HMNZS Southland ex HMS Dido HMS Dido was a Royal Navy (RN) Leander-class frigate. Entering service in 1961, Dido was involved in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation, served with NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic on several occasions, and was one of the frigates used for the filming of the drama series Warship. Following a defence review at the start of the 1980s, the ship was transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), and was recommissioned as HMNZS Southland. Southland remained in service until 1995. After decommissioning, the frigate was towed to the Philippines, where her boilers were removed, then to India for scrapping. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Dido_(F104)
HMNZS Southland (ex HMS Dido) alongside HMS LowestoftHMNZS Southland at Port Adelaide 20 June 1986. Taken by the late David Key.
HMNZS Southland ex HMS Dido HMS Dido was a Royal Navy (RN) Leander-class frigate. Entering service in 1961, Dido was involved in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation, served with NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic on several occasions, and was one of the frigates used for the filming of the drama series Warship. Following a defence review at the start of the 1980s, the ship was transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), and was recommissioned as HMNZS Southland. Southland remained in service until 1995. After decommissioning, the frigate was towed to the Philippines, where her boilers were removed, then to India for scrapping. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Dido_(F104)
A chance conversation in Antarctica between a couple of firefighters more than a year ago has led to the United States Air Force Air National Guard arriving in New Zealand for a two-week firefighting exercise.
07 May, 2025
The exercise, Southern Steel, took place at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland and the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Regional Training Centre at Mt Wellington recently. It involved more than 30 US Air Force Air National Guard Fire and Emergency Services Detachment personnel working on a number of firefighting training activities.
“RNZAF Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighter (ARFF) Fire Flights were invited to send representatives to observe and integrate with our US Air Force counterparts,” Flight Sergeant Hayden Bayliss said.
“It all started with a conversation between one of our deployed firefighters on Op Antarctica and a then US Air Force Air National Guard Staff Sergeant. Further talks between the two countries’ representatives at the Five Eyes Air Force Interoperability Council meetings, and other meetings, opened exercise planning over the next 12 months.”
Watch Exercise Southern Steel | Royal New Zealand Air Force video
Exercise Southern Steel | Royal New Zealand Air Force
Having the US Air Force Air National Guard deploy to New Zealand and train at Base Auckland was the “missing piece of the puzzle” as it was one of the Five Eyes countries the RNZAF ARFF trade had minimal prior engagement with, Flight Sergeant Bayliss said.
The aim for the team of firefighters from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Hawaii, was to practice the deployment of a US Air Force Air National Guard to the Pacific region. Included in the exercise was competency training in a deployed environment, conducting combined firefighting training with Five Eyes partners and fostering and building key partner emergency services relationships.
The training also involved mission readiness airmen training, aircraft familiarisation, ARFF training, vehicle stabilisation and rescue, HAZMAT, low and high angle rescue, and structural firefighting.
RNZAF Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighter (ARFF) Fire Flights were invited to send representatives to observe and integrate with US Air Force counterparts.
“The RNZAF’s people, systems and culture are widely valued by our allies and partner nations. Enhancing Air Force interoperability and interchangeability with the US Air Force Air National Guard by leveraging collective expertise is important to resolving many challenges and, as such, must be enduring,” Flight Sergeant Bayliss said.
Making up the US Air Force Air National Guard contingent were two Security Forces personnel, who with support from Air Staff ARFF representatives and units at Base Auckland, were able to join their RNZAF counterparts in a live-firing exercise at Kaipara Air Weapons Range.
“It went beyond just firefighting. The scope of the training grew organically and we achieved some really good collaboration,” he said.
“We would like to express sincere gratitude to all contributing units and personnel in what was a successful joint international engagement between Five Eyes partners.”
