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 September 30, 2009.
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 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.
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.
"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 ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Thompson.
