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Warships from the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, U.S. and Japan Sail in Joint South China Sea Patrol 

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Aaron-Matthew Lariosa – September 29, 2024 12:17 PM

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Sazanami sails behind Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Aotearoa while conducting a Dual-Replenishment at Sea with HMAS Sydney and USS Howard during a Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea on Sept. 28, 2024. Royal Australian Navy Photo

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines held a joint patrol in the South China Sea that included forces from Japan, Australia, the U.S. and New Zealand on Saturday.

The joint patrol was the fourth multilateral maritime cooperative activity held to date. Participants included BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) , BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) USS Howard (DDG-83), HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) , JS Sazanami (DD-113) and HMNZS Aotearoa (A-11). Naval aviation, including three helicopters and one Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, also joined the exercise. Activities, which included drills in maritime domain awareness, replenishment at sea and contact reporting, were held near the vicinity of the Philippine exclusive economic zone off Luzon.

The Australian, Japanese, and New Zealander vessels participating in the drills previously sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday to reach the South China Sea. This was the first time a Japanese ship was announced transiting the 90–mile wide strait separating Taiwan and China.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said the patrol was in line with international law and affirmed the right of freedom of navigation and overflight.

Executive Officer HMAS Sydney, Lieutenant Commander Simone Macintosh, RAN takes a bearing as the ship approaches Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Aotearoa to conduct a Replenishment at Sea on Sept. 28, 2024. RAN Photo

“The conduct of the [patrol] manifests the AFP’s dedication to strengthening partnerships and enhancing collective capabilities with like-minded nations to address emerging maritime security challenges,” reads the Philippine military press release.

On the same day of the Philippines’ joint patrol, China announced its own drills around Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing gained de facto control of following a standoff with Manila in 2012.

This joint patrol comes amid the conclusion of a standoff at Sabina Shoal, which saw Philippine Coast Guard flagship BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) withdraw from the contested maritime feature earlier this month. According to the Philippines, the patrol ship had to depart Sabina due to low supplies, damage from a Chinese ramming incident and bad weather conditions. Despite claims from the Philippine military and Coast Guard that the shoal hasn’t been lost, it is unclear if Manila has managed to get another vessel to maintain the country’s presence at the shoal. AIS data reveals a near constant presence of Chinese forces around and within Sabina.

A brief respite occurred this week when Manila revealed that a resupply mission reached the Marine outpost onboard BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Second Thomas Shoal on Thursday. Philippine forces utilized MV Lapu-Lapu, a civilian boat reinforced against water cannon attacks contracted by the Navy for resupply missions, for the mission. This was the second publicly reported resupply mission since Manila and Beijing hashed out a provisional agreement regarding the resupply and personnel rotation of Philippine forces from the disputed maritime feature following a violent skirmish with Chinese Coastguardmen on June 17.

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Two Additional New Zealand Super Hercules Arrive in Whenuapai

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Rojoef Manuel – October 1, 2024

 

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has accepted its second and third C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft at Base Auckland, Whenuapai.

The planes were flown by C-130 developer Lockheed Martin from its US center in Marietta, Georgia, and were received by Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb on behalf of the service.

Wellington noted that the platforms carried spares, propellers, engines, and a towing arm to support future operations in the country. Their journey was also observed for the program’s continuing trial and development works.

Tactical Airlifter Modernization

RNZAF procured its latest airborne assets through a 1.5-billion New Zealand dollar ($950.4 million) US foreign military sale to replace the service’s C-130Hs that have been operational since the 1960s.

Under the program, Wellington ordered five C-130J platforms, associated equipment, and flight simulators. Lockheed Martin delivered the country’s initial Super Hercules in August. The final pair is expected later this year.

The RNZAF’s Auckland-based 40 Squadron will manage and sustain the new fleet upon fielding.

Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a ceremony in Base Auckland. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force
Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a ceremony in Base Auckland. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force

“The entire team will be getting straight down to business after the aircraft arrive with flights already scheduled around New Zealand and down to Antarctica for the summer season,” Webb remarked.

“The aircraft marks a once-in-a-generation change for No. 40 Squadron and it will continue the work of its predecessor, the C-130H, which was a powerhouse for New Zealand military aviation.”

‘Significant Investment’

The government highlighted that the RNZAF’s new cargo fleet will take on missions with “more power” compared to its predecessor, enhancing the force’s personnel and equipment transport capability for deployments locally, across the Pacific, and internationally.

“They are a significant Government investment in New Zealand’s ability to respond to national and international emergencies, whether they be natural humanitarian disasters or providing support in areas of conflict,” Webb said.

The Super Hercules

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J has a 98-foot (30-meter) long fuselage, a 133-foot (40-meter wingspan, and a 41-foot (12-meter) cargo bay.

It is powered by four 4,637-horsepower Rolls-Royce AE engines for a top speed of 417 miles (670 kilometers) per hour, a service ceiling of 40,386 feet (12,309 meters), and a range of 2,071 miles (3,334 kilometers).

