HMNZS Resolution pays final visit to capital
This Saturday will be the last chance for Wellington locals to tour HMNZS Resolution , the Navy's principal survey and research ship, before she is decommissioned next month.
There will be an 'open ship' for members of the public on Saturday 31 March between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, with tours of the bridge and operations room allowing a unique opportunity to see Resolution's military hydrographic equipment up close for the last time.
Resolution has chartered New Zealand waters since she commissioned into the RNZN in 1997, and most recently was used in the search of Foveaux Strait for the missing fishing vessel FV Easy Rider, which she was able to locate in approximately 40 meters of water off Stewart Island.
Resolution will decommission from the RNZN next month and when she departs from Wellington Harbour for the last time on Monday, 02 April, it will be with fond memories.
"It is a proud time for Resolution's Ship's Company as she prepares to decommission in April," says Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Matt Wray.
"Being able to assist in recent activities such as the search for FV Easy Rider, and surveying Lyttleton Harbour after the February 2011 earthquake has shown the proud contribution this ship has made to New Zealand during her service."
Since commissioning, Resolution has steamed over 300,000 Nm (Nearly 14 times around the circumference of the world) and spent over 42,000 hours (nearly four years) at sea. She has visited 40 different ports in 12 different countries.
The Ships Survey capabilities are set to be transferred to another RNZN vessel before Resolution is decommissioned in Auckland on 27 April 2012.