Andrews, Jim Worsfold and John Elley (all ex-CMT) 9. ACSS Tom Byl receives his Good Conduct Badge from CDR Simon Griffiths, HMNZS TE MANA Commanding Officer. 10. LSCS Jonathan Winter, beside MID Dillon Hyland, prepares to pipe CDRE Jim Gilmour, aboard ENDEAVOUR. 11. LMUS Colin Clark plays the cornet during the Battle of the Somme service. 12. BCT 16/02 recruit Awhina Owen speaks about her experiences as a recruit during the church service for the Navy’s 75th birthday commemorations in Old St Paul’s Church, Wellington. 13. Auckland Sea Cadet Warrant Officer Max Lichtenstein passes a wreath to Prince Charles.

OUR PEOPLE

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THE LONGEST DAY

By Andrew Bonallack

Stand by for rescrub inspection! Top of page: Zion Hoani snaps out a salute as his team marches past. Above: CPOSCS Rawiri Barriball makes some adjustments to headgear. Below: Recruits James McKee (left) and Jimmy Adams iron their kit. Bottom: Recruit Rainer Claussen (centre) is all concentration as the recruits work to get the proper shine on their boots.

For many of the recruits of BCT 16/02, Wednesday August 31 has probably been the longest day of their lives.

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t is late evening, week four of 19 of Basic Common Training, and 42 recruits are still up at Tamaki Leadership Centre on Whangaparaoa Peninsula. When the Navy Today editor arrives at the centre, the day, which began with a 3am walk into the Hauraki Gulf surf, is far from over. It’s 18 hours later, with recruits standing at attention by their bunks while the instructors are “barracking”, looking over their bedding, towels, boots and other kit. Anything not up to standard is tossed to the floor. The air is electric with raw fatigue. The recruits are on the edge of their emotional and physical strength. Several are partially asleep standing up. Depending on the faults found, the instructors send entire platoons, or smaller groups, around the “bullring”, a run around the centre that takes about two minutes – or two minutes, 45 seconds, says Petty Officer Electronic Technician Darin Kauwhata to a set of recruits, setting the time. “Does that sound reasonable?” “Yes, PO!” The recruits get a chance to sort out their kit again, then get ready for another inspection. “Better, Malcom, better,” says the PO to the platoon’s leader for the evening. “Not too shabby. Why wasn’t this looking like this half an hour ago?” One recruit’s boots have loose laces, and the recruit says he forgot to do it. “Bit of honesty, there,” says the PO. Another platoon has to muster back on the road. “Two bullrings, each lap will be under two minutes. Reasonable?” “Yes, PO!” A row of bobbing headlamps head off into the night. Nearly four minutes later, shouts of encouragement are heard among the recruits. “Push, team, push! Almost there!” There’s some

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BCT SHAKEDOWN

Kieran Abbot, 21, Tauranga

Above: Recruit Scott Miller (centre) and his mates power into breakfast.

hard breathing, but the recruits are fitter than they realise. “Good work on the comradeship,” says POET Kauwhata. “Carry on, off you go.” Released to polish their boots and iron their kit, the recruits undergo a complete change in demeanour. Endurance and exhaustion vanishes, replaced with smiles, jokes, laughter, chat and camaraderie. They laugh about the 3am swim, the chaffing as they ran back up the hill to camp. This is “chill out” time. Recruit Samuel Lim remarks how this morning now feels like yesterday. “7am feels like late, now. You know what a bed’s for – sleeping.” Recruit Jimmy Adams, 19, has never ironed before in his life. “I’m still getting the hang of it,” he says. “It’s funny how quickly you can master it. My mum tried to teach me before I came here, but I didn’t take most of it in.” Recruit Joanna Brown says they have had 10 minutes of phone time this week – which includes the time it takes to turn on the phone, enter the number and wait for an answer. “First priority was call my parents,” she says. “Hello, I’m still alive, I’m really happy.” She says it will be good to see them at the family church service in a week’s time. Next morning is a comparative sleep-in, to 5.30am. The recruits have an hour for breakfast, from 6am to 7am, with a choice of cereal or a hot meal. Everyone gets both and finishes them in 15 minutes. “They know they have things to do,” says a PO. The morning is devoted to parade drill and inspection, under the supervision of CPOSCS Rawiri Barriball. “Listen to orders! You’ve been told this from day one.” Kit is checked again. “Whatever she’s doing to her shoes, I want you guys to do it.” Recruit Tyler-Marie Gray says her father is in the Navy. “I love doing drill, but yesterday’s PT, not so much. Oh my God, I’ve been awake at 3am before, but never up at 3am.” The platoons get to tussle each other in a tug of war competition, with the winner getting privilege of a tussle with a team of leaders. For a moment, it looks like the recruits have the upper hand, and the watching recruits get excited. But the instructors, with plenty of experience and technique, as well as being fresh, finish them off.

Abbot says he had woken just before the 3am wake-up, so was not unhappy about getting up. “That swim was pretty cool. It’s been a while since I’ve been swimming.” He says so far it is about keeping a “cool head” and not getting frustrated. He has a few friends in the navy and they talked about the friendships they had made. “It sounded like a good lifestyle.”

Mikayla Ensor, 20, Hamilton It’s tough standing still during rounds, says Ensor, especially after an exhausting day. But the swim was “pretty cool. Freezing and chafing, but a cool adventure”. Other high points are the team activities, working together. “I’ve always been in a team. With my old job, working at McDonald’s, it was working with people, dealing with different situations.” She joined the Navy for the opportunity to meet new people and travel. “To do things you wouldn’t normally do in civilian life.”

