Kiwi to command anti-piracy forces

Captain Jim Gilmour will be the first NZ naval officer to be in command of the US-led counter-piracy task forces. Photograph / Paul Estcourt

A New Zealander will be taking up an anti-piracy command role in the stretch of water between Yemen and Somalia.

Captain Jim Gilmour is heading to the Gulf of Aden to lead one of the US-lead counter-piracy combined task forces. It's the first time a New Zealand naval officer will be in command of the force.

He says it's a major international shipping route, but it's at risk because of the deteriorating situation in the surrounding countries.

"Because New Zealand's trade relies so heavily on the sea lanes and so does global commerce it's important that the willing members of this coalition participate in counter piracy operations," he told Newstalk ZB.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says piracy in the Gulf of Aden poses a real threat to international shipping and impacts New Zealand's economy.

He says we've sent frigates to the Persian Gulf and our Defence Force personnel have participated in the Combined Task Force before and the move shows New Zealand's commitment to protecting security and stability on international waters.

Wayne Mapp says these contributions have been recognised with the request for New Zealand to take the command role.

Captain Gilmour will take up the post at the end of June, for a period of three months.

- Newstalk ZB