His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) celebrated the opening of Tonga’s largest gymnasium yesterday, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with Australia. His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, led the commissioning ceremony, with Australian High Commissioner Batley also present.
The state-of-the-art facility, located at Taliai Military Camp, was developed in collaboration with Australia under the Defence Cooperation Program.
“This facility embodies our shared commitment to health and well-being,” HMAF said in a statement, highlighting strengthened ties between Tonga and Australia through this achievement.
The gym, designed to host up to 80 personnel, features commercial-grade equipment aimed at enhancing the physical fitness of Tonga’s military members.
The two-month construction was a joint effort between HMAF’s 1st Construction Engineer Squadron and the Australian Army’s 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, coordinated under Exercise Povai Sapper.