Tongan Maritime Force

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Tongan Maritime Force
VOEA Savea (P203) - RAN-IFR 2013 D3 75.jpg
The Tongan patrol boat VOEA Savea (P203) underway in Sydney Harbour in 2013.
Active10 March 1973
Country Tonga
TypeNavy
RoleNaval warfare
Insignia
Naval EnsignNaval Ensign of Tonga.svg

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 - 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 , in Nuku'alofa.[1] As of September 2012, it has 3 Patrol vessels:

Type Class Displacement Name Pennant number Commissioned Homeport
Patrol Boat Guardian-class patrol boat VOEA Ngahau Koula (P301) P301 2019 Nukuʻalofa
VOEA Neiafu (P201).jpg Patrol Boat Pacific-class patrol boat 162
tonnes 		VOEA Neiafu (P201) P201 1989 Nukuʻalofa
VOEA Neiafu (P201).jpg[clarification needed] Patrol Boat Pacific-class patrol boat 162
tonnes 		VOEA Pangai (P202) P202 1990 Pangai
VOEA Savea (P203) - VAV-Patroulienboot 2.jpg Patrol Boat Pacific-class patrol boat 162
tonnes 		VOEA Savea (P203)) P203 1991 Vavaʻu

Logistic Support Flotilla[]

Type Class Displacement Name Pennant number Commissioned Homeport
VOEA Lomipeau (A301) 4000 tonnes [2] VOEA Lomipeau (A301)[3] A301 Nukuʻalofa
Aust. Army LCM-8.jpg Landing Craft Mechanized LCM-8 113
tonnes 		C315 Nukuʻalofa

Marine Battalion[]

The Royal Tongan Marines is a single Battalion with a HQ and Support Company 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. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Moore, John (1984). Jane's All The World's Fighting Ships. Jane's Publishing. p. 465. ISBN 0710607741.
  2. ^ https://www.nzshipmarine.com/nodes/download/1860
  3. ^ https://skipshistorie.net/Bergen/BRG517RederietOdfjell/Tekster/BRG51719690100000%20BOW%20CECIL.htm
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