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Commanding Officer (desig) of Taupo with Their Excellencies, The Honourable, Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New Zealand and Mrs Susan Satyanand - Launch Lady of TAUPO.

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TAUPO, In Shore patrol Vessel Number 4

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Advisory

Monday 25 August, 2008

Fourth Of Project Protector Inshore Patrol Vessels Launched And Named

TAUPO, the fourth of the four Inshore Patrol Vessels being built entirely in New Zealand by BAE Ship Builders in Whangarei, was launched in Whangarei Harbour on Tuesday 22 July 2008.

TAUPO was formally named on Saturday, 23 August, and with these words “I name this ship TAUPO and may god bless her and all who sail in her”, Launch Lady Her Excellency, Mrs Susan Satyanand, cut the ribbon releasing the champagne bottle on to TAUPO’s bow, and the fourth Inshore Patrol Vessel is now one step closer to her delivery date.

This is another significant step in the introduction into the Navy of seven new ships under Project Protector. The first ship, the Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY, was commissioned into the Navy in June last year, the first Offshore Patrol Vessel, OTAGO, was launched in Williamstown in November 2006 with sister ship, WELLINGTON, launched in Williamstown in October 2007.

Once all the ships have been commissioned into operational service, the Navy’s Protector Fleet will comprise seven ships of three different classes; one Multi Role Vessel (MRV), two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and four Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV).

The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson says, “'TAUPO is a name with a proud history in the Navy - first of a Loch Class frigate and then a Lake Class patrol craft. These ships have a valued place in the Navy's story - and made a valuable contribution to it. I'm sure this ship's record will match that of her predecessors.

Together with the rest of the Navy, I look forward to welcoming TAUPO and ROTOITI, PUKAKI and HAWEA to the fleet.'

The Commanding Officer (desig) of TAUPO, Okaihau, Northland man, Lieutenant Jonathan Clarkson, says of his appointment, “I am proud to have been selected for this command and especially proud to be taking command of TAUPO because she will be affiliated to Northland. I hope to visit as much of the Northland coast as possible and increase the profile of the Navy in Northland”.

TAUPO is affiliated to the Northland region.

Background

The Inshore Patrol Vessels will be used to conduct maritime surveillance in support of other agencies such as Customs and Fisheries. They will be able to patrol the New Zealand coastline from the shore to approximately 24 nautical miles.

Pennant No: P3570
Displacement: 340 tonnes
Length overall: 55 metres
Beam: 9 metres
Speed: 25 knots
Range: 3,000 nautical miles
Complement: Core ship's company: 20
Government agencies: 4
Additional personnel: 12
Total: 36

TAUPO will be under the command of Lieutenant Jonathan Clarkson (Okaihau, Northland).

ENDS

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