HMNZS Canterbury Berths in Hawaii for RIMPAC

27 June 2014

HMNZS Canterbury Berths in Hawaii for RIMPAC

The Navy’s amphibious sealift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY this morning berthed in Hawaii, ready to join forces with ships, aircraft and personnel from around the world.

The crew of 123 sailors and officers will spend some time alongside for shore briefings, before proceeding to sea with over 40 surface ships and submarines involved in the largest international maritime exercise in the world, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

It's great to have CANTERBURY representing Navy and the NZ Defence Force, says the Commanding Officer, Commander David Turner.

“We’re training and working with our allies and friends. All these different nations coming together in a collaborative way is fantastic to be a part of; it offers a great learning opportunity for my ship’s company.”

“CANTERBURY can offer a lot to this exercise, she is very suitable for humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR), so working with other nations and sharing information and tactics means we can be there to help effectively when we’re needed.”

HMNZS CANTERBURY departed Devonport on 3 June sailing to Hawaii via Townsville to offload NZ Army personnel and equipment for an Australian land forces exercise.

In the spirit of international cooperation for which Ex RIMPAC is renowned, CANTERBURY embarked 117 Australian Army infantry soldiers and their field equipment for their 18-day passage across the Pacific from Townsville.

Background:
Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is a multinational exercise that takes place in and around the Hawaiian Islands, every two years. Twenty-three nations, more than 40 surface ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in RIMPAC 14.

The NZDF is contributing 256 staff in total, made up of HMNZS CANTERBURY with embarked SH-2G Seasprite Helicopter, Mine Counter Measures Team, Operational Dive Team, a P3K-2 Orion aircraft, a light infantry platoon, and Headquarters staff and augmentees.

ENDS

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