THE French Navy ship Auguste Bénébig made its first official port visit to Suva on November 8, 2025.
During the vessel’s visit, its crew observed Remembrance Day celebration, marking a new chapter in the longstanding friendship between France and Fiji.
According to social media updates of the Embassy of France in Fiji, the crew received a warm welcome from the Republic of Fiji Navy Band “symbolizing the spirit of goodwill and mutual respect”.
“This visit underscores France’s enduring commitment to working closely with Fiji in maritime security, regional stability, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response shared priorities that reflect our common vision for a safe and resilient Pacific region,” the embassy said
The crew also undertook a joint cooperation exercises with the Fiji Navy during its stay in Suva.
The Republic of Fiji Navy said the that this type of strategic defence engagement was important in strengthening partnerships critically important for the RFN
“These engagements facilitated discussions on how partnerships can be strengthened and the diving engagement supported skill building.
While it was a busy week, these engagements were highly valuable,” RFN said.
On November 11, a solemn memorial service was held on board Auguste Bénébig to honour the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWI.
The Embassy of France said three crew members of the Auguste Bénébig were commended for their distinguished roles in the record seizure of 2.5 tonnes of cocaine in June 2025, during an operation conducted approximately 400 nautical miles off Nouméa.
A cocktail reception followed, during which the Chargé d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Fiji, Benjamin Delannoy, delivered an address to members of the Fiji Defence Forces, diplomatic corps, and government representatives. He also paid tribute to two distinguished Fijians;
m Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Sukuna, who joined the French Foreign Legion, was wounded in combat in France in October 1917, and was decorated with the Médaille Militaire, France’s second-highest military distinction exclusively given for gallantry; and
m Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, who was awarded for saving the life of a French colonel during an attack on the UN Headquarters in Lebanon in 1980.
Named after a New Caledonia-born, French naval infantryman who was decorated for his actions in WWII, the POM-class lead ship Auguste Benebig operates out of New Caledonia.
Its missions include maritime patrol, marine environmental protection, fisheries enforcement, counter-narcotics trafficking, and search and rescue (SAR).
The website www.bairdmaritime.com notes that the Auguste Benebig has a length of 80 metres, a beam of 11.8 metres, a draught of 3.5 metres, a displacement of 1300 tonnes, and space for 30 crew members and up to 29 additional personnel.
The ship’s hybrid electric propulsion system can deliver a maximum speed of 24 knots and a range of 5500 nautical miles. Operations are possible even in extreme heat, making the vessel suitable for the waters in and around some of France’s overseas island territories.
Its weaponry includes two 7.62mm machine guns, two 12.7mm machine guns and a remotely controlled 20mm auto-cannon mounted at the bow.
The ship departed Fiji on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Auguste Bénébig made its first official port visit to Suva on November 8, 2025. Picture: EMBASSY OF FRANCE/Facebook
Cocktail event on board Auguste Bénébig. Picture: EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN FIJI/Facebook
