Two ships of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will visit Auckland from today as part of a 96-day training deployment, incorporating 12 ports in 12 different countries.
The Royal New Zealand Navy will host the Training Squadron ships with 650 sailors embarked, including 140 Midshipmen (new officers).
There will be an exchange of gun salutes as the ships sail into Auckland harbour.
At approximately 0940, 13 October, ROKS CHOI YOUNG will fire 21 guns acknowledging New Zealand. A 13-gun salute will be returned from the Devonport Naval Base to honour Rear Admiral Jungsoo Chun, commander of Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG).
Port activities include a combined band concert for the public; ceremonial wreath-laying; and a sports competition at the Devonport Naval Base.
Destroyer ROKS CHOI YOUNG and combat support ship ROKS CHEONJI will be open to the public during their visit.
Mon 13 Oct
Fleet arrival. Ships berth at 1000.
• Open Day: Both ships will be open to the public at Queens Wharf (Northern End), 1130-1600. Free entry, no parking available on Queens Wharf.
Tues 14 Oct
• Open Day: CHOI YOUNG open to the public at Queens Wharf, 1000-1600.
• Wreath laying, 1030, Auckland War Memorial
• Public concert with RNZN and CTTG Bands, 1100-1130, Auckland War Memorial.
• Public performances by ROKN personnel, 1130-1230 at Auckland War Memorial.
Wed 15 Oct
• Sports Competition, 0915-1200, Devonport Navy Base
• Open Day: CHOI YOUNG open to the public at Queens Wharf (Northern End), 1000-1600. Free entry, no parking available on Queens Wharf.
Thurs 16 Oct. Ships sail, 0930.