Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NavyToday Issue257
NavyToday Issue257
2
5
7 JOINT FORCES
A TURNS 20
U
G LIFE IN
2 THE 1980S
1 OUR MAN IN
WASHINGTON
RNZN ASSISTS
PACIFIC
VACCINE
ROLL-OUT
Contents
04 Operation Pacific Vaccinate 24 Our man in Washington
08 24 26
Navy Today is the official magazine Contributions are welcomed,
of the Royal New Zealand Navy. including stories, photographs and
Established to inform, inspire letters. Please submit stories and
and entertain serving and former letters by email in Microsoft Word
members of the RNZN, their or the body of an email. Articles up
families, friends and the wider to 500 words welcomed, longer
Navy Community. if required by the subject. Please
consult the editor about long articles.
Published by: Digital photos submitted by email
Defence Public Affairs also welcomed, at least 500kb
HQ NZ Defence Force preferred. Stories published in
Wellington, New Zealand Navy Today cannot be published
elsewhere without permission.
Editor:
NZNavy navy.mil.nz Andrew Bonallack Copy deadline is the 15th of the
Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz month for the following issue.
Subject to change.
Design and Layout:
Defence Public Affairs Views expressed in Navy Today Front cover:
NZDefenceForce are not necessarily those of the The crew of HMNZS WELLINGTON
Printed by: secure the ship on their arrival in
RNZN or the NZDF.
Bluestar Rarotonga.
Private Bag 39996, Wellington Defence Careers:
Phone: 0800 1FORCE Photographer:
Distribution: (0800 136 723) PO Chris Weissenborn
Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz www.defencecareers.mil.nz Back cover:
Sailors standing around a squid
Changing Address?
anti-submarine mortar on board
To join or leave our mailing list,
HMNZS KANIERE during the Malayan
please contact:
confrontation, circa 1951–1954.
Email: navytoday@nzdf.mil.nz
Kia ora! at the very least, a debt of gratitude to You may have noted that so far I have
those who went before us – their ethos not mentioned COVID-19. I was trying
As you read through this magazine you
of Service is a great example to aspire to. to avoid it, but it is just too prevalent in
will be taken on a journey of history,
our lives at present to bypass. I wish to
whänau, celebration, maritime security, Other articles included in this magazine
re-iterate my thanks to you all. Everyone
and he tangata. Having had a quick tell the story of the impact of the South
is doing additional mahi in support of
look ahead, I sense all articles have a West Pacific on Aotearoa. The sailors
protecting Aotearoa, be it working in OP
common theme, the pride of the author who share their story with us, give an
PROTECT directly or picking up extra
and their ‘ethos of service’. In this regard insight to their pride in serving and
duties to enable shipmates to work in
the magazine is a reflection, or echo, of representing their culture within the
MIFS/MIQs, etc. Also, I note we have
my last month. RNZN. They are celebratory stories
soldiers, aviators and sailors working
about people and service. Look at
In the last month I had the pleasure and alongside our neighbours in the South
their eyes in the photos – passionate,
privilege of representing the RNZN at a West Pacific as they fight the virus.
committed sailors, with fun and
number of events. One of the notables Thank you team – you ARE saving lives!
excitement in their eyes. Thank you for
was attending the Mururoa Nuclear
the mahi as you ‘serve in ships’ away As I complete this article, I have just
Veterans Group Annual Dinner. Hosted
from your home. This equally applies to become aware of the passing of
in the Rangiora RSA, the evening was
the Stokes brothers; what a story …. lots Dr Lance Beath. Lance was a well-
great fun, with the typical banter of old
of sea time … pride to serve …. lots of respected and widely recognised
shipmates swinging the lantern. The
commitment …. And undoubtedly, a little commentator on security affairs. In
service of these sailors was nationally
bit of mischief! relation to the Royal New Zealand Navy
significant, and in amongst the merriment
he was recently the RNZN Nelsonian
and mirth, I listened intently to the stories Two other things sit at the forefront
Scholar-in-Residence and also the
of harm, hardship and aroha for family, of my mind at the moment. HMNZS
inaugural Editor of the Professional
that were shared with me. New Zealand is CANTERBURY is sailing to Singapore for
Journal of the Royal New Zealand Navy
better for their service and sacrifice. her five-yearly survey. She is the work
(Edition 2 is with the printers as I type).
horse of our Navy, her and her ship’s
Not dissimilar was my attendance at the Additionally, he has provided regular wise
company delivering support to those in
HMNZS NGAPONA Association Formal counsel on multiple occasions to many
need so many times since she joined the
Dinner hosted at the Birkenhead RSA. of us in the Navy, including a number of
fleet. Albeit she has just departed our
Once again I was well fed and watered Chiefs of Navy.
shores, I am keenly awaiting her return
and had the privilege of being included
… she is such an asset to maritime and On behalf of the women and men of
in the fun and hilarity of sailors spinning
human security in our region. the Royal New Zealand Navy, I extend
dits and remembering prior service. I
sincere condolences to Dr Lance
am reminded at such events that our Secondly, Captain Brendon Clarke,
Beath’s whänau and friends.
