The VOEA Neiafu on its final voyage from Tonga, arrived safely in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia on 14 September, and will be handed over to the Australian Authorities for disposal.

After providing 30 years of service to the Tongan Navy, it will be replaced by a new patrol boat,

The VOEA Neiafu crew will fly to Perth to undergo further training before sailing the new patrol boat back to Tonga in December.

Commanding Officer, Commander Holokaukau Lakai reported that the 21 crew members were well.

The new patrol boat is the second to be gifted to His Majesty’s Armed Forces under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program. The first was the VOEA Ngahau Koula, which was gifted to Tonga last year to replace the VOEA Savea.

The new patrol boats are much larger with improved range, endurance and communication capabilities, and are better suited to conduct maritime fisheries enforcement and boarding operations.