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Yours Aye

By Commodore Ross Smith MNZM [Maritime Component Commander NZ]

Welcome back from the summer break. I trust that you have all enjoyed some quality time with families and friends, have recharged your batteries and are ready to face this, the first year of the second decade of the 21st century. Last year was busy and eventful and 2010 is shaping up to be just as demanding if not more so. The year ahead will have a number of challenges that will need to be addressed; however, there will also be many opportunities that will present themselves. These opportunities will need to be identified and exploited.

As demonstrated by the recent NZBEF Gold Award, our Navy has a proven track record and together with good processes and high calibre people, we will build on the successes of previous years. And as part of our culture as an organisation it is important to get together to acknowledge and celebrate these successes.

There are two days in the year when naval personnel have an opportunity to get together at a whole-of-Navy event to celebrate what it is to be part of progressive and successful values-based organisation. These events are the Champion of the Navy Tabloid Sports Competition (held in December) and the RNZN Divisions, held in late January. Although very different in format, as evidenced by the respective march past serials, both of these events celebrate our collective efforts throughout the previous year and, through the award of trophies, acknowledge those units, teams and individuals who have excelled.

The Tabloid Sports Competition was a great day. It has been some years since I have attended this event and I was extremely impressed by the organisation, the programme, and the manner in which participants fully contributed to the success of the day. There was a real feeling of “family” and a strong demonstration that people were keen to have some good-natured old-fashioned fun. It was a fitting end to the year. Well done to those who organised the event and to those who participated.

Equally appropriate as an occasion to celebrate our shared values and successes is the more formal event with which we commence the year. The RNZN Divisions held in late January was an impressive occasion and again the Navy was honoured to have the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency the Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM, QSO, present as the Reviewing Officer. All personnel were well turned out and you can be justifiably proud of the part that you played in this most traditional of Naval practices.

Well done to those units, teams and individuals who were presented awards. As an organisation that is continually striving for excellence, it is fitting to acknowledge those who excel.

So with batteries charged and Divisions behind us, now is the time to start looking for, and taking advantage of, the opportunities that lie ahead. 2010 is shaping up to be a busy and productive year. Get involved, make a contribution, keep fit and be proud of what you achieve—before you know it, you will be preparing for another round of end-of-year tabloid sports!

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