Reserve Forces and retired sailors are RNZN, also took on the leadership of
often the bastion and protectors of CTF 150 in the Middle East. This is the Moe mai rā, moe mai rā, moe mai rā
Service Tradition. From the celebration of first time a Kiwi has Commanded 150. I e te ahorangi.
shipmates past and present, through to encourage you to ‘google’ CTF 150 and
reminding everyone, LOUDLY, of the ‘why see the global goodness this Combined He heramana ahau
and how’ of naval custom, I am always so Task Force has provided over the years. I
proud of the passion of the sailors who have no doubt Brendon and his team will
preceded me. We who serve today have, generate a new rich part of our history,
confirming our commitment to maritime
security and a rules-based global order.
RNZN ASSISTS
PACIFIC
VACCINE
ROLL-OUT
It is not often you see a departing
Commanding Officer return a
haka, but considering the time
– and the miles – Commander
Andy Mahoney and HMNZS
MANAWANUI’s Ship’s Company
have put in, it’s not surprising.
It’s like one of those wary border Tokelau’s COVID-19 vaccination It was a far from ‘tropical’ journey, with
exchanges you see in movies. But this programme was made possible by WELLINGTON encountering rough
is Atafu atoll, Tokelau. There’s a big a 5,000 nautical mile round trip by seas on the way. Commanding Officer
welcome sign on the seawall saying WELLINGTON, delivering Pfizer Lieutenant Commander Pip Davies
“KIA ORA, AOTEAROA” and the four COVID-19 vaccines to the Fakaofo, said the weather certainly provided
people waiting at the wharf, wearing Nukunonu and Atafu atolls of some challenges to the delivery.
protective masks and coveralls, wave Tokelau, as well as a remote island
“The weather hasn’t been entirely
happily as a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat in the Cook Islands.
straightforward but with the flexible
from HMNZS WELLINGTON pulls up.
Among New Zealand’s ‘realm’ states capabilities provided by both the
The Army vaccine specialist, (Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue), helicopter and the ship’s boats,
Lieutenant William Lusher, walks Tokelau is the last to start its vaccine we have been able to deliver the
forward. Instinctively the islanders roll-out among its population of vaccines to all three atolls safely.
step forward two steps, then wait. approximately 1,100. The residents This 5,000 nautical mile journey is no
The specialist carefully places a large of all three have New Zealand small undertaking and demonstrates
blue box of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines citizenship by law. New Zealand’s commitment to our
on the ground some distance away. neighbours in Tokelau.”
The mission, undertaken on behalf
He gives a thumbs up and steps
of the Ministry of Health, required Although a Seasprite and crew were
back to the boat. Two women walk
detailed planning and complex embarked, the mission was completed
forward and – with an almost tender
problem-solving in a multi-agency using a J3 Rigid Hulled Inflatable
gentleness – lift the box. It’s carried to
effort. The Ministry of Health, with the Boat. In the case of the final drop for
a waiting ute. In the village, islanders
support of the NZ Defence Force and 40 persons on Palmerston Island,
are sitting on seats outside a building.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade unknown depths of coral meant the
There’s a sign on the window that
worked in partnership with Tokelau seaboat met up with Cook Islands
says ‘Thank you New Zealand’. Inside,
officials to ensure everything was in Police Patrol Boat TE KUKUPA, whose
there’s a clinic all ready to go, with
place for their roll out. zodiac transferred the vaccines
people wearing T-shirts that say
through the coral and safely to shore.
“He Hoa Lava”, meaning a shared WELLINGTON had cold chain storage
responsibility, everyone joining onboard, keeping the vaccines at the The ship carried on to Rarotonga for
together. All they need are required temperature for the transit, a logistics stop before returning to
the ‘Koviti-19’ vaccines. and Tokelau health officials developed New Zealand.
their own programme to roll out the
vaccine across the three atolls, in
order to protect their communities.
COOK ISLAND
SAILOR PROUD
TO DELIVER
VACCINE
SUPPORT
Captain Brendon Clark RNZN, received the transfer Royal Canadian Navy frigate CALGARY visited
of command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ Auckland between August 4 and 10, following her
(CMF) Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) from the work for CTF 150.
