First visit to Russia for NZ Navy
June 8 2005
On Friday 10 June, HMNZ Ships TE MANA and ENDEAVOUR will be the first ever New Zealand warships to visit Russia when they berth at Vladivostok at 10:00 am.
Richard Jackson, onboard HMNZS ENDEAVOUR says “At dawn on 10 June the New Zealand task group will meet a Russian warship, which is to escort us as we sail up the long narrow approach to Russia's legendary naval base. Vladivostok is the HQ of the Russian Pacific Fleet and we understand that the Commander in Chief himself will lead the courtesy calls, after HMNZS TE MANA berths.
While in Vladivostok, the ships will support a local orphanage run by a New Zealander, the sailors providing assistance at the Living Hope Day Centre with painting and minor maintenance. HMNZS TE MANA and ENDEAVOUR's combined sports teams are also scheduled to play the Russian Naval Academy at soccer and volleyball.
For the young Kiwis aboard the two ships there is a sense of anticipation, in Vladivostok they are breaking new ground in Russian-New Zealand relations, becoming the first Kiwis to sail in New Zealand warships into Russian waters”.
ENDS
For further information or requests for phone interviews, please contact Navy Assistant Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Vicki Rendall on (04) 496 0292 or 021 745 288.
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