Deployed Task Group - San Franciso
From the Golden Gate to the Rock
By LT Vaughan Luckman RNZN
Our Task Group headed south to San Francisco, California, where we continued our efforts in supporting ‘NZ Inc’—Kiwi businesses and citizens working in the USA. And we all looked forward to exploring this famous city.
The Golden Gate suspension bridge is the structure most associated with San Francisco, although, for us, not the most easily viewed! Thick fog on entry frustrated our photographers. But once in the Bay, the fog soon lifted and many of the city’s sights were on show as our ships headed for their berths.
Our entry (on 27 June) took us past the notorious Alcatraz Island, and many of our sailors took a tour there during our stay. Originally a Civil War garrison, the island was transformed into a military prison in 1867. The main prison buildings were built in 1909 and remain in place today, providing a great glimpse into life ‘in hell’. Only three people ever escaped from ‘the Rock’—the visible tidal rips in the waters made escape virtually impossible.
A TV One news team met the ships as we arrived at Pier 27 to film the ships and conduct interviews with the COs and the Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Roy Fergusson.
San Francisco has a proud naval heritage; it was the home to Treasure Island Naval Base from 1940 to 1996. This base, built on reclaimed land just off Yerba Buena Island, served as the main departure point for ships, sailors and troop ships deploying to the Pacific during World War II. At Pier 40, the steam-powered liberty boat still remains as a tourist attraction and shuttles between the Island and Sailor’s Wharf. Across the Bay at Alameda there is an operational naval base and naval air station.
Both our ships played a large role in supporting New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and our visit generated a great profile for NZ among the business community. NZTE works in North America to increase international networks with Kiwi companies through the ‘Beachheads’ programme. Group members help newcomers break into the US market by utilising the Beachheads’ existing contacts—described by members as “the single most valuable government programme for exporters”. A high profile business luncheon was held in ENDEAVOUR for the Beachheads group, helping to foster this work and grow these connections.
A dinner was also hosted for members of the Wardroom by David Teece, an expat Kiwi, now Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. Growing up in New Zealand, and receiving his initial education in Canterbury, Professor Teece has never forgotten his roots and remains a New Zealander at heart. Professor Teece, along with The Warehouse founder, Steve Tindall, and others, founded the Kiwi Expats Association (KEA). This organisation also works at providing “door-openers for each other and New Zealand around the globe”. Originally funded by the founders, this organisation now supports itself and is testament to the strong national bond shared by Kiwis living overseas.
Through the week we were all kept busy with many other events:
- Rugby against the San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club,
- Ship open to visitors (over two days); nearly 400 visited, all with positive reactions. One visitor emailed the RNZN website: “We had the pleasure to tour TE KAHA … every crew member we met was very welcoming, informative, and polite. They all represented NZ with great distinction.”
- A successful cocktail party attended by 150 VIPs from across the city and state; the senior officer attending was VA Manson Brown USCG, Commander Pacific Area and Commander Coast Guard Defense Force West.
- Official calls by both COs and our Executive Officers on the USCG, the CEO of the San Francisco Port Company and, with our Ambassador, on the Chief Protocol Officer for California, Mrs Charlotte Schultz (wife of the former Secretary of State, George Schultz).
San Francisco also has a large Coast Guard presence and this visit offered a great chance to interact with personnel from all levels in the organisation.
On departure, the weather turned in our favour with the Golden Gate Bridge on full show. We paraded in our whites on the upper decks as both ships passed under this famous sea mark.
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