Sampson, a U.S. Navy destroyer, along with its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopters assigned to the "Scorpions" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 are positioned to conduct lifesaving actions in support of disaster relief efforts in Tonga.
The ship is operating in support of international relief efforts in Tonga.
The Australian Government response is being coordinated closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ partnership, alongside Fiji, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States to assist Tonga in its time of need.
