Skip to content

HMNZS Wellington (F69) https://ift.tt/TtGSZXm

HMNZS Wellington being prepared for sinking
HMNZS Wellington prepared for sinking

HMNZS Wellington was a Leander-class frigate of the Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Originally commissioned in 1969 for the Royal Navy as HMS Bacchante, she joined the RNZN in 1982. She was decommissioned in 1999 and sunk in 2005.

Refit

On arrival in New Zealand, Wellington was decommissioned and entered an extended refit which ended in 1986. The limited modernization proved difficult and took an unexpected 4 years. When inspected prior to purchase in 1981, she was in the condition expected for a Royal Navy (RN) frigate after a dozen years’ service. However, in 1982 the frigate conducted a four-month winter patrol in the postwar Falklands exclusion zone with the other four RN unmodernised Leanders. Sea conditions in the Falkland exclusion zone meant more expensive hull repair was needed. Large-scale energy projects in New Zealand, particularly Marsden Point, resulted in a loss of key dockyard staff and recruitment difficulties. The installation of additional fuel tanks to extend the range of South Pacific operations proved difficult and dirty work. A new gunnery control system (RCA-76) along with surface and navigation radar were fitted, escape hatches were enlarged and asbestos was removed.[1] The original estimated cost of transferring and refitting Bacchante and Dido to RNZN was $100m in 1981. By 1985 it reached $263m[2] Other minor changes were also made as a result of practical experiences of British frigates during the Falklands War.

Later refits saw new long-range air surveillance radar in place of the old 965 bedstead, with the Thales LW08 (1994) [clarification needed] and the original Seacat missile removed and replaced by the Phalanx CIWS (1998).[clarification needed]

Operational history

[edit]

Sea Cat missile launcher on HMNZS Wellington, 1987

Like her sister-ship HMNZS Canterbury, Wellington was stood to during the First Coup in Fiji in 1987 to evacuate New Zealand and other foreign nationals should the need have arisen.

In 1988, Wellington accompanied HMNZ Ships Canterbury, Endeavour and Waikato to Sydney, Australia to participate in the Bicentennial Salute to mark the 200th Anniversary of the settlement of Europeans in that country. Vessels from the navies of Australia, Britain, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, United States and Vanuatu were represented.

In 1994, Wellington contributed to the international Peace Keeping initiative in Bougainville along with Canterbury.

In 1995/1996, Wellington deployed to the Persian Gulf on the first of the RNZN deployments supporting the MIF (Multinational Interception Force) enforcing UN sanctions on Iraqi trade through the Gulf. Wellington successfully detained a number of vessels exporting dates from and attempting to import prohibited cargoes to Iraq. The frigate attended peace talks at Bougainville in July and August 1990. On 23 February 2017, it was announced by NZDF that the New Zealand Operations Service Medal (NZOSM)[3] had been awarded to personnel who were in Bougainville for the Operation BIGTALK peace talks.[4]

Sinking

[edit]

HMNZS Wellington prior to sinking, outside Te Papa.
Removal of dangerous fittings and toxic substances, cutting of large holes in the hull.
HMNZS Wellington being sunk.

HMNZS Wellington was deliberately sunk off the south coast of Houghton Bay, Wellington just east of Island Bay.

Although the ship was due to be sunk at 3pm on 12 November 2005, this was delayed for 24 hours due to weather. The next day, the sinking was delayed by another 30 minutes due to the entanglement of a detonation cable under the frigate. At 3:30pm on 13 November, the ship was scuttled and took a minute and 55 seconds to sink. During a storm in February 2006, the ship broke up and is now lying in two sections on the seabed close to where it was sunk at 41°21.18′S 174°46.80′E[5]

The depth of her keel is approximately 21 metres (69 ft), making the wreck accessible by scuba divers using standard equipment.

https://ift.tt/TtGSZXm

Patrol vessel’s captain removed from role amid probe into sexual allegations https://ift.tt/JDreYL8

Imogen Rogers – 15th May 2025 at 10:11am

Lt Cdr Mayger took charge of HMS Tyne in February and the vessel's executive officer is taking his place temporarily (Picture: MOD)
Lt Cdr Mayger took charge of HMS Tyne in February and the vessel’s executive officer is taking his place temporarily (Picture: MOD)

Less than three months into his post, a Royal Navy commander has been removed from his role while being investigated over sexual allegations.

