It is a long way from rural Waipawa to the coast of Somalia, or the landscape of the Middle East, but travel was what Zach Taylor was seeking when he signed up for the New Zealand Navy and travel is what he got.
But it is not all about sailing the high seas to distant lands anymore with the 26-year-old having recently attained a unique role which will see him spend most of his service time in the air as a senior helicopter crewman.
Earlier this month he and New Zealand Air Force Sergeant Don Adshead were promoted within 6 Squadron which is effectively a blend of air and sea helicopter services and operates out of Whenuapai air base.
Mr Taylor, who carried a leading crewman's rank within the navy's helicopter arm, was promoted to Petty Officer and in a couple of months time he will be on the move again - to the United States.
"I've been selected to go to the US as part of the new Seasprites programme," he said.