Ever wonder how New Zealand protects its interests at sea? It starts right here at Devonport Naval Base. This base is home to the Royal New Zealand Navy. It’s the only base that operates ships. Devonport Naval Base has been a naval base since 1841.
Devonport was chosen for its deep harbor. The base is more than just ships. It includes HMNZS Philomel. This is the administration center. The Fleet Support Organisation is here too. So is the Fleet Personnel and Training Organisation. All operational units of the Royal New Zealand Navy are based here.
The Navy’s munitions are stored at Kauri Point Armament Depot in Auckland. Senior naval staff are in Wellington. They are at the NZDF headquarters. The Maritime Component Commander is at Trentham Military Camp. This commander is the effective fleet commander. Many land-based services support the ships and personnel.
Shore support is mainly at Devonport Naval Base. There are training facilities. Sports and cultural activities are here too. Devonport Naval Base has a dry dock. It also has engineering and flight support. The Navy Hospital and Hyperbaric Unit are on site.
The Maritime Engineering Support Team maintains the Navy’s ships. The MEST is at Devonport Naval Base. It has Navy personnel. They are from the Defence Logistics Command. Babcock New Zealand employees work here too. Babcock New Zealand is the Strategic Maritime Partner for the NZDF.
The base has a modern converter system. This system powers berthed navy ships. New Zealand’s navy ships use NATO standard 60-hertz power. The converters let the base use national grid power. These converters cost $10 million. They save money compared to diesel generators.
The RNZN College is at Devonport Naval Base. Navy training covers many areas. There is Recruit Training Squadron. Junior Officer Common Training takes place here. Sea Survival Training Squadron trains here. Specialized training is offered too. This training supports logistics branches.
One famous part of the base is Calliope Dock. This drydock was built in 1888. It is still used today. It was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It was a strategic asset for the Royal Navy. The dock was named for Calliope Point. It was hewn by hand over three years. HMS Calliope was one of the first ships to enter the dock. The Auckland Harbour Board first managed the dock. The navy took over when the Auckland naval base moved to Devonport. It moved from Torpedo Bay. It was a swamp area next to the dock.
Devonport Naval Base has evolved since 1841. It supports New Zealand’s naval operations. It also supports international partnerships. It remains a vital part of Devonport and New Zealand. The base contributes to the community. It also ensures maritime security.