Tongan Maritime Force

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

Tongan Maritime Force
The Tongan patrol boat VOEA Savea (P203) underway in Sydney Harbour in 2013.
Active10 March 1973
Country Tonga
TypeNavy
RoleNaval warfare
Insignia
Naval Ensign

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:

Type Class Displacement Name Pennant number Commissioned Homeport
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
Coastal Tanker VOEA Lomipeau (A301) A301 Nukuʻalofa
Landing Craft Mechanized LCM-8 113
tonnes		 VOEA Late (C315) 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
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References
  1. Moore, John (1984). Jane's All The World's Fighting Ships. Jane's Publishing. p. 465. ISBN 0710607741.
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