NZDF wraps up its role in Rim of the Pacific exercise
The Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Aotearoa has wrapped up its involvement in Exercise RIMPAC 2022 after delivering more than 6.5 million litres of fuel to the ships and helicopters taking part in the world’s largest maritime exercise.
05 August, 2022
The New Zealand contingent is one of 26 from nations that participated in the exercise based in the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California from the end of June until Thursday.
More than 165 New Zealand Defence Force members took part, operating across a spectrum of capabilities.
That included HMNZS Aotearoa at sea, a team from HMNZS Matataua - the Naval Littoral Warfare specialists in Southern California, Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel embedded in the Combined Air Operations Centre and the NZ Army Joint Fires Team that worked alongside the United States Marine Corps.
HMNZS Aotearoa conducted 20 replenishments at sea - delivering 6.48 million litres of diesel and 107,420 litres of aviation fuel.
The team from HMNZS Matataua embarked on the amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland where they conducted mine warfare activities using autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced military diving techniques. Their activities also included divers deploying from an MH60 Seahawk helicopter to deal with floating mines.
Left: NZ Army Joint Fires team co-ordinate air ordnance drops from partner aircraft. Middle: A Diver from HMNZS Matataua is lowered into the sea from an MH60S Seahawk to deal with a mine. Right: Captain Stephen Lenik, front row centre, and his Sea Combat
The Joint Fires Team also coordinated combined fire from 155mm artillery, 81mm mortars and munitions delivered by aircraft such as the Lockheed AC-130 Gunship and remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper drones.
Group Captain Pete Gibson was the Deputy Commander of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Combined Task Force 172, based out of Marine Corp Base Hawaii.
“Having our people perform a range of roles across a number of trades and getting experience they never would have had is important to developing partner interoperability,” he said.
Captain Stephen Lenik was the first New Zealander in the role as the Sea Combat Commander of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CTF 170).
He was in control of 14 ships, including an autonomous vessel, from six different nations. He was supported by a multinational battle staff whose objectives included the execution of anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare during the exercise.
“The opportunity allowed us to demonstrate the interchangeability of NZDF skills. The command and control relationships that we’ve established here will be enduring and can transfer to future operations with our partner nations in the Pacific.
“I’d like to thank Commander US Pacific Fleet for hosting us and Commander US 3rd Fleet for having us here. He hono tangata e kore e motu; kapa he taura waka e motu (Unlike the rope of a canoe a human bond cannot be severed).”
NZDF to deploy to the UK in further support for Ukraine
Media Release
Army honours Private David Stewart NZBM with theatrette dedication
Media Release
NZDF completes school and wharf work in Niue
Media Release
Commemorations remember Guadalcanal 80 years on
Media Release
Army Band to represent New Zealand on the world stage again
Media Release
RNZAF Base Auckland takes Queen’s Colour, farewells Orion at Change of Command parade
Media Release
RNZAF delivers critical freight to Kiribati and Fiji
Media Release
NZ Navy gifts ship's bell to mark bonds forged in Christchurch earthquake
Media Release
Chief of NZ Army says Fiji visit both long overdue and greatly welcomed
Media Release
NZ Navy Hydrographers get to work mapping Niue's unique landscape
Media Release
Chief of the New Zealand Army visits Fiji
Media Release
Fijian exercise throws young NZ Army leaders into heat of battle
Media Release
Milton Navy man takes on Niue tasks in tropical heat
Media Release
![Officer Cadet School [OCS] of New Zealand have learned new survival skills from their Fijian military counterparts during three days in the Fijian bush. Photo credit: RFMF](/assets/Uploads/PageElements/Survival-ex-1__FocusFillWzIyMCwxOTAsIngiLDEzXQ.jpeg)
NZ Army Officer Cadets living off the land in exercise with Fijian military
Media Release
Arrest following Base access
Media Release
Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana returns after three years in Canada
Media Release
NZ Army returns to train alongside Pacific Partners in Fiji
Media Release
NZ Navy underwater capability on show at RIMPAC
Media Release
NZDF flies team to support Niue in COVID-19 outbreak
Media Release
Kiwi helicopter pilot soars above London's Royal Celebrations
Media Release
A way forward for veteran's mental health and wellbeing
Media Release
NZDF personnel extended in roles in support of Ukraine
Media Release
Hercules and Air Force personnel return from mission in support of Ukraine
Media Release
HMNZS Aotearoa departs for RIMPAC 22
Media Release
Mutual benefit for NZDF involved in training courses in Fiji
