Royal New Zealand Navy ship conducts longest replenishment at sea

HMNZS Aotearoa successfully replenished its largest ship since commissioning four years ago.

02 August, 2024

Providing fuel for both the ship and aircraft on board, a total of 3,350,000 litres of fuel was transferred to USS Boxer, a US Navy Amphibious Assault Ship on an operational deployment. The replenishment took place south of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Commanding Officer of HMNZS Aotearoa, Commander Rob Welford said the replenishment at sea took 8.5 hours, making this the ship’s longest replenishment.

“This was no simple task, but our crew carried this out with the care and attention needed over a sustained period of time.

“This is what our crew trains for, and is a testament of the interoperability the Royal New Zealand Navy conducts with partners as we continue to work together,” Rob Welford said.

HMNZS Aotearoa is currently on Operation Crucible, a reoccurring Navy deployment to carry out international military exercises, operations and engagements.