early 2003. In 2010 Te Kaha and became the first RNZN ships to Visit the USA Mainland since the dissolution of the ANZUS treaty. In 2012 Te Kaha attended Exercise RIMPAC. On 16 February 2015, Te Kaha sailed from New Zealand to Gallipoli, ahead of the 100th Anniversary of the landings there during World War I. After completion of this event, the frigate sailed for the Gulf of Oman where she was assigned to anti-piracy patrols. Following this, she sailed back to New Zealand after participating in the Australian-led exercise Exercise Talisman Saber. The ship returned to New Zealand on 2 August 2015 to family members, senior naval staff and the Maori Cultural group who performed a haka. Also involved in Talisman Saber 2015 was the multi-role vessel, and the fleet tanker, HMNZS Endeavour. In June 2017, the ship's deployment in the western Pacific was extended to provide support to the US 7th Fleet after collided with the container ship , killing seven sailors and causing extensive damage to the destroyer. The frigate directly contributed to the escort of , an aircraft carrier replacing in the region. In September 2021 and Te Kaha sailed for an international defence exercise in South East Asia and also interact with the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) as it conducts engagement activities in the Indo-Pacific region. Refit In March 2018, Te Kaha arrived in Victoria, British Columbia to undergo a major upgrade of her combat management system to the Lockheed Martin CMS 330, as well as replacing the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow with the new Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile. The upgrade is expected to cost NZD639 million. In September 2020, the refit of Te Kaha was reportedly complete and the ship began post-upgrade sea trials in preparation for a return to active service. In December 2020 Te Kaha completed initial refit upgrades and sea trials and sailed back to Auckland, arriving at the Devonport Naval Base on the 20th of December. While she has finished the upgrades she has not completed her maintenance routine. Honours In November 2018, the US Navy awarded Te Kaha the Meritorious Unit Commendation for supporting the 7th Fleet after the Fitzgerald collision. Gallery See also Frigates of the Royal New Zealand Navy Citations References Books Journal articles External links "Te Kaha", Royal New Zealand Navy. Retrieved 8 February 2007. "Navy ship to support Auckland Anniversary Day", press release of