Change of Command for HMNZS RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION’s return from Napier in support of the annual Art Deco commemorations [see NT 141 March] was tinged with a little sadness for the CO, CDR Murray Tuffin (from Wanganui), as he also prepared to handover his command on Friday 27 February. CDR Tuffin relinquished command to LTCDR Shane Arndell, of Mt Maunganui.
The ceremony to mark the change of command took place alongside RESOLUTION at Calliope Wharf. The Change of Command Ceremony is traditionally formal and impressive – designed to strengthen that respect for authority, which is vital to any military organisation. Among the guests was the Mayor of Gisborne, Meng Foon; Gisborne is RESOLUTION’s home port.
Lieutenant Commander Shane Arndell, RNZN
LTCDR Arndell was born in Tauranga and grew up in the sea side town of Mount Maunganui, attending Mount Maunganui College. He joined the RNZN in 1990 and, after initial training as a rating in the Writer (Administration) Branch, Shane was commissioned as Midshipman on the General List (Executive) in January 1991.
At the end of his Junior Officers Common Training he was awarded the Minister of Defence ‘Sword of Honour’ for placing first in his class for the Course.
LTCDR Arndell has held various sea postings including: service in the previous Leander-class frigates; serving in both ANZAC-class frigates including as the Operations Officer in TE MANA during a deployment for ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf in 2004; and, as Executive Officer of the Amphibious Support Ship CANTERBURY.
Career courses completed include Principal Warfare Officer (Above Water Warfare) Course at the RAN’s Maritime Warfare Training Centre in Sydney, Australia and the Australian Defence College Advanced Command and Staff Course, in Canberra, in 2006. His shore postings in a mainly sea-going career have included time in Naval Staff as the Deputy Director Naval Operations, a posting to HQ JFNZ and six months as a United Nations Military Observer in Timor Leste.
LTCDR Arndell lives in Auckland with his wife Alice. He has been selected as the Commissioning Commanding Officer for the new Offshore Patrol Vessel WELLINGTON, which is still in the builder’s hands.
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