Tonga's fourth contingent of 55 marines to Afghanistan departed Fua'amotu International Airport for the United Kingdom this afternoon, March 15. 

The Tongan marines were farewelled at the airport by the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, families, relatives and friends.

In the UK the 55 marines will take part in a six-weeks pre-deployment training in England before being deployed to Afghanistan around May. There are three females in this fourth contingent, the first to join any deployment by the Tonga Defence Services, to the battle fields of Iraq and Afghanistan. They are 2nd Lt Vailala, Pte Manu and LCPL Fakatou.

Commander Solomone Savelio who leads the fourth contingent said that they will be deployed for six months to Afghanistan and work at Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan. Under this NATO-led mission Tongan troops will carry out Base Security at British Camp Bastion.

Since January, the contingent underwent local training, physical exercise, weapon and shooting skills, fire fighting, wearing of chemical, biological and nuclear suits, leadership, search, rules of engagement and learned about cultural and religious information.

The New Zealand Defence Force also came over in February to conduct Law Armed Conflict training, said Commander Savelio.

Fourth

Meanwhile, Major Sakalia from the TDS Headquarter at Sene told Matangi Tonga that it has not been confirmed if this contingent would be Tonga's final deployment to Afghanistan.

"The risk is always there since our troops are going to a war zone but the experience and expertise gained by the two contingents initially deployed has been good. Their feedbacks of their experience there have been rewarding to other soldiers including the members of this fourth contingent who have all volunteered to go,"  said Major Sakalia.

The third contingent of 55 led by Lt Col Tongapo'uli Aleamotu'a and assisted by Lt Kiu Kaho and Comdr Brisbane Lokotui will return to Tonga when they handover operation to the fourth contingent in May.

Tonga's first contingent of 55 soldiers deployed to Afghanistan was in October, 2010.