HMNZS MANAWANUI
- Rockies at Sea
By LT Brett Wildbore RNZNVR
In June, I joined Manawanui for a four week period including EX TRIDENT WARRIOR; for the two weeks of the exercise I was also joined by ASEA Dulieu from HMNZS Olphert.
After an absence from active duty of almost four years there was a certain amount of ‘fear factor’ involved in returning to sea in a watch-keeping capacity. Fortunately I had enjoyed a previous deployment on Manawanui some years earlier and this made it somewhat more comfortable for re-familiarising myself onboard.
My bridge knowledge had become rusty - what I once considered second nature had suddenly become a blurred memory of a distant but enjoyable past! My gratitude to the CO, LTCDR Rowe, for his cautious patience and fatherly mentoring as I steadily progressed towards a platform endorsement – which I proudly gained.
To be back at sea with the Navy gave me a feeling of coming home. The Navy has been an important part of my life for over 20 years but in recent years there has been confusion and uncertainty while the VR realigned into its current role. I am most grateful that I have found a place where I can be of some use - I am hopeful that other VR X [executive; i.e. seaman] officers will see the new opportunities for sea time.
Why I am back at sea again? The answer remains as simple as it has always been for the VR as a whole - it is an opportunity to spend quality time with quality people. It also provides an opportunity for personal growth that may not always be so readily available in our civilian occupations. I am fortunate that the NZ Police, as my employer, is strongly supportive of its staff having ‘another life’ as NZDF Reservists.
By SLT J R V Bentin RNZN
Manawanui is undertaking Multi-Agency tasks around Northland this month. Much of July was spent on MAO&T duties too, but a recent highlight for us was EX TRIDENT WARRIOR when members of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command from San Diego came onboard.
The DTA container and two DTA staff members were also embarked during the period. Their purpose was to carry out at-sea trials of a new surveillance system [see NT June 2009]. The system incorporates ESM capabilities in the navigational (X and S band) radar bands.
The intention was for Manawanui to sail from Devonport with Kahu in company. However Kahu had a minor radar fault which delayed her sailing (by 30 minutes as it turned out) and therefore we sailed alone. With Kahu being faster, it was not long before she caught up and the two ships proceeded in company to the eastern side of Great Barrier Island, where both ships anchored to carry out final preparations for the official start of the trials the following day.
Initially the weather was near perfect, however it rapidly deteriorated towards the end of the week. The strong winds caused the sea conditions to gradually worsen and to finally become unsuitable for the underway parts of the trial. Manawanui proceeded to the western and more sheltered side of GBI. Kahu was detached to return to DNB for replenishment of fuel, water and supplies. The SPAWN team were able to set up a temporary base station at Blind Bay and this enabled the trial to continue without undue delay.
On Saturday we motored out past Cuvier Island for a programmed .50 calibre firing in the exercise area M204. Sufficient rounds were expended to allow the seamen to prove their capabilities, then we returned to the western side of GBI to anchor.
The weather continued to deteriorate over the weekend and into the following week with winds gusting over 50 knots. To fully utilise the time spent at anchor the ship’s company undertook several Damage Control exercises and other internal drills. Good use was made of our embarked Medic, who updated us all with the latest first aid techniques and built up our knowledge of the medical equipment carried onboard.
Gale force winds and the subsequent rough seas continued for the early part of the second week. Manawanui and Kahu ventured out towards the northern part of GBI for a ‘look’ on Tuesday. However sea conditions were soon found to be totally unsuitable. Both ships turned about and headed at best speed for the more sheltered and picturesque waters of Port Abercrombie. At anchor, the wind continued to gust upwards of 30 knots, however with three of our four anchors deployed, Manawanui proved to be stable enough for the trials to recommence.
We remained at anchor throughout Wednesday to allow SPAWN to further test and enhance their equipment, then both ships transited to Blind Bay on Thursday morning. The trials continued until Friday morning when we returned to DNB. We had successfully carried out the trials and utilised the available time at anchor for whole-ship training. Despite the weather, a good couple of weeks.
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