10 July 2024
Eleven ships, six bands and hundreds of sailors from 10 countries gathered in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, to celebrate the 65th birthday of the King of Tonga and the 50th anniversary the Tonga Royal Navy.
The Royal Australian Navy Band and HMAS Choules took part in the celebrations, which included a church service, International Fleet Review, street parade and several official receptions.
The day began with Choules moving into position and ‘dressing ship’, flying signal flags from its bow to its mast and ship’s company ‘manning the sides’ in ceremonial uniforms in readiness for the review.
Following a morning thanksgiving church service attended by Tongan-born Australian Navy Chaplain Simote Finau and Choules’ Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Shaun Baldwin, King Tupou VI of Tonga embarked the Tonga Royal Navy Guardian-class patrol boat VOEA Ngahau Koula to review the waiting fleet.
Other navy ships comprising the international fleet included the UK’s HMS Tamar, the US’s USCGC Harriet Lane, Japan’s JS Noshiro, New Zealand’s HMNZS Manawanui and China’s PLA-N Zibo.
The fleet also included Australian-built Guardian-class patrol boats: Papua New Guinea’s HMPNG Gilbert Toropo, Samoa’s SPB Nafanua III and Cipbtekukupa II, and Tonga’s VOEA Ngahau Siliva.
As King Tupou VI passed each ship, personnel came to attention and ‘cheered ship’, offering three ceremonial cheers marked by synchronised circular waves of service caps in outstretched arms.
Celebrations then moved ashore for a street parade through the streets of Nuku’alofa.
Tongan participants included all uniformed members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ patrol boat fleet, sea cadets and the Tonga Royal Corps of Musicians, joined by former serving members of the Tonga Royal Navy.
International participants included contingents from all visiting ships, along with the massed bands of the Republic of Fijian Military Forces and the bands of the United States, Royal New Zealand and Royal Australian Navies.
The parade offered its formal salute as it passed the Royal Palace.
Afternoon and evening festivities followed, including a formal royal dinner for dignitaries and senior officers and a sailors’ social function featuring cultural displays and each participating country sharing their traditional national cuisine.
Commanding Officer Choules Commander Arron Convery said Choules’ ship’s company considered it an honour to represent Australia at the event.
“Our Pacific neighbours are very important to Australia and so we are very proud to be part of this important event,” Commander Convery said.
“Today Choules joined a fleet from around the world to celebrate the official birthday of the King of Tonga and the 50th anniversary of the Tonga Royal Navy.
“Choules formed part of the International Fleet Review, saluting the King of Tonga as he inspected the fleet before going ashore with the Royal Australian Navy Band to participate in the parade, followed by official functions.
“We appreciate the opportunity to connect with our Pacific neighbours, showing them how much Australia values the region and our commitment to being a reliable security partner.”
The visit to Tonga was part of a South-West Pacific regional presence deployment, which included delivering Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and essential equipment to Fiji and local community engagement activities in Samoa.
Australia maintains near continual presence in the Pacific and wider Indo-Pacific region via regional presence deployments that play a vital role in regional security by strengthening cooperation and relationships with local partners.
