Hamilton sailor home for Christmas after eight-month deployment

Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Amra-Maree Simek, 25, arrived back in Devonport Naval Base, Auckland, on board maritime replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa on Friday.

It marked the conclusion of a demanding operational year for the ship and its 80-strong crew, who have been deployed since late March.

HMNZS Aotearoa spent 307 days away from home and sailed more than 31,000 nautical miles as it conducted exercises and operations.

Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Simek joined the Navy in 2020, inspired by cousins and an uncle who were also serving.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study in university. My family members were having some really cool experiences that I thought I could get as well, and I wanted a chance to see the world while doing my job,” she said.

“A sailor came to my careers class at Sacred Heart Girls’ College and she shared her experiences – getting paid to travel, free medical and dental and lots of cool opportunities.”

HMNZS Aotearoa is the third ship she has served on, starting her posting in October last year.

This year, HMNZS Aotearoa completed a three-month Indo-Pacific deployment which included defence engagements and exercises with key countries and partners, including port visits to Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The vessel also carried out enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, undertaking surveillance and deterrence activities in the international waters of the East China and Yellow Seas during November.

The ship was shadowed at different points in time by seven different People’s Liberation Army (Navy) warships from a distance.

Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Simek said the best part of being on deployment is being part of operations which HMNZS Aotearoa is undertaking for New Zealand; getting to do lots of physical training and being with friends are an added bonus.

“Being away from home and family is always the biggest challenge, as well as keeping to a good diet – especially when our chefs make some yummy ‘duff’ (dessert).”

During her Navy career, she’s enjoyed a range of experiences including performing the drums on stage with Six60 at a concert at Mt Eden Stadium, being part of Māori Culture Group performances in more than 15 countries, riding in a Navy helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef and seeing penguins and seals in Antarctica.

“I’ve ticked off a lot of career goals in my short time in the service,” she said.

“I still want to do the world’s largest maritime exercise, Exercise Rimpac, in Hawaii. I’m working to get promoted to my next rank and taking charge of my own team. I’ve got a lot of other smaller goals but there are too many to list – the opportunities in Navy are endless and there’s always something to work towards.”

Outside of the Navy, Leading Logistics Supply Specialist Simek is a keen Waka Ama / Va’a (outrigger canoe) competitor. She received funding assistance from the Navy to attend the IVF Va’a World Sprint Championships in 2024.

“My advice to anyone thinking about joining the Navy is go for it. On top of your own trade skills and knowledge, you also get some other cool qualifications and experiences. You make a lot of new friends and family and create bonds with people that will last a long time.”