Commodore Andrew Brown, a distinguished officer of the New Zealand Navy, has been honored for his exemplary leadership during the crisis involving the grounding and sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa in October 2024. This recognition comes in the form of the Distinguished Service Decoration, which is part of the New Year Honours List.
In his role, Commodore Brown served as the pivotal link between New Zealand and Samoan authorities, coordinating efforts to mitigate what could have been a significant environmental disaster. The HMNZS Manawanui, a naval dive and hydrographic vessel, ran aground near Upolu while conducting reef surveys, leading to its sinking the following day with 75 individuals on board—fortunately, without any loss of life.
Over the course of five months, Brown oversaw the initial impact assessment, developed environmental protection strategies, and led salvage operations, all while engaging diplomatically with various stakeholders. His citation emphasizes the importance of support from the Samoan government and community, noting his commitment to a collaborative approach. This garnered a high degree of trust from local authorities concerned about the potential environmental impacts.
Brown was instrumental in managing the New Zealand Defence Force’s role in salvage operations and served as a key advisor on the Maritime Pollution Advisory Committee, which directed the national response to the sinking. His efforts positively influenced the decision to allow the local community to resume fishing activities after the implementation of water testing capabilities.
Reflecting on the honor, Commodore Brown expressed his gratitude for the teamwork involved in the operation, acknowledging the contributions of New Zealand Defence Force personnel, government agencies, civilian contractors, and Samoan officials. He noted the technical challenges of the response and emphasized the importance of his previous experiences in leading such operations.
Although Commodore Brown has recently retired from regular Navy service, he continues to serve in the Reserve Force, ready to lend his expertise and leadership to future missions. His dedication not only highlights the crucial role of military leadership in international cooperation but also demonstrates the positive outcomes that can arise from effective crisis management and community engagement.