She was part of a science-focused BLAKE Expeditions group, but she found the naval experience so inspirational she decided to join the Naval Reserve Force.
Last month, Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator (OMTO) Paicu, 19, was among nine sailors and five officers graduating from a 10-month Naval Reserve Common Training (NRCT) course in a ceremony in Devonport, Auckland.
NRCT provides almost identical training to Regular Force personnel but is delivered part-time, with graduates balancing their training with work and study commitments, as well as being away from family.
As well as online study and parade evenings with a local reserve force unit, the graduates had to complete two nine-day-long training blocks at Devonport Naval Base and Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparāoa, as well as four training weekends.
OMTO Nora Paicu is assigned to HMNZS Toroa in Dunedin and continues her studies at the University of Otago studying law, management and agricultural innovation – a triple degree.
She is also working as a reader/writer exam supporter at her former high school, Columba College.
As a maritime trade operator, OMTO Paicu provides the interface between merchant shipping and the military, including briefing ship masters on security threats and military operations that could impact their route.