The Fiji Navy fleet has been further boosted with the arrival of its second Guardian Class Patrol Boat, RFNS PUAMAU this month.
The naval vessel made its inaugural voyage from the HMAS Stirling Naval Base in Perth, Australia in March, this year.
Now docked at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay, the RFNS PUAMAU presents a huge step up in strengthening not only Fiji’s security but also regional security in the Pacific in mitigating transboundary related illegal activities.
Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka commissioned the new vessel this morning, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of the Australian Government.
“As a family or Vuvale, Fiji is grateful for this Guardian Patrol Boat,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government of Fiji and its people, vinaka vakalevu.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that the ceremony this morning “is a poignant reminder of sacrifice, dedication and unwavering commitment to the call of duty”.
“This milestone not only signifies Fiji’s commitment to maritime security but also embodies the spirit of regional cooperation and collective approach to regional maritime security.
“The enhanced VUVALE Partnership with the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) embodies our dedication to collaborative efforts to strengthen regional maritime security and address common security challenges.”
The commissioning of the RFNS PUAMAU will not only enhance Fiji’s maritime security capabilities but also signifies a broader commitment to comprehensive maritime security governance and cooperation at both domestic and regional levels to ensure that Fiji and the Pacific remains a region of peace.
With room for 23 crew and a 3,000 nautical mile range, Prime Minister Rabuka added that the advanced capabilities and stellar performance of the vessel epitomizes the commitment to make a substantial contribution to enhancing the safety and security of the maritime environment across the region.
“The Government of Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Navy welcome RFNS PUAMAU to the fleet and anticipates that her deployment is set to synergize with the endeavours of its sister ship, RFNS SAVENACA, “ he further remarked.
“We anticipate that RFNS PUAMAU’s inclusion into the Navy Fleet, will increase operational sea days from 260 days to 360 days to prevent, deter and detect any potential security threat at sea and to ensure that the our Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCS) remain unhindered and uninterrupted to sea commerce.
“This is a huge enabler which is envisaged to support our collective effort in supporting Fiji’s Blue Economy.”
The vessel is named after the late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a Nayau, Lau native, who died on board a naval vessel that was torpedoed in Solomon Island waters at the peak of World War II in the Pacific.
