New Zealand and Canadian partnership highlighted during HMCS Calgary Auckland visit

HMCS Calgary arrives in Auckland, New Zealand, on Aug. 4. Photo courtesy New Zealand Defence Force

HMCS Calgary arrives in Auckland, New Zealand, on Aug. 4. Photo courtesy New Zealand Defence Force

Capt Jeff Klassen
HMCS Calgary
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The strong relationship between Canada and New Zealand was highlighted recently when HMCS Calgary visited Auckland during a port visit on its Indo-Pacific deployment Operation Projection.

The visit occurred after Calgary had been at sea for approximately six months, where it maintained a COVID-free bubble during port stops.

In early August, after the ship’s company was vaccinated, New Zealand permitted Calgary’s crew several leave days ashore.

This was partially returning a favour.

In 2018, the Royal New Zealand Navy sent two Anzac-class frigates – Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ships (HMNZS) Te Mana and Te Kaha – to Esquimalt to have extensive upgrading on their combat systems and surveillance counter-measures, which will extend the ships’ operational life to the mid-2030s.

HMNZS Te Kaha departed for New Zealand in December 2020 following successful harbour and sea trials. Te Mana is expected to return to New Zealand in early 2022.

“The visit by HMCS Calgary to Auckland was a great opportunity for us to return some of the excellent support and comradeship the Royal Canadian Navy has provided the hundreds of RNZN sailors who have been in Canada over the past three years while their ships underwent an upgrade,” said Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of the RNZN.

Royal Canadian Navy sailors aboard HMCS Calgary stand at ease on the forecastle as the ship is escorted into Auckland by HMNZS Taupo. Photos by Corporal Lynette Ai Dang, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Royal Canadian Navy sailors aboard HMCS Calgary stand at ease on the forecastle as the ship is escorted into Auckland by HMNZS Taupo. Photos by Corporal Lynette Ai Dang, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

In order to meet New Zealand’s maritime border laws, Calgary was at sea 18 days before coming to Auckland, and each of these days the entire ship’s company received a medical screening. As the ship came into New Zealand, COVID-19 tests of the entire ship were rushed off for review by a RNZN Seasprite helicopter.

The tests came back negative and the ship’s company was allowed off the ship from Aug. 5 to 10.

Besides regular restocking and refuelling in Auckland, Calgary participated in a traditional Powhiri welcoming ceremony at the Devonport Naval Base – the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy – where both navies exchanged gifts, and inter-mess social happenings.

When Te Kana was recently in British Columbia for work on the ship, Calgary was their host ship; so Te Kaha returned the favour by hosting a social gathering in their wardroom during Calgary’s visit.

“The hospitality of New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Navy was absolutely incredible. We were so honoured to be welcomed into Auckland,” said Commander Mark O’Donohue, Calgary Commanding Officer. “The Kiwis really came through for us by helping the ship on our current challenging deployment, it’s something we will always remember.”

Calgary also performed cooperative deployments with RNZN ships and helicopters off the coast of New Zealand during their time in the country.

The warship visited Auckland after participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre with Australian, American, South Korean, and Japanese navies. The ship is expected to return to Esquimalt the end of August.

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