HMNZS Wellington Visits Cairns

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today went on board Offshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS Wellington, which is visiting Cairns on its way home from Operation RENDER SAFE 2011.

“I would like to thank the New Zealand Navy for inviting me to visit HMNZS Wellington while it is in port in Cairns,” Senator Feeney said.

“Cooperation between the Australian and New Zealand Navies is crucial. I am looking forward to continuing this strong Defence relationship.

“This cooperation was evident during Operation RENDER SAFE. It was great to see New Zealand Defence Force personnel working alongside the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force to dispose of WWII unexploded ordnance in waters off the coast of Rabaul, PNG.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the New Zealand Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and the Royal New Zealand Navy Operational Diving Team who helped to safely dispose of ordnance,” Senator Feeney said.

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Source: navy, November 09, 2011