NAVY ROADSHOW
45 years in the Navy In 1974, it could be said that Naenae College student Mark Naldrett-Jays was ready to move on from school. He had completed four years at college, and was looking at his options. He remembers someone suggesting the Navy would be an avenue towards obtaining a trade.
After a lot of water and sea postings later, last month the Chief of Navy awarded Warrant Officer Electronic Technician NaldrettJays his second clasp to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. It signifies 45 years of service in the Royal New Zealand Navy. WOET Naldrett-Jays says as a teenager he was flown to Auckland on a C-130 Hercules with a large number of other trainees. He joined BCT 75/1 with around 180 others. “It was an eye-opener, turning up, with a whole lot of new people who you’d never seen before in your life. You’re in dormitories with 30 other people. But I enjoyed the camaraderie of basic training.” He has evolved as the trade evolved. Initially a weapons electrical mechanic, he then specialised as a radio mechanic, which in time became re-branded as electronic technician. Today, he is a posted to the Fleet Engineering Authority, part of the LC(M) organisation, in the Subject Matter Expert role of Marine Superintendent Communication and Electronic Warfare.
His sea postings and deployments are a long list, he says. “I’ve enjoyed every posting I’ve had. They’ve always been good to me, and I’ve always enjoyed myself. I joined to go to sea, and I still enjoy going to sea.” He has just finished a two-year posting with HMNZS CANTERBURY, including missions to Australia, the Sub-Antarctic Islands and the Kermadec Islands. In 45 years, the biggest change he has seen are in the advances in technology. During his initial training all the equipment was valve technology. The late 1970s saw rapid advances, particularly with the arrival of HMNZS MONOWAI. He was posted to her as the maintainer for the Navy’s new solid state hydrographic survey equipment. Forty-five years seems to have “snuck up on me”, he says. “When 20 years came around I thought, yeah, that would be enough. But I still enjoy the life. Twentyfive years later, I’m still here.” Two of his former classmates from 75/1 are still serving: Commander Muzz Kennett, and Chief Petty Officer Communications Technician Darby Allen.
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