Jason Morrison, 21, South Auckland There are many reasons Morrison joined the Navy. “I didn’t see a future in what I was doing,” he says. His previous job was warehousing. “I had a lot of encouragement from my brother-in-law, who is in the Navy. I wanted a secure job, travel.” Team building activities and “getting out from the normal” are his high points. He says he has made good friends. “There are 42 people here, I consider them my friends.” He misses sleeping in, long showers, and lingering over breakfast. “But I understand why that happens.”

CPOMAA Lisa Glennie says her team are very engaged and will put in long hours to work with the recruits. For the “longest day”, some of the leaders have been up longer than the recruits. But she is impressed with these young men and women. “This is a really good intake, really switched on. Some of them have given up a secure job to be here. They are a strong bunch.”

Families and friends follow the recruits on Navy social media, and got to see them at a church service in September. Thank you for a great day and for helping my son evolve into the awesome man he is becoming.

Great day with great stories was well worth the trip keep it up BCT 16/02.

The RNZN should be very proud of all these trainees! I am sure it is.

Awesome to see our son and all his crewmates. Great to be able to spend the day with him. Was well worth the long drive. Just had an overwhelming feeling of being proud.

That’s my girl leading. I’m so proud!! Proud of you all!

@RoyalNewZealandNavy

BCT SHAKEDOWN

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Nov 1 7 2016

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he stamps and their first day cover envelopes were unveiled at the National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Devonport on October 5.

The six gummed stamps each represent a different aspect of the Navy’s history or role today, through a mixture of historical and

$1.00 The Loss of HMS Neptune This stamp features brothers Bruce and William Anderson of Kohimarama, lost along with 150 New Zealand sailors on HMS NEPTUNE on 19 December, 1941. It is our Navy’s greatest ever loss of life.

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NAVY IN THE POST

modern contexts. The design features a brass scuttle that was recovered from the wreck of HMNZS MOA, on display at the Navy Museum. The scuttle frames the images on the stamps, which have been coated with spot UV, to replicate the effect of looking through glass.

$1.00 Conflict of Korea Frigate HMNZS PUKAKI is displayed on this stamp. It was one of six RNZN frigates deployed to the UN naval forces operating off Korea between 1950 and 1954.

$2.20 Supporting the United Nations HMNZS TE MANA, with a Seasprite in the background, represents our Navy’s commitment to supporting the United Nations in peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations, including counter-terrorism and anti-piracy.

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E A L AN

As part of the N avy’s 75 anniver th sary cel ebration NZ Post s, is launc hing a s of stam et ps to sh owcase our Nav y’s contribu history and tion to N ew Zealand and ove rseas.

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OUR STAMPS, OUR HISTORY

Julie Wenham, former Midshipman, Rotorua It’s a strange feeling, being immortalised in New Zealand philately. Julie Wenham says she was told two months ago her image was earmarked for one of the six stamps. She represents the “Women at Sea” theme. “It’s quite a weird feeling,” she says. “It makes you very permanent, it’s something that will supersede you. Sometimes it makes me feel a bit old, because it’s been a while since I was in the Navy.” She says she thought only famous people, Sir Edmund Hillary-level, got on stamps. The image, on the $1.80 stamp, shows Miss Wenham as a midshipman using a sextant. It was not a posed image, and Miss Wenham says she cannot recall the image being taken. As a seaman officer under training, it was very much a part of what she did. “I think it was taken during the course of a day.” Miss Wenham served from 1991 to 1993 on ENDEAVOUR, TUI and MONOWAI. She met her partner while in the Navy, and the pair

now run a leadership management company in Rotorua. Their children, 15 and 12, are dubious about the honour of being on a stamp, as letter-posting does not feature much in their world. “I had to explain it to them. I think like most kids, they don’t realise their parents had a life before them.”

$1.80 Women at Sea Former Midshipman Julie Wenham holds a sextant during a navigational exercise. MID Wenham served between 1991 to 1993, and represents women who first served on ships 30 years ago this year.

$2.70 Disaster relief in Christchurch

$3.30 The Navy Family

Former Chief Petty Officer Dave Auton, Royal New Zealand Navy Reserves, is shown helping clear debris. When the February 2011 earthquake struck, HMNZS CANTERBURY, OTAGO, RESOLUTION and PUKAKI immediately rendered assistance, providing emergency food, shelter, and personnel on the ground.

Commander Simon Griffiths, then CO of HMNZS TE KAHA, greets his family at Devonport. The families who remain home form an important part of the Navy’s whanau. Without their support, the Navy would not be able to achieve its goals.

Dave Auton, former Chief Petty Officer, HMNZS PEGASUS, Christchurch

Commander Simon Griffiths, HMNZS TE KAHA

When the Christchurch earthquake struck in February 2011, Dave Auton and his fellow reservists heeded the call and were ready to respond at a moment’s notice for any need.

The image of Commander Simon Griffiths greeting his family is a real image, coming after a six-month deployment at sea. It is a good expression of the “unsung heroes” of the Navy, he says. “Without their love and support it would make the requirement to go away that much harder. The role of our Navy is to go away and serve New Zealand, wherever and whenever that is required. That means operating for long periods of time away from family and friends. Their love and support, and providing a stable home life, makes it much easier to endure.”

“We helped set up the red zone, did rolling patrols, helped out wherever we could.” In his photo, CPOMET Auton is shown clearing bricks from a pathway, in front of a church. “The whole face had gone, and we shovelled it clear. Such a simple thing, but it meant a lot.” This went on for six weeks for the reservists from PEGASUS. “Our CO took the bull by the horns, called for volunteers. People stayed at PEGASUS overnight, just in case things happened. It was one of my prouder moments.” He was told he was going to be on a stamp just after he returned to Christchurch after working in the mines in Australia. He says he is “very chuffed” to be on a stamp. As it happens, Mr Auton is still carrying out the good work of earthquake recovery in Christchurch, as a team leader on the restoration of Christchurch’s historic Arts Centre.

