International Stories

Kiwis invade HMCS Algonquin

By Petty Officer 2^nd Class Michael Mahoney

ESQUIMALT, B.C.-- Since September 2006, HMCS Algonquin has welcomed two crewmembers on exchange from New Zealand.

Credit:  Lookout Newspaper MID Anthony Norris (left) and SLT Aston Talbot (right) are on exchange with HMCS Algonquin from the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Midshipman (MID) Anthony Norris, 21, and Sub-Lieutenant Aston Talbot, 24, serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

On completion of their Grades One and Two Officer of the Watch Courses (our equivalent MARS IV), they jumped at the exchange opportunity.

They joined Algonquin in the midst of a busy program, with Weapons Certification, Combat Readiness Training, Navigation Passage Training, Task Group Exercise 3/06, and Workups Assist. This provided a steep learning curve, and MID Norris said it was like “jumping off the deep-end.”

The workups were the first time MID Norris got to activate a CHEMOX breathing apparatus.

“The crew have been wicked,” he said. “It would have been easy to ignore us and treat us like strangers, but they accepted us immediately.”

Employed under the Officer of the Watch, both had the opportunity to learn the Canadian Navy’s bridge watch keeping techniques, and offer up a few suggestions, stemming from the Royal New Zealand Navy practices.

The opportunity to learn the new electronic charting system ECPINS and become proficient with it will be an asset to take home to New Zealand, the two sailors said.

When asked about his overall impression of the Canadian Navy, MID Norris said, “Everyone enjoys their job. They are serious when they need to be serious, but not too serious all the time.”

He also said working under Captain (Navy) Hendry on the bridge has been a phenomenal experience.   

“Capt(N) Hendry doesn’t yell at you for mistakes. For me, I react better when people talk, rather than yell.”

When asked about the differences in food, SLt Talbot declared, patting his belly, “What is that called poutine? What is on the fries — gravy, cheese? It’s a meal from hell, but it tastes great. We’ll take that home with us!”

Both MID Norris and SLt Talbot said the food in Algonquin is outstanding, although they miss New Zealand lamb.

PO2 Michael Mahoney sails in HMCS Algonquin.

Back to Listing