Petty Officer Christina Sola experienced a profound homecoming when HMNZS Canterbury visited Tokelau during Operation Calypso in the South West Pacific.
Born in New Zealand of Tokelauan, Samoan, and European descent, Sola reunited with whānau as the ship arrived, coinciding with the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau, attended by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
“To step ashore alongside my shipmates, and in the presence of the Governor-General, was a moment of immense personal and cultural significance,” Sola said. “Tokelau is my tūrangawaewae, a sacred place where I feel grounded spiritually, mentally, and physically.”
Her Tokelauan family is from Fakaofo, and her husband Penehe hails from Nukunonu and Atafu. They have four children, and she credits her husband’s support for enabling her Navy career.
A communications warfare specialist since 2008, Sola has served across the Pacific, Asia, and the United States. Her previous 2020 visit involved delivering cyclone relief and Covid-19 supplies under strict safety measures. This return was a joyous contrast, with family welcoming her across all three atolls.
Alongside the centenary visit, HMNZS Canterbury upgraded tsunami and volcano monitoring on Raoul Island and conducted a search and rescue near Tonga, covering 4,580 nautical miles over 23 days without resupply.
