HMA Ships Adelaide and Supply return from Operation Tonga Assist 2022

Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Supply have returned to Australia after supporting the people of Tonga in their recovery efforts in the aftermath of January’s underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami.

The ships delivered humanitarian and medical supplies, engineering equipment and supported the logistics and distribution of Australian relief in a COVID safe and contactless manner.

Teams of Australian Defence Force personnel conducted clean-up activities ashore including at Atata, Pakumotu, Fafa and Eua, and Nomuka islands.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN, welcomed the crews home and thanked them for their hard work and professionalism.

“Navy people were a vital part of the mobilisation of resources to support the Tongan Government and community,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“Some of you deployed at very short notice.  Each of you can be proud of the contribution you have made in support of our Pacific family.”

“HMAS Canberra is continuing Navy’s support to the Government and people of Tonga, recently deploying with building supplies and equipment identified for the next phase of the recovery,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

Adelaide delivered 88 tonnes of relief supplies to Nuku’alofa and accommodated the deployed Australian Defence Force elements.  The landing helicopter dock enabled air and maritime operations to be conducted with no impact on local resources.

Supply transferred 2.28 million litres of fuel to Australian and international ships and delivered relief supplies identified by the Tongan Government, including 88,000 litres of fresh water.

Media note

Media can access imagery here: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20220643