The aircraft’s logistics function is supported by its capacity for approximately 90 warfighters or 42,000-pound (19,051-kilogram) payloads.

aircraftC-130C-130J HerculesLockheed Martinmilitary transport aircraftNew ZealandRoyal New Zealand Air Forcetransport

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HMNZS Kaniere, Loch Class frigate – RNZN Service: Commissioned 27 September 1948, Paid off 22 December 1960 – Completed: February 1945 – commissioned as HMS Loch Achray

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Squid anti-sub being exercised

HMS Loch Achray – later HMNZS Kaniere

HMNZS Kaniere ln Nelson for opening of McGlashen Quay December 10, 1960

HMNZS Kaniere

Kaniere at Hobart 6 February 1958. Taken by Lindsa

HMNZS Kaniere – crew

Royal New Zealand Navy takes out top prize at 47th Roy Smith Memorial Trophy Competition

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Intricate knife skills, specialised cooking techniques and refined plating skills were on display at the annual 47th Roy Smith Memorial Trophy Competition last week.

02 October, 2024

Five teams from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), New Zealand Army, and teams from the Australian Defence Force competed in the two-day fine dining competition at Devonport Naval Base, which aims to foster catering excellence in the New Zealand Defence Force and across the ditch.

Chefs, or caterers as they are known in the NZ Army, are responsible for delivering nutritious meals whether at home on exercises or away on operations, on ships, or in a tented field kitchen. The competition gives soldiers and sailors an opportunity to learn from each other and strengthen their trade, so they can support personnel to carry out their vital work.

The RNZN team took out the coveted Roy Smith Trophy and Able Chef Jaimee McGahey says she’s ‘over the moon’ to have been part of the winning team.

“I always wanted to be a chef and when I joined the Navy straight from school, I listed chef, chef and chef as my options for what trade I was going to enter,” said the 21-year-old from Papamoa.

“I was most excited about my dessert, which was a blood orange and chocolate bavarois. It was my first time making it so I practised for about a week leading up to the competition. The biggest challenge is you have a clock running in the background which puts the pressure on while you’re competing, but I just thought, it’s just a timer, it’s not like a bomb is going to go off,” she says.

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Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) Manu Ferguson, from the Defence Catering School, is the competition controller and says it’s an honour to be part of the historic competition.

“The competition started in 1977, so it’s been a running a long time. I started off in the catering school when I first joined the Army, going from student to now being the chief instructor is an honour and it feels like coming full circle. For me, it’s more than just a cooking competition, it’s a way of life. It teaches our people about team work, work ethic, commitment, and it gives our young soldiers and sailors a chance to be a part of history,” he says.

Each team is made up of two chefs, a front of house steward, a coach and a manager. Over the two days, the front of house is tested on stewarding, serving, setting tables, making cocktails and mocktails and the communication skills between themselves and the chefs.

“There’s one round that focuses on kitchen work, including health and safety around food preparation, team work in the kitchen and the serving of plated up meals. The competition culminates with an eight-course meal, blind-judged by the Defence Force Catering School instructors and also served to diners,” WO1 Ferguson said.

Able Seaman Maritime Logistics Support Operator Harley Seckold, Personal Staff to the Australian Governor-General says he had a positive experience taking part in the competition.

“This is the second time that an ADF tri-service team has participated but it’s my first time in New Zealand and participating in the competition. It’s been great, working with foreign military teams, seeing how everyone does things, having fun, building camaraderie and international naval relations. It’s good watching how the RNZN teams work and bringing any pointers from the winning back to Australia so we can be stronger competitors next year.”

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Warrant Officer Ferguson said working with our Anzac partners across the Tasman was vital for international engagement.

“We work with them in operations and field exercise, both land and sea and this is another way we can enhance our relationship,” he said.

Lance Corporal Storm Van Zyl from 2nd Combat Service Support Battalion (2CSSB) at Linton Military Camp competed as a chef in last year’s winning team and this year she’s trying her hand at front of house. 

“It’s great seeing everyone’s ideas and learning how other people work. It’s really cool working with Australia as well. I competed at an Australia Defence catering competition called Exercise Golden Plate competition last year in Brisbane. It was a competition based in the field rather than fine dining; more like adventure dining, shooting, going on big walks and then cooking, but it was great learning. This year I’m more nervous about serving coffee in front of house in case it spills over anyone.”

The following teams participated in the 2024 competition:

  • Royal New Zealand Navy team
  • 2nd Combat Service Support Battalion, New Zealand Army, Linton Military Camp
  • 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion, New Zealand Army, Burnham Military Camp
  • Australian Army 17th Sustainment Brigade team
  • Australian Defence Force Combined team

The category winners for 2024:

  • 1st year Chef – Private Taygon Jean-Louise
  • 2nd Year Chef – Lance Corporal Emily Chamberlin
  • Quizzene Cup – RNZN
  • Murray Ross – 2CSSB
  • Harvey Bourne – 17th Sustainment Brigade – Australian Army
  • Dave Murray – Leading Hospitality Specialist Andre’a Falchi
  • Fretwell Downing – RNZN
  • Roy Smith – RNZN
  • Te Ope Katua O Aotearoa – 17th Sustainment Brigade – Australian Army

Loch Class Frigates – HMNZS Hawea (F422), formerly HMS Loch Eck (K422)

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HMNZS Hawea Ex Loch Eck

HMNZS Hawea (F422), formerly HMS Loch Eck (K422), was one of six Loch-class frigates that served in both the Royal Navy (RN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The ship was laid down by Smiths Dock on 25 October 1943, launched on 25 April 1944 and commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Loch Eck on 7 November 1944.

