Sailor takes command of revitalised frigate HMNZS Te Mana
Commander Tuijo ‘TJ’ Thompson is the newest commanding officer of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Mana, which has been revitalised for operations after extended maintenance.
17 July, 2025
Commander Thompson, Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Haua and Ngati Paoa, took charge of Te Mana during a change of command ceremony at Devonport Naval Base recently.
It’s Commander Thompson’s first time back to sea since 2018 when he was executive officer of the Navy’s other Anzac-class frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, before its lengthy upgrade in Canada.
“I remember at the time I was leaving after spending two years of my life on board, having built a home and a team of very talented people. It was a massive chapter in my career, closing at that moment, but you have to move on.
“Now, this feels like the natural progression, stepping into my new journey and Te Mana’s journey.”
Commander Thompson was born in Whangarei and educated at Te Aute College in Hawke’s Bay.
He joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2003 as a midshipman, specialising as a warfare officer.
Left: Commander Tuijo Thompson receives HMNZS Te Mana's Symbol of Command, a carved hoe (paddle) from outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Chris Bone. Right: Commander Tuijo Thompson with his family and supporters.
Commander Thompson has served on the old Leander-class frigate HMNZS Canterbury and has deployed aboard Royal Australian Navy missile frigates and Royal Navy ships.
Following his time with Te Kaha, Commander Thompson spent three years in Singapore, two of those as an Assistant Defence Advisor and one year doing the Advanced Command and Staff course.
He was promoted to commander in 2023 and comes to Te Mana after a posting as deputy director of global operations at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand.
He takes the ship from Commander Chris Bone, a marine engineer appointed as Commanding Officer for the frigate’s extended maintenance period from June 2024 in Devonport Naval Base’s Calliope drydock.
“Commander Bone has done a fabulous job leading the ship’s company and seeing through the maintenance requirements,” Commander Thompson said.
“He’s got the ship to a place where I can now take the responsibility on, regenerate it and as soon as we can, start delivery of operational capability for New Zealand.”
The ship has undergone some major work, including a refurbished propulsion system, communication upgrades and extensive work on the ship’s hull.
Commander Bone says the ship has had 350 days in drydock. In that time, more than 60 hull sections – more than 130 tonnes of steel – have been replaced.
There have been several “firsts” for this particular frigate refurbishment, including the full removal and inspection of the tail shaft, and installation of the latest communications upgrade.
“The main aim of this package is to renew and ready the ship for all operations the New Zealand Government may demand of it in the next three to five years,” Commander Bone said.
“It has been an amazing challenge and opportunity to step up to the command role and use the knowledge and experience from a career in engineering to support the ship’s company in doing their jobs day to day while planning for the regeneration of the frigate under the next commanding officer.”