The Navy tanker HMNZS Endeavour departed Devonport Naval Base on March 22, for an 18-week deployment to Australia and Asia.
Endeavour will accompany the frigate HMNZS Te Mana on the Asian deployment, which sees the ships representing New Zealand in a variety of operational exercises, activities and Defence diplomacy visits.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Lou Gardiner, said the deployment would maintain the New Zealand Defence Force’s combat capability in a maritime environment, and would also provide an opportunity for the New Zealand and allied navies to train together in combined operations, enhancing skills and interoperability while supporting the regional aims and objectives of the New Zealand government.
Both ships will take part in Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 05, a South China Sea maritime and air exercise that contributes to the security of the Asia Pacific region through the Five Power Defence Arrangement of which New Zealand is a partner.
In addition the ships will support New Zealand’s involvement in the World Expo 2005, Aichi, Japan, with a weeklong port visit timed to coincide with New Zealand Day, 3 June 2005. Endeavour and Te Mana will then sail north for diplomatic visits to Vladivostok, Russia, and Shanghai, China before returning to Australian waters.