Oct 07 - WELLINGTON Launched
At 2 pm on Saturday 27 October, in Williamstown, Melbourne amidst sea shanties, welcome speeches, three cheers and singing of the NZ and Australian National Anthems, Launch Lady, Dame Sian Elias said the following words "I name, and am honoured to launch this ship, WELLINGTON. May God bless all those who sail in her" - the champagne bottle smashed against the bow - and as she started down the slipway with clockwork precision - WELLINGTON was launched.
Image Right: Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Shane Arndel with HMNZS WELLINGTON (MC 07-0481-03).
There was a collective gasp and excited cheers from the large crowd as the pin was removed and WELLINGTON slipped down the ramp into the sea for the first time. WELLINGTON will remain briefly on the opposite wharf to her sister, the first Off Shore Patrol Vessel OTAGO, prior to returning to the Dry Dock tomorrow to commence her extensive fit out.
The launch of WELLINGTON was summed up by Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson, “I stand in awe of the people who can turn visions that lie on paper and turn bits of steel into something as beautiful as the ship we see before us today”, it is a proud day for New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Navy”.
On his appointment as Commanding Officer of WELLINGTON, Mt Maunganui born and bred, Lieutenant Commander Shane Arndell says, I have waited 18 years for this moment and I am very much looking forward to taking her home to Wellington and to show the people of the region - their ship".
WELLINGTON is one of two 85m long Offshore Patrol Vessels the Navy has acquired under Project Protector. “The ships provide an enhanced capability and capacity to the Navy in a variety of roles,” said Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson.
“They provide to the Defence Force, a Navy with greater versatility and enable us to work more effectively with a range of other Government agencies within our EEZ, and throughout the South Pacific beyond. Importantly, too, they will give us an increased presence around New Zealand and so will make it possible for more New Zealanders to see the Navy making its contribution to the country’s prosperity and security”.