NZ Naval Report to the Defence Council – 1966

Extract from the report of the Naval Board of the Defence Council for period 1 April 1966 to 31 March 1967

THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY COMPOSITION OF THE NAVAL BOARD OF THE DEFENCE COUNCIL

On 30 June 1966 Commodore J. P. S. Vallant, RNZN, assumed the position of Second Naval Member and Chief of Naval Personnel. Earlier in the year Mr A. B. Cole succeeded Mr W. Hutchings as Deputy Secretary of Defence (Navy). On 1 December 1966 Commodore L. B. Carey, RNZN, succeeded Commodore F. T. Healy, RN, as Third Naval Member and Chief of Naval Technical Services. This appointment marked the end of an era in the history of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Up to this date one or more of the Naval Board members have been officers of the Royal Navy. Now for the first time since the Naval Board was established 45 years ago, all Board members are New Zealanders.

At 31 March 1967 the composition of the Naval Board of the New Zealand Defence Council was as follows:

Hon. David S. Thomson, M.C., E.D., M.P., Minister of Defence, Chairman.
Rear-Admiral J. O’C. Ross, C.B., C.B.E., First Naval Member and Chief of Naval Staff.
Commodore J. P. S. Vallant, RNZN, Second Naval Member and Chief of Naval Personnel.
Commodore L. B. Carey, RNZN, Third Naval Member and Chief of Naval Technical Services.
Mr A. B. Cole, Deputy Secretary of Defence (Navy).

GENERAL REMARKS

During the year the cruiser ROYALIST was de-commissioned and replaced by HMS BLACKPOOL on loan from the Royal Navy. The last of the old Loch-class frigates, which served in Korea, were disposed of for scrap.

The new frigate HMNZS WAIKATO was commissioned in late 1966 and is expected to arrive in New Zealand early in June 1967. With the new frigate’s arrival the Navy will have four modern, fast, anti-submarine frigates HMNZ Ships OTAGO, TARANAKI, WAIKATO, and BLACKPOOL. New Zealand has maintained her contribution of one of these frigates to the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve.

With the end of Indonesian confrontation the two minesweepers HMNZS HICKLETON and SANTON were returned to the United Kingdom and paid off. During operations from Singapore on patrol duties two of the crew of HMNZS HICKLETON received awards for gallantry-Lieutenant Commander P. N. Wright, RNZN, received the Distinguished Service Cross, and Able Seaman K. Taylor the Distinguished Service Medal.

The Navy has continued to carry out a wide variety of tasks both at home and abroad- Besides its contribution to the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve the Navy has, in the course of its operational and training activities, continued fishery protection duties and the task of charting New Zealand’s coastline.

As in previous years, Navy ships made frequent visits to the Pacific Islands for scientific and training purposes. In addition to her role of supporting scientific research in Antarctica, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR was also engaged on search and rescue operations, as was HMNZS TARANAKI.

Three RNZN ships were called to northern waters to search for survivors of the Union Company ship KAITAWA and the Navy’s diving team assisted in the search. The diving team, indeed, provides a, good example of the busy and varied roles carried out by the Navy as a whole. Earlier in the year they assisted in the search for an aircraft, which had crashed in the sea off Western Samoa and were also employed in testing the reef structure at Asau in Western Samoa as part of a new harbour development project. At home in New Zealand they assisted the police in several inquiries, and helped other Government Departments.

STRENGTH OF THE NAVY

Regular Forces

The strength of the Navy at 31 March 1967 was 2,934, comprising 317 officers (including 5 British officers on loan), 2,518 ratings, 11 WRNZNS officers, and 88 WRNZNS ratings. This total includes naval personnel serving with Defence Office and in liaison postings overseas. The Navy’s strength is 856 under the regular establishment ceiling.

Recruiting has continued at a steady level (393 enlistments, compared with 358 in the previous year) and the calibre of those who join is still high. However, with the introduction of more modern frigates, the requirement for technical personnel, particularly in the Radio Electrical branches, is increasing while fewer personnel are required in some of the non-technical branches.