Canadian Armed Forces at Naval Support Activity
During her deployment CALGARY set a record for
Bahrain on 16 July.
the number of seizures made by a single ship – 17
CAPT Clark, who heads a 16-strong New Zealand- – and in one interdiction seized over 1,200kg of
led multinational team, will tackle counter-terrorism heroin, the largest single heroin bust in the history
operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, of the Combined Maritime Forces.
coordinating naval and air assets for potential
CALGARY’s Ship’s Company was not required to
intercepts.
quarantine in New Zealand because they had been
It is the first time New Zealand have taken command at sea for more than 14 days. All crew had to return
of CTF 150. negative COVID-19 tests and be symptom-free for
14 days before disembarking.
CAPT Clark said it was an honour and a privilege to
assume command and lead women and men from Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, said it
the New Zealand Defence Force, the Australian and was a chance to return the hospitality after the
Singaporean Navies and the United States Coast Guard. comradeship shown to New Zealand sailors during
three years of Frigate Systems Upgrades for
He said the Canadian Armed Forces, working with
HMNZ Ships TE KAHA and TE MANA in Canada.
Canadian and Australian ships, achieved outstanding
results during their stint.
“Under Canadian leadership, CTF 150 has seized
approximately $160 million USD worth of narcotics
and prevented illegal trade and activities that fund
terrorism. These collective actions have undoubtedly
deterred illicit activity within the area of operations,
and thereby improved the overall prosperity, security,
and stability within the region.”
“My aim is to ensure that we build upon the Canadian
successes, continuing the good work so that we too Left: Royal New Zealand Navy
Captain Brendon Clark.
may set the conditions for Pakistan to succeed when
they take command in early 2022,” he said. Right: HMCS Calgary.
In early 2021, now accepted to Deliverables during the course He says there has been a lot of
commission, they were told they include a Maritime Strategy Essay, the interest from senior rates. “It’s
would be the first group to do the new development of a personal five-year potentially offering a future to people
programme. SLT West thought the Career Plan in Minute format, and who otherwise might not have wanted
concept was awesome. “Although we defining a Leadership Philosophy to do it. People have families. Bodies
didn’t know what this new programme and using it to turn strategy into Daily aren’t quite what they used to be.
looked like, we knew what we wouldn’t Orders. The latter was presented to It’s a whole new way of developing
be doing. It turned out to be a bespoke key personnel within the Leadership officers in a way that’s useful to
programme, grounded in the Defence Development Group – with the their development.”
Excellence Green Belt system.” expectation of a lot of grilling
SLT West’s advice to others is to
and critique.
SLT Taylor says the biggest benefit make sure you’re doing it for the right
was being with a cohort of highly The new officers think the course reasons and go for it. “I sat on it for
motivated and high-performing will encourage more senior rates to so long, because I didn’t want to fail.
like-minded CFRs. “We were able to commission, because their expertise I was ready, I had mentally prepared
leverage off each other’s strengths, as front-line managers is recognised. for it – and physically prepared for
experiences, and networks. It also “More time is spent on preparing it – but I didn’t know this course was
allowed it us to enhance our Lead the CFR cohort for responsibilities there for us. We are happy to answer
Teams/Systems mind-sets rather they will face in the fleet rather than any questions any budding CFR’s have
than reverting to Lead Self/Teams teaching skills that they already have and absolutely encourage people to
thinking for JOCT. Our experience and have already demonstrated,” take the leap if it’s something they are
and competence was immediately says SLT West. passionate about doing!”
recognised, and we weren’t re-
Lieutenant Jordan Markham, Fleet
assessed on skills we had already
Personnel and Training, developed
developed. It was a fairly efficient
the programme. “It was an excellent
way to convert Senior Rating thinking
opportunity to create a process of
to Officer thinking. It also allowed a
improvement that was grounded in the
work/life balance for people that had
NZDF framework. I’m really proud of
more responsibilities at home than
it. In short a period of time, it’s really
your average midshipman.”
generated something worthwhile.”
