Tamar’s Tonga treat as patrol ship leads international birthday celebrations for Pacific King and his Navy

The Portsmouth-based warship spent three days at anchor off the capital of the Commonwealth nation marking the 65^th birthday of King Tupou VI and the 50^th anniversary of Tonga’s Navy.

The latter prompted ships from across the Pacific to converge in the waters off the capital Nuku’alofa for Tonga International Fleet Review – known in the world of naval acronyms simply as TIFR.

As representatives of the senior Navy attending, HMS Tamar was positioned at the head of the line in the ceremonial anchorage.

In all, 11 ships mustered for the review, drawn from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Samoa, the Cook Islands as well as Papua New Guinea, the USA and China.

Later that day her ship's company moved ashore, dressed in their finest Tropical No.1s, to take part in the Royal Parade through the capital, again at the front of the naval contingent. They were cheered on by crowds of locals as the King of Tonga took the salute.

All TIFR participants were allowed to relax as night fell in Nuku’alofa with a multi-national BBQ were drinks and cuisine from each of the visiting navies. All present were also treated to a performance by the host nation of traditional Tongan music and dance.

For a small number of personnel there was also a royal luncheon to attend: Commander Tom Gell, Tamar’s Commanding Officer, joined Captain Charles Maynard, Head of British Defence Staff Oceania and British High Commissioner Philip Malone at the royal palace.

“This second visit to the Kingdom of Tonga by HMS Tamar is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between our two island nations,” said Mr Malone, who took time to visit Tamar while she was alongside and thank sailors for their support.

The patrol ship paid her first to the ‘friendly isles’ just a couple of months ago, building on the work of her sister vessel HMS Spey which delivered aid and assistance to Tonga in the wake of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami in January 2022.

Tamar arrived off the Tongan capital on the eve of celebrations in company with the Japanese and Australian Navies, as a demonstration of the close link between the navies and shared commitment to the stability, security and prosperity of the Pacific region.

On her voyage from Australia – most recently the ship had been in Cairns in northern Queensland – linked up with amphibious ship HMAS Choules (the former RFA Largs Bay, sold in 2011 and named after Australia’s last veteran to serve in both world wars) and new Japanese frigate JS Noshiro.

The trio met up near Fiji then continued a further 500 miles to their destination. The first day together allowed for sailors from the three vessels to trade places. Tamar’s crew were split between the two allied vessels, while she hosted a dozen of the Choules’ sailors (deteriorating weather ruled out Noshiro’s sailors spending time on the British vessel).

While the various guests were sampling different ways of working (and language in the case of those joining the Noshiro), the three vessels themselves were put through their places in a series of close, combined Officer of the Watch manoeuvres, putting bridge and comms team to the test.

Once complete, the three ships headed for the anchorage positions creating a powerful image by arriving in Tonga in company.

Commander Gell said that, although relatively brief, Tamar’s time in Tonga had been “a visit to remember”.

He continued: “It’s been a privilege to take such a prominent part in the 65^th birthday celebrations for his Majesty, King Tupou VI. The king’s journey from midshipman – trained by the Royal Navy – to prime minister and now head of state speaks to the value of the UK’s consistent engagement in the Pacific.

“Our visit has highlighted the closeness of the friendship we share with the people of Tonga. Our relationship goes from strength to strength.”