Lengthy farewell for Navy’s last steam driven frigate
Thursday 24 March, 2005
Flying a 122 metre long decommissioning pennant, HMNZS CANTERBURY will enter Auckland Harbour on Thursday 24 March, fire a gun salute at 09:42 am for the last time as a commissioned Naval vessel, before berthing at Devonport Naval Base at 10:00am. The Auckland Harbour provides many vantage points for the public to witness the final entry by HMNZS CANTERBURY.
The decommissioning pennant represents the length of service of the ship - the last steam driven Leander Class Frigate in the Royal New Zealand Navy has completed 33 years of operational service.
Under the command of Commander Peter Kempster, the crew of 247 Officers and ratings have recently taken HMNZS CANTERBURY on a Farewell Tour of her home port areas of Timaru, Akaroa and Lyttelton/ Christchurch.
HMNZS CANTERBURY will decommission on 31 March 2005.
Media are invited to cover the final Auckland Harbour entry.
ENDS
For further information, including requests for interviews please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Officer, Ph: 021 2440638
Background
HMNZS CANTERBURY was launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne (the Princess Royal) on 6 May 1970 and was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy on 22 October 1971.
HMNZS CANTERBURY is the last of the Leander-class frigates commissioned into service in the Royal New Zealand Navy and her decommissioning in 2005 will mark the end of the steam turbine era.
Particulars of HMNZS CANTERBURY
- Length: 113.4 m
- Draught: 5.6 m
- Displacement: 3,182 tonnes
- Machinery: Two steam turbines driving twin shafts
- Speed: 30 knots
- Complement: 240 (Officers and Ratings)
- Pennant Number: F421
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