27 Jun 2014

NZ ship welcome at Pearl Harbour

7:15 pm on 27 June 2014

For the first time in 30 years, a Royal New Zealand Navy ship has been allowed to berth at Pearl Harbour.

The ban was due to New Zealand's long-held anti-nuclear stance.

The HMNS Canterbury's commanding officer David Turner said it was very exciting to enter into the harbour and the atmosphere within the ship's company was tangible as they approached Hawaii.

Mr Turner said a large crowd of people gathered on the pier to welcome them.

The ship is participating in the world's largest naval exercise, RIMPAC, alongside 22 other Pacific nations.

While the Canterbury took part in the last exercise in 2012, it wasn't allowed to dock in the harbour.

The Canterbury passing the USS Arizona Memorial.

The Canterbury passing the USS Arizona Memorial. Photo: NZDF