HMNZS Canterbury, first of the navy's Protector fleet vessels. Images taken from a helicopter on her way into Lyttelton. MC 07-0245-74
14 January 2009
Navy Amphibious Support Ship HMNZS CANTERBURY departed the Devonport Naval Base yesterday bound for a special weekend of celebration in Timaru, berthing at No 1 Wharf West at 10:00 am on Friday 16 January and scheduled to depart at 10:00 am on Monday 19 January.
Commander Jim Gilmour and his crew of 53 men and women are delighted to have the opportunity to attend the Timaru 150th Anniversary Celebrations at Caroline Bay on Saturday 17 January.
Along with the formal programme of events planned for the 150th Anniversary, two special events will be held onboard HMNZS CANTERBURY; a formal Cocktail Party on Friday evening and a Dinner Party planned for Saturday evening.
Continuing the anniversary atmosphere, the Commanding Officer of HMNZS CANTERBURY will be driven to his ship in a vintage car to meet with his guests for the Dinner Party.
Commander Gilmour warmly invites the public of Timaru and districts to meet his crew and take a short tour of HMNZS CANTERBURY when the ship is open to the public from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Friday 16 January.
ENDS
For further information please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Media Adviser Navy – 021 244 0638
HMNZS CANTERBURY - Pennant Number L421
Amphibious Sea Support Vessel
Specifications
Displacement: 9000 tonnes
Length overall: 131 metres
Beam: 23.4 metres
Speed: 19 knots
Complement: Core ship's company: 53
Flight personnel: 10
Government agencies: 4
Army ship's staff: 7
Trainees: 35
Troops: 250
Total: 360
Propulsion: Diesel engines
Flight deck: Space for two helicopters
Armament: 25mm and two .50 calibre machine guns
Commanding Officer - Commander Jim Gilmour
Executive Officer - Lieutenant Commander Graeme Emmerson
HMNZS Canterbury is affiliated to the Canterbury Region and was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy on 12 June 2007 at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, Australia by the Ship's Lady Sponsor, the then Prime Minister of New Zealand the Rt Hon. Helen Clark.
New Zealander’s distinctively ‘Kiwi’ way of doing things serves the New Zealand Defence Force well. These traits include: resourcefulness, enterprise, common sense and daring.