Naval expert with an eye for the flags

Shayna Keenan says she joined the navy at the urging of an aunt who also served, "and I haven't looked back". Photo / Brett Phibbs

Royal New Zealand Navy signals expert Shayna Keenan can talk with flags.

The 23-year-old is a leading communicator warfare specialist on board HMNZS Otago, which will be part of the Auckland Anniversary celebrations this weekend.

Ms Keenan's branch specialises in all types of communication - from computer, satellite and radio to the old-fashioned way with about 42 flags.

An important part of her job on the 1900-tonne offshore patrol vessel is helping young naval ratings just out of training put the skills they've learned on land into practice at sea - when the ship is lurching and the stomach churning.

A normal day for her is 8am to 4pm, during which time she will go through a task book of exercises with the new recruits.

HMNZS Otago patrols in the Southern Ocean and southwest Pacific, and patrols can last up to three months.

The former Gisborne Girls' High School pupil said she joined the navy in 2009 so she could travel and meet new people.

"I had an auntie who had joined for four years, so she kind of talked me into it, and I haven't looked back.

"I've been to Singapore, Vietnam, Guam, the Philippines, New Caledonia, Antarctica, and heaps of places in Aussie as well."

Ms Keenan has even been to the Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world's largest biennial international maritime warfare exercise, in Hawaii.

The 85m Otago will be berthed from 10am to 4pm at Captain Cook Wharf on Saturday and from 10am to 3pm at Queens Wharf on Sunday. Visitors will be able to take 30- to 40-minute tours of the ship and meet crew members.

During the Anniversary Day Regatta on Monday, the Otago will act as the guard ship.