April 2015, Issue 188

1our people

issue 188 April 2015

NZDF to the aiD oF vaNuatu aFter cycloNe pam

Big haNNa composter opeNs at Naval Base

ww100 pavilioN opeNs at torpeDo Bay museum

T e T a u a M o a n a – w a r r i o r s o f T h e s e a

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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 eighteenth year of publication.

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NAVY MuSEuM’S WW100 COMMEMOrATiONS

NEWS

FlEET prOGrESS

contents NAVY TODAY iSSuE 188 2015

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COvER IMAGE:

Local people wave and cheer as HMNZS CANTERBURY arrives in Port vila, vanuatu, on an NZDF Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief mission following Cyclone Pam. See feature beginning page four. Photo by Chris Weissenborn, Defence Public Affairs.

BiG NZDF AiD MiSSiON iN VANuATu AFTEr CYClONE pAM

BiG HANNA COMpOSTEr EATS THE SCrApS AT DNB

Bill MOrlEY SEA SAFETY FACiliTY OpENiNG CErEMONY

3yours aye

CN has asked me to contribute to Yours Aye this month and talk about what we are achieving in the fleet. i thought the best way to do this might be to talk about some of the

things that i have asked of the Commanding Officers this year to support CN’s theme of “Empowerment.”

My direction to the ships to help meet CN’s theme is based around “Operational Excellence and Warfighting.” in my view every ship is a warship and every person in the Navy is a Warrior of the Sea. TE KAHA and TE MANA are not the only warships in the rNZN; they are the only high-end combat ships. The same goes for our people. For example a chef is not just a chef but could also be a valued member of the Ship’s Medical Emergency Team, a member of the Boarding Team and probably a member of the Standing Sea Emergency party (first responders to fires and emergencies on the ship).

Each class of ship has a particular skill which they must master and deliver excellence. As an example, in an ideal world i would like to see in the future the frigates seeking expertise and advice from the Offshore patrol Vessels and the inshore patrol Vessels on how to conduct boarding operations, as that is the patrol vessels’ core business.

To achieve Operational Excellence and Warfighting in the fleet, there is a role that i must play—do not interfere. i work on “intent based planning” where the Commanding Officer is given my intent and what they cannot do and then let them get on with it. in return they pass back their intentions and plan and get on with the task at hand. i must admit that it has been hard not to interfere and ask questions; it is sort of like letting your child go for their first sleep over or go away with friends for the first time! i am sure all the parents out there fully understand the feeling—and the children wonder what the fuss is about!

yours aye

Left: MCC (right) aboard HMNZS TE KAHA for the ship’s operational assessment in Western Australian waters, congratulates AMT Aiden Sutton on his 21st birthday.

This is nothing new really. After all what did Bligh, Cook and Tasman do? They were told to put together an expedition, go forth and discover things and then return two or three years later. They had no high command sending them emails every day asking what they were doing and why!

So what are these warfighting skills that will deliver operational excellence from our ships? in broad terms our patrol Force will deliver boarding operations and work around our Exclusive Economic Zone with other government agencies, with the OpVs also delivering ice operations. Our littoral Warfare Support Force will deliver diving, mine clearance and military hydrography to provide freedom of manoeuvre for a force within and around the coastal and foreshore regions. CANTErBurY will provide operations and support from the sea while ENDEAVOur will provide support at sea. And as mentioned the frigates will provide combat at sea (including the use of aviation) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to support this role.

Your Fleet is achieving this today. HAWEA has been working with Environment Southland in Fiordland and also Ministry of primary industries (Fisheries) over the last month. WElliNGTON has been working hard in the Southern Ocean, then conducting a resupply to raoul island and working with GNS in the Kermadec Trench followed by work with the Department of Conservation in the Auckland islands. The littoral group continues to do exceptional work on their own and as a combined force and recently returned from a combined exercise off Great Barrier island which has demonstrated the benefit of operations around the shoreline ahead of a force.

As i write this article CANTErBurY with an embarked flight and Maritime Survey Team from the littoral Force is in Vanuatu demonstrating her importance and flexibility of this platform in her primary role of providing support from the sea. ENDEAVOur is at sea in West Australia providing replenishment at Sea to the rAN, and of course TE KAHA with her embarked helicopter has successfully completed her operational assessment and is in transit to Gallipoli for WW100 celebrations.

None of this could have been achieved without Operational Excellence. in simple terms Operational Excellence is all about problem solving, teamwork, leadership, empowering others, keeping our people positive and continual improvement. And in my view that has to start at the top.

He heramana ahau

i am a sailor

MARITIME COMPONENT COMMANDER Commodore John Campbell

4 nZDf CyCLone PaM haDr Mission

nZDF to the aiD oF Vanuatu aFter cyclone Pam

5nZDf CyCLone PaM haDr Mission

Opposite: Epi Island shore from the landing craft.

Above: Children watch a landing craft arrival at Port Kwmei, Epi Island.

By David McLoughlin, editor, Navy Today

The Vanuatu archipelago has been the centre of our aid

efforts, with many C-130 Hercules flights taking supplies

there, and the sealift ship HMNZS CANTErBurY taking

many Army engineers, Army trucks, emergency supplies, two

Seasprite helicopters, the Navy’s Maritime Survey Team and civilian

medical and other aid workers including members of the NZ Fire

Service as a truly NZDF One-Force Task Group.

An Air Force B200 King Air from 42 Squadron in Ohakea was

also busy, transporting aid co-ordinators and carrying out

reconnaissance flights to assess damage and help plan relief efforts.

CANTErBurY arrived in port Vila on Wednesday 25 March and

offloaded 150 tonnes of food and other supplies before loading

aid including hygiene packs and water purification equipment,

destined for Epi island and others in the Shepherd islands group

about 100 kilometres north of port Vila.

While the ship was in port Vila, NZDF Task Group leaders and

others including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade diplomats

liaised with Vanuatu officials as to where best to direct the ship’s

assets, which also include two landing craft able to take trucks and

supplies from the ship to shore on remote islands.

Following this liaison, CANTErBurY headed north to Epi island

where water tanks and other equipment were ferried ashore

and the engineers worked hard to repair roof and other damage

to the hospital and schools, as well as clearing fallen trees from

the roads.

Fourteen NZDF personnel and three Fire Service staff landed at

rovo Bay on Epi island to start repairs at a medical centre after the

Maritime Survey Team prepared a new map of the area.

All tasks were prioritised in consultation with Vanuatu Government

representatives who have been on site with the aid teams.

More than 200 NZDF personnel worked through Easter on this

work. The largest total concentration of NZDF and other Kiwi

aid workers went ashore at port Kwemi, Epi island, in a series of

landing craft trips on the Wednesday before Easter.

The engineers repairing the medical centre and Epi High School

at lamen Bay were also resupplied, and at port Kwemi more than

70 NZDF and agency personnel along with nine vehicles and

supporting stores were landed.

Key tasks at port Kwemi included clearing roads and tracks,

repairing buildings, and water purification. This work was the

NZDF’s main commitment for the next week.

the new Zealand Defence Force embarked on a major humanitarian aid and Disaster relief (haDr) mission in mid-march following cyclone Pam,

one of the biggest tropical cyclones in the south Pacific in recent years. the mission was still under way as this went to print.


Over Easter, CANTErBurY moved first to the nearby island of

Tongoa which was also badly damaged by the cyclone. The ship

then moved south to operate around the southern part of the

Shepherd islands and the islands of Makura and Mataso. Away

from the large sheltered island of Epi, these more remote islands

had had little contact with the outside world since the cyclone.

rough conditions, shallow water and coral reefs posed a challenge

for personnel over Easter, but a combined effort using small

inflatable boats and HMNZS CANTErBurY’s helicopter with Army

resources on the islands meant the goals were achieved.

The combination of conditions meant the NZDF needed to

improvise away from traditional landing craft operations to get

much-needed food, water and medical teams ashore. Almost every

available means has been used to get the job done.

"The smaller volcanic peak islands make beach access much more

difficult,” said the Commanding Officer of CANTErBurY CDr

Simon rooke.

“it has been a real joint effort. We have had Navy and Army

personnel working together on the islands, with the Air Force-

maintained helicopter working alongside the boats, moving

equipment, supplies and both NZDF and NZ Government officials.

"it's very challenging with small boats. They were manned by our

hydrographers, who have the most experience on inflatables in

surf zones, and we also had a rHiB right there as a safety boat

throughout the task.

“The successful operations were the result of careful detailed

planning and a patient and methodical approach to the task,”

he said.

“The beauty of this ship is that we have a platform that can put a

very capable force to work, but we don't put any additional demands

“The beauty of this ship is that we have a platform that can put a very capable force to work, but we don’t put any additional demands on the island.”

Coming ashore from a landing craft


Above: A vanuatu official onboard the King Air B200

Below: The King Air B200 on the ground at Port vila

By LT CDR Eric Chapman RNZN

An Air Force King Air B200 training aircraft has deployed as part of a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster

Relief response for the first time, carrying out important reconnaissance work in Vanuatu following Cyclone Pam.

SQNLDR Campbell Hardey, FLTLT Samuel Paterson and FLTLT Nick Dawson deployed to Port Vila six days after the cyclone struck. Port Vila is 2200 km from Auckland, no small feat for the twin-engine plane, which flew via Norfolk Island to refuel, with the flight taking all day.

“It was an awesome opportunity for the squadron” said FLTLT Dawson.

Once on the ground the Joint Task Force starting working up plans and missions for the squadron. The immediate focus was Epi, a small island north-west of Port Vila. The reconnaissance flights assessed feasibility of runways and the level of damage sustained to buildings and other infrastructure. This critical task helped determine what was to be loaded to HMNZS CANTERBURY before its departure for Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific which consists of 82 relatively small islands. Poor communication systems even before the cyclone hit affected the ability to communicate the extent of the damage. Radio coverage is poor, so the normal method of communication is by mobile phones, which were also affected by the cyclone. The reconnaissance flights were thus a key enabler for the NZDF Joint Task Force.

King air ProVes its ability For Disaster relieF

The opportunity to deploy in support of this type of mission for the squadron is unusual. Normally the squadron trains RNZAF pilots for multi-engine aircraft. The opportunity to have an operational impact was a great experience for the squadron.

Each flight was accompanied by a Vanuatu government representative who was able to identify key locations to the team. The extra seats were taken by Vanuatu locals who were extremely grateful for the opportunity to see their home villages for the first time since Pam struck on March 13.

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Above: CANTERBURY continued to load the last of the Red Cross stores by hand when the side ramp closed at Port vila. This continued until 30 minutes prior to sailing for Epi Island.

Opposite, left to right: Human chain taking supplies ashore; Local people help take supplies ashore, Epi Island.

nZDf CyCLone PaM haDr Mission

on the island. Having combined reconnaissance teams of NZDF,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vanuatu Government

personnel going ahead of us sets up access for us, allowing us to

prioritise work and decide what to put where and when.

“it has been a really well co-ordinated activity. Everyone here has

the same sense of purpose and vision, and we are all determined to

provide maximum effect to improve the situation of the people on

these islands as soon as possible. We are all focused on the same

thing so that makes it really easy to work together,” CDr rooke said.

The teams ashore included Ministry of Health doctors and nurses

who ran day clinics, urban Search and rescue representatives

checking water supplies and NZDF engineers assessing damage to

key infrastructure in the villages.

"NZDF people have been very eager to get ashore and help the

ni-Vanuatu, and they have been received very well by the local

communities," said 2 Engineer regiment Commanding Officer

lTCOl paul Hayward.

The versatile CANTErBurY can land personnel, vehicles and cargo

by landing craft, helicopter or ramps, as well as conventional port

infrastructure. The ship can carry up to 250 people as well as her

own crew for long periods, and has played a significant part in

previous disaster relief efforts such as the Samoa earthquake and

tsunami in 2009 and the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011.

