NZ Naval Report to the Defence Council – 1977

Extract from the report of the Naval Board of the Defence Council for period 1 April 1976 to 31 March 1977

INTRODUCTION

During the past few years there have been significant changes in the global and strategic situation. These have led the United States to examine and modify its defence policies. In the light of those changes the Australian authorities reviewed their country’s defence policies and requirements and last year issued a White Paper on the subject. In accordance with the undertaking given in our election manifesto, the Government is now conducting a similar review to reassess New Zealand’s defence objectives, to consider what changes of emphasis may be required in the future planning and development of our services capabilities, and to provide a basis for the formulation of future defence programmes in the light of resource levels available at anyone time. To promote public understanding of the Government’s defence objectives and point the direction of armed forces developments into the 1980s, it is intended that the conclusions of the review should be embodied in a White Paper to be published towards the end of the year.

The White Paper will also review the present state of the armed forces in all its aspects. In my introduction to the ministry’s report for the 1976-77 year, I noted that the men and women of the armed forces were our primary defence asset but an asset, which had suffered considerable depreciation as a result of financial restraints, introduced to achieve savings in foreign exchange and to keep defence expenditure within appropriation. I noted also that these restraints, introduced by the previous Government, had had an effect on the readiness and morale of our armed forces. The effects of policies followed in previous years are still with us, but the scope for offsetting reductions in expenditure by improved defence management is no longer there. We have a considerable distance to go in restoring the capability of the services. Recognising this, the Government increased the allocation for defence in last year’s budget. Unfortunately, the ministry was for good reasons beyond its control not able to obtain full benefit from this allocation.

We still, however, face acute economic difficulties and it remains essential that defence expenditure, indeed all Government expenditure, should remain subject to restraint. High priority must now be given to improving pay and conditions of service for armed forces personnel. As the report indicates, there were heavy manpower losses from the armed forces in the latter part of the year, especially among skilled tradesmen and technicians, whose conditions of service are no longer competitive with those to be found in civilian life. The Navy in particular has lost more trained personnel than it can afford, if it is to perform the tasks expected.

New Zealand society has come to take for granted the many non-military services rendered by the armed forces. The inherent characteristics of the services-command organisation, motivation, flexibility, and discipline-make them ideally suited for a wide range of activities in support of the civil community. In general, these tasks utilise equipment and personnel provided to meet a definite defence objective; and in most cases, were the service to abandon the role, which currently allows the tasks to be undertaken, no alternative organisation exists, or could economically be provided, within current national resources.

Among these tasks there are none of greater importance than the assistance afforded the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the management of our fisheries resources. The adoption of a 200-mile economic zone will impose additional surveillance and patrol responsibilities on the Ministry in the policing of foreign fishing activities; and resource protection duties generally are likely to increase in importance. Other non-military operations include search and rescue activities, aid projects, and considerable training and other specialised assistance to Government departments. While the primary role of the forces is directed to the preservation of the sovereignty and security of this country in peace and war, the armed forces in this way also make a significant contribution to the well being of the nation.

So long as we maintain a capability in primary defence roles that will enable us to meet our security objectives and alliance obligations, we shall retain the flexibility to continue to assist in a wide range of essential non-military operations. We must be prudent in the use of resources. We must equally be concerned with the efficiency and readiness of our military forces. To find the appropriate balance between our defence objectives and needs, and the resources we can afford to devote to them, is one of the basic questions to which the Government will be addressing itself in its review of defence policy.

ALLAN McCREADY, Minister of Defence.

THE ROLE OF THE ARMED FORCES IN THE FURTHERANCE OF GOVERNMENT POLICY

International Commitments Five Power Defence Arrangements

New Zealand continues to support the Five Power Defence Arrangements under which we join with Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the United Kingdom in a partnership aimed at fostering co-operation and confidence in the area. By their participation, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom declare their support for the maintenance of regional stability, the preservation of national integrity, and the political independence of Malaysia and Singapore.

