A Tokomaru Bay man has been appointed as the Royal New Zealand Navy’s top sailor.
18 September, 2024
Warrant Officer Communications Warfare Specialist Darren Crosby, Ngāti Porou, is the new Warrant Officer of the Navy. His role is an advisor to the Chief of Navy, to speak for the sailors, and elevating any matters affecting the people, command, leadership and management of the Regular and Reserve Forces. He is the 10th Warrant Officer in the role, which is for three years.
He joined the Navy on his 19th birthday, 1 June 1988, as a radio operator.
“I had wanted to join the Navy since I was at intermediate school after I visited frigate HMNZS Wellington during an open day in Gisborne. After finishing at Gisborne Boys’ High School I went to the Gisborne Recruiting Office and started my application.” His recruiter was Warrant Officer Reece Golding, the father of current Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding.
From his first posting, frigate HMNZS Southland, WOCWS Crosby served in frigates HMNZS Te Mana, Te Kaha, Canterbury and Wellington. He was promoted to Warrant Officer in 2007 and has held Warrant Officer positions as the Devonport Naval Base Whole Ships Coordinator, Career Manager for the Operations Trades, Warrant Officer Leadership Development and the Command Warrant Officer to the Deputy Chief of Navy.
He describes his best experiences as two consecutive Multinational Interception Force deployments to the Arabian Gulf, enforcing a United Nations embargo on Iraq in HMNZS Wellington in 1995, then HMNZS Canterbury in 1996. It was first time the RNZN had operated in the area.
He says he is both humbled and proud to take up the role, and by the many messages of congratulations. One of them this week was from the former 7th former who just beat him for the Head Boy position at Gisborne Boys’ High.
“I acknowledge the kaitiaki and mahi of our previous WONs – ka pai te ahi! There’s a deep sense of pride and duty in upholding the Navy’s proud traditions. The responsibility of advocating and supporting our sailors and their families is really important to me.”
He says in looking to the future, it is essential to reflect on where the Navy has come from. “It’s the sacrifices, the successes, and the dedication that have brought us to this this point. Our history is not just a record of the past; it is the foundation upon which we build our future.
“Our Navy has a proud tradition of service, excellence and commitment to Aotearoa. But as we look to the future, we must be prepared to evolve, to strengthen and harden, and to lead in new and innovative ways of doing business.”
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