HMNZS OTAGO - June 2011 Update
In June 2011, HMNZS OTAGO was in the tropical Pacific about to head home from the Cook islands after the first Pacidic islands patrol by an OPV.
OTAGO was tasked with a range of activities: surveillance, patrol, logistics and stores transport. Our deployment is demonstrating the Navy’s ability to undertake regular, long-duration, security and resource protection, and diplomatic missions, into the Pacific to support the Pacific Island nations to protect their own security and resources.
First, we took NZ’s Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson and various supplies to Raoul Island. One sailor, ACSS Fowler described the visit:
“On Tuesday morning we set out on our passage to the Islands; first stop was Raoul Island. We anchored and launched both sea boats to ferry the DOC stores and personnel to the island. The sea was a little rough and people were getting wet but we got everyone ashore safely. We weighed anchor to moved around to the southwest side, into the lee, to anchor for the night and the next morning, Saturday we returned to the landing place and
up-lifted about 17 personnel off the island and set off for Tonga.”
Other Seariders embarked in OTAGO included Dame Sian Elias, the Chief Justice of New Zealand, a group of New Zealand artists, DoC personnel, Fisheries and Police staff and Pacific Island Fisheries Officers. Their roles during the deployment included:
o The first visit by New Zealand’s Chief Justice to Tokelau, an island group which is a constitutional responsibility of NZ.
o Engagement with Pacific Island nations, including mentoring and training for government personnel in those nations.
o Training with the Pacific Patrol Boats operated by Pacific Island Nations
o Fisheries patrols of the Tuna Belt, in support of the Forum Fisheries Agency .
o Delivering charitable supplies (toys supplied by Rotary Wellington to Tonga.
o Support to NZ Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the forthcoming Humanitarian Aid/ Disaster Relief training exercise, Tropic Twilight 2011.
OTAGO’s deployment, like WELLINGTON”s recent patrol to the Antarctic, is part of the capability release process for the new Offshore Patrol Vessels. This long-duration patrol into the tropical Pacific has confirmed the capability of the OPVs to operate in tropic waters and temperatures.