To enhance Fiji’s maritime security, the Republic of Fiji Navy commissioned the vessel RFNS Puamau at the Stanley Brown Naval base yesterday.
While addressing Navy officers, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the vessel embodied a resolute commitment to maritime security in acting as a deterrence in enforcing Fiji’s determination to protect our waters.
“The Government of Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Navy, welcome RFNS Puamau to the fleet and anticipates that our deployment is set to synergise with the endeavors of the sister ship RFNS Savenaca,” he said.
He said the vessel would play a significant role in the combat against transnational organised crime.
Mr Rabuka thanked the Australian Government for its continuous support in safeguarding Fiji’s waters.
The vessel was the second guardian-class patrol boat to be delivered to the Republic of Fiji under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project.
Under the command of Lieutenant Commander Sairusi Colati, he welcomed the commissioning of the ship and thanked the people of Nayau, Lau who performed the traditional welcoming ceremony cerevi.
“Coming into the captaincy of this vessel, I’m expecting a lot more collaborations with our stakeholders and with our partner border agencies,” he said.
“This vessel has the capabilities to take on police officers, Customs officers so we can do co-ordinated border patrols.”
He said the maiden patrol of the ship would commence next month.
The vessel is named after the late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a Nayau, Lau native, who died on board a naval vessel in the Solomon Islands waters during World War II in the Pacific.
