The International Fleet Review – A Personal Perspective
By WOCSS Gilvrey Mohi, Command Warrant Officer, HMNZS TE KAHA
The Fleet Review included 20 ships: a Carrier, 2 Guided Missile Cruisers, 6 Guided Missile Destroyers, 9 Frigates and Auxiliary vessels. HMCS OTTAWA was our host ship for the Review, the crew from OTTAWA treated us like we were long-lost friends and all ranks met and enjoyed the hospitality of their counterparts. The Canadian Navy were great hosts for the visiting ships, with our personnel all attending at least one or two different activities during the Review.
Activities included welcomes in each of the respective Fleet Messes, various official calls and functions for our CO and Heads of Departments, a rock concert, the Parade of Nations, a Command Master Chief’s breakfast and the sports day. The Parade of Nations through the main streets of Victoria was very successful. This was an occasion when our sailors gave an impromptu performance of our Navy Haka; the spectacle certainly made us stand out amongst the many nations involved.
During the Mess receptions our RNZN sailors were amongst the favourites of other nations’ sailors to strike up a conversation with, our collective friendly nature drew positive comments from many, including the Ship’s Warrant Officer of HMAS NEWCASTLE:
“I just wanted to give you a heads up about your team (both TE KAHA and ENDEAVOUR) at the reception after the march through the streets of Victoria the other day. Mate, your team were absolutely fantastic in both the march and the reception. The Haka (I hope I have spelt that correctly) that they performed, led by the LSCS, was a very stirring and emotional moment for all present. You should be well proud of the whole team.
“Further, it was great to see the Kiwis and the Aussies getting on so well. I travelled a few times on the bus or on the boat to the ships at anchor and each time, talked with RNZN personnel, predominantly Junior Sailors, and we had some top conversations about anything, plenty of laughs and the like.”
There was a fantastic atmosphere in Victoria and all sailors were well received by the public. Most of our ships’ companies went ashore in Rig for the Uniform Day (and well into the night!) in Victoria. It was a unique occasion with the different uniforms in town; some could not resist the opportunity to swap pieces of kit (however, on sailing some personnel did regret the items they’d swapped!)
The Rock Concert featured big name bands from Canada who put on a fantastic show. On the actual day of the Review all ships moved out to anchor, TE KAHA’s anchorage had a clear view of the aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN. This is truly an awe-inspiring war machine. The Canadians rounded out the review with a parachute team demonstration, an air show—showcasing the world-famous Snowbirds flight demonstration team—and finally a fireworks display.
The sports day was another great event with the RNZN well-represented at all events. We cleaned out the competition in 7-a-side Rugby and performed well in the other sports.
For our senior officers and ratings the Canadian Review brought back comparisons with our Navy’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 1991, while for many of the Junior Ratings it was an experience they will never forget. It has been the highlight of the deployment and it was great to be a part of it and represent New Zealand and the RNZN.
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