ANZAC Frigate Sails For Arabian Gulf

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release 24 November 2002

ANZAC FRIGATE SAILS FOR ARABIAN GULF

HMNZS Te Kaha sails from Stirling, Western Australia on Tuesday November 26 at 3.00pm (NZDT) to undertake its mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The frigate will take part in Maritime Interdiction Operations in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman as part of a Canadian led Coalition Task Group.

HMNZS Te Kaha’s deployment is expected to be for approximately three months before she will hand over operations to HMNZS Te Mana. A P3 Orion is expected to join the operation in April next year and provide maritime surveillance support for up to six months.

Maritime Interdiction Operations are directed at stopping the movement by sea of Al Qa’eda and Taliban elements between Afghanistan/Pakistan, the Middle East and other areas. The task group will monitor shipping activity, gather information, intercept and board shipping, and if necessary identify and detain Al Qa’eda and Taliban personnel.

ENDS

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