DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 398/09
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
AUSTRALIAN NAVY DELIVERS AID FOR TONGA RECOVERY
The Royal Australian Navy’s heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk has anchored off the coast of
the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu and has commenced its humanitarian aid delivery to
Tonga, following the tsunami that devastated the island on 30 September 2009. This initiative
constitutes the second leg of Tobruk’s support to the Pacific, having recently stopped in
Samoa to render similar assistance.
At the outset of the operation, Tobruk took delivery of a Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM8)
and two Lighter Amphibious Resupply Carriages (LARC’V’) from 10 Force Support
Battalion based at Townsville’s Ross Island Barracks and they have been vital in transporting
supplies and reconstruction material provided by AusAID to the communities of
Niuatoputapu.
HMAS Tobruk is currently in the Pacific Islands region, delivering over 500 tonnes of much
needed equipment and public donations to assist with the re-establishment of vital
infrastructure and ensure affected communities have access to essential services such as
power, water, health facilities and education.
"Phase two of Operation Samoa Assist requires Tobruk
to land supplies and aid stores to
allow local authorities on Niuatoputapu to start rebuilding after the severe damage caused by
the tsunami and assist them to move forward," said the ships Commanding Officer,
Commander Peter Thompson.
"After the success of the efforts in Samoa, the ship’s crew is extremely excited about
continuing the humanitarian relief work, this time on the small island of Niuatoputapu.”
The AusAID relief package onboard Tobruk consists of heavy earthmoving equipment to
assist with clearance and reconstruction on the island, building materials and gardening
supplies. The humanitarian aid consignment also includes items donated by Non-Government
Organisations in Australia and a large consignment of donated goods from the Australian
public.
The delivery of this aid will bring the total assistance by the Australian Government, Non
Government Organisations and the Australian public to Samoa and Tonga to $13 million.
Media note: Imagery is available at:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
