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.
Australian Naval History on 28 June 1973
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