The New Zealand Force South-east Asia remains stationed in Singapore. The force was established in January 1974 under separate national command following the decision by Australia in 1973 to withdraw a substantial portion of its ground forces from the region. The withdrawal of British forces from the area was completed in 1976. Following ministerial talks with the Singapore Government, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. Allan McCready, announced on 9 September 1976 that there would be no early return home of the New Zealand force stationed in Singapore. New Zealand was assured that the force was welcome to remain and that its presence caused the Singapore Government no difficulties.

The force has continued to maintain close contact with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), members of which have joined army and air force training courses organised by the New Zealand force. New Zealand servicemen have similarly attended training courses conducted by the SAF. Exercises conducted in Malaysia during the year by 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and included Exercise MERBUK. The Prime Minister, the Right Hon. R. D. Muldoon, visited Malaysian and New Zealand troops in the field during the course of this exercise.

The frigate HMNZS Otago was attached to the force during August-September 1976 for local training and informal visits.

The Integrated Air Defence System, to which the Five Powers contribute, remains in being, based in Malaysia. During August 1976, RNZAF Skyhawks from 75 Squadron deployed from New Zealand to the Royal Malaysian Air Force base at Butterworth. The squadron participated in a major air defence exercise in Malaysia and Singapore.

ANZUS

The ANZUS Treaty remains a key element in our defence policy. During the year the ANZUS partners have co-operated in several exercises and training activities designed to maintain and improve the capability of their forces to work together. Regular talks, relating to operational doctrine and procedures, have been held at staff level.

SEATO

Following the SEATO Council’s decision to phase out the organisation completely, the dismantling process continued throughout the year. The organisation will be finally closed down in June 1977.

Co-operation with Australia

The close and practical working relationship we enjoy with Australia was further developed during the year. At meetings in Rotorua last year and again in Canberra in March 1977, the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers agreed on the need to develop and improve defence co-operation between the two countries and the desirability of further co-operation in the area of defence supply. The Australian – New Zealand Defence Consultative Committee, a meeting of senior defence officials from the two countries, was held in March 1977 to consider ways of improving the effectiveness of the bilateral relationship and to identify areas in which there was scope for extending co-operation in defence supply.

Mutual Assistance Programme

The Mutual Assistance Programme was established in order to develop bilateral defence relationships with ASEAN and South Pacific states under which we could contribute through training and other co-operation to the effectiveness and self-reliance of those forces. At the same time our armed forces receive valuable training, experience, and deployment opportunities in those countries. The programme covers such activities as training in New Zealand, secondments and attachments of service personnel, and combined exercises.

Though formally set up in 1973, the MAP reflects relationships established during the preceding two decades. In South-east Asia, programmes of defence co-operation have been developed with Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. With the phasing out of SEATO, it is proposed to maintain defence relationships with Thailand and the Philippines on a bilateral basis; the first step in this direction was taken in February when a group of Thai armed forces officers visited New Zealand to see training facilities and for discussions on training co-operation. In the South Pacific we have long-standing defence associations with Fiji and Tonga, and a programme of defence co-operation is being developed with Papua New Guinea. Examples of MAP activities during the year are set out below.

Malaysia

Malaysian armed forces personnel attended a total of 41 defence-training courses in New Zealand during the year under review. Eight Royal Malaysian Navy ratings completed advanced radio and signals courses while four RMN petty officers continued, and a further five commenced, 2-year radio electrical mechanician’s courses at HMNZS Tasman during the year. An RMAF navigator completed flying training in New Zealand, while other Malaysian personnel attended physical education/recreation training and staff courses. Two RNZN officers are serving with the RMN on a 2-year interchange under which two RMN officers fill staff appointments in the Auckland Naval Command.

