An $8 million (AUD) navy landing craft, funded by Australia - a new addition to His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF), will be commissioned by HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u on Friday 23 October 2015, at the Masefield Naval Base, Touliki.

The craft to be named ‘Vaka ‘O ‘Ene ‘Afio Late’ by the the King is expected to serve Tonga over the next 30 years.

The  30.4m long landing craft has two caterpillar engines, two propellers and an auxiliary machine providing electrical power to the ship. It has modern electronic navigation, radar and communication systems and can travel up to 10 days at a maximum speed of 12 knots with its own fuel and supply. 

It is also equipped to carry 10,000 litres of fuel and 10,000 litres of fresh water to outer islands in the event of natural disasters or crisis.

Lt. Col. Lord Ve’ehala of HMAF stated that the craft will increase naval capability assisting in normal troop carrier, movement of equipment, sea transport, beach landing and disaster management.  The ship will be crewed by at least six naval personnel.

It was built by Forgracs, shipbuilders in New South Wales, and delivered to Tonga in mid-September.

Australian Defence Force representatives, Rear Admiral Mark Purcell, Head of Maritime System, and Mr Ian Smith, Director of the South Pacific Patrol Boat Program, are expected to attend Friday's ceremony.