Yours Aye Chief of the Navy
A highlight of this Navy Today issue is the graduation of the Basic Common Training and Junior Officer Common Training courses of 20/01, and rightfully so. The graduation parades of the recent years combine the ceremonial aspects of the military with the uniqueness and fun of our service. This year, however, the trainees have more to celebrate than before.
“ Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented to us as a Defence Force and a Navy, you can be assured we are still out there doing our business.”
I applaud and acknowledge the incredible efforts of everyone who was involved in the training of our most recent recruits – trainees, instructors and staff, friends and families. The extended five weeks prior to graduation due to COVID-19 is unique. Completing the courses and supporting the newest sailors in our Navy during a global pandemic has been a massive undertaking and one that we have proven we are able to handle. The newest sailors have been welcomed into our iwi heramana whānau at a notable time in our world’s history, and a time where we can see our New Zealand Defence Force personnel at the forefront of another crisis occurring on our own soil. I expect our involvement to continue, at least in the medium term. It is unsurprising we are finding ourselves challenged in the execution of our ‘business as usual’; this has been a tough and strange time for all of New Zealand. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented to us as a Defence Force and a Navy, you can be assured we are still out there doing our business. HMNZS OTAGO has recently returned from the annual OP CALYPSO in the Pacific, where she worked in cooperation with regional organisations and navies to ensure the security and prosperity of the maritime commons in the region. Have a read about how HMNZS OTAGO has managed to execute our maritime missions whilst maintaining the health and safety of our shipmates.
And of course, this Yours Aye wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the recent Commissioning of HMNZS AOTEAROA, our new fleet tanker. It is not often the Chief of Navy has the tremendous honour of commissioning a new ship into our fleet, and I was immensely privileged and proud of being able to do so. Making the day even more special was the presence of HMNZS AOTEAROA’s ship sponsor, Her Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Patsy Reddy, GNZM, QSO. It is only appropriate that our current Governor General and Commander in Chief is the sponsor of the ship bearing the name of our nation. We were also privileged to host delegates from HMNZS AOTEAROA’s home port, New Plymouth – Mayor Neil Holdom and representatives of the New Plymouth mana whenua, Ngāti Te Whiti. Ngāti Te Whiti presented HMNZS AOTEAROA with her Symbol of Command, Tai-Panuku, and it is a taonga that we are honoured to receive. As I reflect on the recent months, I find this whakatauki appropriate: Kaua e hoki I te waewae tūtuki, ā, āpā anō hei te ūpoko pakaru. Do not turn back because of minor obstacles, but press ahead to the desired goal.
Rear Admiral David Proctor Chief of Navy
Navy Today #246 | 3