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Australia has delivered a new landing craft vessel, VOEA Late, to Tonga during an official handover ceremony earlier this year.
The ceremony was attended by his royal highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, who received the vessel on behalf of Tonga at the Masefield Naval Base during August this year.
The vessels, provided under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), is expected to enhance Tonga’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, as well as their ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities in the region.
Australia will provide a comprehensive package of through-life maintenance and sustainment for the vessel, alongside training for Tonga Royal Navy crew members.
Defence’s First Assistant Secretary Pacific Division, Susan Bodell, said the delivery highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting its Pacific partners’ maritime security.
“Australia and Tonga share a trusted and enduring security partnership,” Bodell said.
“The delivery of the new landing craft builds on decades of partnership and upholds our shared commitment to sovereignty, security and prosperity in the Pacific.”
The delivery follows the completion of comprehensive training undertaken by Tonga Royal Navy personnel at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.
The training equipped the crew with the necessary skills to safely operate the vessel.
The PMSP is Australia’s 30-year commitment to increase national and regional maritime security throughout the Pacific and builds on the three decades of success in the original Pacific Patrol Boat Program.