He says the prestige of being on a stamp is irrelevant against the importance of what the photo means. “That photo symbolises everybody’s feelings and emotions when you come back. It’s always an incredibly satisfying moment when you reconnect with family.” The $3.30 stamp would pay for a large envelope to go to England. CDR Griffiths has relatives in England and reckons it will be fun to send them a letter – with a very personal stamp.

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FULLY CAPABLE OPVs By LT CDR Andrew Dowling

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MNZS OTAGO successfully completed her Aviation Safety and Readiness Check in the Hauraki Gulf in the last week of August. This event marked a quantum leap in capability for the Offshore Patrol Vessel Fleet, with an aircraft now embarking on OTAGO for the duration of her Operation HAVRE deployment to the Kermadec Islands on September 12. It means the ship will have the eyes, ears and lifting capability to make a decisive contribution to RNZN output. “I have to admit the hangar ended up being a lot closer than I thought!” remarked LT CDR Alex Trotter, OTAGO Flight Commander, on his first landing on the back of OTAGO. “In all seriousness though it’s great, now we have the extra airframes, to be able to deploy an aircraft on an OPV in support of RNZN operations. We’re really looking forward to being part of OTAGO’s crew and playing a part in making Operation HAVRE a success.” When embarking for real, LT CDR Trotter would normally have flown to OTAGO as she left Auckland, but a Seasprite SH-2G(I) was needed on OTAGO as part of the 50th Naval Aviation celebrations at Devonport Naval Base last month. It meant the pilot was able to tuck away the Seasprite in the hanger before the ship embarked. He landed in a stiff southerly crosswind, made bumpy by wind bouncing off the entertainment marquee set up on TE MANA opposite. 6 Squadron will be generating and deploying three frontline flights for the RNZN by mid 2017 and this will be business as usual for the team at Whenuapai. CDR Owen Rodger, the Commanding Officer, is a happy man. “I’m delighted, of course. This is an important milestone for us. 6 Squadron is still rebuilding post the change of aircraft type earlier this year but for me to be able to deploy a flight away on an OPV is a special moment. The RNZN have had these ships for a good stretch of time and at last we can embark aircraft on them on a regular basis.” He says in next year’s plan, embarking on OPVs will be a regular feature. Tremendous hard work from the ship’s company, in particular their engineering team, resulted in the all-important pass mark for aviation operations after a hard week of assessment from the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team. “It’s been a busy period, no doubt,” says OTAGO’s Commanding Officer, LT CDR Andrew Sorensen. “I’m tremendously proud of my team, and I include the flight in that statement, of coming together and generating this capability for the Maritime Component Commander and the fleet.” It is all about generating capability for the newly acquired SH2-G(I) aircraft at Whenuapai and the new aircraft helps deliver that in spades. The introduction into service of the SH2-G(I) is a quantum leap forward in the warfighting capability of New Zealand rotary wing aviation. The vastly improved Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess (F2T2EA) ability of the aircraft when combined with the

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SEASPRITE EMBARKED

From the top: HMNZS OTAGO crew carry out a Safety and Readiness Check with a Seasprite SH-2G(I) from 6 Squadron, earning their “pass mark” to deploy helicopters on operations. It’s a snug fit, as the Seasprite is towed into OTAGO’s hanger, in preparation for embarking.

new beyond visual range air-to-surface Penguin missile (BVR ASM) is tangible proof of this improvement. The aircraft’s Information, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) equipment is also markedly improved from that installed on its predecessor, giving the aircraft far more utility in the littoral environment than previously. Finally, the Defensive Aid Suite (DAS) upgrade has increased the survivability of the aircraft in opposed situations and allows for commanders to better employ the aircraft across varying threat environments and envelopes. These new airframes, when married to the post upgrade Anzac vessels, demonstrate the NZDF’s commitment to enhancing warfare capability.

A SHIP OF SCIENTISTS

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he deployment of a Seasprite on an OPV marks a “major milestone” for the fleet, says Captain Dave McEwan, Acting Maritime Component Commander. The Seasprite helped transport 23 government staff and about seven tonnes of vital equipment and supplies to the Kermadec Islands from September 12 to 23.“Although the newer-model Seasprite was deployed on a frigate for a multilateral exercise in June, their deployment on an OPV is a major step forward in increasing the NZDF’s ability to support other government agencies in New Zealand and in the Pacific region,” says CAPT McEwan. The ship’s first stop was at Macauley island, where the Seasprite dropped off a Department of Conservation representative and two dogs trained to detect rats and other pests. OTAGO called in next at Raoul Island, to resupply the Department of Conservation outpost there. About seven tonnes of goods, including food supplies, general equipment and a light utility vehicle, were flown to the island in underslung loads. “The NZDF provides logistical support to other government agencies and the resupply operation to the Kermadecs is a good example of that,” says Lieutenant Commander Andrew Sorensen, OTAGO’s Commanding Officer. National Maritime Coordination Centre director Kevin Arlidge says the Seasprite’s deployment with an offshore patrol vessel allowed them to reach more inaccessible and remote parts of the Kermadecs and widened the scope of the NZDF’s work in support of DoC and GNS Science. Fourteen DoC staff, including mechanics, builders and specialists involved in the agency’s weed-eradication programme, were flown from the ship to Raoul Island by the Seasprite. OTAGO also transported three MetService personnel, who carried out routine maintenance work on the automatic weather station on the island, two electronic technicians and three commercial divers from GNS Science, who checked the tsunami gauges, seismograph and Global Positioning System equipment, and a volcano chemist, who checked the volcano and crater lakes for seismic activity. “The tsunami gauges are the first line of defence against tsunamis and are vital for public safety in New Zealand,” GNS Science volcanologist Brad Scott says. “The seismograph and GPS help GNS monitor for large earthquakes and submarine volcanic eruptions. So without NZDF support, we may not be able to keep this going.” MetService staff also installed a lightning detection sensor on the island to serve as an early detection and warning system.

