KEY POINTS:
The Navy's first Anzac frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, returns to Auckland today after a three-month deployment in Southeast Asia and Australia.
The warship left New Zealand on September 18 for the South China Sea to take part in Exercise Bersama Lima 08, joining the navvies of Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Britain.
The Navy said the exercise "was a great success and a significant challenge for Te Kaha as she operated in a very busy shipping environment with many other ships and aircraft".
In October Te Kaha was in the Indian Ocean west of Australia for three weeks of exercises with the Australian Navy and Air Force to enhance high-level warfare skills.
The ship's captain, Commander Mat Williams, said the ship would head south next month to support Department of Conservation resupply to sub-Antarctic islands.
- NZPA
