After the First World War it was decided that HMS PHILOMEL would support operational ships fulfilling the role of depot ship, providing training for new entrants and specialist maintenance personnel. Auckland was chosen as the location for these facilities and with the support of HMS CHATHAM, PHILOMEL steamed on its last voyage to the naval base. Berthed alongside on what would be known as 'The Training Jetty' the old ship became home to generations of new entrants.
To create classroom space the engines were taken out, however this was never going to be satisfactory solution. The early 1920s saw the commencement of a struggle to have facilities provided ashore. The first of these was the acquisition of an old building from the Army, sited at the base of what would become known as 'Monowai Hill'. Beginning as a YMCA canteen this building has housed a variety of functions over the years, presently it is the Junior Ratings Fleet Mess. Soon afterwards three classrooms were built on the foreshore, the first of the 'green huts' which were finally removed in early 2000.
In 1941 most of the training function of PHILOMEL was transferred to HMNZS TAMAKI, along with the ship's main mast. Following WWII, PHILOMEL became responsible for Basic Branch Training, a function it retained until 1975.
The basic training of personnel began at Narrow Neck in 1965 and continued until 1995. That year, a rationalisation of real estate resulted in the relocation of new entry training to Shoal Bay on the northern boundary of the Naval Base.
The opening of the Maritime Warfare Training Centre in 1995 enabled the Navy to consolidate its operations training; supplemented with the Bridge Simulator opening in 2000. These facilities have improved training for bridge personnel and reduced the pressure on sea training.
As part of a major reform of the Naval Command structure at the turn of the new century, HMNZS TAMAKI ceased to exist and PHILOMEL assumed responsibility for the whole of the naval base and facilities in November 2000.