ANZAC Frigate, HMNZS TE MANA, has attended an International Fleet Review to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces during an operational and diplomatic visit to Brunei.
The fleet review comes near the end of TE MANA’s five month deployment that has seen her visit seven counties to exercise naval capability with Allies and partners in order to strengthen regional security and diplomatic links.
The fleet review saw 16 warships from 13 nations in formation off the coast of Jerudong where they were reviewed by the Sultan of Brunei and 11 Chiefs of Navy including the Royal New Zealand Navy’s own Rear Admiral Tony Parr.
As the Flag Ship with the Sultan and Chiefs of Navy on board reviewed the flotilla, each warship showcased a portion of their country’s culture.
TE MANA’S Ship’s Company lined the upper decks and gave three cheers before members of the Ship’s Company broke into a Haka. The interest of the Flag Ship was held long after she had passed, with many eyes following the performance on TE MANA instead of changing focus to the next ship in the review.
The Ships Company will join the other participating nations in a street march through the city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The other nations include Australia, Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States of America; all have diplomatic ties with New Zealand which have been strengthened through the building of military links.
The Navy contributes to New Zealand’s security, economic prosperity and international interests
· Contributing to secure sea lines of communication – the trade routes on which 99% of NZ goods are transported
· Contributing to a stable international environment in the Pacific and wider region
· Building military, diplomatic and trade links with friends and neighbours. [mappress] Source: navy, July 12, 2011;