New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Monday 20 November, 2006
Successful Launch Of First Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel
Amidst fanfares, sea shanties and a rousing haka performed by the sailors of the Royal New Zealand Navy, the latest
naval ship, the Offshore Patrol Vessel OTAGO, was launched on Saturday 18 November at Williamstown, Melbourne.
At 11.20am Dame Silvia Cartwright, the ship’s sponsor,launched the OTAGOwith these words: "I name, and am honoured to
launch this ship, OTAGO. May God bless all those who sail in her”.
As the champagne bottle smashed against the bow, the pin was removed and a collective gasp and loud cheers from the
3800-strong crowd accompanied OTAGO as she slid down the slipway with clockwork precision.
OTAGO remained briefly at the wharf opposite the RNZN’s Multi-Role Vessel CANTERBURY, prior to returning to the Dry Dock
to commence her extensive fit out.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson described the day as memorable for the ship.
“As a sailor, I can’t resist giving the ship the qualities of a person. In the New Zealand context, OTAGO moves from the
realm ofPapatuanuku, the Earth Mother, to the domain ofTangaroa,the God of the Sea. This is the day where OTAGO
tentatively kisses the environment that will be her home for many years.”
Commanding Officer of OTAGO, Lieutenant Commander John Butcher is Dunedin-born and Invercargill-bred. “I am very much
looking forward to taking her home into both Dunedin and Bluff to show the people of Otago and Southland their ship,” he
said.
ENDS