Tongan Maritime Force

The Tongan patrol boat VOEA Savea (P203) underway in Sydney Harbour in 2013.

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

History

The TDS was founded on 10 March 1973 by King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, who also commissioned the first craft on that date.[1] The first craft was VOEA Ngahau Koula (P101), followed by VOEA Ngahau Siliva (P102) - the names mean Golden Arrow and Silver Arrow respectively.[1] They were manned by volunteers, but are no longer in service.[1]

Royal Yacht

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.[1] As of September 2012, it has 3 Patrol vessels:

Logistic Support Flotilla

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.

Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service Notes
Beechcraft G.18S  USA Search and rescue SNB-1 Kansan 1
American Champion Citabria  USA Maritime patrol 7KCAB 1

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Moore, John (1984). Jane's All The World's Fighting Ships. Jane's Publishing. p. 465. ISBN 0710607741.
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