The frigate HMNZS OTAGO, (CMDR Alan Tyrrell, RNZN), departed New Zealand for the French territory of Mururoa Atoll to protest against the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. OTAGO was re-fuelled en route by the RAN tanker HMAS SUPPLY. Despite the condemnation of much of the Western world, the nuclear tests took place on 21 July.

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