The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) last in-shore patrol vessel is to be formally decommissioned from operational service on 29 October at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

The Moa-class inshore patrol craft has a standard displacement of 91t and an operational range of 1,000 nautical miles. The vessel can cruise at a speed of 12kt.

Launched in 1979 to function as a diving tender, the Kahu operated as a support vessel for the RNZN’s diving teams in a variety of tasks which took place in the Hauraki Gulf to Bay of Plenty region.

By the decommissioning date the Kahu will have steamed 191,332 nautical miles and will have served the Navy in support of dive training and multi-agency operations.