Left from top: The Seasprite transferring goods from OTAGO to Raoul Island. A Seasprite helicopter flew 23 government staff and seven tonnes of vital equipment and supplies from HMNZS Otago to hard-to-reach areas in the Kermadec Islands in its first operational mission with an offshore patrol vessel.

SEASPRITE EMBARKED

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From our Veterans

KEEPING FIT ON BOARD By Jack Donnelly

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avy sports teams have been around since the beginning of the RNZN’s history in 1941. Although we have been small in numbers and have a never-ending and changing population, we have always punched above our weight, battled against the odds, have never been deterred and played to the maximum of our abilities. Our sporting teams have played, introduced, promoted and pioneered sport across many countries. I would consider the Navy as being a club that has participated in all of the major sporting codes and has produced many fine leaders, individuals and teams at the highest level of New Zealand sport. It all begins in our shore establishments and ships, where the Physical Training Instructors (PTI) and coaches of our many sporting codes provide fitness programs and skills training for their ships’ companies. Being at sea meant that our PTIs and coaches had to utilise interesting and unique initiatives in order to keep their sailors healthy, fit and prepared for sporting activities when they arrived back into harbour. Activities include conducting lineout drills, scrummaging, golf putting, water polo and swimming during “hands to bathe”, weight training, combined with running around the upper deck. Sixty laps of the upper deck on a Leander-class frigate were equal to one mile on land. Then there were the normal physical exercise training for both young and old. Sports that were played on board were volleyball, basketball, hockey, skeet shooting, boxing, soccer, cricket and tug-of-war. Throughout the 1950s, our ships helped promote and develop rugby in countries such as Japan, Hawaii, mainland United States, Canada and the Far East. Ships’ sports teams challenged every province, city, town, and club team in every country that they visited. Navies of the Commonwealth, their ships and establishments were opponents we never feared. Whether it was an aircraft carrier, cruiser or large establishment, we always rose to the occasion.

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FROM OUR VeteranS

Inter-ship sport was without a doubt the hardest and most fiercelyfought games to play in. It was “mate against mate”. The build-up at times was unbelievable, with ships’ companies banter and Commanding Officers in full support. Mascots, cheerleaders, and loud, fanatical spectators would line the sidelines of the playing field or pool. During the 50s and 60s cruisers such as ROYALIST and the naval bases PHILOMEL and TAMAKI generally dominated most inter-ship sporting events, but it was HMNZS IRIRANGI, with a very small number in their ship’s company, whose rugby and rifle teams surprised everyone. Their isolation in the outback, team spirit and morale were the key to many of their victories. Whenever a ship’s team travelled to IRIRANGI they were immediately disadvantaged with high altitude and snow on the fields. Today, inter-ship rivalry continues to flourish and plays a huge part in developing the esprit de corps of a ship’s company. From the top: Physical training on board a Dido-class cruiser. Photo by Tudor Collins. Commodore RH Humby presenting LS Jack Donnelly, Captain of TAMAKI’s rugby team, with the inter-ship shield.

From our Veterans

The next level of sport in the RNZN was the Inter-Services tournaments that began in 1947 with rugby games between Navy, Army and Air Force. Navy won this initial tournament and was awarded the prestigious Kings Cup. Over the years other sporting codes were introduced, which included basketball netball, golf, softball, rugby league, soccer, cricket, rifle shooting and water polo. Navy thrived on the challenge of taking on the other Services, which for a time included the NZ Police. Navy teams were at times handicapped by having a moving population, fewer numbers and being generally smaller in statue (Navy rugby teams were called the Pygmies). What stood for our teams were the fitness, the close camaraderie and team spirit, developed over years of living in close quarters together on ships, and the inter-ship competitions. Because the naval bases and fleet have always been located in Auckland, the place in which the RNZN participated in most of its sporting codes, the competition was very challenging and demanding. Once again the Navy involved itself in the many sporting contests and formed sports clubs for our sailors to be part of. Our water polo and rugby teams in the 50s and 60s were two of the very best in Auckland. A few of our sporting personnel who gained higher honours to representative teams were: Maunga

Emery, Wayne Bunn (league) Tom Logan, Brian Henman (water polo) Chris Cookson, Al Cameron (rugby) Charlie Armstrong, Chris Sonntag (softball). Some Navy individuals who performed with distinction in their sport of choice were; Lionel Tuhiwai (archery) Chris Maddock (wrestling, 1982 Commonwealth games bronze medalist) Gerry Sannum (power lifting) Sam Johnstone (hammer). Matelots who represented New Zealand in team sports were; Colleen Cameron (nee Kinnell) (softball), Neil Howe (softball), Gary Pettis (captain NZ basketball) Wayne Shelford (captain All Blacks) and then there were those who made their mark as NZ referees: Ed Isaacs (softball) and Mike Hester (football) Richie Ngawhika was named in the NZ softball team but because of sea time in the Navy had to withdraw. The honour of being the first life member of any of the RNZN sports clubs belongs to Chief Yeoman of Signals Lincoln “Bully” Martinson, DSM. He played rugby as a hooker and was awarded life membership in 1943. “Bully” served on HMNZS Achilles in World War II and was involved in the Battle of the River Plate. Clockwise from top: Inter divisional volleyball – onboard HMNZS WAIKATO. A modern look at physical training on the flight deck of HMNZS TE KAHA. FSGT Dave Voss and POS Grant Morrell “pounding the deck”

