Photos by Linny Folau

HM King Tupou VI commissioned the Tonga Navy's new headquarters and VOEA Ngahau Koula patrol boat on October 16 at the Naval Masefield Base, Touliki. 

As Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), King Tupou VI inspected the headquarters and went for a tour on the patrol boat around Nuku’alofa harbour, accompanied by Queen Nanasipau’u and guests.

Rear Admiral Colin Lawrence, Head of Navy Engineering, Australian Defence Force, said the arrival of the VOEA Ngahau Koula marked a first step in a new era for Tonga’s maritime security.  

He said it is only the third of 21 vessels to be gifted by Australia under it's Pacific Maritime Security Program for 12 Pacific Island countries and Timor Leste, bringing power capability to the region.

“Tonga has a long and proud history as a maritime power. With the arrival of this Guardian Class Patrol Boat, Australia and Tonga will build on its history."

He said, this vessel was significantly larger than Pacific patrol boats with notable improvements in overall capability. 

"VOEA Ngahau Koula is expected to have a service life of 25-years and is equipped with better range, better sea keeping and better endurance, all of which could help ensure Tonga continues to patrol and secure its maritime borders."

The Rear Admiral said Australia was privileged to have provided funding for the materials to construct the headquarters.

Tonga’s Minister Responsible for Defence, Lord Ma’afu expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Australia for a partnership that continues to deepen and strengthen.

"This has been a much anticipated occasion, given the major boost these assets would contribute to the capacity of the Tonga Navy as well as the associate benefit to a wide range of stakeholders and most importantly the people of Tonga."

He was also delighted at the completion of the two major projects under the Australian Defence Program. 

The event was attended by some of the new Cabinet Ministers.

VOEA Ngahau Koula was handed over on June 21 to Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala by the Australian Assistant Defence Minister Hon Alex Hawke MP, at the Austral Shipyards in Henderson, Perth, Western Australia.