Navy Patrol Force Enters Auckland
Seven Royal New Zealand Navy Ships were a formidable sight in formation as they came down Waitamata Harbour to Devonport
Naval Base today .
This year the Navy received the last of its new ships under Project Protector, the Offshore Patrol Vessels HMNZS OTAGO
and WELLINGTON. The other ships participating in the fleet entry were the Inshore Patrol Vessels HMNZS PUKAKI, ROTOITI,
TAUPO and HAWEA and Littoral Support Ship HMNZS MANAWANUI.
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“With the arrival of the Offshore Patrol Vessels, the Naval Patrol Force is completed and fully operational,” said
Commodore Ross Smith, Maritime Component Commander.
“The Offshore Patrol Vessels, along with the Inshore Patrol Vessels, play a significant role in the contribution to the
security and the prosperity for all New Zealanders."
HMNZS OTAGO and WELLINGTON arrived into Auckland in April and July 2010 respectively and between them have already spent
245 days at sea.
The Inshore Patrol Vessels have been very busy around the coasts of New Zealand and have spent 546 days between them at
sea which includes working with other government agencies like the Ministry of Fisheries, Customs and Department of
Conservation.
HMNZS MANAWANUI is a purpose built dive vessel and has spent 129 days at sea.
ENDS