HMAS Canberra farewell ^Featured

They arrived on 01 March to assist the Government of Tonga as part of the Australian Defence Force’s disaster relief and recovery mission OP TONGA ASSIST 22, arriving shortly before the departure of HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Supply.

The crew of HMAS Canberra has been joined by members of our Pacific family, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) personnel, who embarked on HMAS Canberra in support of the recovery operations in Tonga.

HMAS Canberra brought with her 150 tonnes of material including reconstruction supplies, telecommunications equipment and two fire trucks donated by South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service, and a crew eager to carry on from HMAS Adelaide’s good work in recovery and reconstruction.

Whilst in Tonga, HMAS Canberra worked with HMAF and NEMO and delivered essential supplies and equipment to the outer islands, including building materials, water tanks, small boats, agricultural starter stock, farming supplies, fuel and hygiene kits.

HMAS Canberra also supported recovery and clean-up operations, with crew working closely with Town officers and communities to understand local priorities. They have conducted hydrographic surveys of harbours, road clearance operations, waste management, and have repaired water tanks, guttering, solar panels, tractors and chainsaws.

Air capacity meant HMAS Canberra was able to transport technicians to Kao, Late and Eua to support Tonga’s communications network recovery.

With Tongan-Australian ADF members on board including Chaplains Finau and Monu, the crew has contributed to community resilience through Sunday Radio sermons, local sermons and chaplaincy support.

At this critical time, HMAS Canberra has also been proud to assist Tonga’s COVID-19 response, transporting Ministry of Health medical teams and vaccines to ‘Eua and to the Ha’apai islands including to Nomuka, Tungua, Kotu, Fonoifua, Fotuha’a, Ha’afeva and Mo’unga’one.

At the COVID-safe farewell ceremony in Nuku-alofa, Her Excellency, High Commissioner Rachael Moore was joined by

Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Poasi Tei, Brigadier General, Lord Fielakepa, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Mr Edgar Cocker, and other distinguished guests.

“We help each other out in the Pacific. Australia is proud to work alongside our Pacific family to contribute to the Government of Tonga’s response to the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, and to the challenge of COVID-19.

Thank you for this farewell ceremony today. I understand from Captain Hutchinson that the time spent in Tonga, in particular the warmth and generosity of the Tongan people, will be a cherished memory for this crew.

And let me reassure you that the departure of HMAS Canberra does not signify an end to Australia’s support. We remain committed to Tonga’s long-term recovery as you Build Back Better” Ms Moore said.

Tonga’s Australian-gifted Guardian-class Patrol Boats, VOEA Ngahau Siliva and Ngahau Koula have been working closely with HMAS Canberra, conducting reconnaissance operations and supporting the delivery of supplies.

Years of close cooperation between Australia and Tonga in maritime security and disaster preparedness have made this seamless coordination possible.

We wish HMAS Canberra fair winds and following seas as she departs for home.