A pilot scheme, introduced in 1965, for training young men at HMNZS TAMAKI to qualify as short-service officers has been continued during 1966 and has proved successful. It has served its immediate purpose, and in 1967 the scheme will be put in abeyance and the Navy will again concentrate on recruiting young men for career officer entry.

Non-Regular Forces

The strength of the Reserves at 31 March 1967 totalled 3,292, comprising 500 officers and 2,792 ratings. Included in this total are 142 officers and 430 ratings of the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve and 12 officers of the Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve. These two Reserves constitute the Active Reserve, which has maintained its previous strength of 584.

The Inactive Reserve, consisting of the Royal New Zealand Fleet Reserve and a number of miscellaneous reservists, has been reduced during the year from 2,725 to 2,708, comprising 346 officers and 2,362 ratings. The reduction was due to a drop in the number of miscellaneous reservists, mainly on engagements compulsorily entered into in the post-war era. In the RNZFR there was an increase in the number of ratings from 2,032 to 2,240.

Dockyard

The major refit of HMNZS OTAGO has imposed a special demand for trade staff, which could not be met from local recruitment. Approval was obtained to recruit 40 tradesmen in specified trades in the United Kingdom, and the quota is expected to be filled.

OPERATIONS

HMNZS OTAGO arrived on the Far East station in early May 1966 after seven weeks’ refresher training at Pearl Harbour. As the RNZN contribution to the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve she took part in a SEATO Exercise (which included visits to Manila and Bangkok), and active anti-infiltration patrols in Malacca Strait and off Tawau in Sabah. Four weeks were spent in Hong Kong to repair a defective boiler. OTAGO returned to Auckland in September 1966 and is at present undergoing a long refit at Devonport. During the refit she will be fitted with up-to-date equipment comparable to that fitted in ships of the Royal Navy and United States Navy.

HMNZS TARANAKI, after returning from the Far East station in May 1966, took part in the search for the SS KAITAWA and aided in the evacuation of an appendicitis case from an American base in Antarctica. In June and early July the ship took part in a series of anti-submarine training exercises with HMS TABARD and RNZAF maritime aircraft.

In November TARANAKI visited Sydney for Command Team training on the new electronic trainer at HMAS WATSON subsequently taking part in the annual Australian maritime exercise with units of the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and United States Navy. After participating in the Waitangi Celebrations in February TARANAK left New Zealand to carry out refresher training at Pearl Harbour.

HMNZS BLACKPOOL was commissioned at Chatham, England, in June 1966, and after working up training at Portland and short visits to Amsterdam and Guernsey, left Portsmouth in October for the Far East station, arriving at Singapore on 8 November.

During her time on the Far East station BLACKPOOL has visited Hong Kong and Bangkok and taken part in exercises with the British Far East Fleet and Royal Thai Navy. In December she sailed at short notice from Singapore to go to the assistance of the Panama freighter AINAORO in difficulties in the South China Sea.

HMNZS WAIKATO was commissioned at Belfast, Ireland, in September 1966. She has spent four months at Portsmouth and in the Portsmouth area carrying out acceptance trials, and in February and March 1967 underwent working-up training at Portland. She sails from the United Kingdom early in April for New Zealand via the Panama Canal and the west coast of the United -States of America and is due to arrive early in June 1967.

HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, the Antarctic support ship, made two trips to McMurdo Sound in October 1966 and February 1967, carrying out oceanographic surveys and soundings en route. A short scientific cruise was undertaken at the end of January this year, between Wellington, the Chatham Islands, and Lyttelton, with members of the Oceanographic Institute on board. In addition to acting as escort in the Auckland Suva Yacht Race in May 1966, she was employed searching for a crashed DC3 aircraft off Western Samoa, has carried explosives to the Cook Islands for use in harbour development projects, has been employed dumping overage ammunition, and has assisted in recovering a missing launch in Cook Strait.

