Tongan technicians were transported to Kao Island in Australian helicopters to repair a key Digicel tower to help restore communications to the outer islands in a three day operation completed on February 22.

Communications between the main island of Tongatapu and the outer islands have remained problematic even after international communications were restored in Tonga earlier this week.

The three technicians wore disposable hazmat overalls and personal protective equipment, to ensure the transfer was conducted in a safe manner, consistent with Tonga’s COVID-19 protocols.

After a 45-minute flight from Tongatapu, the technicians and the aircrew, led by Chinook detachment commander Major Richard Bremner, caught their first glimpses of Kao, a towering volcanic peak 6km north of Tofua Island in the Ha’apai group, and photographed on Feb. 19.

Major Bremner said they could see the tower through a thick band of cloud with some intermittent gaps.

“The first aircrewman to get out, Corporal Mathew Wielozynski, sank up to his waist in the vegetation.”

“We climbed to 3000 feet to become level with the tower and then made our approach.”

The crew helped the technicians and their equipment out of the helicopter.

A second Chinook was positioned near the island for support.

“They made sure we were all okay and, if anything happened, they would come and get us out,” Major Bremner said.

The technicians completed their work and were picked up three days later.

Operation Tonga Assist 2022 Task Force Commander, Captain Stuart Watters, said ADF aircrews were always training for challenging landings in unfamiliar areas, and this was a great accomplishment.

Since the volcanic eruption and tsunami on Jan. 15, Australia has provided communications equipment and logistical assistance to Tonga as they work to restore communications throughout the country. Australia is also working with Tonga and other partners on options to provide for future redundancy in Tonga's telecommunications network.