Te Kaha And Endeavour Berth in Auckland

The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS TE KAHA and tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR returned to the Devonport Naval Base this morning after being deployed since early this year.

The ships entered Auckland harbour shortly after 9am today. Nearing the Base, they were honoured by a Seasprite helicopter flypast and HMNZS TE KAHA fired a gun salute, which was returned from the shore. Over 1100 family and friends waiting on the wharf waved and cheered as they tied up.

They were welcomed home by the New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Component Commander, Commodore (CDRE) John Campbell RNZN.

“The crews have been away from home and family for nearly six months, carrying out a wide range of challenging tasks,” CDRE Campbell said.

“TE KAHA left New Zealand in mid-February and played a big part in the NZDF’s contribution to the Gallipoli centenary commemorations in April, followed by several weeks operating in the Western Indian Ocean with the Combined Maritime Forces, focusing on the smuggling of narcotics.

“The searches carried out by her boarding parties during those patrols yielded drugs worth about $235 million, which were then destroyed at sea.

“TE KAHA’s work over there was a hands-on New Zealand contribution to international security. As well as preventing those drugs from actually reaching the street, it helped staunch the flow of funds for terrorist activities in the Middle East and beyond.

“During the final part of her deployment she participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia.

“Talisman Sabre was an opportunity to practise the core warfighting capabilities she’s designed for, and to improve operability with New Zealand’s coalition partners.

“ENDEAVOUR has been away since early March and initially worked with the Royal Australian Navy as they prepared ships for deployments. She went on to take part in the annual Five Power Defence Arrangements Exercise Bersama Shield, held off the coasts of Malaysia and Singapore, and was then also involved in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

“Welcome home to both ships and their crews.

“They have all done exceptionally well. We are very proud of their performance and achievements,” CDRE Campbell said.

ENDS

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