The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha has berthed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, ready to take part in the world’s largest international maritime exercise, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016.
The crew of 175 sailors and officers will head to sea with the more than 45 surface ships and five submarines involved in RIMPAC.
There are 26 nations are taking part in RIMPAC, contributing a total of 25,000 personnel. The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) contribution is some 350 personnel across the three services of Navy, Army and Air Force.
It is great for Te Kaha to be representing the Navy and the NZ Defence Force, says her Commanding Officer, Commander (CDR) Steve Lenik.
“A large exercise such as RIMPAC is a fantastic opportunity for my ship’s company to train for the broad spectrum of maritime tasks that Te Kaha might be asked to undertake as part of a coalition,” CDR Lenik says. “This exercise will help Te Kaha contribute to a secure and stable Pacific and the sea lanes connecting it to our global trading partners.
“Almost all peace support and humanitarian assistance operations are carried out in partnership with other navies. We can build on the excellent relationships that we have with existing partners and forge relationships with new ones.”
Later in the exercise Te Kaha will also test a new capability within the NZDF – the launch of a Penguin anti-ship missile from the new-model Seasprite helicopter.
“This will be a first for the RNZN and will demonstrate that we are a capable military partner,” CDR Lenik says.
Te Kaha left Devonport Naval Base on 3 May to participate in exercises with HMNZS Endeavour and the Royal Australian Navy to prepare for RIMPAC. She sailed from Australian waters this month with HMAS Canberra, which was carrying NZDF troops for RIMPAC.
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