HMNZS RESOLUTION
By SLT Denham Koni
Currently RESOLUTION is undertaking trials, sea training and a work-up, after completing a maintenance period in July. Our ship’s company undertook various training and refresher courses: sea survival, first aid, advanced casualty care, force protection and the helo transfer course. RESOLUTION also visited Gisborne and supported the recruiters and will return to operations by the end of August. But first, a look back at our trans-Tasman deployment!
RESOLUTION departed on 17 May for a deployment around New Zealand and over to Australia in support the Defence Technology Agency (DTA) and Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and their combined Multi-Influence Sensor trials programme. DTA was trialing Magnetic Signature Models that aim to predict changes to a ship’s known magnetic signature as it sails to different locations. Knowing the magnetic signature of a ship is important, as this is one of the most common influences for triggering mines.
The Scientific Trials
To conduct the trials we underwent magnetic ranging at various locations; to get the biggest latitude spread they included Auckland, Cloudy Bay (off Blenheim) Dunedin, Sydney, Brisbane, Harvey Bay, North Queensland, and back in Auckland - all within five weeks. A similar trial will be conducted next year in the Northern Hemisphere by the Canadian Navy to further enhance the model.
The Navy’s Mine Counter Measures Team (MCMT) were also embarked, along with a REMUS (robot) underwater vehicle, to provide necessary bathymetry data at each ranging site for the trials team. The magnetic signature was collected by a portable range. The presence of the MCMT enabled our Navy’s future Magnetic Influence Sensor operators a chance to learn about the operational requirements of the new MIS range, before its planned introduction into service.
During our deployment a number of other trials were also performed by DTA scientists, including:
- placement of sensors around the ship to record ship induced turbulence in various wind conditions for future Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Trials, and
- trialing the possible use of broadband LPI radar for close range force protection alongside and at sea.
A locally-produced ‘Low Probability of Intercept’ radar, along with a standard radar, was fitted to the DTA Tranzlab container that we embarked, for comparative testing of the LPI against targets identified by the standard radar system and, to evaluate its value for the RNZN and NZDF.
We endured a rough passage from Dunedin across to Sydney. The rough seas provided a valuable experience as many of our personnel had never encountered sea conditions that bad; sea legs were put to the test for all onboard! It was great when the conditions improved and the high seas provided us with some ‘salty dits’ for friends and family at home.
Meeting WELLINGTON
RESOLUTION was in Sydney when WELLINGTON had her unplanned visit. For us it was an added bonus to have the presence of WELLINGTON’s ship’s company to join us in the many opportunities ashore.
In Sydney, our Support Branch went for their long-planned ‘S & S run’ which was organised by LSTD Webby. The theme for their evening was pink, and all attending personnel happily dressed for the occasion. They had a set budget for their outfits which made creativity and imagination vital. The unofficial prize for best dressed was awarded to the three ballerinas (LSA Jury, APOCH Growcott, LMED Sheeran) for their ingenuity and flair!
RESOLUTION sailed from Sydney on 8 June and arrived at Brisbane two days later. The weather in Brisbane was like summer in NZ; we were obviously all delighted! We dived into various outdoor recreations, especially the local golf course and Dreamworld. Dreamworld is very similar to Rainbow’s End with rides and attractions for all.
But we didn’t neglect our professional training: Damage Control Circuit Training, First Aid, Seamanship and Engineering casualty drills, intended to raise the skills, competence and effectiveness of all on board. After returning to NZ, we moved into our maintenance period. The scientists seemed happy with all their data, while our ship’s company are looking forward to the challenge of our Work up and our return to the survey grounds.
Defence Technology Agency
DTA is the NZDF’s science and technical research agency. Like Australia, NZ is a member of a five nation technical panel that collectively provides member nations with valuable data and information on current and future technologies.
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