Indeed, Te Kaha was commissioned in 97 and Te Mana in 99 from memory, which gives them a life expectancy of approx 26 years and 29 years respectively. (Wonder why the reduced life expectancy of Te Kaha, the second ANZAC ship off the production line? Related to the structure problems noted in the RAN Discussions forum)?
Good question. Is there anyone in the service who can (or is allowed to) give an answer to this? Maybe they just want a five year gap in the replacement dates for funding purposes!
Compared with what is being ordered across the Tasman the NZ PM's ideas of "the very best of equipment" indicate a complete lack of understanding of defence issues IMHO. I worry about Kiwi sailors, who will make the most of the equipment they are given but whose lives, I fear, may be placed in jeapardy one day as a result of poor decision making in the defence area. I know from reading the posts on this board that the majority, if not all, our Kiwi members feel the same way about this.
Seems like a minor problem, and one that is not unusual for a ship that has just been completed and can expect some teething problems. What I have some concern about is Commodore David Anson's statement that "These sorts of things occur with the fleet on a reasonably frequent basis."
You are probably right. I just worry if a culture develops that accepts things that perhaps shouldn't be accepted. Certainly with the situation that arose with Canterbury I have no concerns at all. Problems of a minor nature are to be expected with any new ship and this problem was dealt with appropriately.
te kaha is always having problems does anyone know if any of the aussie frigates have the same problems?
LOL. I doubt that threatening Fiji was in the minds of Defence when they evaluated the navy's amphibious needs but it is probably true that the Fiji coup (along with the previous coup) highlighted deficiencies in the RAN's capabilities to respond to this type of situation. Also, what he says about the huge increase in capability is true.
Good to see Canterbury under way. Hopefully its arrival will provide a recruiting boost for the RNZN.
Yes, looks like you are spot on! Here's the full Fiji Times article which quotes Foreign Minister Downer talking about capabilities and deficiencies (available on their archive site for only two weeks though) http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=65234
One more thing about Fiji I forgot to add in before, (justified in the guise of NZ and Oz Naval forces ever having to "invade" perhaps), apparently alot ammunition was provided to Fijian forces in Iraq. This Fiji Times article alludes to ammo not being accounted for (whereas Aust Govt says it has, can't find anything on this though on the AAP, SMH & Australian news sites though). http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=65413. Ok that's enough from me on Fiji here, maybe someone wants to set up an Oceania geo-politics thread!
The swell expected on the final leg will hopefully prove that Canterbury's seakeeping is vastly superior to that of Charles Upham. :shudder
I've seen that quote and thought it absolutely hilarious. I'm actually thinking of sending my copy of the Australian 2000 White Paper to the Fijian Defence Force HQ addressed to this Colonel with the LHD project highlighted...
nfloorl:I forgot we base our future aquisitions and force structure arround any political problems that happen to occur in Fiji. It seems this guy seems might be slightly narcisistic, since every aquisition that happens in the region revolves arround him and the organisation he leads. Perhaps the Wedgetail AWE&C and F35 are intended to counter the Fijian air force.I've seen that quote and thought it absolutely hilarious. I'm actually thinking of sending my copy of the Australian 2000 White Paper to the Fijian Defence Force HQ addressed to this Colonel with the LHD project highlighted...
nfloorl: