HMNZS Te Kaha (F77)

HMNZS "Te Kaha" (F77) is one of ten "Anzac" class frigates, and one of two serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy. The name "Te Kaha" is Maori, meaning 'fighting prowess' or 'strength'.

Construction

"Te Kaha" was laid down by Tenix Defence Systems in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia on 19 September 1994. She was launched on 22 July 1995 and commissioned into the RNZN on 22 July 1997.

"Te Kaha" is 118 metres long and can travel at 27+ knots. HMNZS Te Kaha carries a convert|5|in|mm|0|sing=on gun, Sea Sparrow missile system, Phalanx Close In Weapon System, 6 torpedo tubes, and numerous small arms ranging from 9 mm pistols to 50 calibre machine guns. "Te Kaha" carries one KAMAN SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter. "Te Kaha" is built to the German MEKO 200 class design'.

Operational history

"Te Kaha" was involved in the September 1999 landing of the United Nations International Force in East Timor. The frigate was also involved in the Solomon Islands conflict during 2000-2001, where she relieved her sister ship "Te Mana".

ee also

* Frigates of the Royal New Zealand Navy

References

* [http://www.navy.mil.nz/visit-the-fleet/te-kaha/default.htm "Te Kaha"] , Royal New Zealand Navy. Retrieved 8 February 2007.
* [http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20070124-nstsaad.htm "Navy ship to support Auckland Anniversary Day"] , press release of 24 January 2007 by NZ Defence Force. Retrieved 8 February 2007.