FRIGATE HAWEA

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25994, 23 December 1949, Page 11

FRIGATE HAWEA

REFIT BEFORE SERVICE IN MEDITERRANEAN

“The Press” Special Service rn, , AUCKLAND, December 22. The frigate Hawea will be almost a new ship when she leaves with H.M.N.Z.S. Taupo in March to serve for six months on the Mediterranean station. Every department of the Devonport naval dockyard is contributing to a six months’ refit that covers every part of the ship. The refit is expected to be completed on February 28 and, manned bv a ft-eshly-drafted ship’s company, the Hawea will be recommissioned on the following day. About a fortnight will then be required to load her full weight of ammunition and to stow thethree months’ supply of emergency stores which are carried by all, warships. Steamihg and gunnery trials in the Hauraki Gulf will follow.

Nothing is being missed in refitting the frigate. Constructors make a thorough check of hull, decks and bulkheads, riggers examine and replace the maze of standing rigging, engineers strip down main and auxiliary engines to their components, electricians work through power, lighting and communications circuits and armourers restore guns and gunnery control systems, to original efficiency. Even the ship’s boats are. landed for checking, modification or repair in the dockyard shops. Before the two frigates sail for Malta in March, the Taupo will also undergo a month’s refit in the dockyard. When the Hawea is again commissioned, her place in the reserve fleet will be taken by H.M.N.Z.S. Kaniere.