20 YEARS OF HEADQUARTERS
JOINT FORCES NEW ZEALAND
T H E N
MAJOR GENERAL (RTD)
MARTYN DUNNE
Why was the HQ created? During a visit by the CDF and Secretary of Everything from Standard Operating
Defence (the late Graeme Fortune) while I Procedures, security, intelligence, IT,
The NZDF realised the benefits of
was in Timor-Leste, I was advised that on global communications for deployed
centralising the command of Joint Warfare
return to New Zealand I would commence forces to personnel management had
and it was the actions of the late Chief
work on the Joint HQ. Work started in to be devised and implemented. We
of Defence Force, Air Marshal Carey
early April 2000. even worked up the triangle logo for the
Adamson, which led to a defining meeting
Command that endures today.
in early 2000 that established the Joint The Labour Government’s view at the
HQ implementation working group. time signalled greater Defence jointery, HQJFNZ opened on 1 July 2001. It was
in effort and equipment acquisition. a freezing but clear day. We would have
I spent many hours in dialogue with
Timor-Leste was a catalyst but not no time to rest as exhausted as we were,
single Service staff in designing the HQ,
the only one. little did we know that we would be at
especially the Command and Control
war in Afghanistan three months later
and Communications (C3) arrangements. What was it like trying to pull together,
following the events of 9/11.
I was ably assisted by Wing Commander especially asking the three Services
Glen (Luigi) Toscan (ADF exchange to really work together? I have no doubt that with ongoing
officer), Major Shane Gilbert and commitments, especially to Timor-Leste,
Lieutenant Colonel Roger Howard The reality of creating the HQ in the
of an infantry Battalion and aviation
from NZDF legal. 18 month timeframe required clear and
rotations, the urgent deployment of the
present commitment from all services.
The real test of inadequacy was illustrated SAS to Afghanistan along with RNZAF
Standing operational HQ (Maritime
by the C3 arrangements for Timor-Leste. C-130 support, would not have been
Command – Auckland, Land Command
Initially the RNZAF Ops Command in possible without HQ JFNZ. We might
– Trentham, RNZAF Ops Command –
Auckland was appointed the lead HQ have muddled through but much would
Auckland) were required to disestablish
but it soon became apparent that the have been lost.
their headquarters and under completely
largest component was to be Army new arrangements be re-established What were you most proud of at the
supported by RNZAF and RNZN assets. using the Continental Staff system (J1- end of your tenure?
While I was eventually sent as the Senior J8) within a matrix C3 arrangement.
National Officer (SNO) and concurrently We managed to raise the HQ in 18
commanded a Brigade Headquarters There would be no single Service months and within three months we
(Dili Command), the role became one components within the Joint HQ were handling multiple operations. I was
of coordination of national interests and although there would be single Service never sure this was widely understood
reporting lines back to Land Command, operational commanders at Brigadier or that HQ JFNZ was a 24/7 functioning
which had subsequently been appointed equivalent level. This would not be easy HQ, providing the platform for deployed
to command the operation. RNZAF to manage but was essential to the Joint operational forces who at times had
and RNZN assets were assigned to HQ and COMJFNZ who had to rely on urgent and dangerous situations to deal
Headquarters International Force East these senior officers for advice and with and receive guidance on. This was
Timor (INTERFET) independently and at times operational deployments as often demonstrated in the early days of
largely separate of the SNO. This changed much as they also worked to their single the Afghanistan deployment.
as the operation matured but was not Service chiefs on raising and training.
I often look back on the time as being a
totally adequate should national caveats
There were many issues related to significant change in the NZDF structure
on deployments need to be applied.
structure and rank. Preserving a viable and provided it was allowed to prosper,
Meanwhile in New Zealand, Land career structure and embedding jointery attitudes and experience would develop
Command assembled liaison staff from into single Service education was and provide opportunities for all Service
the other services and essentially created paramount. I was fortunate that the staff to deploy into coalition combined
a one-off Joint Headquarters. It became three initial component commanders operations.
abundantly clear in New Zealand that this in the Joint HQ would – shortly after
ad hoc arrangement, though workable, we were established – become their
was inadequate for future consistency respective single Service chiefs. They
and retention of experienced staff in understood the process and were
joint operations. helpful in making it work.
What is the impact that HQ JFNZ has What is the biggest challenge command and control can be in a multi-
on the NZDF as a whole? that faces the HQ? agency effort when time is precious.
The progress HQ JFNZ has made
This is the Headquarters that gives Due to the nature of the Headquarters
in responding to domestic disasters
reality to the vision of joint operational and the way in which it conducts its
has been significant over the years.
excellence, being integrated in the way everyday business, staying ready for
Identifying specific areas where intended
we work, train and operate at home the next big unexpected thing, be that a
actions did not work out as planned,
and abroad. HQ JFNZ brings the best natural disaster or security challenge at
and applying corrections to operational
of NZDF people and capabilities where home, regionally or globally, has always
procedures as a result has been key to
they are needed in the quickest possible been its mainstay. It is clear that the
ensuring the best response possible can
time. Having one HQ that provides NZDF challenge of COVID will be with us for
be delivered.
operational planning means there is the foreseeable future, and we must
one source of the truth and one point of now plan on how we can continue to What is your vision for the HQ?
contact for both strategic and tactical successfully conduct our missions whilst
My vision is to continue to build on
elements of the NZDF and our allied in a global pandemic.
what we do well on operations. We
counterparts.
