Media Release
28 September 2011

Navy Fleet Arrives in Cook Strait

Ten ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy arrived in Cook Strait last night in preparation for their arrival in Wellington tomorrow for the Navy 70th Anniversary.

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The gathering of ships, known as a ‘Fleet Concentration’, began in the early hours of Tuesday morning. During the night the fleet split into two ‘forces’, and practised night-time manoeuvres. Exercises continued throughout Wednesday and will conclude on Thursday morning when ships of the fleet will enter Wellington harbour.

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It is unusual for a large group of Navy ships to be together in one place, so this occasion is an invaluable opportunity officers and personnel to practice ship handling in a multi-ship environment.

After the 70th Anniversary celebrations are completed on Monday 3rd October the ships will depart Wellington for operations and exercises in South East Asia, the Solomon Islands and around New Zealand’s coast

Attached are a set of photographs of the fleet in Cook Strait.

ENDS

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