By Jim Gomez, The Associated Press – May 6, 2025, 05:34 AM
The BRP Miguel Malvar takes on water before sinking while being positioned as a target vessel as part of a joint US-Philippines military exercise on Monday. (Armed Forces of the Philippines PAO via AP)
MANILA, Philippines — A World War II-era Philippine Navy ship to be used as a target in a combat exercise by American and Philippine forces accidentally sank Monday hours before the mock assault, prompting the drill to be cancelled, U.S. and Philippine military officials said.
The BRP Miguel Malvar, which was decommissioned by the Philippine Navy in 2021, took on water while being towed in rough waters facing the disputed South China Sea and sank about 30 nautical miles off the western Philippine province of Zambales. Nobody was onboard when the ship listed then sank, the Philippine military said.
American and Philippine forces would proceed with other live-fire maneuvers off Zambales on Monday despite the premature sinking of the Malvar. The ship was built as a patrol vessel for the U.S. Navy in the 1940s and was transferred to Vietnam’s navy before the Philippine military acquired it, Philippine navy Capt. John Percie Alcos said.
“It’s an 80-year-old dilapidated ship and it wasn’t able to withstand the rough seas,” Philippine Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado told The Associated Press.
The Avro Lancaster symbolises the sacrifices made by RAF personnel during the Second World War (Picture: MOD)
A spectacular flypast has taken place as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations for Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of the war in Europe in 1945.
More than 1,300 personnel from the Armed Forces, uniformed services and youth organisations marched through central London, retracing a historic route from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
After they arrived at the palace, their eyes turned to the skies for a five-minute flypast by 23 military aircraft.
The flypast brought together some of the RAF’s most iconic aircraft – from the Lancaster bomber of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to modern frontline fighters like the Typhoon and F-35B Lightning.
The iconic Lancaster aircraft from BBMF will lead the flypast
Leading the way
The first aircraft was the Avro Lancaster bomber, one of only two still flying anywhere in the world, which took off from RAF Waddington.
Operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, it symbolises the RAF’s role in the Second World War and the sacrifices made by Bomber Command.
Its deep engine note is instantly recognisable, and the aircraft also serves as a powerful reminder of the crews who never returned from their missions over Europe.
The Globemaster on an aid delivery mission in Lebanon (Picture: RAF)
Modern might
Next, the Avro Lancaster was followed by the workhorses of the modern RAF.
The Voyager, the RAF’s largest aircraft, flew past the iconic palace in central London. The aircraft doubles as both an air-to-air refueller and a transport aircraft.
After that, the A400M Atlas flew past the spectators who lined the Mall. The A400M Atlas is a tactical airlifter capable of low-level flight and short-strip landings, which is regularly used on operations around the globe.
Behind them, the C-17 Globemaster thundered past. Known for its size and flexibility, it has become a staple of British military logistics, including in Afghanistan and disaster relief efforts.
No flypast is complete without the RAF Typhoon (Picture: RAF)
Intelligence and strike power
The fourth wave brought aircraft at the cutting edge of intelligence and air defence.
A P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft soared above the dignitaries and the Royal family. The P-8 Poseidon is equipped for submarine hunting and surveillance.
Two Typhoon FGR4s, Britain’s frontline multi-role fighters, a Rivet Joint, used for electronic surveillance, and two F-35B Lightnings – the UK’s newest fast jets – flew next.
The Rivet Joint aircraft will be in the fifth wave (Picture: MOD)
A classic finish
The flypast had a spectacular climax as nine Red Arrows flew in tight formation in Hawk jets, accompanied by four more F-35B Lightnings.
A national service of remembrance will take place at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8 May.
The Red Arrows piercing their way through the sky (Picture: RAF)
Minister of Defence Judith Collins has announced a large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of Budget 2025.
SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter helicopter hovers over HMNZS Aotearoa. 05 May, 2025.
05 May, 2025
The New Zealand Defence Force will receive a $957 million increase over the next four years to fund essential operational activity.
Defence Minister Judith Collins made the announcement at RNZAF Base Auckland yesterday.
