Media are invited to sail with HMNZS TE KAHA this Monday, June 04 from 1000 – 1200 as she departs Devonport Naval Base for a four month deployment, including participation in the world’s largest naval exercise.
The ship and her crew of 173 will join other units from the NZ Defence Force for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2012), conducted near Hawaii from 29 June to 3 August. RIMPAC involves 22 countries, a total of 25,000 personnel, 42 ships, six submarines, and over 200 aircraft.
HMNZS TE KAHA, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, the Operational Diving Team and the Mine Counter Measures Team, a Rifle Platoon from 1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion, and a number of headquarters staff will take part in the exercise.
“This is the first time in 28 years that the NZ Defence Force has taken part in RIMPAC. It offers a key opportunity to work alongside a large number of Pacific nations building interoperability and relationships,” says Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Dave Gawn.
Media can sail with the ship from Devonport Naval Base and interview members of the crew before being transferred off by small boat, back to Devonport Naval Base.
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Naval Today Staff, May 31, 2012