Australian Defence has gifted His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) a shipment of bedding, manchester, white goods, and health and hygiene packs on the commencement of HMAF’s 73rd Basic Recruit Intake Course beginning on Friday, 23 February 2024, under a Gender, Peace and Security initiative.
Defence Advisor South Pacific (DASP), Colonel Sean Benporath, made the handover to A/Component Commander Training Lieutenant Colonel Chris Tupou on Thursday 22 February, at Taliai Military Camp at Fua’amotu on Tongatapu.
The Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) Initiative under the Australian Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) sponsored the purchase with the intent to improve the quality of life of HMAF's recruits posted to the camp, and to ensure they have access to quality bedding and equipment during their training.
Women, Peace and Security
The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) affirms the role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in all efforts for the promotion of peace and security – an initiative the Australian Government is committed to the implementation of the resolution.
The Australian Defence Force continues to prioritise the WPS agenda and recognises that women make an indispensable perspective in every aspect of then planning and the conduct of military operations, through the provision of leadership and other activities.
The Australian Defence Cooperation Program wishes His Majesty’s Armed Forces 73rd Basic Recruit Intake their best wishes for the upcoming course.
Tongan Royal Navy
Separately, Australia has also provided the Tongan Royal Navy with a specialised boarding party kit. The kit, provided by the Australia Defence Cooperation Program was presented to His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and will be used by the Tonga Royal Navy in their endeavours to bolster maritime security, safeguard regional stability and promote adherence to international law within Tongan waters.
Defence Advisor South Pacific Colonel Sean Benporath, made the handover to Component Commander Tonga Royal Navy, Commander Taniela Tuita on Thu 22 Feb, at Masefield Naval Base.
The specialised boarding party equipment consisting of a tactical helmet; ESS goggles, boarding party jacket, tactical shirts, gloves and holsters are designed to enhance boarding party capabilities, manoeuvrability, and comfort during lengthy operations when a sailors board a vessel for the purposes of searching it.
The Australian Defence Force has an existing and longstanding relationship with His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and the gifting of this equipment is just another milestone in the relationship. The Australian Defence Cooperation Program look forward to conducting familiarisation training with the Tonga Royal Navy in the near future.
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