Australian Navy Commander Honoured By King Of Tonga

The Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy’s 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, Nuku’alofa.

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.

ENDS