From left , LMT (P) Chris Henricksen and Leading Chef Michael Dudson (NZ) US Navy Pacific fleet Master Chief Tom Howard, Warrant Officer Neil Roberts (NZ) and Hosts - Latoyna Grace and Chad Baiden (US Navy). (WN08-0048-68tn)
25 July 2008
Dannevirke man Chris Henricksen, now a Leading Marine Technician in the Navy, was chosen as the Royal New Zealand Navy Sailor of the Year in 2007. Part of his award was a trip to Hawaii.
"I’ve been given the great honour and privilege of being named the Royal New Zealand Navy Sailor of the year 2007. This award has given me the opportunity to represent our Navy for five days in Hawaii, hosted by the United States Navy Pacific Fleet Sailor's of the Year", said Chris.
Accompanied by the Royal New Zealand Navy Sailor of the Year 2006, Leading Chef Michael Dudson, the group stayed in Waikiki for five nights, visiting the massive Pearl Harbour Naval Base, the solemn USS Arizona Memorial and the mighty USS Missouri battleship on which the Japanese signed their surrender in WWII.
Also included was a visit to one of the US military's most patriotic places - the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) - where all American personnel missing in conflicts as far back as WWII were researched, found, identified and returned to their families, providing the families with a sense of closure after losing their loved ones.
Chris described the Hawaiian people as very friendly and the US Navy personnel as patriotic, very hospitable and as having a good appreciation of their military history.
Chris was raised in a small community of Pongoroa, just south of Dannevirke on the family sheep and beef farm. Educated at Napier Boy’s High School from 1995 – 1999, he joined the Navy in January 2000 as a Marine Technician. Today Chris is completing his Petty Officers Professional Course and expects to be promoted to Petty Officer in July before posting onto HMNZS Te Kaha for an overseas deployment.
Of his naval career, Chris says "I have thoroughly enjoyed my naval career to date. Each experience rolls on to another, providing more opportunities to learn new skills, travel, and be part of a close community. I’m continuously meeting new people from all over the country and the world. If you’re looking for the chance to get qualified in a skill, test yourself, travel the world, have a good time and make new friends, then I recommend the Navy as a great option for you".
Ends