French frigate calls into Nuku’alofa [1]
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 - 17:41. Updated on Thursday, May 7, 2015 - 09:08.
The Vendemiaire, a surveillance frigate of the French Navy is in Nuku'alofa this week on a goodwill visit and to conduct joint training exercises with the Tonga Navy.
Commander Hervé Siret said they are in Tonga to reinforce ties while carrying out the joint training that includes a boating exercise for maritime surveillance.
He said this will enable both sides to find the best practice in maritime surveillance to combat illegal fishing by sharing the unique ways on how they each carry out their surveillance.
"We are very happy to be here in Tonga."
There are other ongoing military exercises between Tonga and the French in Noumea.
In April the Vendemiaire took part in relief efforts in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam. It delivered cargo and medical assitance to remote islands.
The 2,600 tonnes frigate based in Noumea has a crew of 94 including 14 women. It's capabilities includes two surface-to-surface missiles, one 100mm gun with air surface radar and helicopter.
The crew are expected to join HMAF in friendly sports events.
Commander Taniela Tuita of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) said that a combined training exercise started today, and will run until Thursday, 7 May.
The Vendemiaire arrived in Nuku'alofa from Wellington, NZ on Monday morning. It will leave Tonga on Friday, 8 May.