Tale to tell for Op Kiwi winner

Andrew Lyall the 2008 Op Kiwi Competition winner from Cambridge getting help from Able Seaman Combat Specialist Jay Fowler steering a Navy RHIB. WN 08-0272-07

Cambridge boy, Andrew Lyall, will have an exciting tale to tell his classmates when school is back today.

Andrew won the 2008 Op Kiwi Competition with the New Zealand Defence Force - designing an Anzac Poster - and won a day with the Navy during the school holidays.
 
Whilst some of his school mates were probably wondering how to fill in another day, Andrew, accompanied by his father Andrew Lyall Senior, was treated to an exciting range of activities.... 
 
Arriving at the Naval Base on a fine sunny morning on Thursday 10 July, Andrew was first 'kitted up' into Navy issue coveralls - he wore the Kiwi Cap that was part of his prize package.  First stop was to the Bridge Simulator where Andrew was shown the training the Navy 'Ship Drivers' are put through to learn their skills. 
Likened to a massive playstation, the Bridge Simulator has the capability for all sea states, storms, aircraft flyovers, replenishment at sea, full range of international and national ports, movement with other ships and aircraft and day/night simulation.
 
Next stop was to the Navy Diving Tender, HMNZS MANAWANUI where Andrew was provided a demonstration of sea survival with 4 'volunteers' jumping off the ship and swimming to a waiting liferaft.  With the water temperature understandably cool during the winter months, Andrew was not keen to jump in himself!  He was then treated to a diving display, equipment familiarisation and tour of the ship.
 
A tour of the Navy Sea Safety Squadron was another highlight for Andrew as he got inside the purpose built Fire Unit and Flood Compartments.  This was followed by a lavish lunch in the Officers Wardroom where Andrew was the guest of honour.
 
A tour of the Naval Warship HMNZS TE KAHA was next on the agenda prior to the Navy Seasprite Helicopter arriving for a flyover of Auckland City. The final activity for the day was a ride in a Navy Seaboat - (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) - Andrew went around the inner harbour areas and under the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
 
Summing up the experience, Andrew's father said the following, "Firstly, let  me state categorically  Andrew and I had a marvellous time. Everyone was attentive, kind,  patient, encouraging and enthusiastic. My boy will tell his grandchildren about his day with the Navy so I am sure it will be quite sometime before the Lyall family forget. The days events were GREAT!"
 
Asking Andrew his personal highlight of the action packed day; he had no hesitation in stating the Bridge Simulator was the winner!

ENDS

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