Media Release
Training alongside NZDF military partners
Media Release
NZDF marchers and warriors wow crowd at Queen’s Jubilee Pageant
Media Release
NZDF Jubilee contingent readying to march onto world stage
Media Release
Texans take flight over Napier in Exercise Wise Owl
Media Release
NZDF Artillery Team to Train Ukrainians alongside UK
Media Release
NZDF to march at Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London
Media Release
RNZAF crew finds survivors on two boats missing near Kiribati
Media Release
NZ Army Engineers help rebuild Fijian school buildings
Media Release
Army breaks new ground in New Caledonia exercise
Media Release
Brotherly link draws on emotions at Anzac service
Media Release
NZDF support to Ukraine’s self-defence underway
Media Release
Surreal experience for Great-Grandson of Gallipoli veteran
Media Release
Navy medic strengthens whānau link to Gallipoli campaign
Media Release
Emotional return to Gallipoli for Anzac Day services
Media Release
NZDF marks Anzac Day at home and around the world
Media Release
Anzac Day marks 40 years of NZDF service in Sinai
Media Release
Unclaimed 28 (Maori) Battalion medals identified
Media Release
Twenty two Light Armoured Vehicles sold to Chilean Navy
Media Release
RNZAF Hercules departs for Europe
Media Release
Flight to ice completes NZDF’s Operation Antarctica for summer season
Media Release
Air Force marks 85 years of service to New Zealand
Media Release
Air Force Heritage Flight takes off
Media Release
Two former RNZN Inshore Patrol Vessels sold to The Republic of Ireland
Media Release
Former Defence Chief passes away in Wellington
Media Release
Change of Command for Devonport Naval Base
Media Release
NZDF to begin drawdown from MIQ
Media Release
NZDF Leadership puts gender equality firmly in its sights
Media Release
Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 Statement released
Media Release
21-gun salute for Jubilee of Queen’s accession
Media Release
NZ Navy's new replenishment vessel sails on maiden voyage to Antarctica
Media Release
NZDF ready to assist West Coast communities
Media Release
NZDF support to Tonga continues to deliver
Media Release
Bamyan firing ranges clearance completed
Media Release
NZ Navy leadership ends Arabian Gulf mission with $15M drug bust
Media Release
NZDF’s support to Tonga Response ramps up
Media Release
NZDF support to Tonga: 17 January
Media Release
Holiday drug bust by Kiwi-Led Navy operation in Arabian Sea
Media Release
Three NZDF personnel recognised in New Year Honours List
Media Release
Meri Kirihimete from the New Zealand Defence Force
Media Release
Interceptions by NZ-led naval task force seize $US26 million in illegal drugs
Media Release
NZDF personnel deploy to Solomon Islands as part of inter-agency stability mission
Media Release
RNZAF Hercules transports PPE, medical supplies to Papua New Guinea
Media Release
NZDF ship, aircraft help ensure Pacific fishing rules are followed
Media Release
NZ tops global transparency rating for Defence and security sector
Media Release
Bravery and compassion from Australian Bushfire Assist deployment commended
Media Release
United States Navy Ship to visit New Zealand
Media Release
Expert Review Group Report Released
Media Release
RNZAF Orion crew find missing Kiribati sailors
Media Release
NZDF investigates alleged Auckland border breach
Media Release
New Zealand-led operation seizes drugs in Indian Ocean
Media Release
Pronounced safety focus for RNZAF and CAA during Māori Language Week
Media Release
NZDF exercises with international counterparts in South East Asia
Media Release
Personnel deployed on Afghanistan evacuations return to New Zealand
Media Release
NZDF boosts Wellington drive-through vaccination effort
Media Release
Air Force Veteran and New Zealand's oldest person passes away
Media Release
New Zealand Army's role in evacuation mission involved 'bravery on both sides'
Media Release
Navy personnel and accommodation facility test negative for COVID-19
Media Release
Statement from the Chief of Defence Force: Media Reports
Media Release
First 'Lead Teams' leadership programme underway in Tonga next week
Media Release
Statement from the Chief of Defence Force regarding situation in Afghanistan
Media Release
Delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Palmerston Island completed
Media Release
Air Force Hercules in US for international exercise
Media Release
Royal Canadian Navy frigate to visit Auckland
Media Release
Delivery of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Tokelau complete
Media Release
Buller Flood Support
Media Release
RNZAF carries out medevac from Antarctica
Media Release
RNZAF carrying out low-flying around Manawatū, Rangitikei & Whanganui
Media Release
Bamyan firing range clearance passes halfway point
Media Release
Chief of the NZDF announces awards for Whakaari White Island response
Media Release
NZDF continues to assist in Canterbury flooding response
Media Release
2020 Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence
Media Release
Statement by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short on the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Media Release
Two NZDF personnel test positive for COVID-19
Media Release