The Navy began preparing the ship for a possible deployment as

soon as the cyclone struck.

Petty oFFicer caught in cyclone Pam then sails on canterbury to helP the recoVery


By MAJ Logan vaughan

Vanuatu-born POSTD Willie Kutty was visiting family in Vanuatu when Cyclone Pam hit and flew back to Auckland as

soon as he could to join HMNZS CANTERBURY’s aid mission.

POSTD Kutty has lived in New Zealand for 25 years, was educated at Kelston Boys and calls Auckland home. The veteran petty officer of 20 years’ Navy service is a steward by trade and responsible for running the ship’s Wardroom and any dining requirements of the commanding officer.

Another very important job he has carried out on the mission was given to him by his 16 year-old-daughter, Brittany Hastings-Kutty. She used her own initiative to fundraise and buy provisions for their family village. POSTD Kutty was given a short period of time during the ship’s refuelling at Port Vila to meet his family and ensure the supplies were picked up.

POSTD Kutty said that, while growing up in Vanuatu, he had experienced cyclones, but not of this magnitude.

"When the cyclone came I was at my brother’s house with family and friends. We had been expecting it for a few days and had been told it was going to be really strong.

"Friends from New Zealand were texting and letting me know its progress and how bad it was going to be. The days before the cyclone the locals were busy boarding up windows, putting bricks on the roof to weigh the corrugated iron down and cutting down trees near the houses to stop them falling onto them.

"At about 10pm we were still sitting outside and felt the winds pick up. At midnight the wind got very strong and the rain started, objects started to fly around outside and the kids all got scared. Things were falling on the roof, then through the roof and the iron started to get ripped off the roof. We grabbed what we could and went next door although that took 10 minutes of moving and stopping, trying to avoid the flying objects."

POSTD Kutty could not get back to NZ until the following Wednesday and he spent that time helping out in his family village.

"It was really good the guys on the ship were all saying they were coming over to help us on Facebook and texting." he said.

By Thursday he was onboard CANTERBURY preparing to return. Coming into Port Vila 10 days after the cyclone and seeing how much had been done already was a highlight for him, as was meeting the Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, who came aboard to look at CANTERBURY's capabilities.

Says POSTD Kutty of returning to Vanuatu with the New Zealand aid effort: "I'm sad the cyclone happened, but I'm very happy and glad to be able to come back and contribute".

Left: Brittany Hastings-Kutty (second from right), daughter of POSTD Willie Kutty who, along with her friends Sasha Schroeder and Georgia Brown (left) , organised two pallets of food and clothing to be transported to vanuatu onboard HMNZS CANTERBURY.

Above: POSTD Kutty with the Prime Minister of vanuatu, Mr Joe Natuman on the bridge of HMNZS CANTERBURY at Port vila, vanuatu.



Above: The Maritime Survey Team onboard HMNZS CANTERBURY, after preparing a survey map of Rovo Bay on Epi Island to assist operations by landing craft and ship’s boats. From left LT Robin Kuhn, LHST Julie Butler, LHST Ryan Hulse and LT Will Alexander RN.

By MAJ Logan vaughan

LT Robin Kuhn is a Navy hydrographer playing a key role in the NZDF’s disaster relief effort in Vanuatu.

HMNZS CANTERBURY arrived in Vanuatu laden with vital stores and equipment including more than 150 tonnes of food and water, over 200 NZDF personnel, 40 Army vehicles and two Seasprite helicopters. LT Kuhn's job was to ensure the aid was landed safely, often in challenging conditions.

Transfer ashore to the smaller islands is usually by CANTERBURY’s two landing craft. LT Kuhn is a member of the Navy’s Maritime Survey Team, which is responsible for surveying and analysing potential landing sites and reporting back to the ship to plan delivery.

"We go ashore to make our assessments, then brief back to the ship on information such as weather, the make-up of the beach, tides, windows for landing, safety considerations and type of craft suitable,” LT Kuhn said. “I finished a hydrographic course in Australia in December, so this is a great opportunity to put theory into practice."

LT Kuhn said that getting away from his desk, off the ship, and seeing the NZDF’s skills and capabilities applied in a real-life situation and making such a positive difference has been the most rewarding part of the operation.

He and his team were among the first people ashore on many of the smaller islands after the cyclone hit.

“It has been pretty eye-opening. There is often very little greenery. The trees are stripped of branches and many communities have been destroyed. The locals are friendly and very welcoming. They are pleased to see us, have helped us get our gear up the beaches and are sharing their local knowledge of the environment with us, and that’s been really helpful."

maritime surVey team ensures saFe lanDing oF aiD

Opposite, Clockwise from top left: The main township of Epi viewed from the Seasprite; HMNZS CANTERBURY berthed in Port vila; A reconnaissance team consisting of NZDF Engineers, members of the NZ Medical Assistance Team, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative and vanuatu Government representatives depart from HMNZS CANTERBURY by RHIB for Epi, to pave the way for the arrival of New Zealand aid and support; The NZDF Land Commander, LTCOL Paul Hayward (right) shows the Prime Minister of vanuatu, the Hon Joe Natuman and the New Zealand High Commissioner to vanuatu, Georgina Roberts the aid and stores in the cargo hold of HMNZS CANTERBURY at Port vila; Landing craft loading supplies and vehicles from HMNZS CANTERBURY at Epi Island; Navy relaxing with their Epi Island helpers during a break in shifting supplies; NZ Army CPL Brian Foreman of 2 Engineer Regiment works on repairing the roof at the vaemali Medical Centre on Epi Island; Human chain in CANTERBURY’s cargo deck passing supplies to a landing craft.

Above, from top: Seasprite delivering a water tank; Army vehicles coming ashore from a landing craft at Epi Island.

12 BiG hanna CoMPosTer

The Navy became the proud official owner of one of only

two Big Hanna T240 composting machines in the Southern

Hemisphere in a handover ceremony at Vince McGlone

Galley at Devonport Naval Base on 9 March.

Big Hanna can compost up to 62 tonnes of food waste a year.

The Navy serves around 2700 meals a week. Our chefs don’t waste

much in preparation and Navy personnel are hearty eaters but

there are still leftovers, which were previously sent to the tip.

Our Big Hanna was ordered in June last year from maker Susteco

AB in Sweden. it arrived in November and was set up outside the

galley’s back door and was gradually brought to life pending the

official handover ceremony.

The Navy is using the compost to care for the gardens and other

green spaces on Devonport Naval Base to ensure the shores and

base are as environmentally friendly as possible.

As a Government agency the Navy is tasked with protecting New

Zealand’s maritime environment and New Zealand’s pristine

outlying islands.

“We take our role as an environmental guardian seriously and are

always looking to do things more sustainably,” says Chief of Navy

rADM Jack Steer.

“We’ve been trialling Big Hanna on base for a few months now and

it’s been making a big difference to the amount of waste going into

landfills. We have much work still to do to on creating a sustainable

Navy, but this project is a big step in the right direction.”

The unit is only the second Big Hanna in service in the Southern

Hemisphere (the other is on Grand Terre, in the sub-Antarctic

Kerguelen islands). There are 46 operating in the Northern

Hemisphere in schools, universities, prisons, offices, apartment

blocks and hospitality businesses.

The project was made possible through a grant from the Ministry

for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund.

The New Zealand distributor of Big Hanna is Bluefin ltd. its

managing director is Shaun Bowler, who explained to New Zealand

Engineering News how the composter works.

big hanna maKing a big green marK on DeVonPort naVal base

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Opposite, top: Big Hanna’s home at the back of the vince McGlone galley Bottom, left to right: In one end—LCH Zylen Thomas holds open Big Hanna’s in-feed hopper, watched by ACH Logan McKay; CO HMNZS PHILOMEL pushes the button to officially switch Big Hanna on

Above, from top: PAE Big Hanna project team engineer Craig Robertson, LCH Zylen Thomas and ACH Logan McKay; Shaun Bowler of Bluefin (right) speaks at the handover ceremony

BiG hanna CoMPosTer

“On start-up it was loaded with 600 litres of horse manure as

bacteria starter, 600 litres of mature compost and 50 kilograms

of wood pellets as the food source for the bacteria to induce the

composting process,” Mr Bowler said. “it was quite an exercise

getting hold of all that horse poo. in the end the rosedale pony

Club horses did their duty to their country and obliged in time, but

it was touch and go.”

Mr Bowler told NZ Engineering News that Big Hanna’s operation

is based on in-vessel composting technology, which differs from

the open windrow technique commonly used in large-scale

industrial composting sites. “pests cannot get into it and odours are

contained and managed, so it can process all food waste, including

meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and citrus, working quietly and unobtrusively

even if installed indoors.”

A handful of wood pellets are put in with each load of macerated

food scraps—eggshells and bones are not included—which go

through a three-stage, eight week heat cycle in a revolving drum

that slowly empties the near-dry compost into a bag or bin at the

end of the cycle.

At present Big Hanna is producing some 10kg of compost a day,

an amount likely to increase over time as food scraps from the

Wardroom, the Torpedo Bay museum and other Navy facilities are

progressively included.

14 seaManshiP TraininG aiDs faCiLiTy

Dawn oF a new training age

Last month’s Navy Today reported the opening of the new Bill Morley Seamanship Training Aids Facility at Devonport Naval Base, however the magazine went to

print before photos of the 9 March opening became available. In this update, LT CDR Ange Barker, Programme Manager, Reclaiming Seamanship

Excellence, looks at how the facility will change Navy training.

Major construction has finally been completed on the

new Seamanship Training Aids Facility situated on the

waterfront of Devonport Naval Base, and the results are

impressive. Housed in the newly named Bill Morley Building, this

facility includes an inshore patrol Vessel forecastle, and Offshore

patrol Vessel midships, an OpV quarterdeck, a replenishment

tower and a main mast/working-at-heights tower. These must

now transition into a fully fledged training resource for the

Fleet personnel Training Organisation. it is hoped the first Sea

Qualifying Seamanship (SQS) courses will go through the facility

by next month, May.

This facility is based on realistic working environments, so these

are actual ships built to scale with all the moving parts used by

our personnel during letting go the anchor, weighing anchor,

buoy work, berthing, light jackstay, replenishment at Sea (liquid),

working at heights, rigging an awning and towing. This is a huge

leap from the theory-based training being taught in the classroom

now with the assistance of the bollards and tower on the grass by

the North Yard parade ground.

Although this training asset will mainly be used by new trainees

during their SQS, it will also be used by the Seaman Combat

Specialist trade courses and in the future, ship’s crew who require

refresher training for their Evolution Teams prior to deploying.

An Open Day for everyone to view the facility will be advertised

soon. This will be a great opportunity to have a look around inside

and appreciate the advancements in training and safety this facility

will provide for our young people going to sea.

15seaManshiP TraininG aiDs faCiLiTy

Opposite, from top: Demonstrating the facility to guests at the opening; LT CDR Barker at the opening; Demonstrating the RAS (L) refueling at sea training

Above: Chief of Navy RADM Jack Steer and LT CDR (ret) Bill Morley immediately after the official opening

On 15 March 1970, the frigate HMNZS WAIKATO (F55) was making its way out of the Wellington heads in

difficult seas. Most of the forecastle party had returned

inside the ship; however three personnel remained in order

to secure that part of the ship for sea.

Shipwright Chief Petty Officer David Lindsay, Forecastle

Petty Officer Bill Morley and Forecastle Officer, Lieutenant

Commander John Maire were busy stowing the last pieces

of equipment into the forecastle locker when a dark shadow

descended over their heads. A huge wave swamped the ship

and all three men were washed overboard with no life jackets

or survival equipment on them. Thankfully the life buoy

sentry, who was taking cover, saw LT CDR Maire whisk past

his station and threw a life buoy in, which for the majority

of the time would be the trio’s only floatation device in what

would eventually be a significant time in the water.

