DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 406/09
Monday, 23 November 2009
AUSTRALIAN NAVY COMMANDER HONOURED BY KING OF
TONGA
The Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navys heavy landing ship HMAS
Tobruk, Commander Peter Thompson, was honoured by the King of Tonga, George
Tupou V, at a ceremony on 21 November 2009, at the Royal Villa in the Tongan
capital, Nukualofa.
Commander Thompson was presented with the Officer of The Royal Military Order
of St George, in recognition of the humanitarian relief effort that the Australian
Government, and in particular the Australian Defence Force, has provided in the
aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Pacific Island region on 30
September this year.
King George Tupou V said it was, Very much appreciated what the Australian Navy
and Australian Government had done to help the communities of Tonga affected by
the tsunami.
Commander Thompson said, This Operation has been a chance for the Australian
Defence Force, in particular the Royal Australian Navy, to help our Pacific
neighbours during a time of crisis and support the local agencies with their relief
efforts.
I am honoured and humbled to receive this award on behalf of the Royal Australian
Navy and the Australian Government, Commander Thompson said.
The Officer of the Royal Military Order of St George is the fourth-highest military
honour that can be awarded by the King of Tonga.
HMAS Tobruk has provided support to the nations of Tonga and Samoa, carrying
over 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid supplies, and assisting local groups and agencies
such as the Red Cross in their work in affected communities.
The most recent delivery of humanitarian aid has brought the total assistance to Tonga
and Samoa by the Australian Government, non-government organisations and the
Australian community to $13 million.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664