HQ JFNZ has had to maintain don’t know what each day will bring,
The continuing capability development readiness for conventional warfare, but we have a skilled workforce who
of the Deployable Joint Interagency HADR and support to UN and other can generate military responses for
Task Force has been one of HQ JFNZ’s operational missions, whilst also facing a wide range of challenging scenarios
success stories. Having a dedicated a contemporary foe in COVID-19. What and mobilise joint forces whenever
team to provide integrated Command has that been like for the HQ? and wherever they’re needed.
and Control for Joint, inter-agency
Being unable to conduct higher level Our maritime, air and land specialist
and multinational operations enhances
training both at home and with our allies staff are involved in the day-to-day
operational effects supporting
is having a big impact on operational running of operations, supporting those
Government outcomes.
readiness for parts of the NZDF. While on operations, and planning for future
What is the current tempo, and some key capabilities are not part of operations. The environment in which the
how have things evolved over the Operation Protect and available, some NZDF works is evolving and we’re always
past few years? are now at a much longer response looking for continuous improvements.
time and will require regeneration
Certainly, over the last 18 months, the What are you most proud of?
before they can be considered available
cadence has increased. While numbers
for operations. Our people and their professionalism.
of people deployed operationally
Thank you to all the service people
offshore is fewer than for some years, The HQ has had significant
over the past 20 years that have
we have domestically deployed numbers involvement in response planning
been at the forefront of the planning,
comparable with the first Timor-Leste for national disasters in the past 20
supporting, and commanding NZDF’s
rotations, in support of Operation years, including the Pike River Mine
operations – you are often ‘un-sung’
Protect, the NZDF’s contribution to disaster, Christchurch earthquake,
but never fail to deliver.
defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. Christchurch mosque shooting and
Whakaari/White Island. How has the
HQ adapted due to lessons learned
from these major events?
After each response to such critical
events we review our process and try
to learn from any lessons. We do not
get it perfect every time and the regular
change of staff means we need to
continually review how we do business.
The Whakaari/White Island response for
example reinforced just how complex
NICHE
She recently took part in RESERVEX
merchant ships, and to deconflict
2021 at Devonport Naval Base,
shipping and military operations. “I
which included taking on a range
NAVAL
and CPR. Everyone is so supportive
the grounds at the Hibiscus Coast
of my role within the unit but also in
RSA and planted trees at Shakespeare
my civilian life. Everyone wants to
RESERVES
Regional Park.
see everyone else achieve.
It’s the first major exercise for Ordinary
“Joining the Naval Reserves is a
Maritime Trade Operator Sims since
good way to get a taste of military
By Samantha Stevenson becoming a naval reservist in 2016.
life and get involved with things that
Media Advisor – Defence She was regular force for a year prior.
are totally different to the things we
Public Affairs The 24-year-old juggles post-graduate
do in everyday life. For example, I
nursing studies and her commitment
really enjoy the weapons weekends
to the Naval Reserves alongside her
that qualify us and update our skills.
role as a nurse for the Waikato DHB.
And as we are fitness-tested, it
“RESERVEX is technically work, is also a good way to keep your
there’s a lot to it but I really enjoyed fitness up.”
all the different aspects,” she said.
INTERESTED?
Assistant Chief of Navy (Reserves),
If you are interested in serving while
Captain Phillip O’Connell, said that Naval
maintaining your civilian career,
Reservists provide a valued, flexible
or thinking of leaving the NZDF to
workforce of skilled professionals.
start a civilian career and wanting
“They support Navy delivery from the to maintain your service links then
front line at sea, and ashore to senior the Naval Reserves want to hear
management. Modern Reservists are from you. Your civilian and military
a blended mix of personnel who have qualifications, skills and experience
signed up for a part-time service as will set you in good stead to become
an adjunct to their civilian careers and a Reservist and we can in most
ex-Regular Force personnel who have cases design and tailor a career
transitioned to civilian careers or are pathway that will be rewarding for
Naval Reservist taking time out from full-time service you and support Navy aims today
for reasons such as whānau needs and into the future. See www.
Krystal Sims and further education,” he said. defencecareers.mil.nz
10
“Sheer good
training, good
crew work,
camaraderie.
Man, you got
things done.”