It’s understood Lieutenant Commander Martyn Mayger was removed from command this past week.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed “that a member of the Armed Forces is under investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command in respect of these allegations”.

“As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” the MOD added.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour.

“Our people can be assured that should they raise any allegation, they will be fully supported, and the matter investigated, with appropriate action taken as required.”

Senior officers can be removed from command and duties if there’s reasonable suspicion of a sexual relationship with a subordinate within their chain of command.

Lt Cdr Mayger took charge of HMS Tyne in February – the vessel’s executive officer is taking his place temporarily.

The River-class offshore patrol vessel operates in UK and European waters on security tasks – protecting the UK’s interests and remains ready to carry out marine enforcement operations.

HMS Tyne shadowed three Russian ships in separate tasks, including Merkury, a Steregushchiy-class corvette and research ship Akademik Nikolaj Strakhov
HMS Tyne intercepted a Russian submarine (Picture: Royal Navy)

Earlier this month, she was deployed as part of a Nato operation to shadow the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar as it made its way back to Russia from the eastern Mediterranean.

Tyne intercepted the Krasnodar when it entered the English Channel near the French coast and monitored its movements as it headed east – the crew then handed over to Nato allies as the submarine left UK waters.

The allegations against Lt Cdr Mayger come after the former head of Royal Navy, Sir Benjamin Key, was told to step back amid reports of an alleged affair with a subordinate – the MoD said the investigation was “ongoing.”

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has now been named as the new head of the Royal Navy – following the earlier-than-expected departure of his predecessor.

https://ift.tt/JDreYL8

USS The Sullivans makes a liberty port call in Cyprus following Exercise Med Strike https://ift.tt/ZFRmcOX

Will Hollis – 15th May 2025 at 10:45am

The ship had recently been taking part in the multinational exercise Med Strike 25 (Picture: MOD)
The ship had recently been taking part in the multinational exercise Med Strike 25 (Picture: MOD)

USS The Sullivans has sailed into the port of Limassol in Cyprus to messages of welcome from the US embassy.

The guided missile destroyer docked for a “well-deserved liberty port call” – the US Navy’s term for rest and relaxation.

The warship had recently been taking part in the multinational Exercise Med Strike 25 involving Nato allies and including: 21 ships, two submarines, 41 jets, plus 8000 personnel.

USS The Sullivans is the U.S. Navy's 18th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer (Picture: MOD)
RFA Fort Victoria and USS The Sullivans – the US Navy’s 18th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer (Picture: MOD)

In a social media post on X, Dan Mangis, interim Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in the Cypriot capital Nicosia, said: “Enjoy Cyprus’s beautiful shores, rich history and warm hospitality.”

The ship has made several visits to Cyprus, docking in Limassol and Larnaca, in the past year.

Mr Mangis added: “Safe travels onward and thank you for your service!”

USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) is the US Navy’s 18th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer.

The ship is named after the five Sullivan brothers who died in the Pacific during the Second World War.

George, Francis, Joseph, Madison and Albert Sullivan from Iowa were killed in action in 1942 when the light cruiser USS Juneau was sunk by a Japanese submarine during the battle of Guadalcanal.

This was the greatest military loss by a single American family during the war.

https://ift.tt/ZFRmcOX

CSG25 on well-deserved break with stopover in Crete after first big test of deployment https://ift.tt/GgM0lDL

14th May 2025 at 10:21am

HMS Prince of Wales and the rest of CSG25 are temporarily docked in Souda Bay in Crete
HMS Prince of Wales and the rest of the CSG25 fleet have docked in Souda Bay in Crete (Picture: HMS Dauntless)

The Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless, part of CSG25, has docked in Souda Bay in Crete, alongside the rest of the fleet, in the first run ashore of the deployment.

In a post on X, the ship’s crew said: “There will be meetings to discuss Medstrike and lessons learned,” adding that personnel are due to enjoy some downtime, with the chance to rest and take part in fitness and adventure training.

In recent days, Type 45 destroyer Dauntless has been conducting gunnery training alongside HMS Richmond, as well as taking part in various other serials on Exercise Med Strike, alongside the Italian Navy.

Twenty-one warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, 10 patrol aircraft and 8,000 personnel were involved in the joint exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.

The exercise was also a test of air defence skills, including fending off aerial drone attacks.

