Navy engineer Cmdr Bone, is a former St Peter’s College pupil and on the bridge while maintenance on RNZN frigate HMNZS Te Mana is completed.
He knew of one other occasion when an engineer was given command of a navy ship.
"Having that particular privilege [means] a lot.
"It’s a rarity."
It was a "pleasant surprise" to be selected as the successful applicant, he said.
Cmdr Bone was presented with a hoe (paddle) which was "the symbol of command for Te Mana" at a ceremony in June.
After he left school about 22 years ago he joined the navy as a marine technician.
Three and a-half years later he applied for officer training and then completed a University of Auckland engineering degree.
While it would be "awesome" to be in command of a ship at sea it was not what he was trained for.
"I’m an engineer by trade and so I’m not actually trained or proficient at driving the ship."
His present role was to lead a maintenance crew of about 70 personnel at the Devonport Naval Base while the frigate was prepared for future deployments. Te Mana is usually crewed by as many as 178 sailors who are trained to operate in peacetime and conflict.
Two months in he was enjoying the position.
Even though he had no formal commanding officer training, past experience had prepared him for the role.
"It’s a new challenge.
"Not having to command the ship at sea means that the pressure isn’t on quite as much."
He could provide engineering advice if needed but the crew were very competent, he said.
"Everyone knows what they need to do."
While he held the rank of commander which was one below the rank of captain, as the commanding officer of the ship, the crew referred to him as captain when they addressed him.
The vessel would be in dry dock for part of the time.
When the maintenance period finishes in September next year Cmdr Bone’s assignment will end and command will be given to another officer who will captain the ship when it resumes active duty.
