Navy ready for Persian Gulf deployment

The Maritime Component Commander of the New Zealand Defence Force, Commodore Tony Parr, has stated that the Navy is well prepared and ready for the task ahead, following the announcement today by Minister of Defence Phil Goff of the deployment of a frigate and supporting elements to the Persian Gulf.

"The ANZAC frigate HMNZS TE MANA, with her Sea Sprite helicopter, is ready to go. The ship will sail in early April to be on station in the Gulf from early May. She will conduct a variety of tasks during a series of presence patrols over three months contributing to maritime security in the area," Commodore Parr said.

"The two previous deployments to the Persian Gulf by TE KAHA in 2003 and TE MANA in 2003 & 2004 were very successful. The professionalism and dedication of our New Zealand Navy personnel in these deployments has been widely acknowledged and appreciated internationally. I have no doubt that the capability and capacity in TE MANA will make for similar success during this operation," Commodore Parr said.

TE MANA, captained by Commander Blair Gerritsen RNZN, and her 175-strong ships' company will conduct a number of diplomatic port calls during the deployment. The ship is expected to return to New Zealand in August.