LT Jack Rudolph.
the Pentagon, perhaps a ‘think-tank’ He’s been in America in some incredibly He can see one positive to all of that.
with a variety of speakers talking challenging times. “With COVID-19, “I got to spend all of those days with
about various national security issues. everywhere outside of New Zealand my wife. If you can do a year living in
There’s conferences, visiting US has been challenging. Everybody has the same house, then retirement is
bases and facilities. There’s also an had a bloody hard time. In the United going to be easy.”
active diplomatic circuit, attending States, at its peak, over 250,000
But when asked what the most
receptions, celebrating national days, infected per day, and over 4,000 deaths
challenging aspect of the job is, he
laying wreaths, and engaging at a high a day. That sharpens your attention up
says: “I wish I had paid more attention
level with US military leadership.” He’s on absolutely everything. This was real,
to languages at school. English is
been to the White House just once. front and centre, for us.”
largely the working language in DC
At a strategic level, he has worked with He experienced the civil unrest and but having another string to that bow
former Defence Minister Ron Mark in the riots after George Floyd’s death. would be incredibly valuable.”
a Pentagon meeting with the Secretary “I live in a nice area, but there were
What he has really enjoyed is putting
of Defence. He’s presented people through the area on their way
a ‘New Zealand face’ on things.
New Zealand’s position on “deterrence” to protest, or on their way back from
“I’ve really enjoyed representing
at United States Strategic Command protests. Shops were boarded up,
New Zealand. It’s a privilege that you
(STRATCOM), delivered a talk at some were trashed. We had plans
don’t get many opportunities to do as
Yale University and represented the to move staff. Then there was the
a couple, and to share it with Paula, as
Chief of Defence Force at a United US election, and the insurrection in
a couple, that’s been pretty amazing.”
Nation’s Women, Peace and Security January, which added a whole new
conference in New York. dimension. That was all in addition to
COVID. Someone said to me that last
“When you’re in the United States, in
year was like being on an operational
Washington DC, you’re at the centre
deployment with your wife. There
of a lot of things. You get an amazing
were lockdowns, and it was unsafe.
insight into the country.”
We joke about it now, but when you
walked outside every day, people were
masked up, and you couldn’t engage Top: CDRE David Gibbs and his
with people. We spent nearly 430 wife Paula with Capitol Hill in
days working from home.” the background.
Ashley O’Connor-Palmer
MAURI
Celebrating
Kiribati
Language
Week
In Kiribati we say
“Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao
Te Tabomoa” which
means; health, peace
and prosperity with Growing up I’ve always had an
interest in joining the military. I saw
‘mauri’ which is a communications in the Navy as an
greeting like ‘hello’. interesting branch because they
deal with morse code and radios
which is what I grew up around with
I am half Kiwi, i-Kiribati and also a tiny bit my grandfather Ganga. I also have
Fijian. I identify myself as an i-Kiribati by a strong military connection in my
speaking the language, doing traditional family with relatives who fought in
dances when opportunities arise and WWI, WWII and the Korean War.
celebrating our Independence Day.
I joined the Navy in February last
Kiribati culture and language is very year on the BCT 20/01 intake. An
unique. We are very hardworking, helpful average day for us Communications
and kind people. I also used to do a lot Warfare Specialists is that we pass
of Kiribati dancing when I was younger. messages between ships and shore
I was always happy whenever the establishments through various
opportunity came for me to dance. It methods like flags, radios, flashing
was a way for me to represent and show light and electronically.
pride in my culture.
At the end of this month, I’ll be
Something I miss and love about home deployed overseas for the first
is being surrounded by my family and time. I am posting on to HMNZS
friends and hearing them speak the TE MANA which is in Canada,
language. I miss dancing the most, and I will be there until this summer
it was the one thing I enjoy the most when we bring our ship back to
about my culture. Devonport Naval Base.
It’s Napier in early 1970s. Lyle Stokes We finished high school, we had no plans a push button digital system, we went
follows in his father’s footsteps and to go to university. And older brothers from 12 to 15 gunners, down to two.”
joins the Navy as a medic. His exploits were coming home, talking about their Glen became a Gunnery Instructor and
inspire his brother Wayne, followed sea time. Each year, as we got to 16, rose in the ranks to Warrant Officer
by siblings Shane, Brian and finally we all ‘abandoned ship’ and joined.” (WO), and notes it was a sad day when
Glen, as they all came of age. “It just the Gunnery Instructor position was
Sea time was huge back then. disestablished. “But it was inevitable.
flowed from one to the other,” says
“I spent 10 years at sea just in Those GIs, they were role models. You
Commander (rtd) Glen Stokes, who
HMNZS CANTERBURY (F421). knew the art of ballistics, and you did
now works for the Defence Force
I’ve been around the world three the calculations by hand. Today, the
as Manager of Honours Awards.
times, to all the continents apart from gun knows where to aim, knows the
Last month Glen, Wayne and Lyle Antarctica and South America. Back rotation of the earth, knows how long
received their cap tally boards from then, you were either on leave, or you it’s going to take to reach its target.”
