Tonga's sixth contingent to Afghanistan left for the United Kingdom on Thursday to take part in an eight week pre-deployment training with the UK Royal Air Force Regiment in Suffolkshire.
The 55 personnel of the Tonga Defence Services are being led by Navy Commander Sione Ulakai and assisted by Major Maama Misi.
Matangi Tonga online says the troops will be deployed to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province after they complete their training.
The sixth contingent will take over the roles and responsibilities from the fifth contingent who are currently serving at Camp Bastion.
Tonga's deployment to support the NATO led mission, International and Security Assistance Force, ISAF, is expected to end next year.
