March 2011 - HMNZS WELLINGTON tested in the Southern Ocean
From calm weather to intense storm conditions, HMNZS WELLINGTON, the Navy's newest offshore patrol vessel (OPV) and her Ship’s Company experienced all that Antarctica had to throw at them during a three week deployment into the lower Southern Ocean and the western Ross Sea
The ship successfully completed a full set of sea trials in these areas. Now, for the first time in forty years, the Royal New Zealand Navy has the ability to operate two of its ships in Antarctic waters.
“The trials have helped determine the ship’s capabilities and limitations, and have allowed us to become familiar with the dynamics of the Ross Sea area” said Commanding Officer of HMNZS WELLINGTON, Lieutenant Commander Simon Griffiths.
“The trials also prove that the ship can conduct small boat operations, can land and operate personnel along the Antarctic coastline and can conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations throughout the Ross Dependency.”
This new capability can now be developed further to allow the RNZN to work alongside other government agencies to conduct various surveillance and support operations in Antarctic waters.
During the sea trials HMNZS WELLINGTON was involved in a search and rescue for the yacht Berserk.
“We were hit by the most intense storm I have ever experienced at sea“ said Lieutenant Commander Griffiths.
“The ship could not initially respond to the distress call of the Berserk due to the heavy weather conditions but once we were able to, we headed to the last reported position of the distress signal.”
“The WELLINGTON crew are well trained in conducting such operations, even in adverse conditions like those experienced during this search.”
The ship searched the area until a further deterioration of the weather prevented the ship from carrying on. There was no sign of the yacht or its crew members.