Monday, 17 September 2007
The New Zealand Army will be helping the Navy put its newest ship through her paces over the next week with the first integrated trial of HMNZS CANTERBURY’s embarked forces capabilities.
Around 250 soldiers and 50 vehicles, including a number of the Army’s Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) will be loaded onto the ship when she is berthed in Napier this week.
“This is an important activity for the Ship and provides a significant milestone in our plan to build operational capability,” says CANTERBURY Commanding Officer, Commander Tony Millar. “The requirement to take NZDF and coalition personnel and equipment to a port and offload them safely and efficiently will be an important aspect of CANTERBURY’s multi-mission capabilities.”
The ship’s programme is as follows:
Tuesday 18 September to Friday 21 September – Napier Harbour
Testing loading and unloading of troops and equipment
Friday 21 September to Sunday 23 September – Marlborough Sounds
Rehearsing at sea operations
Monday 24 September –
Wellington Harbour
Full tactical offload of troops, vehicles and equipment
The Army will then continue exercises throughout the North Island.
ENDS
Media Opportunities:
The ship is not open to the public over this week; however two media opportunities are available:
Thursday 20 September, Napier Harbour – Photo opportunity of embarked forces personnel drills onboard CANTERBURY
Monday 24 September, Aotea Wharf, Wellington – Photo and interview opportunities for full tactical offload of soldiers and LAV.
Media wishing to attend either event should register interest with Kirsty Clokie, Navy Public Relations, on 021 745 288 or 04 4960292.
Please note that registration is required in order to gain access to the harbour in both Napier and Wellington.