Tupou V inspects Taliai Military Camp [1]
Friday, March 30, 2007 - 20:00. Updated on Friday, May 16, 2014 - 19:53.
Photos by Pesi Fonua
King George Tupou V, the Commander in Chief of the Tonga Defence Services made his first visit to Taliai Military Camp on March 29.
TDS Commander Satisi Vunipola said that initially they were going to make a presentation to the king on the status of the service, "but the king wants to know not only what we have been doing but we are doing now, and what is our plan for the future, and that was why he visited Taliai," said Commander Satisi.
King George Tupou V was accompanied on his inspection by the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele and the Acting Minister of Defence, Hon. Tu'a Taumoepeau Tupou.
Satisi said that 82 new recruits were being trained "and if they all complete and pass the training exercises we will then have a force of about 500 men."
The TDS is currently enforcing the emergency powers following the events of November 16.