iscover
The new landing craft VOEA Late has been officially commissioned into the Kingdom of Tonga’s Armed Forces.
The ceremony was attended by his majesty King Tupou VI; his royal highness the crown prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, minister for foreign affairs and minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces; and the Australian Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, at Masefield Naval Base.
VOEA Late, delivered under the Australian government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, will strengthen Tonga’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during times of need, as well as its ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities across the region.
Australia will continue to support the Tongan Royal Navy via a through-life maintenance and sustainment package, along with training for crew members to ensure the vessel’s operational readiness.
“It’s an honour to attend VOEA Late’s commissioning by his majesty King Tupou VI and see the vessel officially transition into active service,” Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said.
“Australia is proud to partner with Tonga on maritime security and disaster preparedness so we can further the close relationship between our defence forces.
“Our Pacific Maritime Security Program is a 30-year commitment to invest in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific and reinforce Australia’s role as the security partner of choice for our Pacific neighbours.
“Now more than ever, we remain focused on supporting the maritime security needs of our partners in the region.”
The commissioning of VOEA Late is the latest demonstration of the enduring strength of the Australia and Tonga bilateral relationship and follows the recent signing of a statement of intent announcing a shared commitment to elevate ties between the two nations under the proposed “Kaume’a ’Ofi” (close trusted friendship) Partnership Agreement.
