His Majesty's Armed Forces - Tonga

🥇 Developing Leaders, Strengthening the Force 🥇

His Majesty's Armed Forces recently celebrated the graduation of 27 personnel from a seven-week Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) Course, conducted from 4 May to 18 June 2026.

The course was designed to develop leadership, discipline, communication, administration, and team management skills, preparing participants for greater responsibilities as future Non-Commissioned Officers within their respective units.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Commander Tala Mafile'o, Second-in-Command of the Training Command Unit, who presented awards to the outstanding graduates.

Congratulations to the award recipients:

🏆 LCPL Ulupano Sangote (TRG) – Best Overall Student
🥈 LCPL Sole Christopher (1CES) – First Runner-Up
🥉 LCPL Toki Siosiua (1CES) – Second Runner-Up
⭐ PTE Salote Mafi (HMAF-HQ) – Third Runner-Up
📈 LCPL Tupou Jr Tupou (Q-Store) – Most Progressive Student

His Majesty's Armed Forces congratulates all graduates and award recipients on their achievement and wishes them continued success as they serve.

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Na’e lava lelei ʻa hono fakakakato aki ‘a e toko 27 mei he Ako Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) ‘aia na’e fakahoko mei he ʻaho 4 ʻo Mē ki he ʻaho 18 ʻo Sune 2026.

Ko e ako ko ʻeni ke fakatupulaki mo fakaivia ai ʻa e ngaahi taukei mo e ngaahi ʻulungaanga fakataki, ‘I he ‘amanaki kenau kamata ‘I he mafai koe taki ‘I ha ngaahi kulupu iiki ange, kau ai ‘a e mapuleʻi kita, fetuʻutaki lelei ko e taki, ngāue fakaʻofisi, kau kiai mo hano pule’I mo tokangaʻi ʻo ha kulupu, ke teuteuʻi kinautolu ki he ngaahi fatongia lalahi ange ‘I he ngaahi tafa’aki ngaue takitaha.

Naʻe fakahoko aipe ‘e Lieutenant Commander Tala Mafileʻo, Tokoni P**e ‘a e va’a Ako ‘a e Kau Tau ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ‘a hono foaki ʻa e ngaahi pale kiatekinautolu ne nau ikuna ‘o mahulu hake ‘I he kau ako.

Kau maʻu pale:
🏆 LCPL Ulupano Sangato (Va’a Ako) – Tokotaha Ako Lelei Taha
🥈 LCPL Sole C (Va’a Ka'ate fakalangilangi) – Ua
🥉 LCPL Toki S (Va’a Tufunga) – Tolu
⭐ PTE Salote Mafi (‘Ulu’I ‘Apitanga Tau) – Fa
📈 LCPL Tupou Jr Tupou (Q-Store) – Tokotaha Ako Fakalakalaka

Talamonū atu ke hokohoko atu aipe hoʻomou ngāue lelei mo e mateaki ‘I he’etau fakahoko fatongia ‘a e Kau Tau ‘A ‘Ene ‘Afio.

HMAF Celebrates Officer Promotions and New Commissions

Leadership is earned through years of dedicated service, and His Majesty's Armed Forces proudly celebrates officers whose commitment, professionalism, and dedication have been recognised through promotion in rank and commissioning.

His Majesty’s Armed Forces congratulates:
• Captain (Navy) Sione Ongole’o Fainga’anuku Lino
• Captain (Navy) Taniela Anga’aelangi Tuita
• Colonel Soane Manavahetau Vakameitangake 'Aholelei
• Lieutenant Colonel Taufa Taitusi Tonga
• Commander Robert Hala'eua

HMAF also congratulates its newly commissioned officers:
• First Lieutenant Tevita Fotofili Jr Fifita
• Second Lieutenant Haloti ‘Uhila
• Second Lieutenant Brandon John Ta’ofi

These promotions and commissions mark important milestones in each officer’s military journey. They reflect not only professional achievement, but also the confidence placed in these leaders to help shape the future of His Majesty’s Armed Forces through their service, character, and commitment to excellence.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, officers, and all ranks of HMAF extend their sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued success in their military careers.

💥His Majesty's Armed Forces International Officer Cadet and Midshipman Scholarship Programme 2026💥

Lead. Learn. Serve.

His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) invites applications from motivated and high-achieving young Tongans for the International Officer Cadet and Midshipman Scholarship Programme, commencing on 15 June 2026.

This prestigious scholarship provides an opportunity to undertake military officer training, develop exceptional leadership qualities, and join elite network of global leaders and tertiary studies at prestigious Defence Academies in:

- Australia
- India
- Japan
- New Zealand
- United States of America

Some of the scholarships, depending on the country and the applicant's qualifications, are five-year programmes consisting of one year of language training followed by four years of bachelor's degree studies at an overseas Defence Academy.

**Eligibility Requirements**

Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Tonga.
- Be of good character.
- Be medically and physically fit.
- Be no older than 23 years of age.
- Have successfully completed Form 7.
- Demonstrate strong results in Mathematics and English.
- Hold an IELTS qualification (highly desirable).

