Results for Defence

Tonga's fourth contingent of 55 soldiers to Afghanistan returned safely to Tonga on Friday 16 November, after six-months duty in Helmand Province, under a NATO led-mission. Medals of recognition will be presented to the contingent by Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan MP, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, at Taliai Camp, Fua'amotu, on Thursday 22 November.

The US Army Pacific Contingency Command Post from Hawaii is conducting a one-week exercise at the Tonga Defence Service's Taliai Camp, to deploy personnel and provide humanitarian and disaster relief assistance in times of crisis, if they are needed.

Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano farewelled Tonga's fifth contingent to Afghanistan at Fua'amotu International Airport this afternoon, September 14.

Tonga had decided to remain in Afghanistan for two more years until December 2014 under a NATO-led mission, but a review would be held after the first year in December 2013, the Acting Commander of the Tonga Defence Services Captain Toni Fonokalafi said today.

Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano attended the 11th Asia-Pacific Defence Summit "Shangri-La Dialogue" that was held from June 1-3, in Singapore.

Captain Toni Fonokalafi (57) of the Tonga Defence Services, received a French National Defence Medal in recognition of his work in strengthening the relations between the Tongan and the French Defence Ministries.

Tonga's second contingent of 55 soldiers returned safely to Tonga after six-months duty in Afghanistan and were greeted by happy families at the Fua'amotu International Airport, on December 9.

Tonga's third contingent to Afghanistan will depart Fua'amotu International Airport for the United Kingdom on Saturday, October 1.

French marines have joined Tonga's Tafakula 2011 military exercise for the first time this year.