Irirangi Commander leaves

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, 28 July 1987, Page 8

Irirangi Commander leaves

Officers and personnel of the naval base Irirangi in Waiouru, farewelled their commanding officer, Leiutenant Commander Richard Jackson RNZN recently, when he left the area to take up a 'desk job' in Wellington. Lt. Commander Jackson took up the position at Irirangi in December 1985 after his return from Hawaii, where he had the distinction of being New Zealand's last exchange officer stationed there. The position was filled on a joint service basis with officers from army, airforce and naval bases. Although his was a "fascinating job" in Hawaii, he said he was happy to retum to Waiouru, having been stationed there in 1978 when he served as executive officer for two years under Lt. Commander Dave Davies. His career in the Navy began in 1968, soon after leaving secondary school. He was fortunate to be selected for United States funded academy training and trained as a midshipman in Annapolis, Maryland, for four years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and a major in Oceanography. He received specialist training as bridge watch keeper and ocean navigator aboard the New Zealand frigates 'Canterbury' and 'Otago'. He also commanded the Fisheries patrol craft 'Rotoiti' and was involved in patrolling coastal waters around New Zealand. Lt. Commander Jackson took up the position of

staff officer under an Army Brigadier in Wellington, officially on 17 July. His new job is just as far removed from the sea as during his command of Irirangi and involves the planning an instigation of naval operations. Lt. Commander Jackson and the personnel of Irirangi enjoyed a special rapport with the Borough of Ohakune. One of the highlights was when Irirangi took part in the Borough's Jubilee celebrations earlier this year. He and his wife Susan were actively involved within the community, with an enormous number of organisations. Susan was a Brownie leader, an instructor with Waiouru's saddle club and also involved with Taihape's Archadean Choir. She worked as a part-time colour consultant and was involved in the local branch of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers since 1978. Irirangi's philosophy is to help wherever it can and Lt. Commander Jackson was involved in initiating numerous fundraising activities, including raising money for Waiouru School's hall, skating rink and local sports teams. The ship's company also collected amongst its ranks to help send Marton heart and lung transplant patient, Kay Bumett, to England. Lt. Commander Jackson said he was loath to leave the area and the base, which he said was a nervecentre for transmitted naval messages. His position was filled by Lt. Commander Owen Young, previously an executive officer in Wellington.