Fiji

Some 90 Fiji personnel received training in New Zealand during the year. While most attended army trade and staff courses, 12 ratings from the RFMF Naval Squadron for the first time attended basic seaman and specialist courses with the RNZN. HMNZS Canterbury and Taranaki visited Suva in November and February respectively to provide sea training experience for RFMF personnel and for combined exercises. New Zealand continued to provide an officer on secondment to the RFMF as Chief of Staff, and an officer and three senior N.C.O.s for the Rural Development Unit and the Trade Training School. During exercises in Fiji, RNZAF helicopter support is made available for Fiji Government tasks.

Tonga

An officer of the Tonga Defence Force completed a 4-month training attachment to the RNZN in May, four TDF personnel completed marine engineering courses at HMNZS Tasman, and two soldiers are receiving apprenticeship training. In February an RNZN officer commenced a 1-year attachment as Officer Commanding TDF Maritime Detachment. A senior N.C.O. continued to serve as a vehicle mechanic instructor with the TDF.

TRAINING OPERATIONS

Major Exercises and Training Exchanges

New Zealand joined with Australia and the United States for Exercise KANGAROO II, which was held in the east coast area of Australia during September-October 1976. A land-sea-air exercise sponsored by Australia in the ANZUS context, KANGAROO II, was the largest exercise ever held in Australia. The New Zealand contingent included HMNZS Canterbury and Otago, 425 all ranks from the New Zealand Army, including personnel of 2nd/1st Battalion RNZIR, and 15 aircraft and 200 RNZAF personnel from the strike, transport, and maritime roles.

During the period 11 February – 5 March 1977, HMNZS Otago, 3 RNZAF Orions, and 73 RNZAF personnel allocated to operations and control duties took part in Exercise RIMPAC 77. This exercise, sponsored by the United States, was a major open ocean maritime exercise involving Australian, Canadian, United States, and New Zealand forces in an area south of the Hawaiian Islands. Like KANGAROO II, RIMPAC 77 provided valuable training in the exercise of common doctrine and posed some challenging questions for future operations.

During the year RNZN ships have participated in other exercises with allied forces on a number of occasions. In August HMNZS Canterbury exercised with USS Truxtun, in October HMNZS Taranaki exercised with USS Longbeach, and in March HMNZS Otago took part in a Canadian Maritime Forces exercise off the west coast of North America.

Routine Operations Navy

HMNZS Canterbury returned to New Zealand from North American waters in May. During the year, she made visits to Wellington, Tauranga, and Lyttelton; conveyed the Governor-General to the Tokelaus and Western Samoa in July; participated in exercise AUCKEX 76 in August; visited Sydney in October to participate in Exercise KANGAROO II; and made a midshipmen’s navigation training cruise to Fiji and Tonga in November-December. She participated in both the Waitangi Day and royal tour ceremonies, acting as escort for HMY Britannia.

HMNZS Waikato’s long refit and modernisation continued during the year under review and should be completed in mid 1977.

After post-refit trials in May, HMNZS Otago worked up in Australian waters utilising RAN facilities in Sydney. In July she proceeded to Singapore for a 3-month attachment to New Zealand Force South-east Asia. Following a visit to Manila and Subic Bay, she accompanied USN Carrier Task Force 77 to Sydney for Exercise KANGAROO II off the northeast Australian coast. She then returned to New Zealand remaining there until February, when she joined Australian Canadian and United States vessels in Exercise RIMPAC 77 at Pearl Harbour. In March she was attached to the 2nd Destroyer Squadron of the Canadian Defence Force’s Maritime Command for participation in Exercise WESTEX off the North American Pacific coast. During the year, Otago spent 75 percent .of the time deployed overseas, steaming more than 27000 miles and visiting 16 ports In 6 countries. In February, she steamed her 500 000th mile since commissioning in 1960.

