The WON Report
Senior Sailors Symposium 2009
BY WO Dean Bloor [Warrant Officer of the Navy]
POWT Armstrong and I attended the third Senior Sailor Symposium during 19–23 October 2009, in Japan. Hosted by Master Chief Petty Officer Hatanaka of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), the Symposium followed on from the Global Maritime Senior Enlisted Symposium hosted by the USN and USCG at Hawaii in September 2008, and the inaugural SSS hosted by the RNZN at Auckland in 2007.
In total, 47 senior ratings represented 11 nations: Australia, France, Japan, NZ, Singapore, USA (both USN and USCG) Malaysia, Brunei, Chile, Thailand, and Republic of Korea. The theme of SSS09 was ‘Sailors of Tomorrow’, hence POWT Armstrong was given the opportunity to attend, representing our younger senior ratings.
The Symposium was held at the Ministry of Defence in Ichigaya, Tokyo. The 19 storey MOD building is shared between Japanese Ground, Maritime and Air Self Defence Force, Joint Force and MOD personnel.
The format for the SSS was a mix of formal functions, formal briefings, discussion groups, a cultural tour of Tokyo and attendance at the JMSDF practice Fleet Review onboard JDS OOSUMI (LST 4002)—an 8900 ton Tank Landing Ship. Participating force elements included 32 surface ships, 3 submarines, 21 fixed wing aircraft and up to 6 helos.
The Master Chief of the US Navy, Rick West, highlighted on the first day that language should not be allowed to be a barrier to achieve good communication during SSS09. There was good robust dialogue throughout formal and breakout group discussions. Topics centred on the importance of Senior Sailor Leadership and the mentoring and education of our Junior Sailors to ensure the competency of our ‘Sailors of Tomorrow’.
Listening and learning from others’ experiences is invaluable. The Symposium also provided a very good vehicle to build relationships and gain a better understanding of how different navies view and deal with issues encountered by all.
MCPON Hatanaka and his team succeeded in ensuring the Symposium was of value, with the principle that every person present has an equal voice (created during the previous two symposia) continued. The hospitality shown by JMSDF personnel was second to none and they are all to be congratulated for hosting a successful and rewarding SSS09.
Observer at the Symposium
By POWT ‘Louis’ Armstrong
Monday 19 October; from the land of the long white cloud I was to visit the land of the rising sun—my first visit to Japan. We stepped off the plane at Narita Airport where our hosts were waiting for the arriving delegates.
I was there as an observer, to learn from the occasion whilst promoting the RNZN core values, and tikanga. (It was quickly apparent that this would not be your typical ‘jacks’ jolly’!)
Wednesday, we departed for Yokohama to participate in the rehearsal of the JMSDF Fleet Review on board JDS OOSUMI. As well as frigates and destroyers, there were minesweepers, submarines and LCAC (hovercraft) along with Maritime Patrol aircraft and helicopters. This was the first Fleet Review I had seen and I felt privileged to take part.
Thursday proved to be a long day. Consecutive translations of Japanese and English enabled us all to follow the group discussions. The focus was
- ‘Leadership Required of Senior Ratings’, and
- ‘Leadership Education for Junior Ratings’.
I was amazed at the amount of influence and experience our Navy brought to the table with regards to the issues being discussed. Despite the fact that we were one of the smallest navies present there was clear evidence that we are able to punch above our weight with these larger navies. Many of the struggles faced by these other countries were similar to what we are experiencing within the RNZN.
Our last reception was a formal event with Admirals, WONs and a four-piece ensemble playing music. I was a long way from the familiar Marae scene and garage parties, but I did manage to find some kina so I was happy!
SSS09 was definitely a highlight for me. I must acknowledge my career manager for allowing me to attend this event and also the WON, WO Bloor, whose guidance throughout the Symposium helped both my professional and personal development.
My final acknowledgement must go to our host without peer, Master Chief of the Maritime Self Defence Force Hatanaka. His hospitality and generosity made our stay a memorable one; close friendships were made and I felt very reluctant to leave.
Nō reira,
He hoa tautauāmoa i te ekenga mai,
He hoa piritata ka hoki atu nei i te paiheretanga a te huia kaimanawa,
Kaha ana hoki te taura Heramana a tēnā iwi a tēnā iwi,
Tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
On arrival we were casual acquaintances,
On our return, however, close friendships hold dear,
The bonds of the sailors of the world have been strengthened.
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