HM King Tupou VI commissioned the Tonga Navy's VOEA Ngahau Siliva patrol boat at the Masefield Base, Touliki, today.

As Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) the King inspected the patrol boat.

The Australian-made Guardian-class vessel was gifted to Tonga by the Australian Government.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr Adrian Morrison, said that as citizens of island nations, Tongans and Australians recognised the importance of a safe and secure maritime domain to our lives and prosperities.

He said this was the second of the new Guardian Class Patrol Boats provided to Tonga under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, which represented a commitment of $2 billion over 30-years to the countries of the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The VOEA Ngahau Siliva joins sister vessel, VOEA Ngahau Koula, which the King commissioned in October 2019. He said the two patrol boats represent a significant security capability for Tonga.

"They provide the platform for more effective, more wide ranging protection of Tonga’s maritime borders and resources. They build on defence force capability to serve the nation during times of emergency."

Australia was impressed with what Tonga’s Navy had achieved from the VOEA Ngahau Koula, particularly through the Joint Maritime Surveillance Patrols, which brings together border security agencies to enable more targeted and effective operations, he said.

“I commend the extraordinary efforts of HMAF and the Australian Defence Force to get us to the commissioning, despite the limitations and difficulties COVID has on our work and lives.”

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

Also attending was the Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa, Lord Chief Justice M.H. Whitten QC, Police Commissioner Caldwell, and others.

The VOEA Ngahau Siliva arrived from Cairns on December 16, 2020 and was quarantined for two-weeks, at the Nuku'alofa harbour with 22-crew, who all tested negative for COVID-19.