FROM OUR VETERANS

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OPERATION NEPTUNE: TEAM BUILDING AT MOTUIHE ISLAND By SLT John Hilario

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ince its formation, the Operation NEPTUNE team has been working intensely to organise and coordinate the myriad events celebrating the Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th anniversary this year. The team is enjoying the Operation NEPTUNE challenge, but from time to time a respite from the daily grind is welcome. That opportunity came in the form of a team-building activity in a place that is both picturesque and historically significant — Motuihe Island. Joining forces with Department of Conservation rangers and volunteers from the Motuihe Island Restoration Trust, the Operation NEPTUNE team (together with Commander David Turner, Lieutenant Commander Kerry Tutty, Lieutenant Commander Bill Morley (rtd), and Chief Petty Officer Cadet Sophyia Hilario) sailed on a blustery July morning for the island. Bill Morley, after whom the Seamanship Training Aid Facility is named (in recognition of his heroism during a man overboard incident in 1970 and for his personification of our core values), trained at Motuihe in the 1950s and his inclusion in the visit meant a great deal to the NEPTUNE team. On arrival, they proceeded to a site near the old HMNZS TAMAKI training camp, where they cleared vegetation, pulled weeds, and planted tree saplings on what the team later learned was one of the most difficult and challenging spots of the island to work on! After a BBQ lunch at the island’s nursery (deliciously prepared by Operation NEPTUNE’S resident chef, ACH Lissa Whittingham), the reinvigorated Navy team then stepped out for a scenic trek around the island before calling it a long but immensely satisfying and enjoyable day.

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Before saying farewell, the park rangers and volunteers thanked the Navy team for their help to make the island a greener, better place for future generations. It was a sincere tribute that inspired the team to ensure that this year’s 75th anniversary celebrations are memorable and meaningful for all. Top of page: The Operation NEPTUNE team busily planting trees on the rocky hillside. Above: Operation NEPTUNE group photo, outside the Motuihe Island nursery. Front row from left, LT CDR Kerry Tutty, A/LT CDR Michelle Hunt, LT CDR Dani Guy, LT CDR Lissa Jackson, ACH Lissa Whittingham, CPOCDT Sophyia Hilario. Back row from left, WOMAA Trevor Smith, CDR David Turner, LT Troy Gorden, LT CDR Bill Morley (rtd), CAPT Andrew Watts, LT CDR Stacy Craigie, SLT John Hilario. This group photo was taken at the island’s nursery, where the rangers’ equipment and the seedlings are kept.

A CHANCE TO PAY HOMAGE By MID Dillon Hyland

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verlooking French Pass, nestled deep in the Marlborough Sounds, lies the grave of Stoker Petty Officer Roberts Brissenden, of the Royal Navy. For more than 100 years, ships from all over the world have navigated this restricted passage by following the legacy left behind by Brissenden, who died charting the area. PO Brissenden was part of the team who took on the challenge of Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition to the South Pole. In 1910, the TERRA NOVA returned to New Zealand to wait through the winter. Following their resupply, the TERRA NOVA was tasked with surveying Admiralty Bay, in the heart of Marlborough Sounds. The Terra Nova used Elmslie Bay as a base of operations and sadly, it was here that PO Brissenden drowned. Little is known about the circumstances of his death except for the reports that he did not drink the night he disappeared and that contusions were discovered on his body. Although PO Brissenden’s grave is a little-known feature of French Pass, it holds a great deal of importance for the RNZN and the RN. He was a sailor and an engineer who lost his life in the Service after helping pave the way for safe travel through the passage; the charts, created from his team’s survey work are still in use today, added to by subsequent generations of sailors. To pay homage to this man and by extension the crew of the TERRA NOVA, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR sent a team of six to clean his gravesite, which had grown weary as a result of constant exposure to the Sound’s harsh elements. The last maintenance had been carried out by the crew of HMNZS RESOLUTION in 2005. Accompanying the Commanding Officer, Commander Martin Doolan, was a team of officers and sailors, supported by the local residents of Elmslie Bay. The environment had not been kind to the grave, with rust covering the intricate iron work. Though a daunting task, ASCS PanioraPrescott, with honed skills of chipping and painting, got to work and after a quick brief the rest of the team followed suit. To our astonishment, the steel’s core was neither corroded nor warped – it had not yet yielded and was merely superficially tarnished.

Once the steel had been stripped, painting quickly began to revitalise the appearance of this historic landmark. With a slight twist of the team’s arm, we accompanied the locals for morning tea as the primer dried. We were injected with a much-needed coffee boost and a divine lemon cake to refuel us for the work to come. I, a green Midshipman, was given a brief history lesson on PO Robert Brissenden and the work of the TERRA NOVA. It was during this lesson that I had the privilege to view a letter written on behalf of Captain Scott dated October 1912. The letter thanked a forbearer of the Elmslie Bay

residents for their assistance in the completion of their mission to survey the area. These forbearers broke ground in 1850, establishing one of the longest continuously family-owned farms in New Zealand, and have remained settled in the Marlborough Sounds ever since. With the team revitalised, we quickly finished the final coat of paint, bringing new life to the grave of a fellow sailor. To all Naval ships intending to travel to the Marlborough Sounds, I urge you to visit this heritage site. ENDEAVOUR has started the work, saving the grave for another few years, but there is plenty more work that needs to be done. One cannot simply forget the past or plead blissful ignorance to the rich history of the RNZN. In the year of our 75th birthday it seems appropriate that we do a little for those who came before, even if it is simply stepping foot on Elmslie Bay and enjoying some lemon cake along with a history lesson.