HMNZS INVERELL has been employed for the majority of the year on fishery protection duties including two visits to the newly discovered cray fishing grounds in the Chatham Islands. She also visited Raoul Island three times with stores and mail for the meteorological station.

A short cruise was made to the Fiji and Samoan Islands in August, and in November she towed the yacht BLACK DOLPHIN into Auckland after the yacht had been dismasted 200 miles north of North Cape. She took part in the Thomas Caulfield Centenary Celebrations in January 1967 in addition to the Waitangi ceremony.

HMNZS KIAMA has been employed in sea training with classes from the shore training establishment TAMAKI, and in the course of this programme visited most of the available ports in the North Island as well as the Chatham and Kermadec Islands. A two-week cruise off the east coast of Australia included a three-day visit to the port of Kiama.

HMNZS KIAMA and INVERELL took part in the operation off Cape Reinga, which led to the finding of the wreck of SS KAITAWA. Both ships were used as a base by the diving team, which carried out the survey on the KAITAWA hull.

HMNZS HICKLETON and SANTON, the two New Zealand manned coastal mine sweepers of the Royal Navy on the Far East station were fully employed on coastal anti-infiltration patrols in the Malacca and Singapore Straits and the Sarawak and Sabah area until the end of confrontation in August 1966. Each was refitted for two months in Singapore and as a consequence of the run-down of forces in the Malaysian area; the ships were steamed back to the United Kingdom and handed back to the Royal Navy. The distance steamed by HICKLETON and SANTON during the term they were manned by the RNZN was 67,446 and 62,069 respectively an average of over 3,000 miles a month.

Throughout the year there has been an average of three-fishery protection motor launches in commission. The motor launches, in conjunction with HMNZ Ships INVERELL and KIAMA, have been employed in supervising New Zealand fishermen and in policing the New Zealand fishing zone.

Diving Activities

During 1966 the RNZN diving organisation, besides routine training, undertook a wide range of operations. The major task undertaken was the search and examination of the SS KAITAWA off Cape Reinga.

Additional tasks undertaken were:

(a) Nine operations in support of the police.
(b) Search for a crashed DC3 off Apia and, subsequent trial reef blasting at Asau, Western Samoa, in support of harbour development.
(c) Assistance to the Postal and Telegraph Department to under-run a cable off Devonport Wharf.
(d) Demolition of sunken rocks and boat landings for Marine Department.
(e) Treatment (unfortunately unsuccessful) of a gas-gangrene case.

Hydrographic Activities

The survey ship HMNZS LACHLAN was in refit until July 1966, during which time a helicopter-landing platform was fitted. This will permit the use of a small helicopter for the establishment of shore marks or similar tasks in difficult terrain. Surveys have been carried out in areas to the north and west of the North Island and also in Rarotonga. Visits to Australian ports were made in February 1967.

The surveying motor launches TARAPUNGA and TAKAPU have completed a survey of Hokianga Harbour and its approaches.

A new chart of the port of Tauranga was published, together with charts of Queen Charlotte Sound, Rangaunu Bay, Awanui River, and Houhora Harbour. Twenty charts and the catalogue and index were revised and reprinted. Two “gridded” charts were published for search and rescue purposes, the scheme having been extended to popular navigational charts in the interests of safety in small craft. Safety hints and other information are printed on the back. Over 40,000 copies of Notices to Mariners were printed and distributed.

The Hydrographic Supplies Depot, Auckland, distributed 21,540 charts and 970 books. Revenue from sales amounted to £11,034 19s. 3d.

NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

During the past year progress has been made in all aspects of the Naval Research Programme. Beside continued basic research into the nature and physics of the ocean environment surrounding New Zealand, which will lead to the development of the most suitable acoustic surveillance systems for submarine detection, the advent of the RNZAF P3B Orions has introduced a requirement for Naval Research Laboratory advice on certain tactical aspects of the use of these aircraft.

The new Metallurgical Section has provided valuable service to the Dockyard in metallurgy, chemistry, material and oil testing, heat treatment, radiography, chemistry corrosion, and similar subjects.

