19 December 2022
Continuing her inaugural journey, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant has berthed at Nuku’alofa, Tonga, where personnel will discuss disaster relief needs at the start of the Pacific’s high-risk weather season.
The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Rachael Moore, said Reliant’s visit was critical to better understand the ship's capabilities.
“Australia is working with Tonga to address shared challenges, including climate change effects and greater demands for disaster relief as we enter the cyclone season," Ms Moore said.
“By understanding what Reliant has to offer, we can better respond to taskings from our Pacific partners and complement the capabilities in Tonga.”
Ms Moore said the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption earlier in the year was a clear example of the Pacific’s disaster-prone nature.
“Having a ship nearby in the region will allow for faster response times to deliver on Australia’s commitment as part of the Pacific family,” Ms Moore said.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy toured Reliant during his recent visit to Tonga, and said the ship was critical to Australia’s broader relationships in the Pacific.
“The pacific support vessel is a symbol of Australia’s role in our region – the Pacific family knows they can rely on Australia as a steadfast partner when challenges arise,” Mr Conroy said.
“Reliant is on the front line of humanitarian relief and will carry stores that can be immediately deployed to support nations such as Tonga when natural disasters strike.
“This will allow us time to mobilise the larger resources of the ADF, including our large naval vessels that generally take a bit more time to load and transit.”
The pacific support vessel is 102m long and has a large cargo deck, heavy duty crane, two shallow-bottomed landing craft and can produce thousands of litres of fresh water a day to provide targeted and effective support.
Navy liaison officer on board Reliant Commander David Ince likened the ship’s capability to a Swiss Army knife.
“She comes packed with different tools that can be used in multiple situations,” Commander Ince said.
“In the event of a natural disaster we can provide humanitarian aid, including water, food and shelter and our landing craft can deliver supplies to small islands or assist in evacuations.”
In addition to humanitarian relief, Reliant can provide surveillance support and training to Pacific Island countries.
Deputy Chief of Defence Staff to His Majesty's Armed Forces Tonga, Captain Sione Ulakai, said Australia was one of Tonga’s most important partners.
“Australia not only assists us in force development, but also capability development, which is important for our country as a maritime nation,” Captain Ulakai said.
Captain Ulakai said partners like Australia were critical to help Tonga develop sovereign expertise.
“Learning to do things on our own is part of the resilience we need to tackle issues and challenges before partners arrive," he said.
“I would like to thank the people of Australia and the Government.
“We are standing on two feet now because of all the assistance you bring.”
Reliant will have a sustained presence in the Pacific to enhance Australia’s support and meet the needs of Pacific partners.
