April 2009 - HMNZS ROTOITI arrives at Devonport Naval Base
HMNZS ROTOITI, the Royal New Zealand Navy's newest ship, arrived at Devonport Naval Base on Friday 24 April following her delivery voyage from Whangarei.
Commanding ROTOITI on her delivery voyage was Devonport local, Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie. On board were Minister of Defence the Hon Dr Wayne Mapp and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Ledson.
Rear Admiral Ledson said the delivery of the 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 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 Right: HMNZS ROTOITI arriving in Auckland Harbour (MC 09-0141-02).
In coming weeks the three other IPV's, HAWEA, PUKAKI and TAUPO, will be delivered to Devonport. The ships will undertake a programme of trials to develop and test their capabilities before their full introduction to service later this year.
Rear Admiral Ledson said that along with the new Offshore Patrol Vessels and the Air Force’s P3 Orion Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, the Inshore Patrol Vessels 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.
HMNZS ROTOITI 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.
Above Image Left: LT Alistair McHaffie's mum and dad (former Chief of Navy) (MC 09-0141-07).
Above Image Right: Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Wayne Mapp, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Ledson and Commanding Officer of HMNZS ROTOITI Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie (MC 09-0141-05).
