Monday 15 November, 2008

Naval Frigate Arriving Home For Xmas Reunion

Completing a busy 3 month operational deployment in South East Asia and Australia, Warship HMNZS TE KAHA will arrive home to the Devonport Naval Base at 10:00 am on Tuesday 16 December allowing her crew to be reunited with their families and friends in time for Christmas.

TE KAHA departed New Zealand on 18 September and headed to the South China Sea to take part in Exercise Bersama Lima 08 joining the Navies of Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and United Kingdom. The exercise was a great success and a significant challenge for TE KAHA as she operated in a very busy shipping environment with many other ships and aircraft.

Mid - late October saw TE KAHA operating in the Indian Ocean West of Australia for three weeks of exercises with the Australian Navy and Air Force which provided the opportunity to enhance high-level warfare skills with our closest ally.

The Commanding Officer of TE KAHA, Commander Mat Williams and his crew of 178 men and women have enjoyed a very successful deployment proudly representing New Zealand and the Navy, both at sea and ashore. In particular, many of the crew have achieved significant career milestones and qualifications all which help to grow the Navy of the future.

Commander Mat Williams says, "My ship and her crew have represented New Zealand very well, both in the South China Sea alongside the Navies of Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the United Kingdom as well as ashore in support Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade initiatives in Singapore and Australia.

Although only a relatively short trip of three months, the men and women of TE KAHA are very much looking forward to coming home to see their friends and families for Christmas before sailing again in January to support Department of Conservation re-supply to the sub-Antarctic islands."

The New Zealand Defence Force is working around the world building peace and security

ENDS

© Scoop Media