She also announced the replacement of the Defence Force’s maritime helicopters, the Seasprite SH2-G(I), estimated at $2 billion. The replacement of the maritime helicopters is one of the projects contained in the recently released Defence Capability Plan.
The $957 million will target Defence Force missions, people, estate maintenance and international engagement, equating to $239 million a year, she says.
“Our personnel are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer to play New Zealand’s part in contributing to global security. This funding will enable them to do that.”
Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies says there is no doubt the global security environment is changing and the Defence Force needs to step up in contributing to global security.
“Annually this will include $150 million for Navy, Air Force and Army for direct operating and logistics costs, and some increases in our military personnel numbers,” he said.
“This funding will enable the NZDF to sail, fly, patrol and train more often.
“It will assist with rebuilding combat capability through additional field exercises, increasing military personnel numbers, and will mean mission critical systems and capabilities are maintained and available to respond to security threats and other operational tasks as needed.”
Other activities include funding for international deployments ($20 million), a refreshed system of military allowances ($30 million) and funding for civilian staff pay increases ($8 million).
An annual investment of $26 million is earmarked for critical estate maintenance to improve accommodation, working and training conditions for Defence Force personnel.
“$957 million over four years is a welcome uplift in operational funding which reflects the value that the Government sees in the NZDF and its people and enables us to increasingly step up both domestically and internationally.”
Budget 2025 also recognises the Defence Force’s $30 million saving being proposed through the Workplace Savings Programme.
The crew of HMNZS Taupo have assisted in a stormy night rescue of two yachties forced to abandon ship near Rangitoto Island in Auckland this morning.
01 May, 2025
Inshore patrol vessel Taupo, on a training exercise and crew evaluation in the Hauraki Gulf, picked up a mayday call relayed from Auckland Maritime Radio regarding a yacht running aground on the western side of the island.
Taupo’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Toby Mara, was called to the bridge shortly before 5am and quickly made the decision to respond.
“Conditions from the west were pretty rough, with winds around 25 to 30 knots. But we were within our limits to put our seaboat in the water.”
A Port of Auckland pilot vessel, also in the vicinity, was first on the scene.
“Just as we were launching our sea boat, the two crewmembers abandoned their vessel into their dinghy. They were taken aboard the pilot vessel and the dinghy taken under tow.”
With the pilot vessel required for commercial shipping duties, the crewmembers and towed dinghy were transferred to Taupo’s seaboat.
“There was no moonlight to assist as it was raining and there was full cloud cover. A lot of this was done using the heat signature sensor on our cameras and the seaboat’s spotlight.”
The crew were dry but understandably shaken up after what had happened, he said.
“Then the North Shore Rescue Coast Guard vessel came on station, and they were happy to take the crew and their dinghy to shore.”
He says it was a ‘no-brainer’ to respond to the call.
“We were within our safety limits and everyone was well trained. When someone’s in the water, you go and get them.”
Austal Australia has successfully launched the future ADV Cape Spencer, the ninth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat ordered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Upon completion, the aluminium monohulled newbuild will have an LOA of 57.8 metres, a beam of 10.3 metres, a draught of approximately three metres, and accommodation for 32 crewmembers and other personnel.
Austal said the Evolved Capes were built with a number of enhancements over the baseline Cape-class patrol boats, improving operational capability and crew capacity compared to the vessels already operated by the navy and Australian Border Force.
Like their baseline Cape-class sisters, the Evolved Cape-class boats were built for sustained operations lasting a maximum of 28 days or covering a range of 4,000 nautical miles in conditions up to Sea State four. They will also retain the baseline Cape-class boats’ standard armament of two pintle-mounted 12.7mm machine guns.
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boat project, which initially comprised only six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the RAN from May 2020, was extended by two vessels in Ap
The Royal New Zealand Navy has welcomed 14 sailors and officers to its Navy Reserve Force following a graduation ceremony this month.
