HMNZS Otago Takes Over From Where Taupo Left
HMNZS Otago is in the country to continue, operation Wasawasa where HMNZS Taupo had left.
New Zealand Defence Adviser, Lieutenant-Colonel Josh Wineera said this was the first time for HMNZS Otago to participate in the Operation Wasawasa II.
He said the ship holds up to 80 people and that there were less for this operation as there was a need to include Fijian Navy, Fisheries and Revenue and Customs Officers while on the operation.
Also on board are NZ Fisheries officers were also part of the crew.
“Otago is a region in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a great producer of NZ wine and rugby talent with the Otago Highlanders,” Lt-Col Wineera said.
“As a larger vessel and larger crew HMNZS Otago can stay out at sea longer. She also has the capability to embark a Sea sprite helicopter (not on this deployment).
“As a ship with more range the vessel can patrol areas that revious ships couldn’t reach.”
He said there will not be any difference from the Operation Wasawasa mission as it will continue to work in partnership to help assist in the protection of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and secondly to train and learn from each other.
“Operation Wasawasa remains a high caliber 21st century working model for regional cooperation in maritime security in the Pacific and is also genuine partnering to develop mutual training of our two navies,” he said.
HMNZS Otago has served in almost every south west Pacific countries.
Some of the ports that the navy vessel would be visiting are Suva and Lautoka Port.
“This is the third vessel to take part is Operation Wasawasa.
“The first was HMNZS Hawea that served for nearly six months last year, the second was HMNZS Taupo that was here for just about three months and now we have Otago for six weeks.
“HNMZS Hawaea and Taupo are known as inshore Patrol Vessels.
“Otago and her sister ship HMNZS Wellington are New Zealand’s two Offshore Patrol Vessels. Their size and dimension allows them to be on patrol longer and further than the IPVs.” The ship arrived into the country on August 25 and will departure on October 1.