HMNZS Taranaki was in dock in April-May, spent June-July in Australian waters and participated in AUCKEX 76 in August. In October-November she provided transportation to and from Australia for personnel of 2nd/1st Battalion RNZIR taking part in KANGAROO II She visited New Caledonia from 19-22 October. While en route to Pago Pago, where she assumed duty as escort to HMY Britannia during the royal tour of the Pacific Islands, she called at Suva, in the course of the visit providing assistance to the RFMF Naval Squadron. She returned to Auckland on 22 February.

HMNZS Tui supported the Defence Scientific Establishment’s investigation of ambient noise conditions in waters to the north and east of New Zealand. During the year her capacity to use sophisticated acoustic systems was improved by the fitting of new equipment, including a gas turbine, bow propeller unit, and satellite navigation system.

HMNZS lnverell provided basic seamanship training and made several combined training – fishery protection patrols. The ship having reached the end of her useful life, and because of manpower shortages, she was decommissioned on 27 August.

Fishery Protection

The four vessels of the Patrol Craft Squadron (HMNZS Rotoiti, Pukaki, Taupo, and Hawea) continued to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries during the year. Since commissioning, the vessels of the squadron have steamed a total of 120 000 miles and have been actively on patrol in high-density fishing areas for 48 percent of their time. Several foreign fishing vessels were warned for infringing the New Zealand fishing zone. A number of New Zealand fishermen were arrested for fishing in closed areas.

There has been a marked build up of foreign fishing vessels in our waters in the past year. Until recently about 300 were operating in our waters and another 20 in Antarctic waters. In March a survey identified 399 in the New Zealand area, mainly Japanese but including 50 Russian vessels. .

During the year the Ministry of Defence, along with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture and Fisheries, has examined the implications for New Zealand of the proposed introduction of a 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The ministry’s task will be essentially to perform in the larger area the same task, which it is now carrying out in relation to the 12-mile fishing zone. There will be a need to establish and maintain a surveillance and policing effort on the scale needed to ensure that persistent infringements will be detected, and sufficient violators arrested, to constitute a deterrent to illegal activities.

Hydrographic Survey

The three surveying motor launches, Takapu, Tarapunga, and Paea, were engaged in surveying the west coast of Coromandel Peninsula in March-December 1976. Numerous inconsistencies were found in old Admiralty lead-line surveys. Resurveys of Manukau Bar and Awanui River have since been completed (January-February 1977) and a resurvey of the Raglan Bar is currently in hand.

The Hydrographic Office published seven new metric charts, covering the area between the Bay of Islands and Tauranga. A new chart-for the area North Cape to Cape Brett is now in preparation and will complete the metrication of charts from Three Kings Islands to Tauranga. A commencement of metrication for the central zone, including Cook Strait, was made with the publication of a new metric chart for Lyttelton Harbour. During the year, two provisional charts were also published to improve old Admiralty charts, and 30 other charts were revised and reprinted. Forty thousand copies of the weekly Notices to Mariners were published, as was the Annual Summary. A total of 55 140 fully corrected charts and 4504 navigational books were issued for naval use or sold to the shipping industry or recreational users. A long-range radio navigational warning service was provided for the South Pacific area. There was, in addition, a substantial increase in requests for survey information from local authorities and engineering consultants.

Training

Overseas

The overseas training programme for selected servicemen assists the armed forces in assessing changes in operational doctrine and technology and allows maintenance of a basic level of expertise in various fields.

During the past year, 293 personnel proceeded overseas for courses of varying length, most going to Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States and a limited number to Canada and Malaysia. As in the past, emphasis was upon initial officer, post-graduate, technical, and application training, with appropriate use being made of staff college, specialist, and management courses as well. The number of personnel serving on overseas exchanges remained at 16, the aim of such exchanges, being to keep alive particular operational skills, to train officers for specific post on their return to New Zealand, and to broaden the military experience of selected personnel.

