HM King Tupou VI accompanied by Queen Nanasipau’u officially commissioned the new Northern Command headquarters for His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), on 22 July, at Fangatongo Vava’u.

The new Vava'u headquarter, funded by the Australian Government, was designed and built by HMAF’s 1^st Construction Engineer Squadron.

The development aims to facilitate the operations in the north of the Kingdom, particularly to combat transnational crime and to boost disaster preparedness and response.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner, Erin Gleeson said Australia is “deeply committed to ensuring His Majesty’s Armed Forces has the capability to serve with its usual world-class distinction in a region with new challenges.”

“Australia appreciates the role Tonga is playing to make the region and our Pacific Family stronger.”

Attending the ceremony included the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Hon Hu’akavameiliku, the Governor of Vava‘u Lord Fakatulolo, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, cabinet ministers, nobles and others.

Further works will be undertaken at Northern Command including housing for officers to support full HMAF operations from Vava‘u.