Royal New Zealand Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha arrived home today, August 15, after three months at sea and participating in RIMPAC, the world’s largest maritime exercise held in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
Te Kaha departed Devonport Naval Base on May 3 participating in work-up exercises with HMNZS Endeavour and the Royal Australian Navy in preparation for RIMPAC.
During the work-up exercises Te Kaha tested its Seasprite helicopter, recently bought from RAN, during a cross deck with HMAS Canberra.
RIMPAC provided a unique training opportunity for the ship’s company to train in a broad spectrum of maritime tasks and provided the ability to test new capabilities.
The frigate also took part in sinking the former U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37). RIMPAC participants used live fire from ships and aircraft to sink USS Crommelin on July 19, some 55 nautical miles north of Kauai, Hawaii.
Te Kaha is one of two Anzac-class frigates in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The other Anzac frigate is HMNZS Te Mana.