On surfacing Bill found himself stripped of his foul weather

gear, boots and knife belt, such was the ferocity of the sea.

He was closest to the Shipwright so swam to his aid and

held him up as best he could. Bill was a strong swimmer and

very capable sportsman, having represented the NZDF in

the Combined Services Cricket, Rugby and Sailing teams

throughout his years of service. His superior strength and

fitness was pushed to its limits that day as he valiantly kept

afloat the lifeless body of the shipwright until it was no

longer safe to do so. Sadly it was found after the event that

the shipwright had lost his life prior to entering the water,

from significant internal injuries suffered when the wave

swept him over the ship.

During the next one and half hours Bill and John clung to the life ring. They battled the sea swells, which were at times suffocating. Finally after securing the ship, WAIKATO was able to turn and return to assist the survivors by throwing lifejackets one of which John was able to get. At one stage Bill had to push himself off the ship’s starboard quarter as the combination of the high seas with the size of the ship meant the duo were being sucked under adding more danger to an already drastic situation.

Finally, as fatigue was slowly overtaking adrenaline, the ship was able to launch its Wasp helicopter and the rescue was able to take place. Bill, the stronger swimmer, pushed John up first and finally was able to take the winch harness himself. With much reluctance he let the lifebuoy go and was swung into the safety of the helicopter.

During the course of the event Bill showed huge amounts of courage, commitment and comradeship, providing the sailors of the RNZN with a unique role model. Bill then went on to cement his place in RNZN history by completing a distinguished 40-year career which included further sea service, early promotion to Warrant Officer Gunnery Instructor and transfer to the Officer corps after 23 years as a rating. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 1971 and was made a Member of the British Empire in 1981 for services to the NZDF.

Bill and his wife Rosemarie live in Albany, Auckland and have a married daughter, Monique. Their son Mark who joined the Navy in 1985 was tragically killed in a hunting accident in 1986.

who is bill morley? Survival on the high seas—a story of courage, commitment and comradeship

Next steps—Phase Two

phase Two of the Seamanship Training Aids concept is a waterside

facility that includes a vest davit for boat launch and recovery,

a HiAB crane for inflatable boat launch and recovery as well as

stores transfers, an accommodation ladder, a pilot ladder and a

swimmer-of-the-watch gantry. it is hoped this facility will be built

along the waterline in front of the Bill Morley Building within the

next 12 months.

16 naVy sTories

Above: MID Littleton with his partner Zoe Masters-Wood and his mother Dianne Littleton.

By MID LJ (Mark) Littleton, RNZN,

From arriving in Defence House, Wellington in late January for

my short Tour of Duty at Naval Staff, i have been kept both

engaged and challenged. When first hearing i was the only

member from Junior Officer Common Training (JOCT) 14/02 to be

posting away from Devonport Naval Base, i was eager to make the

most of the opportunity. My main objectives to get out of my tour

were to gain a wider service knowledge of how the command of

NZDF works, create networks with the people here, and to gain skills

that will help my professional development as a junior supply officer.

What Naval Staff is responsible for is the governance, strategy,

policy, planning, reporting and coordination of Navy; and

integration into HQNZDF and the wider NZDF in support of

Defence outputs and outcomes. This is focused through Navy’s

contribution to NZDF strategic and business plans.

in this time at Naval Staff i have worked for the Office of the Deputy

Chief of Navy, Director Coordination (Navy), CDr Charles Barker, and

Director of Naval Strategic plans and performance, CDr paul Gray.

My tasks have ranged from working on a revised uniform numbering

system, learning how the 4 india Chit (innovation scheme) is

processed, and meeting a representative of the Korean Embassy.

On my first day in Defence House i was given the tour of the

building, this involved me being introduced to people and been

shown the different levels of the building. This tour helped me grasp

how many different units there are that need to work together in

order to achieve the NZDF’s future outputs.

While on my Tour of Duty i was presented my New Zealand

Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) as pictured. After three-and-a-half

years’ service in the Army as both regular and reserves, and then

changing Service and commissioning from the ranks in July 2014,

i was awarded this medal on 19 March.

miDshiPman FinDs naVal staFF great rather than Daunting

My main task while working in Naval Staff was working on

updates for NZBr 3 Clothing instruction Manual, in particular the

codification of uniforms within the Navy. A review was conducted

which highlighted that our old system does not align with other

services nor with our allied navies. it did not codify all the uniforms

worn in the Navy, which caused confusion as to what uniform to

wear at events. The introduction of the updated uniform numbering

system will eliminate the uncertainty of what uniform is to be worn

on which occasion, create uniformity in dress and achieve a “One

Force” uniform numbering system.

Coming near the end of my tour, the perception of Defence House

being a daunting place for junior officers is not the experience

i have had at all. Defence House, and Naval Staff especially, is a

great place to enhance your knowledge, as you are surrounded by

experienced people who want to pass on their knowledge to the

future leaders (officers and sailors), of our Navy.

He heramana ahau, i am a sailor.

granD QuiZ night, Dinner anD sPorts/collectables auctionDATE: Thursday 23 April 2015 from 1900 – 2230

LOCATION: Ngataringa Sports Complex, Devonport

DRESS: Dress as your favourite sports team or Fancy Dress

COST: $60 per team of six (covers quiz entry/buffet dinner)

REGISTER: WOMM Mick O’Carroll EMAIL: [email protected]

OR Kirsty Chapman EMAIL: [email protected]

AUCTION ITEMS

17won rePorT

WARRANT OFFICER OF THE NAVY Steve Bourke

the warrant oFFicer’s ranK sliDe

The other day i was asked what the insignia and meaning was for the Warrant Officer’s rank slide. The first reaction was not to

say ‘i don’t know i will get back to you’ but to actually give an answer, even though slightly vague and hopefully leaving the inquisitive party happy with the answer.

The insignia worn is a variation of the royal Coat of Arms which has evolved over nine centuries since richard i ‘the lion-Hearted’ who chose a shield of three lions to represent the three areas—England, Normandy and Aquitaine—which were associated with the English crown. His Mother was Eleanor of Aquitaine (wife of Henry ii) and his Great Great Grandfather was William i (William the Conqueror) Duke of Normandy.

To provide the description i will break the Coat of Arms down explaining each component, staring from the top.

the royal crest

The royal crest is a stately lion standing on the crown facing us and wearing a gold crown. real crests were attached to a knight’s helmet so that they could be easily recognized in battle. Originally a practical object, the crest degenerated into a farce when the crests appeared in the shape of enormous monsters, odd ships or clouds, which would have considerably hampered a knight, had they been worn.

order of the garter

The Order of the Garter, founded by Edward iii in 1348, was inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the round Table. it is a symbol for one of the oldest and most senior orders of chivalry. Though the order was founded by Edward iii, it was King Henry Viii who added the symbol to the royal Arms.

Around the shield you will find the Order of the Garter. it is a French royal blue ‘belt’ with the motto ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal y pense’ which means ‘May he be shamed who thinks badly of it‘. in Old French it meant ‘Shame be to him, who thinks evil of it’.

The ‘fleur de lis’ (flower of the lily) at the bottom of the garter appeared first on the French royal Arms in the 1100s and was included on the English royal Arms in 1340. it existed as an emblem long before its use in heraldry when it appeared on the top of the sceptre and as on ornament on crowns.

The ShieldFirst and Fourth Quarters—three gold lions of england

The first and fourth quarter consists of the three gold lions of England walking and shown full face, on a red background. The lion is the oldest device known in heraldry and, as ‘king of beasts’, was adopted by kings of leon, Norway and Denmark as their emblem. However, the origin of the three royal lions of England still remains a mystery.

There is no question that when richard i, ‘the lion-Hearted’ led his English troops in the Crusades he carried

a shield emblazoned with three golden lions on a red background. To this day they have been the royal symbol of England.

wa

rr

an

t

officer of the

na

vy

second Quarter—royal lion of scotland

The second quarter consists of a red lion rearing on the left hind foot, within a red double border with fleurs-de-lis, on a gold background. The royal lion of Scotland was probably first used by King William, who was known as ‘the lion’. However it was certainly used by his son, Alexander iii, who made Scotland an independent nation.

third Quarter—royal irish harp of tara

The third quarter is a gold harp with silver strings, on a blue background. North of the present city of Dublin, there is a hill called Tara which for centuries was the religious and cultural capital of ancient ireland. There is a legend, recorded in C W Scott-Giles’ monumental work The romance of Heraldry that this harp was found and came into the possession of a pope. in the 16th century, Henry Viii suppressed the irish people in his attempt to become the lawful successor to the kings of ancient ireland. The pope sent the Harp of Tara to England whereupon Henry added its likeness to his royal shield. From this time it has remained a symbol of ireland.

The Supporters of the Shieldthe english lion

The supporters of the shield are the animals that stand on either side to hold and guard it. On the left, the most important side is a crowned, gold lion looking towards us, representing England. lions represent great strength, ferocity and majesty—the king of beasts. Though very few people in Europe had ever seen one, the symbol was used.

in the early days of heraldry, lions, emphasising their fierceness, were shown as rampant or passant. Many people wanted to have lions on their coats of arms, and it became necessary to have sixty or more different positions so that no two coats of arms were alike.

the unicorn of scotland

On the right is a silver unicorn with a gold horn, a mane, beard and hooves, representing Scotland. Chained to the compartment, he has a coronet around his neck with alternating crosses and fleur de lis.

unicorns were well known through classical Greek and roman texts, the Bible and medieval beasts. They were described as large and very fierce, thus they were chosen to guard the royal Arms, and it explains why they are always shown chained up. A unicorn’s whiteness symbolised purity and chastity, later leading to them being seen by some as symbols of Christ and his incarnation.

the ribbon or banner at the bottom of the shield

At the bottom is a ribbon or banner which reads ‘Dieu et Mon Droit’. This is French and has the meaning of ‘God and my right’. French was the language of the royal Court at the time of the introduction of the words by Edward iii in the 14th century. At that time it was believed that the monarchs were answerable only to God.

So is it probable or even possible that Warrant Officers are only answerable to God. i will leave that for you to decide.

He heramana ahau, i am a sailor.

won rePort

18 our PeoPLe

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04 07

05

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06

1. Chief of Navy rADM Jack Steer awarded a CN Commendation to Jason Hallie of the Naval Community Organisation on 5 March. Jason was taken by complete surprise. His wife Anne and children Kate and Alex were in on the secret and were present for the award. 2. Team HMNZS MANAWANui entered and won the 2015 Coastal Challenge (33km Full Monty relay) on Saturday 7 March from Whangaparaoa to Devonport. From left ADr Dillon Cooks, AMT Callum Wadman, ADr Shane Gardiner, AMED Matthew pirini and MANAWANui’s Commanding Officer, lT CDr Jono Clarkson. 3. Chief of Defence Force lTGEN Tim Keating with CDr Michelle Taylor at the launch of measures to strengthen NZDF’s Courts of inquiry system. CDr Taylor, an NZDF legal officer, is holding a copy of her recently prepared substantial reference manual for the president of a court of inquiry. 4. lT Nathan Vink is the Executive Officer of HMNZS OTAGO. He is also an accomplished concert pianist and holds a Doctorate in Music. He performed a feature piece—rhapsody in Blue—at the Navy Band’s 100 Years of Anzac concert at the Auckland Town Hall on 30 March. 5. Onboard HMNZS ENDEAVOur in Western Australian waters, lCWS Keyn Nepe received his Defence Service Medal from the Commanding Officer, CDr Sandra Walker. 6. Everyone in the Navy proudly

19our PeoPLe

08

shoulders any burden when on deployment. Here lT Trent Nancekivell, Executive Officer of HMNZS WElliNGTON, helps to carry timber for a board walk track on Enderby island during the ship’s recent visit to the Auckland islands in support of the Department of Conservation. 7. HMNZS OTAGO held a Clear lower Deck at Devonport Naval Base on 2 April. AMT(p) Julian Corbett (left) and lMT(p) John Gamble were awarded their First Good Conduct Badges and OCWS Jesse Grace was promoted to Able Communications Warfare Specialist. They were given Easter goodies as well! 8. Two members of the all-women Volvo Ocean race Team SCA joined personnel from Devonport Naval Base for breakfast on international Women’s Day, 10 March. Dee Caffari (left) and Corinna Halloran (right) are pictured here with lT CDr Kerry Tutty and lT CDr Jan Kingham, two of the longest serving women in the Navy. 9. lT CDr Aston Talbot rNZNr was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation on 11 March by Commanding Officer HMNZS pHilOMEl CApT Maxine lawes. The award was for outstanding achievement and dedication in the performance of his duties in his role as lead planner for Exercise rESErVEX 2014. lT CDr Talbot is currently posted to HMNZS NGApONA as Head of Department, Operations (Sea), a role he took up in July 2014.

