Navy Ships Depart For Testing Times

Navy Ships Depart For Testing Times

HMNZS TE KAHA arriving Auckland harbour (March 2010) framed by two Royal Australian Naval vessels.

ANZAC Class Frigate HMNZS TE KAHA and Replenishment Tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR are deploying on Monday (6 Feb) to be tested under war-like conditions, proving both their safety at sea and their ability to react under combat.

The exercises, to be held on both the East and West Coasts of Australia, will mainly test the ships’ combat and weapon systems in order to prove their readiness for security and defence operations. In addition, the crew will also face difficult damage control scenarios such as engine room fires, floods and toxic gas emergencies.

“There is always a certain amount of apprehension when you face a ‘work-up’ assessment, and this time is no different,” said Bridge Watchkeeper Lieutenant Ed Fulker. “But this is really our bread and butter to keep our frigates TE KAHA and TE MANA combat ready. With a range of over 7000 nautical miles, and when supported by the tanker ENDEAVOUR, they can deploy throughout the Pacific and Asian waters, and globally.”

The combined crews, totalling 230 personnel, will depart from Devonport Naval Base on Monday morning, bidding farewell to friends and family for three months, returning home in mid April.

HMNZS TE KAHA specifications

Standard Displacement: 3,600 tonnes
Length Overall: 118 metres
Speed: 27+ knots
Range: 6,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
Complement: 177 Officers and ratings

HMNZS ENDEAVOUR specifications
Standard Displacement: 7,300 tonnes empty, 12,300 tonnes laden
Length Overall: 138 metres
Speed: 14 knots
Range: 10,000 nautical miles
Complement: 50 Officers and ratings

ENDS