HMS Dauntless in action on Ex Med Strike

UK and Italian F-35B Lightnings took to the air during Ex Med Strike, with HMS Prince of Wales working closely with the Italian aircraft carrier, ITS Cavour.

Warships and submarines from both the UK and Italy also trained together, practising anti-submarine warfare tactics.

Earlier in the CSG deployment, HMS Dauntless also concluded an air defence exercise, demonstrating how she can help defend the wider task group.

The crew of HMS Dauntless announced their arrival in Crete on X
The crew of HMS Dauntless announced their arrival in Crete on X (Picture: MOD)

Twelve countries are taking part in the carrier strike group deployment, known as Operation Highmast, which will last eight months and cover more than 30,000 miles. 

CSG25 is due to take part in more large-scale exercises with allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan and Australia during this time.

More than 4,500 British military personnel are involved, including almost 600 RAF, 900 soldiers, and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

https://ift.tt/GgM0lDL

Tidespring turns: RFA vessel breaks away from CSG25 as it heads towards Suez and Red Sea https://ift.tt/xiAqZab

Tom Sables – 14th May 2025 at 3:45pm

Why RFA Tidespring broke from Carrier Strike Group as it heads through Red Sea

RFA Tidespring has broken away from Carrier Strike Group 25 while the ships transit the Suez Canal and Red Sea.

Instead, the tanker will head south around the Cape of Good Hope before rejoining them in the Indian Ocean.

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have raised tensions in the region, which has left some wondering if that is why the ship has temporarily left the group.

Dr Phil Weir, a naval historian and author, said the decision to detach from the group could be for a number of reasons.

“Whoever detached would have to miss a big Nato exercise, so you don’t necessarily want to do that either because it’s obviously great practice and great training,” he said.

“The ship’s decision to detach will have been taken before the declared ceasefire came in, which we don’t really know how far that extends and how stable it is anyway.

“So in those circumstances, detaching your key air defence destroyer HMS Dauntless, the Type 45, would be, I think it’s fair to say, tactically ambitious when heading through an area that might find anti-ship missiles flying and drones and so forth. 

What we know about the vessels making up CSG25

“That would really be a no, no. Beyond that, you start to run into the political because of course the carrier strike group is a multinational endeavour.

“Realistically, none of the allies are going to want to be seen as sort of caveating and stepping away from dangerous areas.”

The Cape of Good Hope is located on the southwestern coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, with RFA Tidespring travelling around the south of the African continent before heading into the Indian Ocean.

Dr Weir said the ship would be able to deal with small surface threats in the region and would have a Merlin helicopter to “hugely increase their situational awareness”.

“They may find themselves with a small 42 Commando team aboard that might help with any anti-piracy work if they do any around that sort of area,” he said.

“So for the job that she’s being sent to do, she’s eminently capable.”

He went on: “What I suspect is going on is that Tidespring is heading down the west coast of Africa almost to cover for other ships that Britain has that are currently under refit. 

“We can probably expect Tidespring to find her way down to start exercising with other navies, possibly around Sierra Leone, Nigeria.”

But what is the ship’s role in the deployment and and how will the carrier strike group operate without her?

Well, Dr Weir said the ship is there predominantly to supply fuel to the ships of the carrier strike group. 

“She’s civilian-manned by members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Her main job is logistics, with a slight sideline in having an AWS Merlin helicopter aboard,” he said.

He acknowledged that he has no direct knowledge of the exact route CSG25 will be taking, but said the Norwegian ship, which carries out a similar role to Tidespring, is still with the group.

Dr Weir did point out, however, that the Norwegian ship has more capability to supply food, ammunition and other solid stores than Tidespring does.

https://ift.tt/xiAqZab

NZDF joins large South Pacific disaster exercise as new response group starts work https://ift.tt/URAqC9y

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has joined 18 other nations for a large French-led multinational training exercise scenario of a hypothetical cyclone striking the islands of Wallis & Futuna.

Ex Croix Du Sud

14 May, 2025

Exercise Croix Du Sud was based in New Caledonia, about 1900km southwest of Wallis & Futuna, and involved about 2000 personnel. 

New Zealand Army Captain Zoe Williamson and a small number of Kiwi staff officers bolstered the exercise headquarters.

“This has been a great opportunity allowing us to work with our partner nations in a likely humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) scenario, developing relationships and an understanding of how we work individually but are able to come together as a whole,” she said.

