Navy celebrations to continue through 2016

Navy celebrations to continue through 2016

The New Zealand Navy marked its 75th birthday in style today, with demonstrations and gun salutes in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

Celebrations are set to continue right throughout the year.

Events marking the Navy's special anniversary have been given the code name Operation Neptune -- a tribute to the 150 men who lost their lives when HMS Neptune sank during World War II.

"So whilst we commemorate those people who have come before us, we also like to showcase," says Commodore Jim Gilmour.

"We want to showcase the Navy's contemporary capabilities, as we gaze towards the future and what our Navy will become."

Part of that future is naval supply officer Holly Swallow. The 23-year-old has called a room on the HMNZS Canterbury home for the past 16 months.

"The obligatory picture of parents sort of sitting around -- you try and keep it as cozy as you can, but it's also your office space, so I like to keep it clean, uncluttered," says Ms Swallow.

Day-to-day, Ms Swallow is busy helping with the logistical side of the ship's operations, and it hasn't taken her long to figure out the best way of making sure everything runs smoothly.

"If the chefs are in a good mood, and they're making good food, then ship's company is going to be happy," she says.

The Canterbury is one of the Navy's biggest vessels, and can accommodate as many as 250 people.

"She has the capability to transport large amounts of cargo and personnel around the Pacific and around our country," says HMNZS Canterbury commanding officer Commander Simon Rooke.

"She also participates in humanitarian relief efforts, and other naval exercises."

Tomorrow, the HMNZS Canterbury will head to Lyttelton near Christchurch where it will begin preparing for a programme in the sub-Antarctic.

Department of Conservation staff will come on board the ship and start getting ready for a pest eradication programme on Antipodes Islands.

The biggest anniversary event will take place in November – the International Fleet Review – when up to 15 ships from naval partners around the world will visit Auckland for all to see.

Newshub.