Two Navy ships have returned home after a four-month deployment, which included participating in the world's largest naval exercise.
Family and friends wait for the crew. Photo: RNZ
HMNZS Endeavour and HMNZS Te Kaha took part in three major operations, including the Rim of the Pacific exercise off Hawaii.
About 500 family members and friends greeted the 220 returning crew at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on Saturday.
As the ships came into the base, a 17-gun salute was fired and the gesture was returned with seven shots fired from onshore.
Endeavour's commanding officer Commander Keith Robb says the trip was very successful and being part of the Hawai'i exercise with 21 other countries demonstrated the ways in which New Zealanders can operate in such a large navy.
Mr Robb says the experience was fantastic for the crews and will have an impact on the future of the New Zealand Navy.
"It'll shape the way we might look at a replacement for Endeavour, what capabilities we need to operate now in a bigger fleet than we've probably been used to."
Commander Robb and the crew are now looking forward to some rest and quality family time.
Endeavour docks at Devonport after a four-month exercise. Photo: RNZ
