HMNZS Philomel Navy Base, Devonport, New Zealand
Posted by: 
arby101ca
S 36° 49.835 E 174° 47.457
60H E 302998 N 5921644
HMNZS Philomel is the main naval base in New Zealand for logistics and training. It is a "stone frigate" a land base named for a ship.
Waymark Code: WMG183
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 12/31/2012
Views: 6
Devonport is across the harbour from Auckland and HMNZS Philomel is the main naval base. When I stopped to take some pictures the guard invited me in to take pictures of the gun turret of the HMNZS Achilles. These guns fired on the Graf Spee in the Battle of the River Platt early in WW II. The guard also suggested that we visit the navy museum at Torpedo Bay.
The base was established in 1921 when the HMNZS Philomel was docked here and used as a training base from 1921 to 1947. The HMNZS Philomel was a light cruiser launched in 1890 and turned over to New Zealand in 1914. The land base grew and the name was transferred to the stone frigate in 1947. The old ship was decommissioned and scuttled in 1948. The proud tradition of the New Zealand navy is maintained at the HHNZS Philomel base.
As an island nation, the New Zealand navy is very important for the defense of the country.