Cmdr Bone, who grew up in Gore, has assumed command of the RNZN frigate HMNZS Te Mana for an extended maintenance period in Devonport Naval Base in preparation for future deployments.
This may seem like a big task, but Cmdr Bone has more than enough experience. He joined the navy after leaving St Peter’s College, obtaining a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree with honours at the University of Auckland, and followed that up with a systems engineering management course at HMS Sultan, a shore base in England specialising in marine engineering.
He has served on multiple RNZN ships, including HMNZS Endeavour and HMNZS Aotearoa, before becoming the assistant and then chief marine engineering officer for HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, during upgrades for the ships.
He said the experience he had would be more than helpful.
"This posting, for me, is an opportunity to put the knowledge I’ve gained through being a part of two regeneration cycles across both frigates to the best use for the organisation," he said.
The ship itself is over 3000 tons, armed with anti-submarine torpedoes, anti-air missiles and other munitions, and is normally crewed by up to 178 members trained to operate in peacetime and conflict.
"The culture, team environment and camaraderie that comes with a frigate - whether it be within your mess deck, department or across the whole ship - cannot be understated."
He said that came with being on the frigate.
"You live and work together in such close confines, deploy for longer periods and train for operations where the possibility of damage is that much more real. The team environment is amplified, and the satisfaction, the sense of achievement as well as the friendships you make stays with you for life."
He said taking command was not something he took lightly.
"I am looking forward to ensuring that the ship’s company of Te Mana are able to enjoy their work and workplace. To take their ship from maintenance in drydock, through a regeneration cycle, ready to deliver on whatever ... the government and NZDF leadership put in front of them.
"In achieving this, I hope all of the team on the ship can feel the sense of accomplishment that will come with it."
- By Gerrit Gray Doppenberg