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20 ww100 anZaC CoMMeMoraTions

The Navy Museum at Torpedo Bay Devonport is leading

the way in commemorating New Zealanders involved in

the sea war of World War One. The museum’s new WW100

Commemorative pavilion and A D Boyle room were opened by

the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Maggie Barry,

on 5 March.

The pavilion features a specially commissioned sculpture by

internationally acclaimed local artist Helen pollock. The sculpture

As Above, So Below expresses the sheer commitment of the New

Zealanders at sea in the First World War.

The A D Boyle room is housed in what was formally the Test room.

Built in 1898, the room is casemated into the cliff. On display are

artefacts from His Majesty’s Ships NEW ZEAlAND and pHilOMEl

and personal items that belonged to sailors who served in World

War One.

Additionally the museum has created a WW100 website with

comprehensive articles and photos of New Zealand’s role in the

naval battles of WWi. The website can be accessed via screens in

the A D Boyle room or on the internet at navymuseum.co.nz/worldwar1

Navy Museum Board of Trustees chairman Hon CApT Brian Corban

said the tragedy of WWi continued to resonate throughout New

Zealand and the centenary was an important time to reflect on

the legacy of the war and honour the service and sacrifice of New

Zealanders—military and civilian—during this time.

“With this in mind it was critical that the National Museum of the

royal New Zealand Navy delivered a significant contribution to the

Navy’s World War One centenary commemorations that honoured

the service and sacrifice of the young New Zealanders who served

in the sea war of World War One. The story of their courage and

sacrifice is an important one and it is a story that needs to be told.

The completion of the museum’s WW100 Commemorative project

goes a long way towards completing this objective.”

the story behind the sculpture

Helen pollock’s sculpture As Above, So Below honours the struggle

and sacrifice of the New Zealanders who served at sea in WWi.

The intention is to evoke the nobility of their endeavours, their

commitment and courage, as well as the at-times appalling

situations they had to endure.

The pavilion which houses the sculpture is a space for

contemplation and reflection of the past. it is also a space that can

be used for events such as attestation ceremonies for Navy recruits.

Here are excerpts from the sculpture interpretation by Auckland

university senior arts lecturer Dr robin Woodward:

“As Above, So Below is anchored by its central feature, a Jacob’s

ladder which has a rusted and weathered appearance of a well worn

ship’s ladder, one that must have had a ‘life’ prior to this. The rungs

are sagged with use, they are worn but enduring.

“The ladder weeps silently. A trickle of tears runs down its face into

the reflective pool. The ladder and the arms stretching upwards are

reflected downwards into the pool, seemingly infinite.

“The arms represent the physical force. With wrists exposed in an

open gesture of offering, they are strong and powerful, committed

to experiencing life courageously and whole-heartedly.

“The letters N, S, E and W [in each corner of the pool] reference the

points of a compass, markers that act as a guide and set the course

of destiny.”

ww100 PaVilion anD a D boyle room oPen at naVy museum to commemorate those who serVeD in the worlD war one sea war

21ww100 anZaC CoMMeMoraTions

the a D boyle room

CApT Alexander David Boyle was

born in Otaio, Canterbury in 1887

and was educated at Christ’s College

and Wanganui Collegiate. He joined

the royal Navy as a midshipman

and served in the Channel Fleet and

HMS pOWErFul, flagship of the

Australian Squadron. later he served

in HMS TriuMpH with the Home

Fleet before his appointment to HM

rOYAl YACHT ViCTOriA & AlBErT.

in 1913 Boyle was serving in HMS

The Navy Museum has created a WW100 Website telling

the little known story of New Zealand’s involvement in the

sea war of World War One. This article from it outlines that

involvement and describes how Gallipoli began as a naval action.

New Zealand and New Zealanders were heavily engaged in

the sea war of World War One. From HMS pHilOMEl to HMS

NEW ZEAlAND and her involvement in the major sea battles at

Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland. To Zeebrugge, where

many young New Zealanders were decorated for bravery. Notable

was the service of great New Zealanders such as William Sanders

VC, Bernard Freyberg VC and Alexander David Boyle.

New Zealanders served in coastal motor launches, the royal

Naval Air Service, the royal Naval Divisions, the royal Naval

Armoured Car Service and ships throughout the royal Navy.

Many young New Zealanders performed with great distinction

in the sea war of World War One, as well as many who

unfortunately perished.

New Zealand’s WWi sailors’ commitment, courage and service

cannot be ignored. it is essential that their story is told and their

sacrifice is commemorated alongside the soldiers and airmen

of that war. The WW100 website is devoted to that. Go to:

navymuseum.co.nz/worldwar1

churchill impatient for a naval victory

The campaign against Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean arose

out of a desire to open operations beyond the Western Front in

France and relieve pressure on the russians (allies of Britain and

France) in the Caucasus. From a purely naval operation to force

the Dardanelles on the western side of the Gallipoli peninsula it

developed into a land operation thrusting up the length of the

peninsula, costing over 130,000 lives.

As 1914 progressed to a deadlock on the Continent, the First

lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill was impatient to see

a naval victory. He was dismayed at the apparent lack of action

on the part of the Grand Fleet, not appreciating one of the basic

principles of sea power; control of the sea. With the Grand Fleet

based at Scapa Flow, the German High Seas Fleet could not Continues over page...

leave its base without a major engagement with its numerically

superior enemy and thus the Grand Fleet had control of the sea.

Nevertheless beyond Churchill there was a desire to see the new

armies that were now coming into being used for projects other

than “to chew barbed wire in Flanders”.

in early January 1915, russia appealed for help to relieve pressure

on Turkish assaults in the Caucasus. First Sea lord Admiral

Fisher and Major Maurice Hankey, Secretary of the War Cabinet,

presented a proposal for an attack on Gallipoli by Greek and

Bulgarian troops (despite both countries being neutral at the

time) backed by indian troops and 75,000 troops from the

Western Front. At the bottom of this memo was a comment to the

effect that the Navy would use obsolete battleships to force the

Dardanelles.

The objections by the Army to this plan were numerous and

Churchill seized on the last point, a naval assault through the

Narrows into the Sea of Mamora and on to Constantinople (now

istanbul) which would provide the naval offensive he had been

seeking. The plan was approved. The uK Cabinet authorised

the use of 15 battleships, including the latest, HMS QuEEN

EliZABETH armed with 15-inch guns, and three battlecruisers.

naval bombardment of turkish gallipoli forts begins

By mid-January Fisher and all of the sea lords were opposed to

the plan, but could not prevent it going ahead. At 9.51am on 19

February the first shot was fired. Spotting aircraft from HMS

ArK rOYAl had a splendid view of events, but their spotting

corrections were ignored. lT Williamson, one of the spotters flew

low over the Turkish forts and noted that no damage had been

done to any of the guns. When he reported in person to Admiral’s

Flag Commander and the Chief of Staff, CDrE Keyes, he was not

well received and the commodore became very indignant when

told that the ships had hit nothing.

inclement weather precluded further bombardments for the next

five days, but when it cleared the bombardment resumed. With

much dust and rubble resulting from the shell blasts, it seemed, the

galliPoli began as a (FaileD) naVal oPeration against turKey

NEW ZEAlAND when the ship visited New Zealand to show the

public the warship they had gifted to Britain.

He saw action at Heligoland Bight in August 1914, Dogger Bank in

January 1915 and Jutland in May 1916. During the latter he was the

officer in charge of X Turret which was hit during the action. He was

awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions at Dogger Bank. He is

the only known New Zealander to have been present at all three

major naval battles of WWi.

Opposite page, from top to bottom: Minister Barry inspecting the sculpture As Above, So below accompanied by LT Charlotte Burson, Flag Lieutenant to the Chief of Navy; The A D Boyle Room with its screens for visitors to look at the WW100 website.

Left: Portrait of CAPT A D Boyle

22 ww100 anZaC CoMMeMoraTions

Admiral reported, that it was impossible that all the forts and

guns had not been destroyed. With the significant aid of QuEEN

EliZABETH’s big guns the outer forts were eventually silenced.

The next part of the operation required entering the Narrows,

where there were minefields covered by minefield batteries

which were in turn covered by the forts and also mobile

howitzers. Several attempts were made to sweep the minefields

but all had to be abandoned under heavy, close range fire.

On 10 March an unsuccessful attempt was made to engage

the forts in the Narrows, while on the same day in london, the

terms for the Turkish surrender were being considered. Further

attempts to sweep the minefields were not successful, their

protection being most effective. An ill and dispirited Admiral

Carden resigned on 16 March, being replaced by Admiral

De roebeck, ‘worth a dozen of Carden’ in the view of the

commander of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

(ANZAC), General Birdwood.

attempt to break through the narrows fails

Admiral De roebeck made a serious attempt to force the

Narrows on 18 March with eight battleships. The French

battleship BOuVET struck a mine and sank with most of her

crew and the battlecruiser iNFlEXiBlE also struck a mine

and was put out of action for several weeks. The battleship

irrESiSTiBlE struck a mine and sank during the night as did

the battleship OCEAN when it went to irrESiSTiBlE’s aid.

anZac Day 2015 PREPARATION UNDER WAY

globalTurkey (Anzac Day, 2015)Gallipoli Dawn service and New Zealand Memorial Service Chunuk Bair

An official party of NZDF personnel. The frigate HMNZS TE KAHA will be present in Anzac Cove.

Belgium (24 – 25 April, 2015)NZDF personnel will participate in six different Anzac Day events in Belgium between 24 – 25 April. Two events will be New Zealand- led events.

France (25 – 26 April, 2015)NZDF personnel will participate in four different Anzac Day events in France between 25 – 26 April. Two events will be New Zealand- led events.

United Kingdom (Anzac Day, 2015)A range of Anzac Day events involving NZDF personnel are planned for the united Kingdom, including an Australia-New Zealand-led dawn service in london.

Europe (Anzac Day, 2015)NZDF personnel will attend Anzac Day commemoration services (in support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) in:

• Berlin • Vienna

• Rome • Warsaw

• TheHague • Madrid

United States of America (Anzac Day, 2015)NZDF personnel will attend Anzac Day commemoration in:

• Florida • WashingtonDC

• NewYork • Hawaii

• LosAngeles • SanFrancisco

australiaCanberra (Anzac weekend, 2015)An NZDF contingent will take part in national commemorations in Canberra. The NZDF rugby team (travelling at the invitation of the Australian Defence Force rugby team) will play against their Australian counterparts over Anzac weekend.

Admiral De roebeck then cancelled the operation.

Even before the first shot had been fired the necessity of

providing land support to the naval operation had been

considered, but deferred. Now, in an effort to prevent a severe

loss of Allied prestige, the Army was to join in the operation.

