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Warrant Officer Diver Lance Graham

Warrant Officer Diver Lance Graham

Warrant Officer of the Navy

The Warrant Officer of the Navy is the most senior Warrant Officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy. They report to the Chief of Navy and provide advice to Navy senior leadership about issues affecting sailors.

A passion service overseas

Lance Graham joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1989 as a Radio Operator. He served on several warships during the first few years of service.

He also participated in the following operations:

  • United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to the Baghdad Monitoring and Verification Centre, Iraq
  • Royal Navy Fleet Diving Unit One (Maritime Counter Terrorism Team)
  • Royal Navy Fleet Diving Unit Two (World Operations Team)
  • Humanitarian operations in East Timor.
  • Arabian Gulf as an element of Operation Enduring Freedom
  • EOD Team Leader under the UN Mine Action Co-ordination Centre (UNMACC) in Lebanon

Credit where credit is due

In 2006, Graham studied at the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He qualified as a NATO Explosive Ordnance Technician.

Soon after, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. He then posted to the   Joint Service EOD School where he was a founding instructor. Five years later, Graham posted to the RNZN Diving School as Head of the Diving Trade.

During his 32 years of service, WODR Graham has received many medals including:

  • the NZ Operational Service Medal
  • the NZ General Service Medal
  • the East Timor Medal
  • the NZ General Service Medal Afghanistan
  • the NZ General Service Medal Iraq
  • the RNZN Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • the UN Medal Iraq.