By Eleanor Gee

His Majesty’s Armed Forces has made history this week by including three female sailors for the first time in a sea operation, as part of a trial.

Corporal Atelaite Katea Utoikamanu, Private Viviena Tahitu’a and Private Malia Telesa Puloka, are part of a joint Tonga Royal Navy and Ministry of Health team delivering COVID-19 vaccines to the remote islands of Ha’apai.

The three female sailors are electricians in the navy and are experiencing life at sea as part of the ship’s crew, under the guidance and support of Royal Australian Navy Maritime Surveillance Advisor, Lieutenant Commander Makaila Lasalo.

Two Guardian Class Patrol Boats, VOEA Ngahau Koula and the VOEA Ngahau Siliva are being used for the operation. The patrol boats were gifted by the Australian Government in 2019 and 2020 under the Defence Cooperation Programme.

They have special accommodation suitable for up to four female sailors separate from their male shipmates.