Tongan Maritime Force
Tongan Maritime Force | |
---|---|
![]() The Tongan patrol boat VOEA Savea (P203) underway in Sydney Harbour in 2013. | |
Active | 10 March 1973 |
Country | ![]() |
Type | Navy |
Role | Naval warfare |
Insignia | |
Naval Ensign | ![]() |
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[]
- 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 , 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 | ||
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Patrol Boat | Pacific-class patrol boat | 162 tonnes |
VOEA Neiafu (P201) | P201 | 1989 | Nukuʻalofa |
![]() |
Patrol Boat | Pacific-class patrol boat | 162 tonnes |
VOEA Pangai (P202) | P202 | 1990 | Pangai |
![]() |
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 | |||
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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 | ![]() |
Search and rescue | SNB-1 Kansan | 1 | |
American Champion Citabria | ![]() |
Maritime patrol | 7KCAB | 1 |
References[]
- ^ 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.
- ^ https://www.nzshipmarine.com/nodes/download/1860
- ^ https://skipshistorie.net/Bergen/BRG517RederietOdfjell/Tekster/BRG51719690100000%20BOW%20CECIL.htm
- Military of Tonga
- Navies by country
- 1973 establishments in Tonga