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World's navies to gather for anniversary of New Zealand force

Xinhua, October 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Navy detachments from at least 15 countries, including the first U.S. Navy ship to visit New Zealand in three decades, will line up to celebrate the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary next month, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said Tuesday.

The international naval review will be held in Auckland from Nov. 17 to 22.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral John Martin, said the Royal New Zealand Navy and the NZDF were looking forward to welcoming the ships and personnel from the countries taking part.

"The Royal New Zealand Navy appreciates the attendance of our allies, friends and partners at our celebrations," Martin said in a statement.

The review, the biggest event of the celebrations, would start on Nov. 17 with the entry of the multinational fleet into Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.

A "1,000-sailor" march through downtown Auckland was planned for Nov. 18.

The next day, the formal international naval review would be held, when Governor-General Patsy Reddy would review the assembled ships in a centuries-old naval tradition.

On Nov. 20, an open day would be held, when the public would be able to board participating naval vessels.

Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister John Key announced the government had cleared the way for the first visit by a United States Navy vessel since a rift formed between the two countries over New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance 32 years ago.

The U.S. froze New Zealand out of defense cooperation after the ban, but the Washington and Wellington declarations of recent years have seen renewed military contacts. Endit