After close to seven months at sea, Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha returned to Devonport Naval Base this morning to a hero’s welcome, greeted by hundreds of emotional friends and whānau.
The ship’s 193-day deployment included operations with Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), a multinational coalition focused on maritime security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.
Led by New Zealand for part of the year, the task force disrupted transnational criminal and terrorist networks operating in key shipping lanes.
One of the most significant achievements of Te Kaha’s deployment was its support in the seizure of narcotics valued at $1.8 billion NZD, a record-breaking haul that dealt a major blow to drug trafficking operations in the Arabian Sea.
“The tactics and procedures we contributed to have changed that region for the coming five years,” said Commander Fiona Jameson, Te Kaha’s Commanding Officer.
“There have been further drug busts since we left, based on our intelligence.”
The ship also participated in Operation Highmast, integrating with a UK Carrier Strike Group, and took part in Talisman Sabre, the world’s largest multi-domain military exercise.
Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, said the deployment demonstrated New Zealand’s role as a responsible global partner.
“Deployments like these are us playing our part in good order and being a good global citizen,” he said.
Because the deployment exceeded six months, Te Kaha was honoured with a ceremonial homecoming.
Gun salutes echoed across the harbour, haka were performed both ashore and aboard, and cheers erupted as the ship berthed and the crew disembarked.
“It’s amazing, it’s been a long six months,” one family member told 1News.
“Very emotional seeing them—and this one jumping up and down,” added another.
“It doesn’t feel real. It feels like I’m dreaming.”
The deployment also included diplomatic engagements, such as hosting a New Zealand Government trade delegation in Mumbai and monitoring a Chinese maritime task group in the Tasman Sea.
After months at sea, many crew members were looking forward to simple comforts.
“KFC and a mince and cheese pie,” one sailor said.
“The first thing I’m doing is having a massive island feed,” said another.
“Sometimes, being away from your wife for so long, you snuggle up to some of the guys for a cuddle—just to keep warm, of course!” one joked.
“It gets cold out at sea, doesn’t it? Yeah, especially in Oman!”