August 2011 - HMNZS WELLINGTON Update

Chief of Navy, RA Tony Parr MVO, presents LTCDR Simon Girffiths with a Chief of Navy Commendation

HMNZS WELLINGTON arrived in Devonport after her delivery voyage in June 2010 and deployed to Antarctica for Southern Ocean trials eight months later. As this was the first deployment of an RNZN vessel into Antarctic waters in 40 years, almost all procedures and processes had to be developed from scratch. The detailed planning and preparation executed by WELLINGTON’s management team ensured the ship was ready for the cold and extreme weather conditions expected in the lower Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea. Each department effectively and efficiently researched and implemented cold and extreme weather requirements.

Attention to detail during the planning phase ensured that the RNZN and the ship met International Maritime Organisation guidelines and national requirements for operating in Antarctic waters. This included actively pursuing the acquisition of essential cold weather safety and survival equipment and the completion of key survival training. It also required careful liaison with other government agencies, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Antarctic New Zealand, and the Antarctic Heritage Trust, to determine and complete all pre-deployment requirements.

In a short period of time the ship and its company experienced the best and the worst of conditions in this beautiful, yet remote and wild, part of the world. This also included a testing period during which the ship responded to a distress call to search for the Norwegian yacht, Berserk, in McMurdo Sound, requiring significant courage, patience and effort in extreme weather conditions.

WELLINGTON completed the Antarctic sea trials and the exploration of the lower Ross Sea in a safe and measured manner in order to release the RNZN’s Antarctic Patrol capability. This success was due to the precise and detailed planning and execution of well-developed procedures. The ship was well led and managed, and all onboard exemplified the RNZN’s core values. For this courage, enthusiasm, resilience and professionalism during the Southern Ocean deployment, in an extreme and testing environment, WELLINGTON’s ship’s company is to be commended.

LT White flying the Canadian flag with Shackletons Historical Hut and HMNZS WELLINGTON in the background.

LT (N) Patrick White (Canadian Navy)

As my time in New Zealand comes to an end, I thought it would be prudent to reflect on a few highlights of my exchange. It’s been an honour to serve under some truly exceptional Commanding Officers and along side the outstanding sailors of the RNZN.

The Southern Ocean and Cold Weather trials onboard HMNZS WELLINGTON will remain a momentous occasion for me both professionally and personally. Coupled with the historic landings made at Cape Royds and the fact that in six months I’d been furthest North a Canadian Navy ship had travelled in modern history to the furthest south a RNZN ship had ever sailed, made up for the loss of two consecutive summers to sub zero temperatures!

I also joined HMNZS TAUPO for a South Island fisheries patrol. After three weeks of boardings and truly exceptional scenery around Stewart Island and Fjordland, we became involved in Operation Deep Sea, escorting survey ships and enabling boardings by the Armed Offenders Squad from HMNZS TAUPO, which showed off the capability of the IPV.

I was in HMNZS OTAGO for its deployment to the Pacific Islands; visiting the Kermadec Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau, the Cook Islands and Niue. Along with initiating me to the world of ‘Uckers’ that proved a remarkable trip, with great weather, and more than one or two outstanding runs ashore!

My time in New Zealand is coming to a close and as I write, onboard "The best little warship in the navy", I’m reflecting not only on the places I have been, but on the people of the RNZN. It’s been an honour to have been a part of the Royal New Zealand Navy and I thank everyone who made this a truly remarkable experience.