Frigate war rumour founders

By MATHEW DEARNALEY

Naval vessels are being armed for exercises off Australia next week, but the Government denies suggesting that crews be advised they may not be home for Christmas.

A pep-talk to his crew from the captain of the frigate Te Kaha, Commander John Martin, has set the Devonport naval base humming with speculation that the ship may end up on war duty in the Middle East.

But a spokesman for Acting Defence Minister Phil Goff said last night that the Government had received no requests for vessels to support attacks against Afghanistan.

Navy spokesman Richard Jackson said Commander Martin had simply reminded his crew they belonged to a fighting service and, given the fluid international situation, ought to prepare their families for any possibility, including being away for Christmas.

Mr Jackson, a retired naval commander, said Te Kaha and the fuel tanker Endeavour were due to leave next week for a long-standing training commitment off Australia and were still expected back in Auckland on December 15.

Australia has committed two vessels to service in the Middle East, in support of the attacks on Afghanistan.