April 2009 - Navy welcomes HMNZS ROTOITI
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson says the delivery of the four new Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) is an important and significant step for the Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as for the country.
The four new ships, ROTOITI, HAWEA, PUKAKI and TAUPO are soon to be delivered, beginning with ROTOITI, which was officially handed over to the Navy on Friday 17th April in Whangarei and will sail to Devonport Naval Base on Friday 24th April. The ship will be affiliated to the port of Napier and the Hawke's Bay region, reflecting the special relationship with the Navy that stretches back to the 1931 earthquake.
Image Right: HMNZS ROTOITI on completion of her Naval Acceptance Ceremony in Whangarei at 0810 am on Friday 17 April (MC 09-0127-171).
“The delivery of these ships reflects a lot of hard work by the New Zealand Defence Force, in particular the Navy and the Ministry of Defence,” Rear Admiral Ledson said.
“The IPVs are very capable ships and they will provide increased opportunities for our Sailors, both in the Regular and Naval Volunteer Reserve Forces , to have new and exciting challenges and experiences. Importantly, too, they will enable the Navy to make a wider contribution both to New Zealand in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and further afield; particularly in the South Pacific,“ Rear Admiral Ledson said.
Above Image Left: Commanding Officer of HMNZS ROTOITI, Devonport man Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie and Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Wayne Mapp onboard ROTOITI after the signing ceremony on Thursday 16 April 2009 (MC 09-0127-042).
Above Image Right: Commanding Officer of HMNZS ROTOITI, Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie presented with his commissioning parchment by Chief of navy Rear Admiral Ledson (MC 09-0127-138).
“Along with the new Offshore Patrol Vessels and the Air Force’s P3 Orion Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, they will provide a ‘step up’ in the Defence Force’s ability to work in close partnership with government agencies such as the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, Police, Customs and the Ministry of Foreign affairs and Trade to address New Zealand’s security challenges.”
"We're grateful to the contractor, BAE, for their contribution to the significant effort that has gone in to securing the delivery of these impressive new ships."
"Today is a very exciting day for the Navy,” Rear Admiral Ledson said.
Above Image: The crew of HMNZS ROTOITI (MC 09-0127-002).