Tearful welcome home after duty in Solomons

By KATHERINE HOBY

A diversion to the strife-torn Solomon slands for naval frigate Te Mana meant Petty Officer James Johnson missed his daughter's seventh birthday.

She has come to accept - as all naval family must - that missed birthdays and other special days are just part of dad's job.

Birthday girl Dayna has been counting down the sleeps until her father returned yesterday and was up at 4 am, demanding to know when it was time to "go and bring daddy home."

The Te Mana spent 11 days in the Solomons after the armed coup attempt there before being relieved by sister ship Te Kaha. The frigate had earlier taken part in exercises off Western Australia.

Auckland naval public relations officer Lieutenant-Commander Bill Morley said that the 164 crew were doubtless thrilled to be home, though duty in the Solomons had been a great opportunity.

"Te Mana was there in a precautionary mode," he said. "But crew have told me they were pleased and excited to go to the Solomons. That's what they're trained for."

Most of the crew welcomed home amid tears of joy at Devonport naval base yesterday morning after four-and-a-half months of duty echoed those feelings.

"It is our job," Petty Officer Johnson said. "After the initial disappointment about home it was down to business."

The frigate acted as guard ship during the Solomons peace talks involving New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff and was on standby for emergency evacuation if required.

It took over air traffic control and communication for Henderson Field International Airport during the air evacuation of foreigners from Honiara.

The crew also handled immigration and customs matters.

Lieutenant-Commander Morley said that during its tour, the ship also conducted a full set of weapons systems trials, which had included firing its first Sea Sparrow missile, and underwent an extensive operational readiness evaluation off Western Australia.