Both officers normally help manage Canterbury’s engineering department, machinery reports, stability, fuel and environmental compliance. A major maintenance period adds contractors, project teams and the surprises that come with opening up a working ship.
“You’re working with contractors and the project team and dealing with the many unexpected issues that come up when you take a ship apart and put it back together again,” Lieutenant Enticott says.
The 27-year-old joined the Navy in 2017, drawn by the chance to keep learning, gain qualifications and travel. She says the Singapore assignment has tested her leadership and problem-solving skills. Weekends are generally free, though she often uses them to rest. A visit from her husband for a month was a welcome highlight.
Lieutenant Kim, 31, joined in 2021 after university. Born in Korea and raised in Tauranga, he wanted a career that would challenge him and allow him to serve New Zealand. For now, he says, the maintenance work is keeping his attention firmly in Singapore.
Both are looking forward to returning to New Zealand, seeing family and friends, and settling back into the ship’s usual routine.
“And not having to think about the ship 24/7!” Lieutenant Enticott says.