Meanwhile the Turks had significantly increased the number

of troops on the peninsula. The allied landings on 25 April 1915

were the precursor to the deaths of more than 130,000 men

(including 2,770 New Zealand, 8,709 Australian and 86,692

Turkish) and the reputations of many.

The naval participation in the Gallipoli campaign did not cease

with the landings. Throughout it provided support to the

troops ashore, both logistical and fire support and submarines

regularly negotiated the Narrows and operated in the Sea

of Mamora. The royal Naval Division fought ashore as did

rNAS and armoured cars. Aircraft of the rNAS provided

reconnaissance and artillery spotting.

NZDF personnel will play a key role in this year’s ANZAC commemoration services at home and overseas. Here’s a snapshot of what is planned to date.

Sydney (Anzac Day, 2015)An NZDF contingent will take part in commemorations in Sydney.

Melbourne (Anzac Day, 2015)An NZDF contingent will take part in commemorations in Melbourne.

Brisbane (Anzac Day – 1 May, 2015)An NZDF contingent will take part in commemorations in Brisbane. The NZDF rugby league team (travelling at the invitation of the Australian Defence Force rugby league team) will play against their Australian counterparts in a curtain-raiser to the Anzac test on 1 May.

Perth (Anzac Day, 2015)An NZDF contingent will take part in national commemorations in Freemantle. The NZDF netball team (travelling at the invitation of the Australian Defence Force netball team) will play several games throughout Western Australia.

Darwin (Anzac Day, 2015)HMNZS ENDEAVOur will be in

port on Anzac Day, with the Ship’s Company taking part in local commemorations.

PaciFicCook Islands (Anzac Day, 2015)NZDF personnel will take part in national commemorations in the Cook islands.

Samoa (Anzac Day, 2015)NZDF personnel will take part in national commemorations in Samoa.

Tonga (Anzac Day, 2015)NZDF personnel will take part in national commemorations in Tonga.

new ZealanDWellington (Anzac week, 2015)NZDF and ADF contingents will take part in national commemorations in Wellington throughout Anzac Week.

Regional New Zealand (Anzac Day, 2015)

NZDF will support more than 360 community events across New Zealand on Anzac Day.

HMS NEW ZEALAND

23news

By CDR Louisa Gritt, Commander Naval Personnel Business Support

Chief of Defence Force lTGEN Tim Keating launched the

After Hours 0800 NZDF Mental Health Helpline in March

for military personnel based in New Zealand. This is a

great initiative and something we can be proud of. What other

organization takes such great care of their people like this?

in his announcement CDF pointed out that it is common for

people in all walks of life, at every level of an organisation, to

feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or depressed. This can be a

passing reaction to a difficult situation at work or home, or it can

be more long-lasting. This is normal, and it’s OK to ask for help.

There are many ways to get help, you can go to the Medical

Treatment Centre, see a chaplain or a social worker, or even go

to see an outside civilian agency. But, these avenues for help are

not always available, which is why the After Hours 0800 NZDF Mental Health Help Line (0800 189 910) has been launched.

The service will operate from 1630 to 0800 Monday to Friday

and all day on weekends and statutory holidays. During normal

working hours personnel are encouraged to contact their Medical

Treatment Centres.

This is a dedicated service for the NZDF military personnel based

in New Zealand. it is hosted by Medibank Health Solutions who

already work with a number of the District Health Boards. All

calls to the line will be triaged by trained mental health nurses to

ensure all callers can access the help they need.

For NZDF civilians we already have a counselling service in place

with vitae (0508 664 981). This is a 24 hour free-phone service.

NZDF civilians can access this service for personal issues such as

stress, anxiety or depression as well as workplace conflicts.

There is also a Defence Health Directorate Website on the intranet

which will give you access to mental health factsheets that cover a

wide range of issues and are of use to individuals looking for help

as well as managers and supervisors who are looking after those

with mental health issues.

All personnel will be receiving wallet-sized cards with the mental

health support help line numbers printed on them. Keep them with

you as you never know when you, a family member or a friend may

need help. The out of hours helpline is a resource available to you

if you need it, or if you are in a position where you need to support

a peer or colleague and you don’t know what to do— this is your

first port of call after hours.

after hours nZDF mental health phone help service launched

CourageBeing Brave enough to ask for help

NZDF Mental Health Help Line – After Hours

Monday–Friday 1630 to 0800

0800 189 910Weekends / Stat Holidays

24 hours

CommitmentGivinG you help when you need it

Vitae provides a free counselling service for civilian staff members of the NZDF. They can help with personal and work issues including:

0508 664 981

• Personalorworkplacestress

• Relationshipissues• Conflictsituations• Anxiety• Depression

[email protected]

•HarassmentandBullying• Familyandwhanauissues• Domesticviolence• Addictions•Grief• Budgetadvice

24hourfreephone

ComradeshipHelping your mates wHen tHey need it

24

By LT Jerry Kemp

Before we introduced the Anzac frigates HMNZS TE MANA and HMNZS TE KAHA into service, we used a paint colour known as Waikato Grey. This was changed to a

polyurethane-based Camouflage Grey with the introduction of the Anzac frigates. This colour is still used on all our ships. As we are an organisation based on excellence we looked into finding a product that would be cheaper to maintain, more aesthetically pleasing, would provide better camouflage, and be more durable and better for the environment.

The rNZN belongs to a group known as ABCANZ, an inter-navy group comprised of the Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the united States. Our Navy is represented by the Defence Technology Agency (DTA) which also sits within the Technical Cooperation programme Materials and processes Group. These groups focus on monitoring, developing, implementing and reviewing technical products for their respective fleets to enhance their capabilities.

The DTA and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) have been monitoring the choice of paint currently used by the united States Navy known as Haze Grey.

This is a polysiloxane-based paint which appears glossy in nature. This attribute was not seen as desirable by the rNZN or the royal Australian Navy. The DSTO however, cleverly identified that placing specialised uV-resistant ceramic pigments and matting agents into the paint reduces the gloss effect and increases its durability and aesthetics over a much longer period in the varied conditions faced in the Southern Hemisphere. The Haze Grey polysiloxane paint withstands a greater variety of atmospheric conditions as well as holding its desired gloss level and overall appearance.

The DTA and the rNZN thus recognised the opportunity to introduce this uV-resistant polysiloxane paint on our current fleet topcoat, reducing our ongoing maintenance costs, increasing the camouflage ability of our ships at sea and reducing our chemical footprint.

Over the next couple of years, the polyurethane coat we currently use will fade and gain a chalk-like appearance (known as ‘chalking’) which occurs as the bond between the paint particulates begin to break down and creates a surface which is more susceptible to the elements and the materials which may be used on the upper decks of our ships. Each time we go to sea and get covered in sea spray, clean our ship or conduct ‘touch ups’ in needy areas, we bond a variety of elements with the paint surface which is already breaking down, reducing its quality and ability to deliver its desired effect.

The polysiloxane coat, however, holds its gloss for longer—four to six years—and is not as easily affected by existing paint issues. it thus looks better for longer, does not bond with cleaning agents and does not change its colour over time, while continuing to provide a slick, camouflaged surface.

The introduction of this new uV-resistant Haze Grey paint is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance and benefits of one of CDF’s priorities—greater partnering with agencies from across Government and other militaries. Alone we can achieve a lot less than what we can achieve together.

our shiPs will soon be changing colour

Current RNZN Camouflage Grey

Current RAN Storm Grey

Waikato Grey used on Leander class frigates

Current USN Haze Grey (without Uv protection)

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Above: The 12 RNZN Combat Systems Specialists at the Ritchie Building, HMAS WATSON, South Head, near Watson’s Bay, Sydney, where they undertook their SWIPE course

young combat systems specialists in sydney for swiPe courseBy OCSS Matthew Kruger

The journey for our group of 12 began on Saturday 21 February with a flight over the ditch for SWipE (Surface Warfare integration practical Exercise). At first i was nervous about

the two-week course and i wasn’t sure what was in store for us. it was our first trip overseas with the rNZN and we weren’t sure what it was going to be like working with another country’s navy.

On the morning of Monday 23 February, we were briefed by the officers in charge of the pWO (principal Warfare Officers) course. The brief consisted of the fortnight’s plan and what serials were going to be conducted. From there we went straight into the serials and we were divided up into our own watches. Fortunately we also had HMAS pArrAMATTA’s and HMAS pErTH’S operations crews to assist us.

During the first week spent in the operations room i realised it was a real eye opener to what a fully closed-up warship’s ops rooms is like and our basic branch training had paid off. As time went by our confidence as operators grew. My fellow oppos and i discovered how valuable this will be for our future as combat systems specialists.

During the trip we had the weekends off. This gave us time to see the sights and what Sydney has to offer. We visited the Opera House and explored the city centre, as well as catching up with fellow shipmate OCSS Namana who was onboard HMNZS TE KAHA which was alongside in Sydney at the time. We also managed to visit Bondi Beach multiple times as well as going down to Watson’s Bay for a swim.

The second week was a lot like the first and it was good continuation training. There were a lot of different pWOs as well as the rAN crew and operations room staff and it gave us an insight on how they work and run the ops room. There were only a few minor differences and they were easy to pick up on and adjust to. it was great to also have all of the available equipment, especially having sound on the sonar console.

During our down-time in the afternoons we did sporties which included touch and cricket on the beach and basketball, football and one touch on the courts. unfortunately all good things have to come to an end and on Thursday 5 March we finished off and went down to Watson’s Bay for a group dinner and debrief to enjoy our last days in Sydney. Next day we had our final serials and debrief by the Australian instructors with positive feedback. On Saturday we left Sydney for Auckland.

To wrap it up, the trip was definitely a great experience. i met some great people from the royal Australian Navy. i learnt a lot from the trip and i hope to pass on the knowledge to my comrades and what i learnt to the next lot of combat system specialists.

By LT CDR Trevor Leslie, Littoral Warfare Support Force Capability Manager

Diving is inherently dangerous, more so within a military context. Therefore, systems which enable divers to locate and identify objectives more efficiently not only

increase the likelihood of mission success but also enhance diver safety.

The Diver underwater Search System (DuSS) originally introduced into service in 2010 has revolutionised the way in which underwater search, navigation and data gathering is conducted. Data gathered by the diver can directly interface via a common operating interface into Mine Counter-measures Team and Maritime Survey Team systems.

The Navy recently upgraded its fleet of DuSS to the new ‘Delta’ models which provide enhanced underwater situational awareness, greater navigation and search functionality and also other technology based applications such as integrated beach profiling software, Bluetooth capacity, larger screen and a wider range of external wet-pluggable options.

oPerational DiVe team uPDate

Continues over page...LDR Trevor Strickland and the DUSS

26 news

Left: LDR Eastern Nicholas and the MAKO DDS.

The Navy’s 2015 reading list has been published and can be accessed in pDF format from a link on the Navy website’s front page: navy.mil.nz

The list – officially NZBr 64 – contains scores of reviews of books about almost every imaginable aspect of navy matters, including even novels. it has been compiled to increase Navy personnel’s awareness of the environment in which we operate and to improve our critical thinking ability, Chief of Navy rADM Jack Steer says in the foreword.

“it has been developed by Navy personnel for Navy personnel and others with an interest in the naval profession of arms,” CN says. “it has been developed to provide us with a means to better understand and appreciate our profession and our ability to function as mariners going down to the sea in ships.

“To succeed in a military profession, you need to be able to understand manuals, policies, directives and procedures. You need a high level of reading ability. reading is a skill that takes time to develop, and time to master but it is the easiest skill to start, you just need to pick up a book and start.”

The list’s compiler, CApT Mark Worsfold, says reading is a pastime that is rapidly being relegated in our ever busy lives.

“Many of us have lost the art (and the joy) of simply curling up on a comfortable chair with a really good book. The introduction of Mp3 players, portable DVDs, video games and the ‘on-tap’ hours of entertainment they seem to offer have further eroded reading to be seen as an old fashioned activity that no longer serves a purpose.

