Following the installation of her new superstructure, HMNZS Te Mana F111 recently moved across Canada’s Esquimalt Harbour from Victoria Shipyards to the Fleet Maintenance Facility for the next stage of her frigate systems upgrade.
For the Commanding Officer, Commander Mike Peebles and the 104 crew on board, this was a significant occasion as their ship is future-proofed to provide a combat capability into the 2030’s.
Attention now turns to inside Te Mana with the crew supporting the testing of the new combat and weapons systems, recertification of armament magazines and ensuring Incline Experiments are carried out to determine the new centre of gravity on the ship given the new superstructure and equipment.
Once this work is complete later this year, a series of harbour and sea trials will be conducted.
For the officers and crew of Te Mana, the ship’s motto of Kokiri Kia U – Striving towards perfection, is something they are taking very seriously during this period.
(RNZN)