Monday, April 8, 2024 – 19:54.  Nuku’alofa, Tonga

A Royal Navy Ship, HMS Tamar is visiting Tonga for six days this week until Saturday 13 April, on a mission to strengthen the UK-Tongan partnership through providing support on different shared objectives.

The British High Commission in Tonga reported that the ship will work to uplift and inspire marginalised and under-represented groups, while in Tonga. The ship’s port call will also focus on gender and inclusion through events held for women in uniform, charities and school groups.

The crew will work with the Tonga Red Cross and the Tongan National Visually Impaired Association (TNVIA).

The mission also has a focus on climate resilience with the Oceans 7 Ministers, followed by discussions on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief with the National Disaster Risk Management Office and other key stakeholders.

On its current deployment, the HMS Tamar has been countering illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with a number of patrols around Fiji.

They will conduct monitoring in Tonga’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Princess Sinaitakala were invited to a formal lunch onboard, and meeting the Executive Officer and second in command, Lieutenant Commander Jim Langley and the crew.

Tonga’s Prime Minister the Hon Hu’akameiliku and senior members of the cabinet will also visit the ship, joined by some Commonwealth partners from New Zealand and Australia.

Thr British High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Lucy Joyce said that the visit demonstrates the enduring strength of the UK and Tonga’s relationship.

“We are able to showcase the vessel to many of our partners here – progressing key shared objectives on climate change, defence and inclusion while also focusing on some of the next generation of Tongans with several school groups visiting the ship”

She said that Defence is an important part of the UK-Tonga relationship with Tonga supporting the UK and allied forces in WWII; and Tongan marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the coalition forces.

HMS Tamar is an Offshore Patrol Vessel, and the fourth of five of the Batch 2 River- class vessels. They can perform a variety of roles, from fisheries protection and maritime security to providing humanitarian assistance in the wake of a disaster.

This is the first time for HMS Tamar to visit Tonga. Her sister ship HMS Spey provided humanitarian assistance and other support following the January 2022 Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Both vessels are stationed in the Indo-Pacific region as part of the UK’s commitment to the region.