Operation Neptune was a programme of commemorative events and activities held in New Zealand throughout the year 2016 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1941. The name “Operation Neptune” was chosen to commemorate the greatest single loss sustained by the New Zealand Navy. was being prepared for transfer to the Royal New Zealand Navy when she sank after hitting an enemy minefield in the Mediterranean on 19 December 1941 with the loss of all but one man, including all 150 of the New Zealanders who had already joined the ship. History Initially established as a division of the Royal Navy in the early 1900s, it was not until 1 October 1941, that His Majesty King George VI approved the designation “Royal New Zealand Navy” for the regular element of the New Zealand Naval Forces; including Reserve and Volunteer Reserve elements. Events Through year On 22 January, the Devonport Naval Base was opened to the public for the first time in two years. The year-long celebrations started on 8 February, when the Royal New Zealand Navy performed a 'Navy Formation Entry' into Auckland Harbour, declaring the start of the Naval Celebrations. The formation included a 17-gun salute undertaken by whilst passing by the Devonport Naval Base. The salute was reciprocated with an 11-gun salute fired from , who was berthed at Devonport Naval Base. The salute was to celebrate the appointment of the new-Chief of Navy John Martin, OMNZ On 20 February 90 sailors stationed on completed a march through Rangiora, New Zealand. Through March, organised a public visit to Gisborne, New Zealand, and hosted two local high schools on deck, Illminster Intermediate School and Tairawhiti Services Academy, before attending the local boys and girls high schools, Gisborne Boys' High School and Gisborne Girls' High School to speak about careers in the Navy. On 1 October, The New Zealand Naval Ensign was flown on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy. It was passed through Auckland by-law's that the Naval Ensign will fly on the Harbour Bridge every 1 October from 2016 onward. Naval plays The Royal New Zealand Navy has commissioned Lt. Cdr. Mark Hadlow with the creation of two theatrical plays, The Complete History of the Royal New Zealand Navy, a light-hearted look at the Navy and its history, and Commander Claire