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David were on a ship. When a ship went into
Proctor at Defence House. Brian refit, you went on another ship. Both Brian and Glen commissioned from
already has his board, while Shane’s You did very little time ashore.” the ranks (CFR). “I was a WO Gunnery
is being put together. Instructor and Head of Navy Ceremonial.
Glen was a gunner on the Type-12 There was a section in the MD68 form
For five consecutive years, a Stokes Rothesay-class frigates, then the I was filling out that said, where do you
brother would arrive at Devonport Leander-class. “With the Type 12s, see your career going? After 24 years,
Naval Base to start training. “We lived everything was done by hand, even the I felt that it was coming to an end. My
in a state house in Napier. Dad was a anchor. Then it was hydraulics with the Divisional Officer said, why don’t you
Navy man,” says Glen. “It was a case Leanders, then a digital change with commission? I said, I’m not qualified, I
of, what is there in Napier to do? the Anzac frigates. When we went to don’t have School Certificate.”
Glen went in with a group of eight promoted to Commander, and became the male culture at sea. And this
senior rates – many of them still in the Commandant of the Cadet Forces.” is the funny thing. When you had
the Navy today – and all of them went females on a ship, there wasn’t as
Despite being a non-seagoing officer,
through. “We thought just one WO much pressure on men to be part of
Glen had a stint as the Operations
would be picked. The Selection Board this male culture. Women brought in
Officer in HMNZS CANTERBURY
said, we want all of you. We used up the sensibility. Men could thrive at sea
(L421). “That ended up being 18
CFR spaces for the next two years.” without being pushed around for
months, completing the introduction
Glen says today’s CFR courses are a into service. I loved it in CANTERBURY. not being part of the male culture.
considerable improvement. “Why did Amphibious warfare – it was a whole It levelled out the playing field.”
we – four senior Warrant Officers – new domain.” Lyle, who joined in 1971, served in
spend five months in Junior Officer East Timor twice, then in Iraq,
For Glen, the most profound change
training? It wasn’t longer after us that and finished as a Chief Petty
in the Navy was the Women at Sea
they developed the Warrant Officer’s Officer. Shane was a Master At
programme. “It was an incredibly brave
course, and it was three weeks.” Arms who went on to serve with
thing to do. In a male-dominated culture,
He thought he’d give it two or three where ship were built for single sex the Territorial Forces in Napier,
years as an officer. “But then doors service, integrating females into the finishing as a WO Class 2. Wayne,
open. I went to East Timor, then went branches was huge.” Early on, with Shane’s twin brother, also became
to Joint Forces as an operational heavy lifting in the gunnery branch, a Warrant Officer. Brian, a Petty
planner. Then came the advanced staff some women had to change branch, Officer Regulator, commissioned
course, and with no schooling and no and he thinks that was unfair. When as a supply officer then opted
academic background, it was really automation came in, it didn’t matter. for redundancy during the
sink or swim. But I got a degree, got “Men learned boundaries. It toned down Civilianisation Project in 2011.
Six Royal New Zealand Navy chaplains Speaking to Defence Public Affairs after They did the MSFT first, in the Fleet
have smashed all three services’ the event, CHAP Haines said it was Gym, then went to Ngataringa to
fitness tests in one morning last month. one of those perfect, blue, cold – and do the RFT and OFT. The base’s
thankfully windless – days. Everyone Command Warrant Officer, WO Darren
Under the supervision of a Physical
passed, he said. “We smashed it. We Crosby, joined them in the challenge.
Training Instructor at Ngataringa
set a date to do it, we all had to push
Sports Ground in Devonport, chaplains “It was a fantastic day,” says CHAP
ourselves, young and old, and we ended
Lloyd Salmon, Richard Lander, Colin Haines. “Afterwards, we cooked up
up doing it in one morning.”
Mason, Michael Berry, Glen Popata a big meal in the wharekai and then,
and Chris Haines tackled the Navy’s The idea came up during a Chaplains’ padre-style, we went to our favourite
Multi-Stage Fitness Test, the Army’s dinner, when the padres were catching Devonport café for coffee. It’s great
Required Fitness Test and the Air up with each other and their partners. to be part of an amazing team of
Force’s Operational Fitness Test. “We did think afterwards, ‘what have chaplains in the Navy.”
we done’, and we felt a bit nervous. We
range from early 40s to late 60s. I’m
66 and Colin is 68. But we are in the
Navy, we want to be fit, and we want to
encourage those around us to be the
best they can be.”
