02 Juni 2022
HMNZS Te Mana received a full ceremonial farewell today at Canadian Armed Forces Base Esquimalt where she had been for over three years undergoing an extensive Frigate Systems Upgrade.
The ship’s company performed a rousing Navy haka in acknowledgement of the wonderful hospitality offered by the Royal Canadian Navy and the local community.
As gun salutes from ship and shore rang out around the harbour, Te Mana slowly sailed out of Victoria on the first leg of her voyage home.
"We arrived as allies, but we depart as the very closest of friends.” ~ Commanding Officer Mike Peebles.
On the 14,000km sail back to Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Mana will make a number of port visits and her crew will continue to put the upgraded and future-proofed frigate through its paces.
(RNZN)