The Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve

My recollections on all things Volunteer Reserve.

Black Boats

In 1976 I transferred from Gunnery (Canterbury) to Survey White Fleet ML’s (Tarapunga and Takapu.)  On Waitangi Day 1977, we berthed at Russell Wharf with the 4 VR ML’s.  I have no idea names of them so if you put names to ML’s be appreciated.

 Over the next 7 years I came across many in their duty (around the coast and several Waitangi Day's).  In 1984 they were all removed from service and the Moa Class IPC’s became VR vessels. Almost all ML’s were sold off to civvy street.

Moa Ships

My first contact with the VR IPC’s was around the PC Barge when we were berthed on ISC’s.  They were a great breed.  Had huge admiration for their Part Time crews.  That was between 1984 and 1993.

MCM (Mine Counter Measures)

On 23 April 1993 I was posted to MCM Cell in MARCOM in time to bring the MCM suite online.  The IPC’s were retrofitted with all the tools of the trade and it was one of my tasks to train all crews, to do MCMEX coupled with other normal evolutions (Seamanship, Navigation, Engineering, NBCD, Ship Cleanliness etc) usually in Marlborough Sounds.

The VR took to MCM with relish and were great crews although many Old School folks couldn’t get their head around it.  Times were a-changing however and in 2005 the VR lost their access to a vessel for home ports.

With the tools of MCM all VR IPC’s were called upon, at various stages, to do Search and Rescues (SAR) in their zones almost always with great success.  It was a sad day when I heard the IPC’s were being withdrawn from service.  Over the years I have met a great number of people – too many to name.  I have huge respect for the role the VR have in our Navy. I posted to Resolution in 1999 for a short period then back to MCM in 2000.  Later that year I was selected for Coxn Ngapona (which I really enjoyed).  It would be short lived however due to Mental Health issues, but not the end of my contact with VR.  In 2001 I was seconded to MARCOM VR section under LtCdr Margaret Weller and tasked to rewrite the VR Bible and make the VR NZBR 27 into electronic format for which I  earned a Commendation for my work.

As I stated, I loved all my time with the VR personnel and loved their attitude, professionalism, and spirit.

RIP