From top of page: From left, CDR Martin Doolan, POCH Alexzandra Kinney, LT Erdem Oguz, CPOMT Mark Lyes, MID Dillon Hyland and ASCS Luther PanioraPrescott. An original letter written on behalf of CAPT Robert Scott, Antarctic explorer, praising a Elmslie Bay resident for their assistance in surveying Admiralty Bay.

GRAVE REPAIRS

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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING By Andrew Bonallack

It’s a calm day at sea. It’s a calm day aboard HMS NEW ZEALAND as well, if the photo is any indication. The view is across ‘X’ turret, a wide expanse of quarterdeck, with a British battlecruiser under way in the background.

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he moment is an illusion, because the photo features a model ship, 1/96th in size. It’s a testament to the detail of warship model maker Graham Beeson, who has devoted two years to the creation of the two-metre-long HMS NEW ZEALAND. That’s six hours a day, five to six days a week. The “gift ship” for England will be gifted to the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Devonport. Mr Beeson’s earlier models, HMNZS ACHILLES and German battleship GRAF SPEE, are also at the museum, while models of HMS AJAX, EXETER, ARK ROYAL and German battleship BISMARCK are on display at home. All are 1/96 scale, his preferred size, and are typically two-year projects. The hulls are created by hollowing planks to the right shape, then layering them together, with the “discarded” internal wood used to create smaller ships. He started with the hull for battlecruiser HMS REPULSE, 2.5m long, then cut out HMS NEW ZEALAND, then HMS CHATHAM, then HMS VERONICA. None of the others have been built yet. Mr Beeson likes to weave stories and dioramas into the ships he builds by setting up small scenes involving props and model sailors on the decks. On HMS NEPTUNE, for example, he features 150 figurines on deck, representing the New Zealanders who died serving on her. On NEW ZEALAND, the model contains the ship’s bell and (by looking very carefully) a Maori head on top of it. “School children had saved up all their pennies, some which were melted down and cast into Maori heads.”

From top of page: Model maker Graham Beeson with a near-completed model of HMS WARRIOR in “dazzle” camouflage. A view across “X” turret of HMS NEW ZEALAND, with a Royal Navy battlecruiser in the background.

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GRAHAM BENSON’S MODEL

Two careers, one person By Eric Chapman

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ow would you balance having two careers, two employers, two lines of reporting, and two completely separate but important parts of your life? This is the challenge that members who make up the Territorial and Reserve Forces face on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly basis. HMNZS PEGASUS (Christchurch) held an awards evening on September 8 to acknowledge an important partner in this complicated equation that Reserve Force members face. The award acknowledges the support and flexibility employers of Reserve Members provide. For Christchurch region, AP Design won the annual Distinguished Defence Employer Award.

The presentation of HMS NEW ZEALAND’s good luck charm, a Maori piupiu by a Maori chief to Captain Lionel Halsy, and a Maori haka, are all featured. Even the ship’s dog, Pelorus Jack, stands to one side. He is eager to start REPULSE, but has a side project: modifying an existing model ship into WWI cruiser HMS WARRIOR in “dazzle” zebra-stripe finish as a favour for Wellingtonian Claire Clark, for her “Ahoy” exhibition of WWI naval art in November. It’s a big favour, considering the timeframe, but Mr Beeson came highly recommended, via RADM David Ledson (rtd). “She was after a dazzle-painted warship, and had been searching for a model maker. David Ledson said, ‘try Graham Beeson’. I admit, the dazzle has grown on me.” Mr Beeson says his model ship making, which began in 1954, has “opened doors for me in ways I never expected”. The retired valuer gets invitations to navy reunions, travelling to England, Wales and South America – the latter involving interviews of Battle of the River Plate veterans. He is the author of Admiral Graf Spee, German Pocket Battleship 1936-1939, Battle of the River Plate.

Petty Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist Nicholas Best, a draughtsman in his civilian career, nominated his employer AP Design because of its “support, and active encouragement” of his role in the Naval Reserve. AP Design accommodated flexible working arrangements, long absences (five weeks) to conduct promotion courses and was flexible when these activities changed. It also recognised the benefits this training and experience gave back to the organisation. The Defence Employer Support Council (appointed by the Minister of Defence) is supported by Regional Employer Support Committees to run a series of awards to acknowledge the important part employers play. Their mission is “to increase the effectiveness of the New Zealand Defence Force through engagement with organisations in the economy and wider business community”. Above: The evening was also a special night for then LEWS Best, who was promoted to Petty Officer. LT CDR Paul Smith and Jared Lane from AP Design are seen here fixing his new rank slides.

HMNZS PEGASUS

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Military Drones and the Law

riting a thesis on the legal aspects of the use of drones was an unexpected outcome of a military staff command course recently undertaken by Associate Professor David Grinlinton, from the University of Auckland Law School. For 25 years Lieutenant Commander Grinlinton’s “second career” with the Naval Reserves has included some unique experiences, including deployments to Afghanistan and Timor-Leste. In 2013 he was nominated by the New Zealand Defence Force for a different sort of challenge – a Joint Command and Staff Promotion course run by the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. Conducted over two years, the programme is for midcareer officers of the Canadian Forces and includes a handful of international officers from other allied nations. It consists of several distance learning modules, including Leadership and Ethics, Command and Management, War and Society, National Security, and International Affairs. Further modules on operational planning culminate in residential exercises in Toronto each year. “As an academic it was a salutary experience to be back in the student role again with mountains of prescribed articles and materials to be read, and a number of ongoing assignments, online discussions and substantial research papers to complete to rigorous deadlines,” says LT CDR Grinlinton. “But it turned out to be a very interesting and useful experience, including exposure to the distance learning format that could be applied to some aspects of law teaching at Auckland,” he says.

