1 August 2008
HMNZS Te Mana Leaves Arabian Gulf
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Members of Te Mana's approach and assist party gather information from a fishing dhow during a routine inspection. Te
Mana can be seen in the background.
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HMNZS TE MANA has departed her area of operations in the Southern Arabian Gulf and is making her way back to New
Zealand.
Over the past three months the frigate and her 173 strong ship's company have reported more than 1700 vessels in the
area, and carried out 228 approach and assist visits in support of maritime support and security operations for
Coalition Task Force (CTF) 152 in the Central and Southern Arabian Gulf.
Commanding Officer of HMNZS TE MANA, Commander Blair Gerritsen said that the whole team feels a great deal of
satisfaction in having played a part in the multinational effort to restore peace, stability and a sense of normality to
an area which has seldom seen this.
"Denying the influence of those who pose a threat to the security of the Arabian Gulf's waters whilst protecting the
legitimate mariners who operate throughout the area has been a challenging but satisfying task. My ship's company can
take a great deal of pride in the professionalism, endurance and good humour that they displayed over a prolonged period
in trying conditions."
The Kiwis have also been praised by the multinational partners in the Gulf.
"Many of those we have worked for and with in CTF 152 are staggered that such a small Navy could make such a significant
contribution to an operation so far from home," said CDR Gerritsen.
HMNZS TE MANA is expected to return to New Zealand on 7 September.
ENDS