30 April, 2025
Camaraderie, a chance to give back and a desire for challenge inspired the latest cohort of New Zealanders to join the Naval Reserve Force.
On 13 April, nine sailors and five officers graduated from their 10-month Naval Reserve Common Training (NRCT) course in a ceremony hosted at the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Devonport.
They will now post to Naval Reserve units closest to their homes to undertake trade training and promotion courses.
NRCT provides almost identical training to Regular Force personnel but is delivered part-time, with graduates balancing their training with work and study commitments, as well as being away from family.
The graduates had to complete two nine-day-long training blocks at Devonport Naval Base and Tamaki Leadership Centre in Whangaparaoa, as well as four training weekends. Officers had two additional training blocks and two more training weekends for leadership training.
Left to right: Sub Lieutenant Vinayak Dev, Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Nora Paicu and Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Jacob Sale.
Fitting it all in was a challenge for Sub Lieutenant Vinayak Dev, a psychologist from Auckland studying for his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology.
“It was also challenging to miss important family events whilst being away for the residential aspects of the NRCT,” he says.
“However, in overcoming these challenges, I have become more resilient, improved my time management skills, become more efficient at completing tasks at work, and have further strengthened my relationships with my family members, supervisors at university, and colleagues at work.”
He is the first Navy Reserve psychologist to graduate from NRCT.
“I wanted to give something back for all New Zealand has given me over the years,” he says.
“This has helped develop attributes I aspire to – leadership, physical and mental fitness, resilience, courage, perseverance, camaraderie, integrity, and a strong sense of personal meaning, purpose and conviction in life.”
Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Nora Paicu was inspired to join after a experiencing a Sir Peter Blake expedition in HMNZS Canterbury to the sub-Antarctic islands in 2023 while a student at Colomba College in Dunedin. She also completed a School to Seas experience with the Navy that year.
“Meeting the commanding officer of HMNZS Canterbury and witnessing the camaraderie of the crew showcased the Navy’s inclusive culture and unique way of life that supports New Zealand.
“I was deeply impressed by the positive impact they make, from supporting conservation efforts to serving New Zealand communities.”
She is undertaking a triple degree in law, management, and agricultural innovation at the University of Otago, and is thinking of joining the Navy full time.
Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Jacob Sale works in a civilian role at the Naval Supply Depot in Devonport.
“I saw the great work our uniform staff do daily and wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to challenge myself, develop new skills and serve my country.”
He says a highlight was being with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, all with a common goal of serving.
Another was a sea-riding experience aboard HMNZS Canterbury for the graduates.
“It was an immersive and insightful view of being able to see life on a Navy ship and how departments operate and a first-hand look at naval life.”
His advice to others is: “come and join us.
“It gives you a sense of purpose and pride you can get nowhere else.”
The CSG25 deployment will traverse the globe, conducting several exercises and operations (Picture: MOD)
HMS Prince of Wales has led Carrier Strike Group 25 to the Mediterranean after it set sail last week.
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, along with most of her strike group – which includes the submarine HMS Astute, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels RFA Tideforce and Tidespring – has now passed the Strait of Gibraltar.
Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez, Norwegian ships HNoMS Maud and HNoMS Roald Amundsen joined the other vessels to form an impressive formation.
Royal Navy photographers captured breathtaking images of the formation using one of 815 Naval Air Squadron’s Wildcat helicopters.
CSG25 vessels sail in formation in the Med (Picture: MOD)
CSG25, also known as Operation Highmast, is a multinational deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
Led by the Royal Navy’s flagship, it aims to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while providing an opportunity to promote British trade and industry.
The CSG25 deployment will traverse the globe down to Australia, conducting several exercises and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies.
HMS Astute crashes through the waves as she surfaces for photographs with Carrier Strike Group 25 (Picture: MOD)
Almost 4,500 British personnel will be working on the deployment, including around 600 RAF personnel, 900 soldiers and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.
The first UK Carrier Strike Group happened four years ago against the backdrop of the Covid lockdowns because of the pandemic.
