After a busy week of shore-based activities, the Ship’s Companies of HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS ENDEAVOUR are looking forward to the initial sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 this week.
Both ships are due to sail from their berth at Aloha Tower, Port of Honolulu, on Wednesday 11 July Hawaii time (Thursday 12 July NZ time) joining 25,000 personnel, 42 ships, six submarines and over 200 aircraft from 22 countries in the sea phase of the world’s biggest maritime excercise.
While in port, the sailors have taken part in numerous sporting matches against other navies, including swimming, softball and rugby.
During the Navy’s stay in Hawaii, Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Tony Parr welcomed the US Vice Admiral Gerald R. Beaman, commander of Combined Task Force to a reception held on TE KAHA.
RIMPAC is being conducted in waters off the Hawaiian Islands from 29 June to 3 August.
As well as TE KAHA and ENDEAVOUR, other NZ Defence Force units taking part in RIMPAC include 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.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 11, 2012; Image: RNZN