Jan 09 - Our Navy Experience
Sam Tilby and Callum Rowe of Takapuna Grammar describe their trip on board HMNZS MANAWANUI from Auckland to Wellington.
Image Right: Callum Rowe hoists the Jack in Wellington (MC 09-0009-005_ed).
Sam Tilby, Age 16.
On 27th January 09 my friend Callum Rowe and I arrived at Devonport Naval Base to board the Navy’s Dive Support Vessel, HMNZS MANAWANUI. We had been invited by the Commanding Officer (CO) as potential naval recruits to take passage with the ship to Wellington. The objective of the mission was to see how we would adapt to the ‘strict’ discipline of naval life with the view that we may consider a naval career in the near future.
We left the Naval Base at 1100 and proceeded out to sea. Unfortunately for me I spent the majority of the second day either confined to my bunk or over the back of the ship being seasick but luckily the sickness soon wore off and I was able to enjoy my remaining days at sea.
I am very grateful to the CO for giving me this opportunity and am happy to say I did not find the strict discipline too arduous!
The crew aboard MANAWANUI made the trip very enjoyable and I am glad to have met them. We took part in a number of activities including Bridge Watchkeeping, MOBEX and FIREX and it was a very good experience.
Thank you to everyone on board HMNZS MANAWANUI.
Callum Rowe, Age 15.
On 27 January 09 my mate Sam and I set of on a journey on board HMNZS MANAWANUI to see what naval life was like. It started well with a warm welcome from the ship’s company as we stepped on board.
We were not treated any differently from the other members of the crew and with a set of coveralls and boots we assisted with sailing and departed Devonport Naval Base for Wellington. We undertook a number of tasks which included getting up at 0400 and keeping watch (which was fun). I also learned how to tie knots, plot charts and I learned some naval talk – 'Goffas' (Soft drinks) and 'Dhoby Dust' (washing powder) to name a couple.
The best part of the trip was getting to know everyone and help out with their jobs. The worst part was the constant swaying of the ship. The weather was not the best and we did succumb to seasickness, but we fought through and survived! Even though I was ill I still want to join the Navy. I cannot wait to join up for a fun and challenging career.
Above Image: Sam and Callum heave in the Man Overboard line (MC 09-0009-006_ed).