Royal Navy service

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Loch Eck joined the 10th Escort Group in the Western Approaches in December 1944 for anti-submarine patrols and support for convoy escorts. In January 1945 the Group was transferred to Scapa Flow for anti-submarine operations in the Faeroes–Iceland Gap. On 3 February she sank the German submarine U-327 north-west of Shetland with her Squid (mortar) after Hedgehog (mortar) attacks by the frigates Bayntun and Braithwaite. On 14 February she took part in the sinking of U-989, and on the 17 February of U-1278 in the same area.[1]

In March the Group was redeployed in the English Channel and South-Western Approaches as “Force 38”. In April Loch Eck carried out trials of new sonobuoy submarine detection equipment. On 23 May the ship was attached to Rosyth Command to support “Operation Doomsday“, the reoccupation of Norway. On 1 June she escorted U-2529 from Kristiansund to Loch Eriboll as part of “Operation Deadlight“, returning to Norway on 6 June as part of the escort for Convoy RN1 taking King Haakon VII of Norway to Oslo.[1]

After a refit at the Charles Hill & Sons shipyard in Bristol in June and July, she sailed for the Indian Ocean in August, to join the East Indies Escort Force. There she carried out Guard ship and military support duties, as well as the repatriation of military and civilian personnel. She was also present at the formal Japanese surrender of Bali in February 1946 and at Lombok in March. She sailed for home in May, but her return to the UK was delayed after a collision in Colombo with a Navy cutter. She returned to Devonport to decommission on 13 August 1946.[1]

Transfer to New Zealand

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Loch Ech was one of six Loch-class frigates sold to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Renamed HMNZS Hawea, she was acquired on 7 September 1948, and commissioned on 1 October 1948.[2]

Since the Admiralty named the Loch-class ships after Scottish lakes, the six in New Zealand service were renamed after New Zealand lakes. Lake Hāwea is a glacial lake located in the Central Otago region of New Zealand. The name is Māori and is thought to refer to a local tribe although the exact meaning is uncertain. Hawea was the first of three ships with this name to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Royal New Zealand Navy service

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After commissioning at Devonport Hawea sailed for the Mediterranean with three other Loch-class frigates. After exercises with the Mediterranean Fleet in November, she sailed for Auckland, via the Suez Canal and Indian Ocean, arriving in January 1949 to join the 11th Frigate Flotilla.[1]

On 22 March 1949 Hawea participated in sinking the coal hulk Occident in Palliser Bay.

In 1949 Hawea carried out patrols in the Pacific, visiting Suva, Fiji and Samoa. After a refit from October to February 1950 she was transferred on loan to 2nd Frigate Flotilla of the Mediterranean Fleet, with her sister ship Taupo joining the flotilla at Malta in May for Fleet exercises and cruises. She returned to Auckland in November.[1]

Korean War

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The Korean War started on 25 June 1950 when North Korean forces crossed the 38°N parallel and invaded South Korea. The New Zealand Government decided to maintain two frigates in support of a United Nations Naval Force assisting South Korea. Hawea‘s sister ships, Pukaki and Tutira, were hurriedly prepared for war service and sailed for Sasebo, their main base in Japan, on 3 July 1950. They did escort and patrol services, often working with Commonwealth, South Korean and other Allied ships, and in support of amphibious landings. The frigates were rotated in turn with the other four Loch frigates.

In February 1951 Hawea sailed to Kure, Japan, to join the United Nations Task Force. On 18 May she shelled a gun position on the coast, the first time that an RNZN ship fired on the enemy. From June to December she provided navigational data for bombardments in the Han River estuary, shelling rail traffic and maintaining a blockade.[1] On 15 September 1951, Hawea swamped a 7.6-metre (25 ft) motor boat which sank in the Han River estuary while navigating swift tidal channels to reach a bombardment position.

In February 1952 she was relieved by Rotoiti, returning to Auckland on 8 March. She had spent 272 days at sea, steamed 55,000 miles, and fired 21,000 rounds of ammunition. After refit and maintenance at Auckland from April to June she returned to Korea in October for further operations. After the Armistice Agreement of July 1953 she returned to Auckland, arriving there in August.[1]

Later service

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After a refit she returned to the 11th Frigate Flotilla in February 1954 for patrols and port visits. In December 1956 she and Pukaki escorted the supply ship Endeavour in a passage to the Southern Ocean, sailing from Bluff to the edge of the pack ice.[1]

Decommissioning and fate

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On 15 February 1957 Hawea was decommissioned and put into reserve. The ship was used as a Harbour Training ship in Auckland until sold for breaking up in September 1965.[1] On 15 November 1965 Hawea and sister ship Pukaki were towed by the tug Atlas to a breaker’s yard in Hong Kong.

More info here – https://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-15Fr-Loch-HMS_Loch_Eck.htm