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