Ordinary Helicopter Loadmaster Shaun Kirwan is among the Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest graduates
A graduating Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) sailor says joining up was his way of thanking the community that raised him.
Ordinary Helicopter Loadmaster Shaun Kirwan, 22, graduated among 61 men and 23 women from Basic Common Training intake 26/1, at a joint officer and sailor graduation on Saturday at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.
He received the Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford MBE Award, as the recruit who demonstrated the highest level of physical training excellence.
Ordinary Helicopter Loadmaster Shaun Kirwan receives the Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford MBE Award from the honour’s namesake, as the recruit who demonstrated the highest level of physical training excellence
Te Kūiti born Kirwan grew up in Te Awamutu. He left Te Awamutu College partway through Year 13 to work in roles in construction, collision repair and the horse racing industry, which set him up with hands-on practical skills.
His desire to join the New Zealand Defence Force began when he was 12 years old.
“What ultimately pushed me to commit to joining the RNZN was my desire to give back to those who raised me – my community and everyone I care about, who played a role in shaping me into the man I am today.”
The realities of 16 weeks of basic training included living in groups of 15 or more fellow sailors in barrack accommodation, which he said was definitely a challenge.
A highlight was Efficiency Cup Week in the latter part of the course, which involved strenuous competitive challenges between the intake’s two divisions – Achilles and Leander.
Kirwan believes his family and friends will discover a more patient, resilient and happier person when they catch up with him after graduation.
Ahead of him is training towards becoming an operational Navy helicopter loadmaster.
Assigned to No. 6 Squadron at Base Auckland in Whenuapai, loadmasters are part of the crew of the Navy’s Seasprite maritime helicopters, which operate from ships.
“My advice to someone looking at the Defence Force is to take the leap,” he said.
Ordinary Helicopter Loadmaster Shaun Kirwan is among the Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest graduates