TRAINING

In order to reduce overseas training commitments further measures were taken to establish courses in New Zealand, where the acquisition of equipment and buildings has permitted this to be done. The recent purchase of an anti-submarine trainer will allow certain under-water control ratings, Who were previously trained in Australia, to be trained in New Zealand, and in future artificer apprentices, who spent only one of their three to four years’ technical and theoretical training in New Zealand, will receive almost all their training within this country. Only certain aspects of equipment application training of these apprentices, which cannot be provided within the resources available in New Zealand, will be undertaken overseas. Under this new scheme artificer apprentices will also be able to obtain qualifications towards the New Zealand Certificate of Engineering.

Numbers Trained

A total of 264 ratings received basic training in TAMAKI and PHILOMEL during the year and 43 officers and 392 ratings undertook advanced courses conducted by PHILOMEL. At 31 March 1967, 75 artificer apprentices were under training in British naval establishments and in New Zealand at PHILOMEL.

Eighteen officers and 39 ratings underwent advanced and cadet training overseas.

Diving Training

The training of personnel from other Government departments to Diver Basic standard increased during 1966. There were four candidates from Marine Department, five from Army, and one from the British Phosphate Commission.

Arrangements have been made for police diving teams to be given similar training.

Exercises in Which Ships of the RNZN have Taken Part

Lionex (May 1966) Minesweeping exercise, Singapore area. HMNZS HICKLETON.

Sweepex (June 1966) Minesweeping exercise, Singapore area. HMNZS HICKLETON.

Auckex (June-July 1966) Joint anti-submarine training period in Hauraki Gulf. HMNZS TARANAKI, HMS TABARD, Maritime aircraft of RNZAF.

Sea Imp (July 1966) SEATO Maritime Exercise in South China Sea. HMNZS OTAGO.

Swordhilt (November 1966) Australian maritime exercise in Coral Sea. HMNZS TARANAKI.

Un-named (January 1967) Anti-submarine exercise in Gulf of Siam with units of Royal Navy and Royal Thai Navy. HMNZS BLACKPOOL.

Fotex (March 1967) Commonwealth weapon training and tactical exercises in Malaysian area. HMNZS BLACKPOOL.

Assistance Given to Other Navies

This year it was possible to lend four senior ratings to the Australian Navy for a two-year period and three officers and four ratings are on secondment to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The training of Royal Malaysian naval personnel in New Zealand has been continued and 12 engine room artificers, 14 communications ratings, and 3 ordnance artificers were trained. Surplus equipment and spares from the Loch frigates were also supplied to the Royal. Malaysian Navy during the year.

EQUIPMENT, SUPPLY, AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

Refitting Programme.

HMNZS OTAGO was taken in hand for a special and extensive refit and the installation of new equipment on 10 October 1966. This work will form the major part of Dockyard effort until completion in November 1967. During the year LACHLAN was refitted to give her a further life of five years and during this refit a helicopter landing platform was fitted. ENDEAVOUR and TUI were also given annual refits, but TUI is nearing the end of her life. Routine slippings and refits were carried out on the motor launches KAHAWAI, MARORO, MANGA, TAKAPU, TARAPUNGA, PAEA, MAKO, HAKU, and the launches attached to the Auckland and Dunedin RNZNVR divisions. The diving tender MANAWANUI was also docked and refitted and the tug ARATAKI is in hand for an extended refit to make her fit for further service.

New Construction

The design and construction of a new 56 ft steel passenger launch for PHILOMEL has been completed in the Dockyard and a second is nearing completion.

Disposals

During the year the Loch-class frigates KANIERE and ROTOITI were towed to the ship breakers yard, and the Bathurst-class minesweeper ECHUCA and is expected to be disposed of during 1967. The cruiser ROYALIST is awaiting disposal instructions from the Royal Navy.

