S.E.A.T.O. NAVAL EXERCISE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29207, 18 May 1960, Page 20

S.E.A.T.O. NAVAL EXERCISE

N.Z. Frigate And Planes Take Part

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. May 17.

The New Zealand frigate H.MN.Z.S. Rotoiti, commanded by Lieutenant-Commander R. L. Harding. R.N.Z.N., arrived ' in Singapore on Friday after 11 days’ of intensive activity in the Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation exercise "Sealion.”

“Sealion,” sponsored jointly by the United Kingdom and New Zealand, was the largest exercise so far held by S.EA.T.O. It was the first to which all eight members contributed forces. More than 60 ships, including three carriers and 150 aircraft, were involved. The exercise simulated convoy operations under submarine and air attack in the South China Sea. Two forces were formed, one at Bangkok and the other at Manila. They joined on Wednesday and entered Singapore on Friday. The Rotoiti formed part of the Bangkok force and built a close liaison with the Thai frigate. Prasae. Sub-Lieutenant T. Arthurs, of Wellington, and Leading Tactical Operator H. Anscombe, of Blenheim, both spent a day at sea Tn the Thai ship. During the first period the New Zealanders had opportunity to visit the city of Bangkok. Royal New Zealand Air Force Sunderlands, of which there are four at Singapore, provided air support as the force neared the land.

The exercise director (RearAdmiral V. C. Begg) said today that men of eight navies had carried out complicated manoeuvres together without a hitch.