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Tongan Maritime Force

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Tongan Maritime Force

The Tongan Maritime Force is the main arm of the Tonga Defence Services.

Contents

History

The TDS was founded on 10 March 1973 by King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, who also commissioned the first craft on that date. The first craft was VOEA Ngahau Koula (P101), followed by VOEA Ngahau Siliva (P102) - the names mean Golden Arrow and Silver Arrow respectively. They were manned by volunteers, but are no longer in service.

Royal Yacht

  • Titilupe , Touliki Base,

    • Patrol Boat Flotilla

    The Pacific-class patrol craft were provided to Tonga by Australia as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. The TDS' main base is Touliki Base, in Nuku'alofa. As of September 2012, it has 3 Patrol vessels:

  • VOEA Neiafu (P201) - Pacific-class patrol boat , Touliki Base, Nukuʻalofa
  • VOEA Pangai (P202) - Pacific-class patrol boat, Pangai harbour, Haʻapai island group
  • VOEA Savea (P203) - Pacific-class patrol boat, Vavaʻu island group

    • Logistic Support Flotilla

  • VOEA Lomipeau (A301) - coastal tanker, Touliki Base, Nukuʻalofa
  • VOEA Late (C315) - LCM-8 type, logistic barge, Touliki Base, Nukuʻalofa

    • Marine Infantry

    The Royal Tongan Marine Infantry is organized as a single Battalion size group with a HQ and 3 Light Infantry Companies, based at Fuaʻamotu.

    Maritime Aviation

    Maritime Aviation Wing based at Fuaʻamotu International Airport.

    References

    Tongan Maritime Force Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA