Navy provides helping hand to DOC

The Navy’s amphibious sealift ship HMNZS CANTERBURY has completed the transfer of 40 tonnes of equipment and supplies in support of research activities on Raoul Island in the Kermadec Group, approximately 530 nautical miles north east of NZ.

Among the equipment landed was important Meteorological Service and Tsunami warning equipment. Fifteen sailors will remain on the island to assist with Department of Conservation activities until April 18, when the CANTERBURY will return to pick them up on its return from Exercise CROIX DU SUD 2008 in New Caledonia.

CROIX DU SUD is a five nation military exercise to be conducted by the French Armed Forces, New Caledonia during the period 28 March to 12 April. France, Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, together with the Vanuatu Police, will practice evacuation operations of civilians as well as the delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

”The Raoul Island exercise was another important step in the ship’s development plan as the Navy and wider NZDF learn more about the unique and wide-ranging capability the ship offers,” said CANTERBURY’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tony Millar.