Wider World Appeal for Southlander

The 21-year-old graduated from Central Southland College and was accepted to study science at university, but decided the Navy was the life for him and last month was one of 49 sailors to graduate from RNZN Basic Common Training at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

“When I was in Year 12, I became interested in the wider world. I grew up on a sheep and beef farm and I wanted to get a job that was hands-on and gave me some diversity in what I was doing,” says OET Catto.

“The Navy will help me develop any interest I have and I’m really interested in international relations. The Navy can give me so much opportunity, especially working with Pacific Island countries and our partners. Working in the field of international relations can help a lot of people and I think the Navy is best poised to do that,” he says.

Basic Common Training is a 16-week course where new Navy personnel develop their foundation in military life and learn skills such as weapon handling, first aid, drill and what life is like on a ship.

“People get to grips with Navy culture and learning how to work as a team. On a ship, no-one works alone. As a team, recruits get used to working quickly to complete tasks.

This is all part of developing an ability to perform tasks in the most inhospitable environments, under the direction of a leader and in a team with people they can rely on,” says RNZN Fleet Personnel and Training Recruit Training Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Campbell. After basic training, personnel move on to become an expert in their chosen field. They undertake specialised training on courses, as well as on the job and through sponsored tertiary study.

“Our people have to handle some of the most advanced technologies in the world. They are provided with the training, education, tools and equipment necessary to become fully effective in their field,” says LTCDR Campbell. OET Catto will start his training as an electronics technician in the coming weeks.

“I like the idea of learning about the different systems on a ship and problem solving. I think it’s really exciting when you get to diagnose and fix problems on a ship,” says OET Catto.

“There are so many opportunities I can explore. I’d love to go on one of the Southern Ocean trips. Serving on one of the Inshore Patrol Vessels would be a cool opportunity and way of seeing the country,” he says.