Feb 08 - RESOLUTION 11th Birthday
Continuing with survey operations off the Mahia Peninsula, the beginning of the week saw the ship’s boarding team conduct a routine peacetime boarding exercise onboard. Several members of the ship’s company donned costumes and disguises and RESO became the MV Black Pig to add some realism for the training. Two days later, on the 13 Feb, the ship commemorated her 11th year in commission as an HMNZ warship and celebrated this by having Captain’s Accommodation Rounds. However after the Rounds were complete, the Carry On was piped and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Service, a birthday cake was ‘constructed’ by the Chefs and was served up by the oldest and youngest member of the Ship’s company. This honour fell to Chief Petty Officer Electronic Technician Eric Campfens and Able Steward Kayla Murray, although neither wanted to divulge their real ages!
Image Right: Ship’s Birthday cake cut by CPOET Campfens and ASTD Murray (NIS-02-053).
The morning of the 14th Feb saw the ship arrive in Napier where a group of students from local schools and members of the local media where taken onboard prior to berthing in the port. Upon arrival, there was a flurry of activity all over the ship as stores arrived, the marquees were erected and uniforms ironed and readied. The first event of the Napier Art Deco weekend was the Cocktail party onboard with the vast majority of the ship’s company attending to look after the 130 invited guests.
Image Above: CTP onboard HMNZS RESOLUTION for Napier Art Deco 2008 (NIS-02-054).
The following day saw a whole host of activities commencing with Morning Tea for the RSA and Vintage Car owners club on the quarterdeck. This was followed by a Commanding Officer's Luncheon onboard and the Wardroom vineyard Lunch at the Clearview Estate.
Saturday proved to the busiest day of the ship's time in Napier, with a hot move to a new berth to accommodate the arrival of the cruise liner ‘Queen Victoria’ happening early forenoon, followed by the ship’s company mustering on the jetty in their finest uniform and running the Parade order for later that day. Everyone was then taken by bus through the waiting crowds, not for us but the ‘Queen Victoria’, and onto the main square in Napier. Whilst Deputy Chief of Navy and the Commanding Officer took their places in their 1930’s automobiles at the head of the vintage car parade, the ship's company formed up with the XO leading right behind the Navy Band. Some 20 minutes later and with plenty of cheering and clapping to spur us on, the parade was dismissed and everyone was told to go and enjoy themselves in Napier. The Executive Officer led a group of fellow steam train enthusiasts dressed in 1930’s rig for the Pea, Pie and Pud train ride to Otane whilst the remaining members of the ship’s company enjoyed the local sights and sounds of Napier. The ship was moved back to her original berth upon departure of the ‘Queen Victoria’ and further revelry was had by all in town, culminating in an open air concert given by the Navy Band.
Image Left: Ships Company mustered on the jetty prior to the Napier parade (NIS-02-055).
Image Right: XO and Ops enjoy their day out on the steam train to Otane (NIS-02-056).
Sunday saw a more sedate programme with 14 members of the ship’s company invited to a breakfast at the Thirsty Whale to commemorate the 1931 Hawke’s bay earthquake and the contribution made by sailors from HMS VERONICA, which was berthed in Napier at the time. The original ship’s bell was paraded through the town and hung in pride of place in Napier Memorial Square. The CO and ASCS Ripia then spoke at the ‘swing and prayer’ church service highlighting the changes from life in the Navy in the 1930’s to the modern time! This packed out service signalled the end of the Art Deco festivities, capping a glorious time had by all.
Monday morning saw the ship take on fuel and stores for the remaining time at sea, and the opportunity for the Officers and Sailors of HMNZS RESOLUTION to get some well earned rest.
The ship sailed early Tuesday morning to resume the survey operations in the vicinity of Mahia Peninsula with fond memories of her time in Napier.
Above Image: HMNZS RESOLUTION Ship’s Company (NIS-02-057).