“research has highlighted that one in four adults do not read at all. Those who do read barely manage just four books on average in any given year.

The ability of the in-service DuSS to directly interface with another new acquisition—the two MAKO Diver Delivery Systems—is another technology based innovation adopted by the dive team to further enhance mission success across the breadth of ODT operations while increasing diver safety. The MAKO is a diver transportation system that interfaces with the

in-service DuSS to perform pre-planned missions profiles while providing the diver navigation, search capacity and underwater situational awareness.

The six-thruster MAKO provides vertical and horizontal thrust controlled either manually by the diver or when integrated with a DuSS unit, automated via the pre-programmed mission options. The MAKO will perform a range of navigation functions such as simple ‘go to’ navigation to complex search and survey patterns to enable data gathering and wide area search. The ‘loiter’ function can even allow the divers to dismount and leave the MAKO to self-loiter in position. if required, the DuSS unit can be quickly detached from the MAKO allowing the diver to use it by hand once at the desired location.

The MAKO is used by Navy dive team personnel in the conduct of military diving, Explosive remnants of War search, Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal search, Mine Countermeasures and rapid Environmental Assessment tasks to enable quick and effective wide-area search and navigation of the underwater battle-space. A diver enabled with the MAKO fully laden and capturing data in-stride will markedly reduce mission times whilst increasing effectiveness and safety through minimising the physiological burden on the diver.

Operational Dive Team update Continued...

“reading however provides us with a gateway to the past, an imagination of the future, an insight to a time impossible to visit. reading provides us with the ability to learn a new skill and understand the thought processes of historical figures. if you want to contemplate how you would have reacted in a given situation try an alternative history book and consider how events in history may have resulted in a different outcome with just a slight and plausible change in circumstances.

“reading has many benefits, from building your vocabulary, to enhancing your thinking capacity to relaxation and de-stressing. if you need a few moments to relax after a hard day, reading is a wonderful way to do so. it really doesn’t matter what book you read, but if you can lose yourself in a book you can escape from worry and stress much easier and quicker than you think.”

The rNZN reading list has been compiled to provide a reference to assist with selecting books to read. The list may seem quite large but it is separated across several key themes and contains both non-fiction and fiction titles. Non-fiction titles provide factual detail on a given theme or person but often are difficult to read if the joy of reading has been lost.

Fictional titles, especially when framed around a realistic plot, add an element of enjoyment not too dissimilar from watching the latest blockbuster at the cinema.

The majority of the books in this list are currently available through the Defence library Scheme or your local council library. The titles are also available for purchase through any bookshop in New Zealand or the range of online sites.

As well as the Navy website, the list can be accessed directly via this specially created short link: tinyurl.com/oanpd9e

cn Publishes 2015 naVy reaDing list

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hmnZs canterburytrials loading new army trucks

By LCPL Keith Kennach, Ship’s Loadmaster

A trial loading aboard HMNZS CANTErBurY of the NZ Army Medium Heavy Operational Vehicle (MHOV) took place from 2 March to 7 March. The trial involved

13 vehicles which included different variations of MHOV—HX58, HX60 and HX77 as well as a JCB and Caterpillar 966 plant vehicles. Also involved were approximately 25 Army staff and the Ship’s Amphibious load Team (SAlT), who are directly responsible for the safe loading and unloading of vehicles and freight onboard CANTErBurY.

The purpose of the trial was to prove the interoperability between Army MHOVs and CANTErBurY. The ship was designed to move heavy vehicles and cargo utilising her load on load off (lOlO) and roll on roll off (rOrO) capabilities.

load on load off (lOlO): utilising the ship’s 60-tonne cranes, vehicles and cargo can be loaded on to the ship and placed directly into the cargo deck via hatches in the flight deck. lOlO is used both alongside (berthed) and midstream (at anchor). lOlO at midstream is used to load vehicles and cargo directly onto a landing Craft Medium (lCM).

roll on roll off (rOrO): using the ship’s side and stern ramps, vehicles and cargo can be driven onto the cargo deck. This is the preferred means of loading vehicles into CANTErBurY. The stern ramp can be used while at sea to load vehicles directly onto an lCM. This is an important capability and enables CAN to play her part as an amphibious platform.

The first stage of the trial tested the MHOV ability to be craned onboard and to fit through the ship’s soft hatch opening on the

flight deck. This was successfully achieved including a lift of an HX77 which was angled to enable it fit through the hatch. Also lifted through the hatch were the JCB and Caterpillar 966 plant units.

The trial then turned to the rOrO capabilities of the MHOV. Vehicles were loaded via the side ramp with no major concerns. Vehicle guides soon came to grips with the longer vehicles and reduced turning circles compared to their older counterparts.

The focus then shifted to loading an MHOV into an lCM via the stern ramp. All MHOVs in the trial were successfully loaded onto the lCM. With a maximum weight of 32 tonnes passed over the stern ramp and various load configurations on the lCM, this was a very important tick in the box for the MHOV. The trial was a worthwhile experience allowing training for the SAlT team and valued exposure to the new MHOV. The crew of HMNZS CANTErBurY and members of SAlT look forward to working with the MHOV in the future.

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ENDEAVOUR hmnZs enDeaVour dits from western australian waters

Our Fleet tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR is in Western Australian waters on work-up and to replenish Royal Australian Navy ships in the absence of one of their two tankers. Here are some dits from

ENDEAVOUR personnel, on the ship’s first deployment after a long maintenance period.

What do you do onboard?i am one of two outside-machinery-space maintainers. Working in my part of the ship, i operate all the air conditioners, fridges, sewage treatment plant, reverse osmosis plant, generators, all domestic fresh and salt-water systems and hydraulic machinery, including cranes, steering gear, and specific to ENDEAVOur, the replenishment at Sea winches.

Is this your first overseas deployment?Yes it is my first deployment ever [after] being in the rNZN for close to four years of service, in two of which i have been posted to ENDEAVOur.

What do you like about being posted to ENDEAvOUR?Many of the breakdowns are “safeguards” (real) not exercises. The experience i gain from these would be hard to replicate and learn on another platform.

How do you feel about being away from home for five months?i’m fine with it, i have planned to leave since the end of last year. My family have accepted this and it is very easy to keep in touch via email.

Do you have any deployment goals?Yes—finish my AMT task book, gain a boiler operating certificate and help other personnel with AMCs and training.

What do you do onboard?Electrician. if there are wires in it, i have to make sure it works.

Is this your first overseas deployment?No, i have done several overseas deployments.

What do you like about being posted to ENDEAvOUR?HMNZS ENDEAVOur is a big ship and gets to go on great trips but it also has a relatively small crew. Small crews seem to be a lot closer and have a bit more fun.

How do you feel about being away from home for five months?Not too bad, i will be missing winter back home and will get to see some ports that i have never been to before.

Do you have any development goals?To give up smoking.

AMT CEE-JAY SCHROEDER

POMT(L) ANDREW WALSH

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What do you do onboard?i’m in charge in the galley, i’m the voluntary physical Training instructor and part of the Standing Sea Emergency party. i am also in charge of the ship’s Maori Cultural Group.

Is this your first overseas deployment?No, i’m not too sure how many deployments i have had. i have been a part of 20, maybe more. i have more time posted to ships than ashore throughout my career in the rNZN.

What do you like about being posted to HMNZS ENDEAvOUR?Even thought it’s a big ship it has a small ship’s mentality. Everybody contributes where they can. Most members of Ship’s Company have numerous roles as well as their core jobs.

How do you feel about being away from home for five months?i love the sea lanes! However it is hard having a young family back home. i worry about them daily.

Do you have any deployment goals?Just a couple, not telling ha ha.

Do you have a shout out?To the Cozy Cottage. The Able Electronics Technician for being an amazing tutor. The stokers for keeping our home moving. The rest of the chefies for keeping morale at a good level through the meals put up on the slide.

What do you do onboard?i am a Bridge Watchkeeping Officer under training. My primary role is on the bridge where i manage the safety of navigation, avoidance of collision and the bridge operating systems. Whilst on watch it is my job to constantly monitor the ship’s position and maintain constant readiness as the initial responder to any events which may arise.

Is this your first overseas deployment?This is my first overseas deployment on a rNZN Ship. i have previously been posted to the Japanese Ship KASHiMA, which travelled from Thailand to india in 2012. This opportunity to travel on an rNZN ship with my shipmates is very exhilarating, especially as it is part of the job that i get paid to do.

What do you like about being posted to ENDEAvOUR?HMNZS ENDEAVOur’s crew have an overall positive and welcoming attitude. i am thoroughly enjoying this posting as the atmosphere and working environment is great for a training role due to the senior officers’ encouraging, enthusiastic and caring attitude towards developing their people.

How do you feel about being away from home for five months?The prospect of travelling the world whilst being paid to do so is always a pleasing thought. Staying away from home and developing a greater sense of independence is also liberating, however, long amounts of time apart from friends, family and loved ones will always be difficult. Although this is mitigated with the use of email and partial phone signal during each passage, nothing compares with face-to-face time and as such, i intend to fly my girlfriend to one of our port visits to meet us later in the deployment.

SLT ETHAN MOSER

LCH CURTIS WEEKS

Do you have any development goals?Being away from home, isolated on a ship does have its benefits. The ability to solely focus on what we do on a daily basis without any other distractions provides an excellent opportunity to work on personal goals and professional development. i am currently working towards a well-being goal of gaining overall body muscle percentage, a financial goal of making further savings towards my first home and also a professional goal of becoming an independent Watchkeeping Officer onboard HMNZS ENDEAVOur. This is all made possible by the support and encouraging nature of the Command Team onboard.

Shoutout?i’d love to make a shout out to my beautiful girlfriend, Helena who started her first job the day after our ship sailed. i miss her a lot and am looking forward to seeing her in a couple of months.

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Above: A boat from HMNZS WELLINGTON approaches the NIRvELLI.

By SLT Anna Bergin RNZN

Operation Havre to the Kermadecs was a busy period for HMNZS WElliNGTON with many challenging logistic and operational layers for Ship’s Company to grapple with.

This was evident right from the very start where she embarked over 10 tonnes of scientific research gear—including a state of the art Autonomous underwater Vehicle—as well as a mountain of Department of Conservation supplies.

The mission was to resupply raoul island and conduct two weeks of underwater survey operations on the underwater volcanoes in the vicinity of the Kermadec Arc, 500 nautical miles north of New Zealand.

As if this was not challenge enough, the weather gods decided to intervene with the wrath of Cyclone pam forecast to travel directly over the area of WElliNGTON’s operations. As a result—and having luckily completed the large majority of survey and re-supply work—the tasking was altered to allow for an early departure from the area so as to ensure a safe passage for WElliNGTON, her crew and passengers back to the safety of Devonport Naval Base ahead of the cyclone.

prior to us undertaking the high-speed transit back to Auckland, DOC staff on raoul island reported to WElliNGTON over VHF radio that a single yacht had been spotted at anchor in Denham Bay on the southern coast of the island. Despite numerous attempts at raising the attention of the yacht’s master by DOC staff via radio on the island, there had been no response. Then, on WElliNGTON’s last day of operations in the area the yacht was spotted by the Bridge Team and further attempts to communicate via VHF made, with no response.

At this point the decision was made to launch the sea boat with the Navigating Officer (lT Simon Dickson) onboard, armed with weather maps depicting the forecast tropical cyclone path and a stern warning of its imminent arrival.