Carrier Strike Group 25’s air contingent includes Merlin and Wildcat helicopters as well as F-35B Lightning jets (Picture: MOD)
PT PAL Indonesia has once again been trusted by the Philippine Navy in its warship fleet modernization program. Amid the construction of the 3rd and 4th Landing Dock type ships owned by the Philippine Navy, PT PAL is now preparing to carry out maintenance and repair docking of the Strategic Sealift Vessel [SSV] BRP Tarlac 601.
This ship officially docked at the West Peninsula Pier, a facility of PT PAL’s Maintenance and Repair Division. The arrival of the BRP Tarlac 601 ship was welcomed by Production Director Diana Rosa and staff April 17th. This marks the immediate start of the docking of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) program, as well as the first international warship MRO project in PT PAL’s history.
Accompanying the Director of Production of PT PAL, Diana Rosa, was Lieutenant Colonel [P] Ali Sodikin, A.Md., S.E., Head of Lantamal V Shipyard, along with officials from Lantamal V and the ranks of GM of PT PAL Indonesia. In her remarks, Diana Rosa said that “we are pleased to welcome the return of BRP Tarlac 601 to PT PAL Indonesia. We are also honored to have received continuous trust from the Philippine Navy in modernizing its fleet for a long time. And the cooperation between the two countries continues to this day and is getting stronger“, said Diana Rosa.
PT PAL successfully won the open tender process for this MRO project, outperforming local shipyards from the Philippines. This victory confirms that PT PAL’s after-sales service, from construction, maintenance, to ship repairs, is recognized regionally and globally.
As the largest warship operated by the Philippine Navy since 2016, BRP Tarlac 601 is a superior export product made by the children of the Indonesian nation. In this MRO project, the main focus of the work includes the propulsion system, below-waterline maintenance, and the valve system, with a targeted work time of four months.
This collaboration is a symbol of strengthening defense relations between Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as the potential for continued cooperation on other ships, such as its sister ship, BRP Davao Del Sur 602. “As a maritime defense industry, we are committed to upholding quality and professionalism. PT PAL is proud to be able to take an important role in ensuring the readiness and reliability of the BRP Tarlac 601. This ship is not only the face of the strength of the Philippine Navy but also the result of solid technical collaboration and defense diplomacy between our two countries. We believe this collaboration will continue to grow and strengthen Southeast Asian maritime solidarity. We sincerely hope that this project will run smoothly and be a positive step towards broader and more sustainable cooperation in the future“, concluded Diana Rosa.
On that occasion, the commander of the BRP Tarlac 601 ship, Capt. Fredie C Parpan, expressed his gratitude for arriving in Surabaya safely after an 8-day journey. “We arrived safely at the PT Pal shipyard is a testament to two things, the exceptional craftsmanship of this ship, built by Indonesian hands, and the dedication of her crew who navigated her all the way back despite the need for repairs. this vessel may be due for dry docking, but she sailed with strength and reliability- sangat kuat dan andal. because she was built well. and we trust that once again, PT PAL will return this ship to peak condition, ready to serve in defense of our sovereignty and in the service of our people,” he explained.
Before closing his speech, Capt. Fredie also conveyed that there would be learning opportunities for the Philippine Navy crew at BRP Tarlac 601, “we are here for our scheduled dry docking and other related repairs. we see more than just the technical side of things. we see an opportunity, beyond restoring the material condition of the ship. it is also presents valuable avenues for learning, our personnel will have the chance to observe and engage in repair processes, broadening their technical knowledge and familiarizing themselves with international shipyard standards and practices” Fredie concluded.
Through PT PAL, Indonesia appears as a solution partner for ASEAN maritime power by becoming an inclusive, independent, and international standard defense service provider. PT PAL as a one stop solution maritime fleet, will ensure combat readiness and operational sustainability of the Philippine Navy fleet, BRP Tarlac 601.
