HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala attended the handing over ceremony of a new Guardian Class Patrol Boat, the VOEA Ngahau Koula for His Majesty’s Arm Forces HMAF by the Australian Assistant Defence Minister Hon Alex Hawke MP at the Austral Shipyards in Henderson, Perth, Western Australia on June 21, 2019.

The VOEA Ngahau Koula replaces the VOEA Savea, a Pacific Forum class patrol boat that was donated by the Australian government and has been operated by the Tongan Maritime Forces since the 1980s. The VOEA Ngahau Koula Guardian-class is slightly larger and more capable compared to the VOEA Savea.

The Crown Prince was accompanied by Captain Ulakai, the Depuity Chief of Defence Staff of HMAF, Mr Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, Tonga’s Acting High Commissioner to Australia, and Semisi Tapuieluelu from HMAF.

Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry Hon, Melissa Price MP, and the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr Adrian Morrison attended the hand-over.

The VOEA Ngahau Koula is expected to arrive in Tonga in early August, according to a spokesperson for His Majesty's Armed Forces.