Aug 1st 2008 - (XO) Sub Lieutenant Damian Gibbs
Damian Gibbs of Whangarei joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in January 2004. He is a General List Executive Branch Officer. Before joining the Navy, Damian attended Tauraroa Area School, Whangarei, until completing his sixth form year. He then finished his schooling at Kamo High School, Whangarei.
Image Right: SLT Damian Gibbs (MC 07-0536-05).
On completion of Junior Officer Training in 2004, Damian was posted to HMNZS TE KAHA for an introduction in to life at sea. Damian then conducted his Basic Bridge Watchkeeping course and on completion posted to HMNZS KIWI for a short period where he supported the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserves. He then posted to HMNZS RESOLUTION and was involved in surveying operations in the approaches to Wellington and Napier. Damian completed his advanced bridge watchkeeping course in late 2005 and was posted to HMNZS TE KAHA to obtain an ANZAC endorsed Advanced Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate.
Damian was awarded his Advanced Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in early 2006 whilst serving onboard HMNZS TE KAHA. He gained his Bridge watchkeeping certificate in good time showing his natural ability for the job. Damian remained posted to TE KAHA for the next 18 months, completing two South East Asian deployments. At the end of 2006, Damian temporary filled the position of the Navigating Officer on TE KAHA. Although only ranked Ensign at the time, he enjoyed the opportunity and challenges navigating HMNZS TE KAHA back in to Auckland after a five month deployment. In early 2007 Damian attended the Introduction to Joint Warfare course in Penang, Malaysia, with representatives from New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. On his return Damian Posted to HMNZS MANAWANUI as the Navigating officer for a short period prior to attending the Ship Command Course in anticipation for his posting as the Second in Command of HAWEA. Of late, Damian returned from a South East Asia deployment on TE KAHA in late 2007 and is now preparing to commission HAWEA late in 2008. Damian is looking forward to introducing a new Ship in to the Royal New Zealand Navy as it will be a challenging and rewarding experience that he feels privileged to have the opportunity to be involved in.
Damian can be found in his spare time around the coast of New Zealand scuba diving and fishing with friends and family.