The New Zealand-led Combined Maritime Task Force 150 (CTF 150) has concluded counter narcotics operations in the Middle East. 25 June, 2025 Over the six-month period of command from the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Commodore Rodger Ward, ships operating in direct support to CTF 150 conducted 55 boardings. The boardings resulted in the seizure andContinue reading “New Zealand-led navies conclude counter narcotics operations in Middle East waters”
Author Archives: jcnz16613
Austal USA: US Navy’s LCS USS Pierre completes sea trials
June 24, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić Austal USA has completed acceptance trials on the company’s 19th Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the last ship in the class. As disclosed, the future USS Pierre (LCS 38) returned to port late on June 11 after conducting trials. Acceptance trials involve comprehensive testing conducted on the ship’s major systems andContinue reading “Austal USA: US Navy’s LCS USS Pierre completes sea trials”
Heroic Portsmouth Royal Navy ships that served the UK with pride in the Falklands War, including HMS Hermes
The city of Portsmouth was a central hub for Britain’s response to the Falklands conflict in 1982. HMS Fearless served as one of two principal amphibious assault ships, deploying her four Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel and Helicopter deck to land Royal Marine Commandos at San Carlos Water. As the amphibious command centre, she housed Commodore Clapp’sContinue reading “Heroic Portsmouth Royal Navy ships that served the UK with pride in the Falklands War, including HMS Hermes”
Kiwi’s unexpected journey on Royal Yacht Britannia
John Batten sailed on the Royal Yacht Britannia, rubbing shoulders with royalty. Photo/ Tom Eley “What is that?” That was the question former leading mechanical engineer John Batten had in 1956 when asked to serve aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, Britannia was launched in 1953 for £2.1 million, about $4m in NZContinue reading “Kiwi’s unexpected journey on Royal Yacht Britannia”
HMNZS Tarapunga – Moa Class – Includes video in her new life
HMNZS Tarapunga (A08) was a modified Moa class inshore patrol vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). HMNZS Tarapunga was a modified Moa class inshore patrol vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). She was built by 1980 by the Whangarei Engineering and Construction Company as a version re-engineered for use as an inshore survey vessel. After decommissioning, she was purchased by North American owners and can be seen in Harper’s Island EpisodeContinue reading “HMNZS Tarapunga – Moa Class – Includes video in her new life”
