In 1943, New Zealand helped train two Tongan contingents of two thousand personnel who fought in the Solomon Islands Campaign.
In addition, New Zealand and US troops were stationed on Tongatapu, which became a staging point for shipping. At the end of World War II, the TDS was disbanded, but was re-formed in 1946. Former Prime Minister Prince Lavaka Ata 'Ulukalala (now King Tupou VI) joined the naval arm of the Tonga Defence Service in 1982 and became Lieutenant-Commander of the defence force in 1987.
In addition, New Zealand and US troops were stationed on Tongatapu, which became a staging point for shipping. At the end of World War II, the TDS was disbanded, but was re-formed in 1946. Former Prime Minister Prince Lavaka Ata 'Ulukalala (now King Tupou VI) joined the naval arm of the Tonga Defence Service in 1982 and became Lieutenant-Commander of the defence force in 1987.
In addition, New Zealand and US troops were stationed on Tongatapu, which became a staging point for shipping. At the end of World War II, the TDS was disbanded, but was re-formed in 1946. Former Prime Minister Prince Lavaka Ata 'Ulukalala (now King Tupou VI) joined the naval arm of the Tonga Defence Service in 1982 and became Lieutenant-Commander of the defence force in 1987.
From 1990 to 1995 he commanded the PPB VOEA Pangai'' and his time in charge included peacekeeping operations in Bougainville. In 2002, TDS soldiers were deployed as part of a multi-national regional peacekeeping force in the Solomon Islands.
From 1990 to 1995 he commanded the PPB VOEA Pangai'' and his time in charge included peacekeeping operations in Bougainville. In 2002, TDS soldiers were deployed as part of a multi-national regional peacekeeping force in the Solomon Islands.
The Royal Guard maintains a musical unit known as the Tonga Royal Corps of Musicians that serves as a military band for different occasions. ===Tongan Air Wing=== The Air Wing was established in 1996 and operates one Beechcraft G.18S aircraft in the maritime patrol and search and rescue roles, and an American Champion Citabria light trainer.
From 1990 to 1995 he commanded the PPB VOEA Pangai'' and his time in charge included peacekeeping operations in Bougainville. In 2002, TDS soldiers were deployed as part of a multi-national regional peacekeeping force in the Solomon Islands.
This contingent consisted of thirty-three TDS troops, and was expected to remain four months. In March 2003, military-to-military talks began between Tonga and the United States about Tonga providing personnel for the Multinational force in Iraq.
In July 2004, a forty-five personnel contingent of the TDS served in the Solomon Islands.
Support arrangements were finalised in May 2004.
Forty-five Royal Tongan Marines, led by the Chief of Defence of the Tonga Defence Services, Colonel Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, departed Tonga on 13 June 2004.
From July 2004, the Royal Tonga Marines were augmenting the 1st Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq.
The Royal Tongan Marines returned from Iraq in December 2004.
A third contingent was sent in July 2005.
In December 2008, the Tonga Defence Services ended their mission in the Iraq War and returned home. In 2006, TDS soldiers, in co-operation with local police, were deployed to deal with the Nuku'alofa riots. In 2010, Tongan troops began training with the RAF Regiment, in preparation for operations in Afghanistan; the first troops deployed to Afghanistan during February 2011.
In December 2008, the Tonga Defence Services ended their mission in the Iraq War and returned home. In 2006, TDS soldiers, in co-operation with local police, were deployed to deal with the Nuku'alofa riots. In 2010, Tongan troops began training with the RAF Regiment, in preparation for operations in Afghanistan; the first troops deployed to Afghanistan during February 2011.
In December 2008, the Tonga Defence Services ended their mission in the Iraq War and returned home. In 2006, TDS soldiers, in co-operation with local police, were deployed to deal with the Nuku'alofa riots. In 2010, Tongan troops began training with the RAF Regiment, in preparation for operations in Afghanistan; the first troops deployed to Afghanistan during February 2011.
In December 2008, the Tonga Defence Services ended their mission in the Iraq War and returned home. In 2006, TDS soldiers, in co-operation with local police, were deployed to deal with the Nuku'alofa riots. In 2010, Tongan troops began training with the RAF Regiment, in preparation for operations in Afghanistan; the first troops deployed to Afghanistan during February 2011.
During the September 2012 Camp Bastion raid Tonga troops were in perimeter guard towers without any night-vision devices.
On September 2013, Tonga Defence Services were officially renamed into His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF).
In April 2014, the Royal Tongan Marines ended their mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. ==Components== The main elements of HMAF are: His Majesty's Armed Forces HQ Joint Force HQ Tongan Royal Guards Land Force Tongan Navy Training Command Air Wing Support Unit Territorial Forces ===Tongan Maritime Force (Tongan Navy)=== The Maritime Force is equipped with three Pacific-class patrol boats, a tanker, a Landing Craft Mechanised and a motor boat that is the royal yacht.
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