The lone sailor from France on the French-flagged yacht NirVElli was oblivious to the coming storm that was leaving death and destruction throughout the pacific islands. Not only this, but the yacht had no working engines, rips in her sails and no form of Safety Of life At Sea (SOlAS) emergency distress signalling device

or operational high frequency radio equipment. At this stage the best piece of advice lT Dickson could give was to make best speed for New Zealand and try to outrun Cyclone pam.

later that afternoon, Thursday 12 March the master did just that. A course of 220 was set with sails raised high. WElliNGTON’s command aim was updated to “safely escort the yacht NirVElli to Auckland.” But overnight the swell strengthened from the east and the atmospheric pressure began to drop as WElliNGTON steamed in a zigzag pattern behind the yacht keeping it in sight at all times.

By dawn it was clear that the yacht was only capable of making good 4–5 knots. After careful plotting of both weather and sea charts it became obvious she would find it impossible to safely outrun the quickly intensifying cyclone. WElliNGTON’s Commanding Officer (lT CDr Graham Maclean) took action and went in one of the sea boats to talk to the yachtsman himself and stress the gravity of the developing situation.

it was important to emphasise to the yachtsman that he was welcome to come aboard WElliNGTON and sail to New Zealand and to safety. This meant a drastic decision for someone whose yacht was his home and who had been sailing across the world for the last 18 months. After some serious consideration and a good look at the weather forecast, the yachtsman made the decision to abandon his yacht and come aboard WElliNGTON.

Ship’s Company went immediately into rescue mode. The sea boats were launched to recover the man and as many belongings as he could carry. He was made to feel very welcome onboard WElliNGTON and Ship’s Company were very respectful of his difficult situation and fragile state. A member of the DOC personnel onboard was kind enough to give up her GpS tracker to be strapped to the yacht in the hope that should the yacht survive the storm the yachtsman could find and recover his boat.

WElliNGTON then came up to maximum speed and made good passage back to Auckland safely outrunning Cyclone pam with less than 18 hours to spare. The yachtsman was very grateful to Ship’s Company for saving his life and acknowledged how lucky he had been in this situation to have been sailing in the vicinity of the royal New Zealand Navy.

hmnZs wellingtonrescues a yachtsman from cyclone Pam

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By John Callan, Communications Manager, GNS Science

Scientists investigating a large submarine volcano near raoul island have gained a better understanding of its formation and its hydrothermal venting after a recent expedition there

aboard HMNZS WElliNGTON.

The team of New Zealand and American scientists used an autonomous underwater vehicle called SENTrY to explore Macauley Caldera—an underwater volcano about 100km south of raoul island. The voyage was originally scheduled to last 19 days, but was cut short when Cyclone pam bore down on the Kermadecs, forcing the ship to return to Auckland early. The scientists had planned to undertake eight 18-hour dives with SENTrY, but only managed two in the abbreviated expedition.

project leader Cornel de ronde, of GNS Science, said the voyage marked the first time a royal New Zealand Navy ship had deployed an underwater vehicle for scientific purposes.

“in this respect, the mission was a great success. it showed that deep-sea marine scientists and the Navy can work together for the benefit of New Zealand,” Dr de ronde said.

He said the partnership with the Navy was a welcome addition to the GNS Science offshore exploration programme.

Macauley Caldera, a large crater-like structure roughly the size of Wellington Harbour, had been mapped previously by a surface ship to a resolution of 20m. SENTrY went one better by compiling a map at a resolution of 0.5m, ensuring far greater detail of the sea floor.

“Essentially the new map we compiled with SENTrY is 40 times better than the previous one in detail. This enables us to understand sea-floor hydrothermal systems at a scale that is meaningful.”

However, because of the foreshortened voyage there was only enough time to map 20 percent of the oval-shaped caldera, which measures about 10km by 6km.

SENTrY follows the sea floor at a set 60m above it as it travels at two knots along a predetermined grid. The scientists were particularly interested in the steep inner walls of the caldera as this is where most of the hydrothermal venting typically occurs.

SENTrY also focused on a volcanic cone about the size of Mount Eden on the eastern wall inside the caldera. This feature had been discovered during a previous expedition and was known to be an area of vigorous hydrothermal venting.

As SENTrY flies through the water, its nine on-board sensors measure a range of physical and chemical characteristics of the sea floor and the ocean. “Some of the measurements of the hydrothermal plume SENTrY collected over the cone were among the highest we have recorded in two decades of doing this work. This tells us the venting is extremely vigorous, very acid, and gas-rich.”

During its two dives, SENTrY was able to locate and measure several major new vents in Macauley Caldera that had not been identified on previous voyages. “This voyage confirmed that high

resolution mapping with a vehicle like SENTrY is crucial if you want to know more about the geology of the seafloor, mineral deposits, and the unique ecosystems that exist in association with these submarine volcanoes.”

SENTrY can generally cover 10 square kilometres of seafloor during a single dive. While its batteries were being recharged on the ship, the scientists towed a magnetometer behind the ship to measure magnetic and gravity variations on the sea floor. They found several magnetic highs which indicated large areas of volcanic activity. They also found magnetic lows where large eruptions had deposited debris on the seafloor. The geophysical evidence they found supported a hypothesis that Macauley Caldera had erupted many cubic kilometres of material around 6,300 years ago. The eruption plume would have gone many kilometres into the sky and then collapsed with the denser particles falling back into the ocean to form the giant sand wave structures up to 100m high seen on the submarine flanks of Macauley Caldera. Such was the violence of this eruption that it possibly caused a pacific-wide tsunami and resulted in a large depression on the sea floor—the caldera.

The project was part of a multi-year research programme by GNS Science to map and understand tracts of sea floor in New Zealand’s vast offshore territory, including any mineral resources. GNS Science, with support from its international colleagues—in this case Woods Hole Oceanographic institution in the uS—has been systematically investigating the volcanic features and hydrothermal venting of the Kermadec Arc since 1999. During this time, these collaborative teams have surveyed about 40 large submarine volcanoes along the Kermadec Arc as well as others near Tonga, papua New Guinea, the Mariana Arc south of Japan, and the Aeolian Arc off the coast of italy.

hmnZs wellington hosts gns for survey of underwater Kermadecs volcano

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By LT CDR Prema McIntosh, RNZN

i’ve been in the Navy a few years now, not as many as some, and not as few as others, but i’ve never been involved in a full ship’s Work-up before. As a legal Officer (lEGO), i am tri-service,

and most of my career has either been at the strategic level or providing advice to the Army and Air Force. My one land operation and pre-deployment training was not able to prepare me for what i would encounter whilst onboard HMNZS TE KAHA as she and her company prepared for our deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations in the indian Ocean.

Due to work commitments in New Zealand, i didn’t join the ship for the passage across the Tasman, and so arrived in Sydney for the start of week two. And did it start! Off the bat the ship began its training and preparation, and the focus was largely on warfare and damage control. As the lEGO my role is in advising command and the operations room around application of rule Of Engagement in such scenarios. From where i was sitting all looked to be going well, but i’ve asked various members of the Ship’s Company to give their impressions as well, and you’ll find them around this article.

With the Maritime Operational Evaluation Team (MOET) embarked it was only a matter of time before we had our first Whole Ship Damage Control exercise. As i had only just joined, and had yet to even find my way around the ship, i took on my first duty as the newly minted public relations Officer (prO). i donned the green vest deeming me as ‘out of exercise’ and spent the next few hours chasing the fire teams around the Ship taking pictures and generally trying not to get in the way. in that time i saw many a smiling face and it was very clear that this Ship’s Company had a spirit like no other and i’m pleased to report that those smiles are still here five weeks later!

Three weeks progressed, and more and more DC exercises were run. Overlaid with this were the warfare scenarios, and the many technical problems set against our capable marine and weapons engineering departments. The Supply Department continued to support throughout, including making sure we were all fed and watered in often trying conditions.

After these first few weeks we completed a WupE (Work up progress Evaluation) to see just how far we’d come. it was a long day, and all departments were tested to the limits of their capability and endurance. That day we faced fire, flood and multiple casualties as a result of continuous attacks. Alongside this we completed boarding operations, where we sent our boarding teams off to investigate vessels of interest. it was a difficult day, but we came away knowing what was expected of us, and what we still had to achieve by Work-up’s end.

The next week the focus shifted slightly and we worked hard on Force protection and refining the boarding operations. The week ended in an operational port visit to the island of ‘Capri’ (also known as Fleet Base West, south of perth). Here the ship was put through its paces from a Force protection perspective, facing intruders and security threats. Despite the relative inexperience of the crew in this area, all rose to the challenge and we successfully defended the ship.

Finally the last week arrived and our preps were complete. The next step was our 36-hour MrE (Mission readiness Evaluation) where we were to face all that we had on WupE and more. ready to meet the challenge head on, TEK’s Ship’s Company greeted Maritime Component Commander CDrE John Campbell and MOET (acting as Coalition Maritime Forces officials) with a passionate haka, and all the spirit i had come to expect from this group of people.

As expected, it was a long and difficult day. The MrE was designed to test us in circumstances similar to that which we are likely to face during our deployment. it again included numerous DC serials, as well as lots of technical breakdowns. We conducted boarding operations, and defended the ship successfully from several surface threats. it was tough, but we had done it, and we were declared able to deploy by MCC during a debrief in the sun alongside in beautiful Fremantle.

Some members of Ship’s Company performed exceptionally well during the MrE and received an MCC coin during the debrief as an acknowledgment of their efforts. They were lT CDr Mike peebles (XO), CpOSCS Shane Dixon, pOEWS Tiana Tuuta, pOMED Kayla Sargeant, lMT(l) Grace Albert, lCH lexi Gray, ASA Michelle peat and AET rebecca Dore. Others received ‘shout-outs’, including the Standing Sea Emergency party, who in particular stepped up throughout work-up.

As you read this, we have completed a well-deserved few days off in Western Australia and are now sailing our way to Crete and then Anzac Cove, Gallipoli for WWi commemorations, before heading to our area of operations for our Maritime Security Operation. it’s been a challenging few weeks, but morale remains high and the ship is more than prepared for what she may face in the coming months.

hmnZs te Kaha

of green overalls, thunderflashes and action stations:

a first-timer’s tale of work-up

Above: POEWS Tiana Tuuta (left) and AHSO Jenna Seaver on the bridge during a Replenishment at Sea in Australian waters.

Opposite page: LMT(P) Kay Boon, LMT James McKenzie and LMT Michael Stevens in the Machinery Control Room, watched by PJ the ship’s mascot.

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LCWS STACEY LISMOREi joined the rNZN two years ago after serving six years in the royal Navy and this has been my first real chance to be at sea in an operational environment for New Zealand. Newly promoted i was chucked into the deep end and my initial thoughts were "i have served eight years and i am a leading hand but right now i feel i have the knowledge base of an OD, what will everyone make of this?" Weary from previous work-ups in the rN i decided to just hit the ground running. Deep down i knew my supportive communications team wouldn’t let me fall behind. The attitude is very different in the New Zealand Navy, the comradeship and compassion for each over is almost overwhelming at all ranks. Work up on a frigate is the most busy, testing and tiring time you will have in your career and it can leave doubt in your own capabilities. After my first work up on Te Kaha i can truly say the next time i do this there will be no doubt and that is 100 per cent down to the hard working people serving around me who have welcomed, supported and guided me on many levels across the whole ship.

ASTD JOEL MCDOWELLThis is the first work-up i have completed. Although it was challenging, it was an eye opener and the end result was massively rewarding. i have always had a keen mind for Damage Control and war-like situations but this took it to a whole different level—with missiles coming from all angles, firing our weapons systems back and using the helo. i enjoyed every minute of it. it turned the ship into a hard, well-formed team which was able to handle anything that was thrown at it. We became something special and strong. i enjoyed being part of this team and watching it grow. i am lucky to have served on TEK for this work up, i really enjoyed it.

POMT(P) ‘GRIFF’ GRIFFITHS We hit the ground running with five weeks of ‘training up’ for our Mission readiness Evaluation, and the pace didn’t slow one bit. The ship’s company have really bonded well, as they always have done on TEK. There were some imaginative MOET serials and scenarios intended to get us prepared for the threats we may face. A lot of Ship’s Company seemed a bit daunted at the start of the workup, but soon discovered that, as with most training, the maxim is: “The more you put in, the more you get out!”