From July, New Zealand Defence Force MAJ Corlett said NZDF Medics are OMA Spurr said she is very thankful for
(NZDF) medics training will now be highly valued and critical to healthcare the new qualifications. “I came into medic
recognised with tertiary level qualifications delivery across Navy, Army and Air training knowing I would not get a civilian
as part of the two-and-half year training at Force. “It is important to recognise the qualification, and to now be walking away
Defence Health School (DHS) in Burnham. efforts and high standard of our medics’ with something is amazing. I appreciate
The NZDF is pleased to be partnering competence, and the quality of the all the hard work that has gone into it to
with Auckland University of Technology NZDF Medic training provided to them get us all a qualification,” she said.
(AUT) to deliver training that will see with tertiary qualifications that confer
Private Jamie Ferguson is two years into
our medics studying towards a Level 6 the external credibility they deserve.
her training, but this doesn’t mean she
Diploma in Paramedic Science and a Level
“It is also important that medics will miss out on any qualifications.
7 Graduate Certificate in Health Science.
are provided options to continue to “There is currently a plan in place post-
These qualifications will part of the professionally develop while remaining graduation to obtain the qualifications.
Military Medical Technician training, in the NZDF,” he said. Having these qualifications will mean that
and NZDF Medic training programme
“Medics that have graduated from we can continue to advance our learning
delivered through learning delivered by
DHS since 2019 without qualifications through additional pathways that tertiary
AUT and learning delivered by DHS that
will be provided a pathway to gain the study provides. This will benefit not only
is linked to AUT content. Chief Instructor,
same tertiary qualifications as those us but the NZDF as we extend
DHS Major Neil Corlett said this change
who will graduate from DHS in the our knowledge,” she said.
for our medics will mean they leave the
school with recognition of their learning. future. Some extramural study will PTE Ferguson said she is looking
need to be completed, but assessment forward to having her training
“The two qualifications earned through of medics current competence in recognised in the civilian setting.
ab-initio medic training opens up a specific areas, recognition of prior
range of learning pathways that can be learning, and their clinical practice “In the past, we would study and graduate
built upon through future study, career within NZDF will satisfy most of as a fully scoped medic however we would
and trade coursing into registered the qualification requirements,” only have a rank and a position to show
health professions. The relationship MAJ Corlett said. for it. These qualification are a baseline
we have with AUT will enhance which allows for future study in a variety of
medic training providing recognised Ordinary Medical Assistant Sophia different areas within the health sector. I
accreditation, transferable skills, and Spurr is just six months into her hope these qualifications will provide more
pathways to further qualifications in two-and-a-half years of training of an incentive for people to seek out a
health sciences,” he said. and said the qualifications open career as an NZDF Medic,” she said.
more doors for medics.
The AUT-delivered component of medic NZDF Medics are highly trained and
training is common to both civilian and “It gives us opportunities to further professional. Royal New Zealand Navy,
military practice, meaning that DHS can our medical knowledge and gives us New Zealand Army, and Royal
focus on training NZDF medics in specific new and different experiences. It also New Zealand Air Force medics train at
military contexts. It is also anticipated allows us to possibly branch off into DHS in Burnham. For more information
that this will mean DHS will be able to different medical pathways to have a on the specifics and where you might sit
extend beyond ab-initio training, and broader knowledge and understanding in the qualification process of the new
deliver continuation training and training to help treat our patients at a higher Medic Career Learning Pathway,
of health command and staff functions. level,” she said. contact DHS.
COMMANDO
THE NEXT SELECTION FOR THE
NOMINATIONS OPEN For more information NOMINATIONS OPEN For more information
or to download your or to download your
12 JULY application, please
12 JULY application, please
AND CLOSE visit the NZSOF AND CLOSE visit the NZSOF
10 SEPT Intranet site: 10 SEPT Intranet site:
http://org/nzsof/LP/Recruiting.aspx http://org/nzsof/LP/Recruiting.aspx
28 SEP
Practice Round $25
1200 Tee-off
29 SEP
Tournament $50
1000 Tee-off
REGISTER NOW
Registrations Close 15 Spetember
15
ROUNDS
WITH LIEUTENANT
ALEX PEREYASLAVETS
03 posted to
HMNZS OTAGO
person. Now you can say
you know at least one.
Favourite movie
Best deployment
08 Trainspotting
A person that taught