Dockyard Planning Section

This section has been reorganised and has successfully initiated the planning and scheduling of the special refit of OTAGO. Now that the refit is well underway the worth of this work is being proved, and has resulted not only in an orderly progress of the refit, but in a significant increase in productivity. A new feature is the trial use of the Treasury computer for refit control. Forward planning for TARANAKI’s special refit, scheduled to commence in 1968, is now in hand.

Fleet Maintenance Unit

This unit (formerly known as the Base Maintenance Party) continues to give valuable assistance to the fleet. Improved workshop and office facilities, now expected to be available towards the end of 1967, will enable the Fleet Maintenance Unit to undertake a greater depth of ship maintenance, further extending the work of ships’ staff in the field or maintenance to enable HMNZ Dockyard to concentrate on its primary task of repair and refitting of ships.

Meat and Vegetables for British Far East Forces

For some time past the RNZN has arranged contracts direct with New Zealand meat producers for the supply of frozen meat to the Royal Navy at Singapore. This has now been extended to include the British Army requirements on the Far East station. In addition, the RNZN has now arranged a 12 months’ contract for frozen vegetables to be supplied by New Zealand producers and the first shipment of 65,000Ib weight was dispatched to Singapore during March 1967.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES

The health of the Navy remains very good, and the average yearly loss through illness has been further reduced to 4.5 days per man. (Last year the figure was 4.8 days, and in 1963 the figure was 16.55 days.)

The number of cases of personnel being invalided from the Navy was also reduced to 24, which compares favourably with the 31 last year. Two deaths occurred, one in Wellington Hospital from acute hepatitis and the other through a motor-vehicle accident.

The RNZN Hospital treated 1,224 patients, including Army and Air Force personnel. Three hundred and twelve operations were performed, of which 104 were for Navy personnel.

Dental health was maintained during the year and in all a total of 9,176 cases was treated. The Oral Surgery Unit treated 276 surgical cases, 30 being referred by Army and 28 by Air. Mobile Dental Units were organised to maintain a high standard of dental fitness in seagoing personnel.

EDUCATION AND WELFARE

Education

Increasing use is being made by Navy personnel of correspondence courses provided by the Government Correspondence School and the Technical Correspondence Institute, to obtain academic and technical qualifications for both Service advancement and future civilian occupations. This year there were 150 enrolments, which was an increase of 75 percent over last year’s enrolments.

A number of candidates were successful in New Zealand Certificate of Education and School Certificate examinations. One of the successful candidates for School Certificate was selected for the Supplementary List of Officer Cadets. Two Royal Navy Higher Educational Test examinations were conducted during the year and 52 passes were obtained; 35 at high levels.

Welfare

The large number of personnel proceeding overseas resulted in a busy year for welfare work. Both the number of preventive welfare visits and the number of ratings and/or wives requiring budgeting assistance increased. Forty-six loans from the RNZN Benevolent Fund have been made to help ratings acquire their own homes.

WORKS

Construction work in the Auckland Naval Command has been mainly concentrated in the Dockyard. A new sub-station to provide 60-cycle electric supplies has been completed and is housed in a tunnel in the cliff. A building to house the metallurgical section of the Naval Research Laboratory is now in use and work is progressing on the provision of an Apprentice Training Workshop. At the Naval Armament Depot at Kauri Point laboratory buildings are being altered and equipment is being installed for the servicing of joint-Service anti-submarine weapons. As part of the long-term plan for improving Dockyard facilities, the vacated engineering workshop is being extensively modernised to house, in the one building, constructive trades which have hitherto been scattered about the Dockyard in substandard workshop buildings.

Modernisation of the cooking and dining facilities of the main galley at HMNZS PHILOMEL, which was completed early in the year, has proved adequate and satisfactory in all respects. Training facilities at HMNZS TAMAKI, comprising a classroom block and drill shed have been completed and the domestic accommodation has been improved with the provision of a new ablution, laundry, and drying-room block.

No new houses were constructed during the year, but contracts have been let for 12 of 20 units for which approval has been given. A further two houses were purchased.