AET REBECCA DOREFor me, the best part of work-up was Action Stations. Everyone seemed so alive, with adrenalin pumping and you could see Ship’s Company come together and give it their all as they fought the incidents like their lives depended on it. Sleepy sailors rolling out of pits in the early hours of the morning would instantly be awake and ready for whatever was being thrown at us, with enthusiasm that brought us together as the TE KAHA family.

LMT(P) KAY BOONThis being my third work-up i thought i knew what to expect in the up and coming five weeks. i knew it would be a little different, now being a leading hand, but surely it can’t be that hard. i approached work up with a positive attitude, and a keen-to-learn mid set. This helped throughout work-up as we overcame many hurdles. Being Mrp (Mobile repair party) we assisted the ship in DC, Machinery Breakdowns, Damage Assessments, assisting Ship’s Medical Emergency Team with casualty removal and generally being AWESOME as stokers are. The whole work-up was a lot different to last time as it was eight weeks squashed into five and more

mission-focused rather than getting smashed Damage Control-wise everyday. A great experience and i thoroughly enjoyed it.

AEWS CHRISTINA BLACKi joined the mighty war fighting ship TE KAHA in September last year. in February we set sail for Gallipoli via Australia to attend one of the most significant 100th year anniversaries. i knew how lucky i was to be part of this trip. i was both nervous and scared. This was going to be the hardest test i would face yet in my naval career. Once we had left New Zealand work-up began with a BANG! With five weeks of gruelling Damage Control and warfare exercises, i definitely had my work cut out for me. Everyday i was faced with a challenge, as well as learning new things on the way. Our team of Electronic Warfare Specialists were led by a strong leader who drove us to our full potential and further than some of us thought we could go.

AMT(P) CASEY NAMANAi saw the MrE as a challenge, more than a ‘we're going to thrash you with serials and see who breaks first.’ Being a member of the boarding team and an AMT made it interesting with helping out with breakdowns and maintenance whilst listening to the pWO’s sitreps about vessels of interest. The hardest part about it was not getting too involved in everything because you could be taken out and not be able to do your boarding. Having a versatile boarding team made it easy to change teams at short notice if personnel were on watch or were involved in serials conducted by MOET.

ASTD LEASH MACGREGOR "Hands to Action Stations, Hands to Action Stations!" The work-up was everything i had expected. from Man Overboard drills to Casualty exercises. This is where i gained a lot of personal experience to be able to embrace my role as part of the SMET Team. We had lots of support from our Senior rates and other members of Ship’s Company to “get our Mongrel on” and as MOET say: "Fight what you see and fight like your life depends on it." Overall, i thought my first work-up experience was thrilling and exciting yet hard work and rewarding, all at the same time. The finish line never looked sweeter. Giddy up!

SLT SAMUEL CRONE This was my first work-up and opened my eyes to how this side of the preparation phase is conducted. During the five weeks of training and assessment MOET put Ship’s Company through their paces in many facets, including Damage Control, boarding operations and warfare, during which i was fortunate enough to receive my Officer of the Watch (Warfare) ticket. it was an experience which enabled the progression of training for many personnel onboard. i look forward to putting the skills we have learnt into practice.

Dits From arounD the shiP

34 fLeeT ProGress

FLEET PROGRESS

Top, from left to right: ASCS Isaiah Taewa with Stirling Falls and HAWEA in the background; HAWEA attempting to recreate the 1978 photo of HAWEA in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound

Above: The former Lake Class patrol vessel HMNZS HAWEA in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound in 1978

visits stunning FiordlandBy SLT Hannah Clark RNZN

Since being regenerated HMNZS HAWEA has been busy with patrols, sea training and internal training. We have conducted two fisheries patrols, one around the Bay of

plenty and one from Auckland to North Cape. in early April we finished a four-week deployment around the south-west coast of the South island in support of Environment Southland, checking navigational bylaws and landing spots for helicopters and stores for when a disaster strikes the region.

During this time HAWEA visited some of the most stunning and rugged places in New Zealand, including Dusky Sound, preservation inlet, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. We conducted pilotage training for the young Officers of the Watch and attempted to recreate a 1978 photo of the former lake Class HAWEA in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. However, due to vessels moored along the cliff face the ship could not fully recreate the photo.

After eight days at sea (upper limit of time at sea for an ipV), with no milk, bread or eggs, HAWEA berthed in Nelson on Wednesday 25 March for some well deserved respite for the crew.

On the morning of Thursday 26 March HAWEA was tasked to assist with the search for a missing tourist off Farewell Spit. After hours of searching with the ship and the rHiB we were unfortunately unable to find the missing tourist and returned to Nelson, berthing at 2100 that evening.

While alongside in Nelson the ship hosted multiple tours for Navy, Army and Air Force cadets, as well as pacific island fisheries officers attending the Nelson Marlborough institute of Technology and medics attending the Defence Health School. Having the international fisheries officers onboard meant we could show them our capabilities and the ways we can support organisations like the Ministry of primary industries and Customs, who we primarily work with.

HAWEA sailed from Nelson and conducted internal training including a live firing before returning to Devonport Naval Base where the ship has two weeks alongside before sailing south to Westport for Anzac Day 2015.

hmnZs hawea

35

bZ: The flag signal Bravo Zulu, meaning “well done”

brow: Gangway between ship and wharf

Dit: A Navy yarn

emas: Early Morning Activities—running, swimming etc for new recruits

gash: rubbish

goffas: Non-alcoholic drink

heads: Toilets. in sail days they were under the figurehead.

moet: Maritime Operational Evaluation Team

oppos: Shipmates

oscar: The flag signal for “man overboard.” The name of the man-overboard dummy used for drills.

rhib: rigid hull inflatable boat, jetboat carried on our ships

rig: uniform

scran: Food

work-up: intense exercises working a ship up to its full operational capabilities, conducted by MOET.

JacKsPeaK—naVy slang

raDm: Rear Admiral

cDre: Commodore

caPt: Captain

cDr: Commander

lt cDr: Lieutenant Commander

lt: Lieutenant

slt: Sub Lieutenant

ens: Ensign

miD: Midshipman

woch: Warrant Officer Chef

womeD: Warrant Officer Medic

cPowtr: Chief Petty Officer Writer

cPoews: Chief Petty Officer Electronic Warfare Specialist

PoPti: Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor

Pocss: Petty Officer Combat System Specialist

lscs: Leading Seaman Combat Specialist

lsa: Leading Stores Accountant

lmt (P): Leading Marine Technician (Propulsion)

amus: Able Musician

aDr: Able Diver

ahcm: Able Helicopter Crewman

ostD: Ordinary Steward

omt (l): Ordinary Marine Technician (Electrical)

ocws: Ordinary Communications Warfare Specialist

selecteD rnZn ranK abbreViationsWith the various Navy trades, the trade has the same title across all relevant ranks, so, for example, a LSCS (Leading Seaman Combat Specialist) is the same trade as a CPOSCS (Chief Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist), and so on. Men and women have the same rank titles—a Midshipman or Leading Seaman Combat Specialist can be (and are) men and women. Almost a quarter of Navy personnel now are women, up to the rank of Captain.

The Navy Club Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative luncheon8 May, Te Atatu RSAAll welcome. Email Secretary Noel Davies: [email protected] phone 09 520 2506 pO Box 9352 Newmarket 1159

Bay of Plenty Officers’ Club The club meets at 4.30pm on the last Friday of each month at the Ministry of Defence Building, corner Devonport road and 11th Avenue, Tauranga. Contact Graham O’riordan, tel 07 579 3476 or [email protected] All serving or retired military officers welcome.

Christchurch Boys’ High Old Boys Anzac Day Service Saturday 25 April 2015All Old Boys of Christchurch Boys’ High School are invited to attend the Centenary Anzac Day service at the Shrine at the School on Saturday 25 April 2015. Details of the service will be on the invitation. Covered seating is planned for 1000 guests. For an invitation please forward your postal address to Old Boys Executive member, [email protected].

HMNZS NGAPONA 90th Anniversary Dinner Saturday 9 May 2015, AucklandAn invitation to all serving and retired Ship’s Company of HMNZS NGApONA and their partners to attend a formal function to be held at the pt. Chevalier rSA from 1830 to 2359. Dress for non serving personnel will be jacket and tie/cocktail dress. Expressions of interest in attending should be forwarded to either Miss lisa Bean: [email protected] or Mr Jerry payne: [email protected] please advise your service number and dates you served when you email. Tickets $40 per person going on sale from 1 March 2015. There will be a limited number of tickets.

RNZN/RNZNVR South Island get-together

Saturday 9 May 2015 2pm–6pm HMNZS PEGASUS, 419 Montreal St, ChristchurchFor all ex and current rNZN/rNZNVr personnel living in the South island. Cost $5 a head (for catering) and a cash bar. Due to a restriction on numbers, this function does not include partners. For more details or to register contact:Dianne Fowler [email protected] or 03-353-4022, or WO roger Sheehan [email protected] or 03-353-4021

RNZN May 1980 Intake ‘35 Year’ Reunion Friday 29 May 2015 to Sunday 31 May 2015, Auckland, venue TBC

Calling all BCTs who enlisted on 28 or 29 May 1980 plus instructors and Divisional Officers who were involved with this group. registration forms are available from Sandy Hiku at [email protected] or on our FB page (rNZN intake 28.05.1980. The FB page is by invitation only so to be added as a member, please send Sandy Hiku a FB friend request. Completed forms (including confirmation of payment(s) made) are to be returned to lT CDr Chris Smith at [email protected] by 28 February 2015. Further details, proposed programme, and event costs will be advised in due course.

HMNZS WAIKATO 50th Reunion at Mount Maunganui

All ex-crew members who served on the ‘Mighty Y’ and their partners are invited to register their interest in attending this reunion to be held on Queens Birthday Weekend 2016. Ex crew members are to do so using the registration form posted on the reunion website, www.hmnzswaikatoreunion.weebly.com, or the HMNZS WAiKATO Facebook page, or contact Kim and leonie Hinaki at [email protected] or 021 020 61004.

Reunion for all serving and

ex RNZN Stewards Weekend of 9–11 October 2015, Ngataringa Sports Complex/Birkenhead RSA.

The celebrations will include a get-together on Friday night with lots of catching up and story sharing. On Saturday, an optional tour of the new-look naval base, wardroom and a ship visit will be arranged for those who wish to see the base as it is today. The tour will include a lunch at the Vince McGlone Galley. A dinner will be held that evening

noTiCes

followed by dancing and more story telling! A family BBQ will be held at the Birkenhead rSA on the Sunday. partners, wives and husbands are welcome to join us for the weekend – the more the merrier!!! Cost $110.00 per person for the whole weekend or $35.00 per person for the Friday, $88.10 per person for the Saturday including lunch, $15.00 per person for the Sunday. Final date for registration is 1 September 2015. Contact Jon Walker on 021 103 5856, Denise Kingi on 0211215910 or Neville Sutton on 02102451038, email [email protected] or join us in the royal New Zealand Navy Stewards reunion Group on Facebook.

RNZN Engine Room Branch Reunion 6–8 November 2015, NapierThis reunion will be held in Napier on the weekend of 6–8 November 2015. For details please contact: Dennis Zachan, 12 Norrie place, Tamatea, NapierpH: Home: 06 8442201 Mob: 021 673 242 Email: [email protected]

RNZN Diver Trade Reunion 2015

4–5 December 2015, Devonport

For details please contact: Trevor leslie – [email protected] or Brendon Johnson – [email protected]

FIGHT NIGHTFALLEN HEROES

A night to be remembered 28 May 2015

Linton Military Camp

36

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April 2015, Issue 188

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