“Training with our Pacific neighbours is important to ensure we are ready to respond when the time comes, and Exercise Croix Du Sud is a valuable test, ensuring we can deliver this critical capability when and where it’s needed.” 

Exercise Croix Du Sud also provided the opportunity for two NZDF officers to deploy with the Pacific Response Group (PRG), a new multinational support group consisting of personnel from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, France, Australia, and New Zealand with Chile in support.  

The PRG was established in 2024 by recommendation of the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting to address the need for pan-Pacific HADR cooperation.

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s Lieutenant Commander Nikita Lawson said the Pacific Response Group was a short-notice deployable team with strong planning skills designed to assist civilian authorities and other organisations in any response to a disaster.

“The PRG deployed a small team forward to Wallis & Futuna to assess the situation on the ground, determine where military assistance was required and what humanitarian assistance was needed,” she said.  

The PRG command team remained in New Caledonia to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and critical capabilities.

“Information, assessments and the ‘ground truth’ provided by our PRG team were invaluable at shaping the HADR response plans formed by the wider exercise headquarters,” Lieutenant Commander Lawson said.

The two-week exercise ended earlier this month.

https://ift.tt/URAqC9y

Damen Cape Town Delivered Third South African Navy MMIPV https://ift.tt/5lmyB4j

By SeaWaves Magazine – May 13, 2025

Damen photo

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has delivered the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), Adam Kok (P1573), at Naval Base Durban for the South African Navy. The delivery milestone represents the culmination of a strategic initiative by the South African Navy to enhance South Africa’s maritime security while advancing local shipbuilding capabilities and driving industrial development.

In a handover ceremony attended by senior South African Naval officials, local government representatives, industry partners, dignitaries, and other key stakeholders.

Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, explained that the delivery of P1573 represents far more than the delivery of a vessel – it marks the fulfilment of a promise.

“From the outset, our commitment was clear: to support the South African Navy, empower the local shipbuilding industry, and enhance maritime security. With this delivery, we are proud to have honored that commitment.”

A model for collaboration: DSCT, the Navy, and ARMSCOR

The delivery of P1573 followed a formal handover in Simon’s Town in March 2025, where the vessel passed stringent technical and quality inspections. The project was driven by close collaboration between DSCT, the South African Navy, and ARMSCOR, aligning with the Department of Defense’s broader strategy to modernize and expand fleet capabilities.

“This project has exemplified the power of collaboration – within DSCT, across our supplier base, and most importantly, with our partners in the Navy and ARMSCOR,” explained Montsi. “Everyone involved has reason to be proud.”

https://ift.tt/5lmyB4j

USS Blue Ridge Participates in Exercise Croix du Sud 2025 https://ift.tt/QgvitFJ

By SeaWaves Magazine – May 13, 2025

French offshore patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig (P779), front, the Floréal-class frigate Vendémiaire (F-734), center, and the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), back, conduct a maneuvering exercise during Croix du Sud in the Coral Sea, May 1, 2025. Blue Ridge and the 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan M. Breeden)

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) participated in the 11th iteration of Exercise Croix du Sud in the Coral Sea near New Caledonia, May 1, 2025.

Croix du Sud, a French term meaning Southern Cross, is a 14-day biennial joint multinational military training exercise organized and led by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC), focusing on Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response (HADR) operations, crisis events and interoperability.

This year’s iteration hosted approximately 2,000 participants, 13 aircraft, five ships from 18 different countries. In addition to the U.S. military and France, the other participating countries included Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu.

“The U.S. and France are Pacific nations, and our navies routinely operate together to preserve a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “The U.S. 7th Fleet’s participation in Croix du Sud is testament to our longstanding alliance with France and our shared commitment to advancing our combined warfighting capabilities in this theater.”

U.S. 7th Fleet staff, embarked aboard Blue Ridge, commands the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while also promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allied and partners.

During Croix du Sud, Blue Ridge operated with the French Floréal-class frigate FS Vendémiaire (F734), offshore patrol vessel FS Auguste Bénébig (P779), and one MH-60S. Together, they conducted combined surface action group operations, maritime domain awareness operations, helicopter cross-deck operations, combined command and control capabilities, and information sharing.

“Croix du Sud has strengthened over the years with the participation of so many nations,” said Cmdr. Sébastien, Chief of Command Joint Task Force. “When it comes to HADR, there is a role for everyone in this kind of operation. We have many earthquakes and cyclones in this area every year, so this exercise is extremely realistic and important for the region.”

