The last time Tongan-born Chaplain Simote Finau was in his home country, he was helping people recover from a devastating tsunami.
This time, however, Chaplain Finau returned for a more joyous occasion: a week of celebrations known as Heilala Week.
Supported by his family, Chaplain Finau embarked on his third Navy visit to Tonga, to commemorate the 65th birthday of King Tupou VI and the 50th anniversary of the Tonga Royal Navy.
Chaplain Finau represented Australia at the King's birthday thanksgiving service at the Free Wesleyan Centenary Church, alongside Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith and HMAS Choules' Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Shaun Baldwin.
Chaplain Finau also accompanied Rear Admiral Smith and Commanding Officer Choules Commander Arron Convery to the regimental dinner with the King, hosted by Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala.
He had the honour of leading the Australian contingent in the parade through the capital, Nuku'alofa.
"This week is very good for tourism, with traditional entertainment and celebrations of achievements in the community," Chaplain Finau said.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be sent back to my home country in HMAS Choules.
"The experience is a lot for me. I'm representing the Royal Australian Navy, Australia and my family, both near and far."
Over the past two years, Tonga has undergone immense changes, with Australia helping the tsunami recovery during Operation Tonga Assist.
"When we arrived, the island looked brown from the falling ash from the eruption," Chaplain Finau said.
'For me, returning for this deployment gives me a feeling that I can't put into words.'
Airborne help was delayed for days as layers of ash obstructed the runway at Nuku'alofa airport. It was cleared by volunteers using shovels and wheelbarrows.
"No one in Tonga really knew I was in the Navy, except my family. That has changed since I showed up during Operation Tonga Assist," Chaplain Finau said.
"Everyone expected an Australian warship to have an English Anglo-Saxon welcome … when they heard me doing the welcome prayer, they were surprised."
Chaplain Finau said the highlight of his naval career was delivering an hour-long Sunday morning devotion from HMAS Adelaide via Tongan radio during Tonga Assist, when locals were unable to attend their local churches.
The devotion, which included hymns, a Biblical reflection and prayers, was broadcast live and later replayed each Sunday afternoon.
"I was aware that I was representing all the people from Tonga who were overseas and wished to help but couldn't because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
"We went there to help out, clean up and at the same time provide medical and physical support, but mostly to help out with whatever the people needed.
"For me, returning for this deployment gives me a feeling that I can't put into words, but whatever comes will be a blessing for me, and I will wholeheartedly enjoy every moment of it."
Chaplain Finau's return visit to Tonga in the amphibious ship Choules was part of a south-west Pacific regional presence deployment, which included visits to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
