June 2009 - Kaikohe born and bred Naval Policewoman honoured by Queen
Kaikohe woman, Shirley-Ann Patton (nee Moor), now residing on the North Shore of Auckland, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) in the 2009 Queens Birthday Honours List for her exemplary service whilst onboard Royal New Zealand Navy Frigate, HMNZS TE MANA for the preparation of, and operational deployment to, the Arabian Gulf.
Shirley-Ann joined the Navy in 1988 originally specialising in the Communications Branch prior to changing her trade to become a Naval Policewoman in 1998.
“I am very humbled but proud to receive this award – I really could not believe it. I could not have gone on the deployment without the support of my immediate family – especially my husband, Peter and my daughter Ashleigh (14) who even though was very sad that I left, was very brave and extremely supportive”, said Shirley-Ann.
Image Right: Warrant Officer Shirley-Ann Patton (MC 09-0008-023).
Shirley-Ann attended Northland College and her proud father, Barry Moor, still resides in the Kaikohe area. Shirley-Ann is the youngest of 4 children (a sister and two brothers) and sadly their mother, Dawn Moor, passed away 20 years ago - a mother, Shirley-Ann says, “would have been so very thrilled and proud of her youngest daughter”.
Background on Warrant Officer Master at Arms Patton :
Warrant Officer Master at Arms (WOMAA) Patton (then in the rank of Chief Petty Officer) joined HMNZS TE MANA in January 2007 as the ship’s sole Naval Policeman, a role she had previously filled on HMNZS TE KAHA during an operational deployment to the Middle East. Exigencies of the Service meant that she had to step up and post to sea again within a short period of time. This necessitated both personal and professional sacrifices.
She provided both knowledge and experience to ensure that the new ship’s company acquired the necessary operational capabilities required for a forthcoming deployment to the Arabian Gulf. This was particularly exemplified in her secondary role as flight deck officer. A combination of the ship’s major maintenance period in late 2007, together with significant personnel changes, saw TE MANA at a very basic level of aviation capability in early 2008. She played a crucial role in fully restoring this capability, including the induction of a new flight deck officer.
Throughout the ship’s deployment, in addition to her mandated role of maintaining discipline onboard, she acted as a mentor and adviser to the younger members of the ship’s company. She also set a personal example for the more junior female ratings, particularly with her attitude towards service at sea.