Tongan Maritime Force


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

History

The TDS was founded on 10 March 1973 by King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, who also commissioned the first craft on that date. The first craft was VOEA Ngahau Koula, followed by VOEA Ngahau Siliva - the names mean Golden Arrow and Silver Arrow respectively. They were manned by volunteers, but are no longer in service.

Royal Yacht

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., it has 3 Patrol vessels:
TypeClassDisplacementNamePennant numberCommissionedHomeport
Patrol BoatPacific-class patrol boat162
tonnes		VOEA Neiafu P2011989Nukuʻalofa
Patrol BoatPacific-class patrol boat162
tonnes		VOEA Pangai P2021990Pangai
Patrol BoatPacific-class patrol boat162
tonnes		VOEA Savea )P2031991Vavaʻu

Logistic Support Flotilla

TypeClassDisplacementNamePennant numberCommissionedHomeport
Coastal TankerVOEA Lomipeau A301Nukuʻalofa
Landing Craft MechanizedLCM-8113
tonnes		VOEA Late C315Nukuʻalofa

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.
AircraftOriginTypeVersionsIn serviceNotes
Beechcraft G.18SSearch and rescueSNB-1 Kansan1
American Champion CitabriaMaritime patrol7KCAB1