The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-led effort to support the Government of Tonga following the eruption of Tonga’s Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on 15 January.
The ADF contribution, named Operation TONGA ASSIST 22, includes air reconnaissance using P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, airlift support using C-17A Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, as well as the deployment of HMAS Adelaide with embarked supplies, helicopters and Army engineer contingent.
HMAS Adelaide docked today, 26 January 2022, in Nuku’alofa harbour to commence delivery of humanitarian assistance to Tonga, in a contactless and COVID-safe manner.
HMAS Adelaide’s Commanding Officer, and commander of the tri-service contingent on board, Captain Stuart Watters spoke about the effort to assist Tonga which can be viewed at the vision link below.
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