Latest news with #ShaneArndell
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
HMNZS Canterbury Delivers Leading-Edge Technology To Support Regional Security Tasks In Fiji
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fijis exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard. Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) – the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data. The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks. Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges. 'For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 'Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,' Commodore Arndell said. 'The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community. 'All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji – directly affects us as well.' The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva. Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience. 'Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,' he said. 'Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji. 'That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.' For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
HMNZS Canterbury Delivers Leading-Edge Technology To Support Regional Security Tasks In Fiji
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fijis exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard. Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) – the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data. The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone – including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks. Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges. 'For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 'Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,' Commodore Arndell said. 'The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community. 'All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji – directly affects us as well.' The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva. Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience. 'Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,' he said. 'Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji. 'That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.' For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
HMNZS Canterbury Delivers Leading-Edge Technology To Support Regional Security Tasks In Fiji
The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN) multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury has sailed into Suva for annual Operation Calypso, this time with a technologically advanced capability aboard. Op Calypso focuses on supporting Pacific partners through a range of joint maritime security activities and HMNZS Canterbury carried into the Fijian port advanced capability in the form of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) - the Bluebottles Tahi and Rua. The autonomous vessels can conduct long-endurance operations without requiring refuelling or crew. Propelled and powered by sun, wind and wave action, the Bluebottles are ideal platforms for fishery protection, border patrols, surveillance, and the collection of oceanic and meteorological data. The RNZN will work with Republic of Fiji Navy personnel deploying and monitoring the Bluebottles to help identify and track vessels operating suspiciously in Fiji's exclusive economic zone - including those potentially involved in narcotics trafficking. A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 42 Squadron King Air aircraft will provide identification and surveillance oversight while a Fijian Navy vessel will be available to carry out boarding and seizure tasks. Commodore Shane Arndell, the New Zealand Defence Force's Maritime Component Commander, says the joint effort reflects the deep commitment shared by both nations to tackle common security and economic challenges. 'For many years, at the request of the Fijian government, we have conducted joint fishery patrols to ensure Fiji's natural resources and vital revenue streams aren't being exploited through illegal fishing by other countries. 'Now we are confronting a criminal issue just as important but with deadly consequences,' Commodore Arndell said. 'The movement of drugs from South America through the Pacific is a very real concern and has a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of Fijians, their families and the wider Pasifika community. 'All too often we see the harm these narcotics bring, so the opportunity to work with our friends and partners in the Fijian Navy to intercept and disrupt their importation is something we are committed to doing. What affects Fiji - directly affects us as well.' The Bluebottles will be jointly monitored by Fijian Navy and RNZN personnel from the newly established Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva. Outside of normal operating hours, monitoring will be conducted by a team from HMNZS Matataua operating from a control room at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. While alongside in Suva, Canterbury crew will participate in a range of important activities, including the Southwest Pacific Heads of Maritime Forces meeting and the Fijian Navy's 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Commodore Arndell said operations like Calypso were crucial to maintaining regional preparedness and resilience. 'Canterbury conducts these multi-faceted missions in the southwest Pacific to grow our Navy's capabilities and maritime culture, and to strengthen the ability of our partners in this region,' he said. 'Our long-standing relationships and presence in the region positions us to respond quickly to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events and other security-related issues —but more than that, it provides us with an opportunity to share vital maritime skills and training to partners like Fiji. 'That's a commitment we take very seriously, to help ensure we can maintain a secure and prosperous future for all Pacific nations.' For HMNZS Canterbury, Op Calypso follows quickly from its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre, where it transported NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, equipment, armoured vehicles and aircraft to Australia for the major multinational military exercise.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
New Zealand Warship Links Up With UK Carrier Strike Group For Combined Operation
The United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group – spearheaded by the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Prince of Wales – has been bolstered on the Indo-Pacific phase of Operation Highmast with the arrival of HMNZS Te Kaha. HMNZS Te Kaha, fresh from the New Zealand–led CTF 150 maritime security patrols, including counter narcotic operations, joined up with the multi-nation group in the Indian Ocean last week. Over the course of Operation Highmast, 13 nations will deploy vessels, aircraft and more than 4,500 military personnel to support the task group which formed in the English Channel in late April. The nations include NATO allies from Canada, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United States, and partners from New Zealand, Australia, India, Japan, and South Korea, operating alongside each other to build combat readiness and interoperability between the participating nations' navies at sea. The Royal New Zealand Navy's Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Shane Arndell, said being part of the strike group will provide Te Kaha with further opportunities to increase its combat readiness by testing its capabilities in a significant multi-nation strike group operation. 'The ship already has runs on the board since leaving New Zealand in February and successfully completing a two-month deployment working for the Coalition Maritime Forces Task Force 150 in the Arabian Sea, so they'll be hitting the ground running. Being able to work collaboratively with our global partners and demonstrate maritime interoperability is critical for us as a nation, and Operation Highmast will deliver some key outcomes for our Navy and New Zealand Defence Force.' The UK-led strike group will spend the next part of its deployment involved in a string of major exercises, and interaction with like-minded allies and partners throughout Asia and the western Pacific rim, which includes numerous high-profile port visits. "It's fantastic to have our New Zealand friends with us as we look to develop our combined operational capabilities,' said Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group. 'It was a privilege to visit HMNZS Te Kaha when she joined the Strike Group. Having such a professional crew integrating with us as we reinforced the rules based international order in the Indo-Pacific will certainly enhance our outputs.'