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DronE THESIS

Above: LT CDR David Grinlinton with mentor CAPT Kenneth Stewart RCN (rtd) at the Canadian Forces College JCSP graduation ceremonies in Toronto.

Successful completion of the programme qualifies an officer to fill command and staff appointments in operational settings, and in LT CDR Grinlinton’s case will also contribute to his current training role in New Zealand. It also provided the opportunity to continue on to the Master of Defence Studies programme at the Royal Military College of Canada, and in April 2016 he completed a thesis focusing on the uneasy balance between public interests and private rights in the use of military drones. “Happily the thesis passed muster and I graduated in June,” he says. His thesis examines the effects on human rights, civil liberties, privacy and private property rights of the increasing use of drones and more sophisticated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for surveillance by military and other law enforcement agencies. The paper also explores the ramifications of the use of drones in civil airspace, and the threats posed by their potential use by terrorists and criminal elements. It concludes that the rapid pace of technological development in this area is outstripping the ability of governments to keep pace with challenges such as protecting human rights, privacy, property rights, aviation security and national security. Governments need to address these challenges as a priority, and to provide better policy guidance and regulatory controls on the use of drones and UAS in the military and civil sectors of society.

COLLEGE WINS NAVY PRIZE By Sophyia Hilario

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he year 2016 marks an important time on many people’s calendars–milestones are reached and birthdays and weddings are celebrated. For New Zealand’s Senior Service, this year is especially meaningful because it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its foundation. Since its inception on 1 October, 1941, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has sailed, marched, and battled to reach its 75th birthday, proudly flying the New Zealand flag and the White Ensign over many seas and shores. In honour of this momentous occasion, and to inspire the young people of our country, Operation NEPTUNE (the RNZN’s special team dedicated to organising this year’s anniversary celebrations) is holding a nationwide Secondary Schools’ Creative Competition. The competition demands innovation and persistence from its contenders, with entrants seeking to creatively present one of two concepts that the RNZN seeks to instil on our communities – the Navy’s core values of courage, commitment, and comradeship; and “Our Navy, Our Story”. From the pool of competition entries, seven talented and artistic students from schools around New Zealand were shortlisted to pursue the work required for their proposed presentations. Each competition entry gave the entrant’s school an opportunity to win $3,000. Although my entry did not make it to the shortlist, it resulted in my school, Carmel College, being randomly drawn for a $3,000 prize courtesy of Operation NEPTUNE.

After discussions with Carmel College’s leadership team, it was decided that the prize money would be used to fund the school’s Kapa Haka group. The Kapa Haka group at Carmel focuses on expressing the richness of Maori culture and heritage through song and dance, which reinforces the spirit of cultural pride in our school community. On August 17, three members of the Operation NEPTUNE team (Lieutenant Commander Lissa Jackson, Lieutenant Charlotte Burson, and Sub Lieutenant John Hilario) visited Carmel College to award the prize-money at a school assembly. Following the cheque presentation, the school’s Vice Principal, Ms Karen Mitchell, and I were invited to lunch at the PHILOMEL Wardroom with Captain Andrew Watts and several members of the Operation NEPTUNE team. The experience was, without a doubt, one to remember. The hospitality and generosity that we received from the Navy exceeded our expectations and greatly amplified the RNZN’s presence in the school community. We are all looking forward to the award ceremony on November 20 during the International Naval Review, where the seven shortlisted entries will be publicly showcased at The Cloud on Queen’s Wharf. Sophyia Hilario is a Year 13 student at Carmel College. She is also a Chief Petty Officer in the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps at Training Ship ACHILLES, based in East Tamaki, Auckland. Below: LT Charlotte Burson and SLT John Hilario from Operation NEPTUNE present a $3000 cheque to principal Chris Allen and student Sophyia Hilario at Carmel College.

CARMEL COLLEGE PRIZEGIVING

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HONOURING A HERO T

he 99th anniversary of one of the North Shore’s most decorated war heroes has been commemorated in a special service. On Sunday 28 August, cadets from the TS LEANDER Sea Cadet Unit honoured Lieutenant Commander William E Sanders, who was killed in action during World War I on 14 August, 1917. LT CDR Sanders is the only New Zealander to have been awarded a Naval Victoria Cross and his heroism is remembered by a small garden on the corner of Sanders Avenue and Lake Road and a memorial at Takapuna Primary School. For more than a decade, TS LEANDER cadets have kept the memory of LT CDR Sanders alive by marking his anniversary with a ceremonial parade and laying of wreaths at the Sanders Avenue memorial.

Above: Cadets from TS LEANDER Sea Cadet Unit with Mr Eric Welsh, great nephew of LT CDR William Sanders.

LT CDR Sanders’ great nephew, Eric Welsh, says he’s grateful for their dedication. “It means a lot to be able to come along to this little service and it’s great that this history isn’t being lost.” Mr Welsh is proud of his great uncle’s achievements and treasures papers and photos that have been handed down to him, some of which have been used for books on the officer’s exploits. LT CDR Sanders, also known as Gunner Billy, served in the Royal Navy Reserves and was part of an audacious and highly secret fleet of mystery boats, camouflaged to lure German U-Boats to the surface, where they could be attacked. A copy of LT CDR Sanders’ award citation has pride of place at the TS LEANDER Sea Cadet Unit in Narrowneck and his VC and sword are on display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The TS LEANDER Cadets, part of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, are a community youth organisation with a focus on sailing and Naval skills. For more information, contact cadetforces.mil.nz

