A Change of Command ceremony for the Offshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS WELLINGTON was held on 24 January at Devonport Naval Base.
Commander Dave McEwan RNZN (left) relinquished Command of HMNZS WELLINGTON and Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe RNZN (right) assumed Command in a ceremony onboard WELLINGTON.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer presided over the ceremony.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) HMNZS WELLINGTON delivers substantial new capability to the Royal New Zealand Navy. The ship can go further offshore, stay at sea longer, and conduct more challenging operations than the Inshore Patrol Vessels, enabling the RNZN to conduct patrol and surveillance operations around New Zealand, the southern ocean and into the Pacific.
The OPV is capable of many roles including maritime patrol, surveillance and response. She is highly automated and operates with a core crew of 35, plus 10 flight crew to operate a helicopter. The ship’s power and control systems are fully computerised.
Specifications:
Armament: One 25mm Bushmaster Naval gun and two .50 calibre machine guns.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 30, 2013; Image: RNZN