Archives
SHIP OF THE WEEK – HMNZS WELLINGTON F69
HMNZS Wellington was a Leander-class frigate of the Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Originally commissioned in 1969 for the Royal Navy as HMS Bacchante, she joined the RNZN in 1982. On arrival in New Zealand, Wellington was decommissioned and entered an extended refit which ended in 1986. The limited modernization proved difficult and took an unexpected 4 years. When inspected prior to purchase in 1981, she was in the condition expected for an RN frigate after a dozen years’ service. However, in 1982 the frigate conducted a four-month winter patrol in the post-war Falklands exclusion zone with the other four RN unmodernised Leanders. Sea conditions in the Falkland exclusion zone mea...
RESERVE UNITS TRAINING NIGHTS OPEN TO ALL
Contrary to popular belief, anyone who has transitioned from RF to Reserve and is able to pass the medical and fitness test is welcome and encouraged to attend parade/training nights at your local Reserve Unit. Your participation will be paid, and your hours count towards annual efficiency. Each unit conducts training (AWQ, First-Aid etc.), as well as other activities, expeds, functions and much more. Each unit also has dedicated full time staff who can help with queries and any administrative requirements, there are also DIXS computers for use. Give it a go, you may be surprised.
WARNING ORDER – NGAPONA ASSN FORMAL DINNER
The Ngapona Association is holding a formal dinner on Saturday 24 July 2021 at the Birkenhead RSA, Recreation Drive, Birkenhead, Auckland. The guest speaker will be the Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor RNZN. An invitation to attend the function is extended to all NGA Association members, all past and present members of NGAPONA and their partners/spouses. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The cost of this function is $50.00 per head. A cash bar will operate. There will be a buffet type meal of three courses. It is expected that Able Musician Rebecca Nelson will provide a brief performance during the evening. It is also expected that a rum issue will be held. As ...
NEW LANDING CRAFT FOR ADF
The Australian government will invest up to AUS$800 million (US$620 million) to acquire new fleets of Australian-built amphibious vehicles and landing craft that will be able to transport land forces with enhanced speed and protection. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Army Littoral Manoeuvre – Light project, LAND 8710 Phase 1 will strengthen the ADF’s amphibious capabilities. “Today’s announcement delivers on this Government’s objectives, set out in the 2020 Force Structure Plan, to enhance the ADF’s amphibious capabilities, especially in Australia’s territorial waters and the near region,” Minister Reynolds said. “These new vessels, introduced from 2026, will be larger, faster, and better protected to support ADF operations. “They will allow Defence to qui...
HMNZS TUI (1970)
HMNZS Tui, formerly USNS Charles H. Davis (T-AGOR-5), was one of nine Conrad class oceanographic ships built for the United States Navy, that later saw service in the Royal New Zealand Navy). Serving with the USN from 1963 to 1970, these ships were designed to perform acoustic experiments on sound transmission underwater, and for gravity, magnetism and deep-ocean floor studies. The fourth ship to be so named by the Navy, Charles H. Davis was laid down by Christy Corporation, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, 30 June 1962; launched 30 June 1962; sponsored by Mrs. Roy Alexander Gano, wife of Admiral Roy Alexander Gano, Commander MSTS; delivered to the Navy 25 January 1963 and turned over to the Military Sea Transportation Serv...
AUSTRALIA’S NUSHIP SUPPLY
Australia’s Defence contract with Spain’s Navantia S.A. has reached a major milestone with Ship Acceptance of the Royal Australian Navy’s First Supply-class vessel, NUSHIP Supply. Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC was pleased to announce the formal acceptance of the Auxiliary Oilier Replenishment (AOR) ship, NUSHIP Supply from Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia S.A. “Despite the impacts of COVID-19, the Australian Government has worked with the prime and sub-contractors to innovate and implement solutions to deliver the Royal Australian Navy’s first Supply-class vessel Nuship Supply, based on the Spanish Cantabria design,” Minister Reynolds said. “The Australian Government remains committed to maximising Australian industry involvement in the shipbuilding enterprise. “Aus...
COOKS AND STEWARDS REUNION
The “Cooks and Stewards “ reunion is all go for the 9,10, and 11th April 2021. Details are on the Cooks and Stewards Reunion Page on Facebook. Or contact Margaret Mitchell margaretmitchell@xtra.co.nz or Ray Neithe rjniethe@gmail.com