A Gisborne sailor with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) always wanted a job where she could make a difference.
15 December, 2025
Leading Hospitality Specialist (LHS) Karen Brown arrived back in Devonport Naval Base, Auckland, on board maritime replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa on Friday.
It marked the conclusion of a demanding operational year for the ship and its 80-strong crew, who have been deployed since late March.
The vessel spent 307 days away from home and sailed more than 31,000 nautical miles as it conducted exercises and operations.
Three months were an Indo-Pacific deployment, which included defence engagements and exercises with key countries and partners, including port visits to Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The ship has also been carrying out enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, undertaking surveillance and deterrence activities in the international waters of the East China and Yellow Seas during November.
The ship was shadowed at different points in time by seven different People’s Liberation Army (Navy) warships.
HMNZS Aotearoa was welcomed back to Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on Friday
HMNZS Aotearoa was welcomed back to Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on Friday
An RNZAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flies over HMNZS Aotearoa during surveillance and deterrence activitiesScroll to previous imageScroll to next image
After finishing at Campion College in Gisborne, LHS Brown worked in hospitality while completing a Diploma in Business at the Eastern Institute of Technology and six years ago joined the Navy.
“I wanted to experience life out of home,” she says. “That included travelling, getting opportunities like no other and making a difference. I’ve always had a passion for helping others.
“Right from a young age I was a lifeguard with Midway Surf Club, I completed the Youth and Emergency Service programme and I became a volunteer firefighter at the Eastland fire station.”
Navy Hospitality Specialists work in the Officers’ Wardroom both at sea and ashore, providing table service, bartending, setting up and servicing official functions and providing VIP support to high-profile diplomatic functions in New Zealand and overseas.
LHS Brown posted to HMNZS Aotearoa 18 months ago. As well as her core duties, Hospitality Specialists have auxiliary roles and are also trained in ship refuelling and damage control.
She is a member of Aotearoa’s Standing Sea Emergency Party, ready to be called on to tackle fires, water ingress or toxic gas.
“The best things about this deployment is I get to do roles that support the operation of the ship depending on the priorities of the mission at the time.
“There are also the new places, cultures and food I get to see and try.”
What she’s learned about being a sailor is the importance of the relationship with her shipmates.
“The people I work with make each day memorable and they are definitely my second family.”
LHS Brown’s advice to others thinking of joining the Navy is to be open to learning new skills and have a drive and passion to do anything.
“It’s incredible what I have achieved so far in my career and there’s still much more to come. I want to enjoy my time as a sailor, consolidate my learning, but also keep an eye on the future and that could include completing a degree.
“No matter the time away, I am grateful for the support back in New Zealand. The homecoming at Devonport is the most incredible feeling – it means catching up on all the stories from home and getting to tell my own.”
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