A THRILLING RIDE By LCDT Ocean Brown, TS ACHILLES

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n August 13, Sea Cadets from TS ACHILLES and TS GAMBIA had the awesome opportunity to ride on Royal New Zealand Navy RHIBs with members of PHILOMEL boats. The Navy’s friendly hospitality made the experience all the more fun. We started the day with positive vibes, and although the weather was gloomy we all had gigantic smiles by the end of the activity. To keep us alert, the boats’ crew taught us about the cardinal marks and then quizzed us when we came off the water. Seeing the navigational buoys in action was informative as well as fun. In my years in the Sea Cadets, I have never had a dull moment with the Royal New Zealand Navy, so I have no doubt that all the other cadets enjoyed the RHIB ride. The trip around the harbour was great — although I was a little disappointed to come off the RHIB so dry! We cadets are so grateful to the Navy for allowing the activity to take place, especially to the three boats people who

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NEWS

took the time out of their weekend to take us out on the water. I would also like to say thanks to the Operation NEPTUNE team for organising the activity and making it all happen. I hope that more opportunities like this are available for Sea Cadets because it was a truly a memorable experience.

Above: Sea Cadets get a briefing before they get to experience an RHIB ride.

QUALIFY FOR THE 2017 IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TAUPO

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n 2015, Ironman introduced a qualification process for active duty military personnel to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. This amazing opportunity is open to all active duty military personnel regardless of country, gender, or branch of service. On Saturday, 4 March, 2017, Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand will host some of the world's top athletes. Ironman New Zealand will be one of only three events offering Military Division qualifying slots for the 2017 Ironman World Championship. Google “2017 Nutrigrain Ironman New Zealand” to learn more about the program, qualifying events, and eligibility requirements. The Military Division recognises where it all began with John Collins, a naval officer stationed in Hawaii, along with wife Judy, who began playing with the idea of combining the three toughest endurance races on the island into one race. They decided to issue a challenge to see who the toughest athletes were: swimmers, bikers, or runners. On 18 February, 1978, 15 competitors, including Collins, came to the shores of Waikiki to take on the first-ever Ironman challenge.

Jackspeak—Navy slang BUFFER: The nickname for the Chief Boatswain’s Mate, the “right-hand man” in respect of all work done around the ship to maintain both seamanship and equipment. SEA LEGS: The ability to walk a straight line on a leaning deck. MIDDLE: The middle watch, and least-favoured, as it runs from midnight to 0400. STARBOARD: The right side of a ship, derived from the term steerboard, where the rudder was fitted in older times. Starboard is traditionally superior to larboard, or port. STRIPEY: A respectful nickname for a person with three good conduct badges. VERY GOOD: An acknowledgement by the Officer of the Watch of an action completed by the helmsman.

2017 HMNZS OTAGO Association Reunion will be held at the Petone Working Men's Club, Wellington, from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 March 2017. All Association members, present and past serving (all ships) members of the Royal New Zealand Navy, their partners are cordially invited. Contact via website www.hmnzsotago.org and full programme to be promulgated in upcoming Otago Assn newsletter Claymore and on website. WWI Naval War Art ‘Ahoy’ exhibition November 3 to 23, 10am to 5pm daily at Alfred Memelink Artspace Gallery, 223 The Esplanade, Petone, featuring WWI naval artists Lieutenants Esmond and Hal Atkinson. New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) Annual Forum Where: Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand Dates: 16-17 November 2016 Theme: Shaping the next 75 years – Investing in New Zealand’s Future Security Attending will be senior members of the NZ Defence Force, Ministry of Defence, industry, government and international delegations. This year’s forum is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Please plan early to attend and be part of this important event. Further details: www.nzdia.co.nz Email: [email protected] Long Time No Sea Reunion Auckland 26 to 28 May 2017, venue TBA We invite all ex-Navy and serving members, including partners, to attend and continue the traditions born in Alice Springs, 2005. Further details: Ken Johnston, Secretary, [email protected] and Kel Kershaw, Chairman, [email protected] RNZN Reunion of May 1967 Did you join the RNZN in 1967? A 50th reunion is being planned and we want to hear from you. Further details: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1653471588198016/ or search for RNZN-May 1967 or telephone New Zealand 0272083661. BCT Intake 1/1972 All BCTs joining the RNZN in January 1972 are welcome to attend our 45th reunion celebration on Saturday, 21 January 2017. Venue to be confirmed but probably Mt Maunganui/Tauranga. Please contact: Barry King [email protected] for further details.

Call for stories Researcher Gerry Wright is undertaking research on cruisers BLACK PRINCE, BELLONA and ROYALIST and would like to interview veterans who served on those ships. Contact: [email protected]

MOMENT IN TIME: TUDOR COLLINS

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istinguished Visitors (DVs) were treated a bit differently in the 1950s than they might be today. This image is by renowned photographer Tudor Collins, whose work is the best record of the Royal New Zealand Navy in the 1940s and 1950s. It shows a yet-tobe-identified dignitary being brought

ashore on a Pacific Island, seated on an upturned table. The image, from a glass plate, shows the “silvering” around the edges as the emulsion tries to revert back to silver over time. The Navy Today would welcome any clues as to who the dignitary is.

ourNOTICES people

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PROUDLY PRESENTS

Two theatrical shows written by Gregory Cooper, playwright of MAMIL, That Bloody Woman, Streaker, and The Complete History of New Zealand (Abridged)

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE

royal new zealand navy

d e g d i r Ab

Celeb

rating 75 years

COMMANDER CLAIRE AND

Chil Pan dren’s tom ime

the pirates of provence

Whangarei, Auckland, Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Blenheim, Nelson, Greymouth, Westport, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, Invercargill.

See nznavy75.co.nz

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We would like to thank our Operation NEPTUNE sponsors for their kindness and generosity – in particular, our Presenting Partner, Westpac