16th April, 2019 On Saturday 13 April 2019, the VOEA Savea departed Masefield Navy Base for the final time, sailing past the Nuku’alofa waterfront and Royal Palace on its way to Australia. VOEA Savea will be replaced by the new Guardian Class Patrol Boat (GPB) VOEA Ngahau Koula (Golden Arrow).
The Ngahau Koula is the first of two new patrol boats that will be gifted to His Majesty’s Armed Forces under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program. The crew sailing VOEA Savea to Australia will undergo further training in Western Australia on the new vessel, before sailing its maiden voyage back to Tonga in August.
Tonga will receive the second replacement GPB patrol boat in late 2020. The Pacific Maritime Security Program is Australia’s $2 billion step-up to the region, with an emphasis on a new era of partnership with countries like Tonga.
ENDS
Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa
Private Bag 35, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga
Telephone: (676) 20400 Facsimile: (676) 23243
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