King Tupou VI officially commissioned His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Navy Headquarters Building and the patrol boat VOEA Ngahau Koula at HMNB Masefield, Touliki this week.
Rear Admiral Colin Lawrence, Head of Navy Engineering, Australian Defence Force said the arrival of Voea Ngahau Koula “marks the first step in the new era for Tonga’s maritime security”.
He said that the new patrol boat is the only the third of the 21 vessels gifted by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program for 12 Pacific Island Countries including Timor Leste.
“Tonga has a long and proud history as a maritime power. The name Ngahau Koula reflects this history. It is the name of the Tongan Maritime Forces first ship which sail way back 1973. With the arrival of this new vessel known as the Guardian Class Patrol Boat, Australia and Tonga will build on this history.”
King Tupou VI with Rear Admiral Colin Lawrence, Head of Navy Engineering, Australian Defence Force.
He said that the Ngahau Koula is expected to have a service life of 25 years. It has better range, endurance, sea keeping and crew facilities which will help “ensure that Tonga can continue to patrol and secure its maritime borders”.
The Government of Australia also funded the materials for the construction of the new headquarters building.
Lord Ma’afu, Minister Responsible for HMAF thanked the Government of Australia for their assistance.
“These new assets will certainly reinforce the navy’s capability, organisation and resourcing, as well as complimenting the government’s blue-economy initiatives and international maritime and ocean affairs commitments.”
The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Church Leaders, Government officials and other invited guests.