Jan 06 - Change of Command Ceremonies for three Navy ships
Three separate ceremonies to mark the official change of Commanding Officer's for the frigate HMNZS TE KAHA, Tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR and the Diving Tender HMNZS MANAWANUI were held on Thursday 19 January 2006, at the Devonport Naval Base.
The Change of Command Ceremony is traditionally formal and impressive - designed to strengthen that respect for authority, which is vital to any military organisation. Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson, reviewed the ceremonies.
During the ceremony for HMNZS TE KAHA Commander Keith Robb (Gisborne) relinquished command and Commander Andy Grant (Picton - now a Devonport resident) assumed command. Commander Andy Grant is pictured above accepting the commissioning pennant from the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson.
During the ceremony pictured above, for HMNZS ENDEAVOUR Commander David Hedgley (Devonport) relinquished command and Commander James Routledge (Wellington) assumed command.
During the ceremony for HMNZS MANAWANUI Lieutenant Commander John Crighton (Takapuna) relinquished command and Lieutenant Commander Mark Longstaff (Devonport) assumed command. They are pictured above handing over command - left is Lieutenant Commander John Crighton and right is Lieutenant Commander Mark Longstaff.