The U.S. Navy and France’s Marine Nationale routinely build upon their longstanding defense relationship in the Indo-Pacific. In January 2025, Charles de Gaulle Strike Group conducted bilateral interoperability training during La Perouse with USS Savannah (LCS 28) in Southeast Asia and Pacific Stellar with the Vinson Carrier Strike Group in the Philippine Sea. The events were part of their Indo-Pacific deployment Clemenceau 25.

https://ift.tt/QgvitFJ

Head of UK navy suspended amid misconduct probe https://ift.tt/16UnZYM

Admiral Ben Key was due to retire from his position this summer, after serving as the head of the Royal Navy since 2021.Share

BRITAIN-RESCUE-RNLI-ANNIVERSARY
The U.K. Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying Admiral Ben Key had “stepped back due to private reasons.” | Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images

May 10, 2025 11:29 am CET

By Jacopo Barigazzi

The head of the U.K. Royal Navy Admiral Ben Key has been removed from his duties while under investigation over allegations of misconduct, according to media reports.

`The Ministry of Defence didn’t give any further details on the matter he is being investigated for, according to the reports.

But the ministry’s statement follows a report in the Sun that Key was suspected of having an affair with a female subordinate.

Earlier this week, the ministry issued a statement saying Key had “stepped back due to private reasons,” according to a report in the Financial Times. The FT cited people familiar with the matter saying Key’s move was not related to the government’s strategic defense review, expected to be published soon.

Key was due to retire from his position this summer, after serving as the head of the Royal Navy since 2021. This means the search for his successor was already under way.

Key last year made an unreserved apology for “intolerable” misogyny in the Submarine Service, after a series of investigations across the navy exposed sexual harassment, bullying and assault of women within its ranks, according to the Guardian.

 Related Tags

https://ift.tt/16UnZYM

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul Confiscated More than 20 Bales of Cocaine Following Interdiction https://ift.tt/a0b3pFX

Heather Mongilio – May 12, 2025 5:26 PM

Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) departs Naval Station Mayport for her maiden deployment, Mar. 26, 2025. US Navy Photo

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) interdicted a drug smuggling vessel in early May, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul left at the end of March for its maiden deployment, heading to U.S. Southern Command, where its primary mission focuses on counter-illicit drug trafficking, according to a Navy release from the deployment. The Littoral Combat Ship, with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked, has been part of the Joint Interagency Task Force South during its deployment.

Maritime patrol aircraft alert Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s crew about the suspected drug smuggling vessel. The LCS headed to the target and then launched a helicopter from Helicopter Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, which is embarked on the ship, according to the Navy release.

The helicopter crew observed the vessel’s crew jettisoning packages, prompting sailors aboard Minneapolis-Saint Paul to launch a rigid-hull inflatable boat with the embarked LEDET aboard.

The boarding team found 22 bales of alleged cocaine, according to the release.

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 406, seize approximately 1716 lbs. of marijuana while conducting counter-narcotics operations, April 13, 2025. US Navy Photo

“USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is delivering decisive blows against transnational criminal organizations,” Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, said in the release. “These interdictions send a clear message: We are vigilant, and illicit trafficking will be interdicted to protect our homeland as well as our regional partners from this threat.”

The next day, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Venturous’ (WMEC-625) crew offloaded about 5,300 pounds of cocaine and marijuana at the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach. The combined value of the drugs was about $14.1 million, according to a May 2 Coast Guard release.

The marijuana and cocaine were from four interdictions in the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard attributes the interdictions to USCGC Diligence (WMEC-616) and HNLMS Groningen (P843), a ship in the Royal Netherlands’ Navy with an embarked LEDET. It was not clear if Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s interdiction was included, although the Joint Interagency Task Force-South was part of the four interdictions.

However, it was likely at least part of one of the interdictions. In mid-April, the LCS interdicted two vessels and confiscated 580 kilograms of cocaine and 1,125 kilograms of marijuana.

“Stopping harmful and illicit narcotics from reaching our shores and entering our communities is a team effort,” Venturous Commanding Officer Cmdr. Karen Kutkiewicz said in the release. “It takes the combined efforts of our joint force DoD, DHS, and international partners to combat transnational criminal organizations.”

https://ift.tt/a0b3pFX