His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u commissioned the new Northern Command headquarters for His Majesty’s Armed Forces – Tonga (HMAF) in Vava’u last Saturday.
The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, the Governor of Vava’u, Lord Fakatulolo, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, cabinet ministers, nobles, and servicemen and women.
The new headquarters and warehouses were funded by Australia and designed and built by HMAF’s 1st Construction Engineer Squadron. They will ensure HMAF has the necessary capability and infrastructure to operate more effectively in the north of the Kingdom, particularly to combat transnational crime and to boost disaster preparedness and response.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Australia’s Acting High Commissioner, Erin Gleeson, said Australia is “deeply committed to ensuring His Majesty’s Armed Forces has the capability to serve with its usual world-class distinction in a region with new challenges.”
“Australia appreciates the role Tonga is playing to make the region and our Pacific Family stronger,” she added.
Further works will be undertaken at Northern Command, including housing for officers to support full HMAF operations from Vava’u.
The commissioning of the new Northern Command headquarters is a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Australia and Tonga. It demonstrates the commitment of both countries to strengthening security and stability in the Pacific region.