Nelson sailor home for Christmas after eight-month deployment

Chief Petty Officer Logistics Supply Specialist (CPOLSS) Ethan Sharples, 32, 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.

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

Even after more than a decade in the Navy and service in seven ships, CPOLSS Sharples says it can still be a challenge being away from family and friends.

“When you deploy on a ship your routines change, and you don’t get to just ‘go home’ on completion of the working day. I’m lucky that the ship’s company are great and easy to get along with.”

CPOLSS Sharples, who attended Waimea College in Richmond, started looking at the Navy after being unsure of what avenue to pursue at university.

“I didn’t feel I wanted to get myself into debt doing something I might not have a passion for.

“The Navy offered me an opportunity to learn various skills, gain qualification, travel and have free medical and dental. It seemed like a win to me, with everything that was offered.”

The best part of the HMNZS Aotearoa deployment was visiting places he had never been to before.

“Visiting some historical sites I learnt about in school has been surreal.”

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.

HMNZS Aotearoa is frequently called on to refuel other ships at sea, and CPOLSS Sharples has been learning a new skill as a replenishment at sea winch driver.

“I have never done this job before, but I find it exciting to contribute to operations in this capacity and not just through my trade of Logistics.”

His advice to others considering joining the Navy is, don’t be afraid to be your authentic self.

“I had people tell me that I wouldn’t make it in the Navy and now I have been here for 13 years. The organisation will provide you with some amazing opportunities, so take advantage of them all. You will meet interesting people and make many new friends - some will be friends for life. You will learn new skills and grow as a person.”

One of those opportunity offered by the Navy was a chance to obtain a degree. In March CPOLSS Sharples graduated from Otago Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Applied Management.

“I didn’t think I would ever have a degree, based on the reasons I joined the Navy.

“It just goes to show the opportunities you can have in the Navy and how you can continue to surprise yourself.”