Required Documents
- Handwritten application letter
- Police Record (issued within the last 3 months)
- Character references
- Academic transcripts and certificates

Shortlisted candidates will undergo medical and physical fitness assessments conducted by HMAF.
Applications close in the second week of July 2026.

For further information, contact HMAF Headquarters on 23099 or email [email protected].

Come and join. Lead with Honour. Learn with Excellence. Serve with Pride.

HMAF FAREWELLS DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE STAFF

After a lifetime navigating both the seas and the challenges of military leadership, Captain (Navy) Sione Talitaufa 'a Tonga Ulakai concludes career of service to His Majesty's Armed Forces.

His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) conducted a Farewell Parade in honour of the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Captain (Navy) Sione Talitaufa 'a Tonga Ulakai, marking the conclusion of a distinguished military career dedicated to the service of His Majesty the King, the Kingdom of Tonga, and its people.

Over 36 years, 4 months, and 24 days of dedicated service, Captain Ulakai demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and enduring commitment to duty. Serving in numerous appointments throughout his career, he played a significant role in strengthening HMAF and mentoring generations of service personnel.

The parade brought together senior officers, service personnel, civilian staff, family members, and invited guests to recognise and celebrate his remarkable contribution to the His Majesty’s Armed Forces. The occasion concluded with a farewell reception in the evening at Touliki Naval Base, providing an opportunity for colleagues, friends, and family to reflect on his service and celebrate his achievements.

In his farewell address, Captain Ulakai reflected on a lifetime of service, stating:

"As I lay aside the uniform, I do not lay aside my duty. The oath I swore was not merely for a season, but for a lifetime. I leave active service with gratitude to Almighty God, loyalty to His Majesty the King, and confidence in the future of Tonga. May those who follow continue to uphold the values of duty, honour, and sacrifice."

HMAF extends its sincere gratitude to Captain Ulakai his dedicated service, leadership, and resolute commitment to the Kingdom of Tonga. We wish him and his family God's continued blessings, good health, and every success in the years ahead.

Mālō e ngaue mateaki.

His Majesty’s Armed Forces is grateful for the continued partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force in enhancing disaster response and communications capabilities.

Through training and collaboration, we strengthen our collective ability to respond effectively to emergencies across the Pacific region.

HMAF at NZDF Skill at Arms 2026

A selected HMAF team proudly participated, representing Tonga at the 1st New Zealand Brigade Skill at Arms Competition, held from 18 to 28 March 2026 at Waiouru Military Camp, New Zealand.

The competition brought together teams from New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, and Australia to test marksmanship 🎯 and strengthen cooperation 🤝.

Well done to the team 👏 and sincere thanks to NZDF for their support.

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Kau Tau ‘A ‘Ene ‘Afio ʻi he Fe’auhi Skill at Arms 2026 ‘a e Sotia Nu’usila.

Naʻe kau atu ha timi mei he Kau Tau 'A 'Ene 'Afio ʻi he feʻauhi 1st New Zealand Brigade Skill at Arms, naʻe fakahoko ʻi he ʻaho 18–28 Maʻasi 2026 ʻi he ‘Apitanga Tau Waiouru ‘i Nuʻusila.
Naʻe kau ʻi he feʻauhi ni ʻa e ngaahi timi mei Nuʻusila, Tonga, Fisi mo ʻAositelelia, ke siviʻi ʻenau taukei fana 🎯 pea to e fakamālohi ai ʻa e vā fengaueʻaki foki 🤝.

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#2026

WO2 Lilamani Holi, Seconded Officer – DTIC, Melbourne, Australia

His Majesty’s Armed Forces proudly acknowledges your service and dedication.

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Ko e taha foki eni e memipa 'a e Kau Tau 'A 'Ene 'Afio, WO2 Lilamani Holi. 'Oku ne lolotonga hoko koe 'ofisa fakahoko fatongia ma'ae HMAF mei he 'ofisi Defence International Training Centre 'i Melipoane, 'Aositelelia.

Mālō e ngāue WO2 Holi.

🇹🇴 HMAF Basic Recruit Intake #77

From enlistment on 20 February 2026 to the completion of Foundational Training, Field Craft, and the demanding Field Training Exercise, the 77th Intake has demonstrated solid discipline, resilience, and commitment.

Forged through training and hardwork, they advance to the next phase stronger and ready for the challenges ahead.

💫💫💫💫

‘I he ngaue malohi mo e umouma taha ‘a e Likuluti hono 77, kuo nau lava’I kakato ai ‘a e Konga 1 mo e Konga hono 2, hili ha uike ‘eni ‘e 8 mei he ‘aho 20 ‘o Fepueli 2026. Ko e kamata ia ‘a ‘enau hoko ko e sotia akoako ‘o e Kau Tau ‘A ‘Ene ‘Afio, ko hono teu’I kinautolu ki he ‘ulungaanga, ‘ilo mo e taukei fakakautau.

‘Oku kei hoko atu p*e ‘a e ako ni ko hono to e fakamalohia mo to e fakalakalakaange ‘enau taukei mo e ‘ilo, pehee ki he tu’unga mo’uilelei fakaesino, kenau to e mateuteuange ki ha fa’ahinga faingata’a ‘I he kaha’u.

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