For many years saluting was performed with the hand farthest from the officer saluted. This involved saluting with the left hand when passing an officer on the right hand side. To certain sections of Indian troops, however, saluting with the left hand was an insult and this method was abolished in 1918.

Mt Eden man ensures plain sailing for the Navy

Lieutenant Joel Rumble

4 May 2007

As the sole engineering officer on a 2262 tonne Royal New Zealand Naval vessel, Lieutenant Joel Rumble has a lot of responsibility.

The 26-year-old former Saint Peters College Student is the man charged with keeping the engines and mechanical systems working on the Navy’s hydrographic survey ship - HMNZS Resolution.

“I’ve got people with expertise within e-mail contact but I’m the only expert in my field working on the ship,” Lieutenant Rumble said.

“I guess that’s a bit of pressure. The consequences of a mistake can be huge.”

Lieutenant Rumble joined the Navy in 1999 and served on the frigates HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Te Kaha before moving to the HMNZS Resolution.

“I definitely prefer working on ships to serving on shore. The camaraderie is great and our cabins on Resolution are reasonably spacious.”

HMNZS Resolution and its 50 returned to Devonport Naval Base last night concluding a three week journey to Picton, via Raoul Island, and back home.

The journey had been a success with few engineering difficulties to deal with, Lieutenant Rumble said.

Ends


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