Navy

In continuation of policies introduced following the establishment of the Naval Training Group in May 1975, considerable changes have occurred in naval training. Many courses have been reorganised and, where appropriate, civil trade requirements have been progressively introduced. A new training scheme for engineering branches has been instituted and 89 apprentices commenced instruction in January. Attention has been given to increasing the role of women in the Navy. A scheme to integrate men and women into a common communications branch has been drawn up and training will commence in May 1977. Other branches are developing common training patterns.

The increased discharge rate, with the resulting need to train more personnel as replacements, has placed a further strain on already overstretched training facilities and accommodation. Instructional capacity has only just been maintained at an acceptable level. In addition, sea training has been hampered by limited resources. During the year, 548 personnel received basic training. Naval personnel underwent a further 4345 advanced or refresher training courses. A total of 32 officers were under training, four of which graduated from university. Instruction was also given to personnel from the navies of Fiji, Malaysia, and Tonga, the Merchant Navy, the Red Cross, and the New Zealand Police, as well as to sea cadets, members of the RNZNVR, civilian staff of HMNZ Dockyard, and officers of other Government departments.

Non-regular forces

Navy

The four RNZNVR divisions maintained their manning levels and, as a result of a slight increase in recruiting, showed a net gain in strength at the end of the year under review. Financial constraints continued to hinder the provision of training and training aids. Each division is equipped with a motor launch, which provided reservists with most of their sea training during the year. Some sea time was also acquired while undertaking fishery protection patrols and SAR activities. The first quarter of 1977 was especially busy, with Waitangi Day and royal visit commitments requiring a high” degree of involvement in naval activities. From 7-17 March, 35

RNZNVR personnel participated in Exercise ROLLER COASTER-a major international naval control of shipping exercise. The exercise in particular confirmed the practicability of forming a permanent naval control of shipping branch within the RNZNVR.

Capital Equipment

The 1976-77 capital equipment programme, amounting to $6.8 million, was not approved by the Government until September 1976. For this reason and because of long lead times on the delivery of many items, the level of expenditure authorised was not reached before the end of the financial year. An indirect effect of this delay is that the real value of the $8.4 million 1977-78 programme, which was approved in principle at the same time, has already been eroded owing to increases in the cost both of items that must be carried forward from 1976-77 and of new items.

During the year under review, tenders were called in Australia and New Zealand for a replacement diving tender and a start was made on the preparation of specifications for a vessel to replace the Royal New Zealand Fleet Auxiliary tug Arataki. Satellite navigation equipment and a trials analysis computer have been ordered for use by the scientific research vessel HMNZS Tui. A new recompression chamber has been ordered for HMNZS Philomel. The conversion of HMNZS Monowai to a hydrographic survey vessel has been delayed. It is now expected to be completed in July 1977.

Technical Services

HMNZ Dockyard has continued its primary task of providing assistance and general maintenance to ships of the RNZN and visiting navies. The shortage of skilled staff in several key trades has hampered the progress of ship refitting; with the result that HMNZS Waikato’s refit completion date has had to be extended twice. For the same reason, assistance to the Naval Supply Depot in the repair and manufacture of stores was also affected.

HMNZS Waikato’s first major refit, together with extensive structural work, is nearing completion. HMNZS Taranaki and Canterbury and three patrol craft were docked for the rectification of defects. Refits were carried out on the diving tender Manawanui, the RNZFA tug Arataki, and on motor launches and various craft from other departments, including the Ministry of Works and Development tender Meola and the Police launch Deodar. The Fleet Maintenance Unit has continued to provide assistance in the rectification of defects and general maintenance of both ships and shore establishments.

The RNZN hosted the Fifth Inter-Naval Conference on Marine Corrosion at Auckland from 5-9 April 1976. The conference was held under a long-standing arrangement for the exchange of information about corrosion problems between the Australian, British, Canadian, and United States navies, and its proceedings have been widely distributed.

HMNZS Irirangi, the naval and defence communications station at Waiouru, has continued to maintain fixed services to Australia, Honolulu, and Vancouver, to provide naval ships with communications facilities, and to assist with SAR communications.