A seven-metre Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) was transferred to the Republic of Fiji Navy last week.
The handover ceremony marked the first of six boats that will be given to Fiji by the United States of America.
The handover of the RHIB is to strengthen maritime security and disaster response capabilities for Fiji.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Fiji highlighted that the RHIB plays an outsized role in maritime security.
The boat is designed to operate in challenging conditions and is equipped with advanced navigation, radar and communication system.
The embassy said the vessel will enhance Fiji Navy boarding operations, help combat transnational crime and illegal fishing and support disaster response efforts.
The boat will also bolster Fiji Navy’s ability to assist communities during emergencies, including delivering critical supplies and supporting evacuations – particularly during the current cyclone season.
The donation represented a tangible demonstration of the strong partnership between the United Stated and Fiji and their shared commitment to a secure Pacific region.
Earlier this year, the Fiji Navy Small Boat Squadron underwent specialised training by the U.S Navy to prepare the vessel for operations.
The training reflected the United States “Total Package Approach” to security cooperation.
The cooperation paired equipment delivery with comprehensive training, maintenance support, and sustainment planning.
The US Embassy stated that the U.S. Mobile Training Teams will continue to build on this foundation, further enhancing Fiji Navy small boat seamanship and maintenance capabilities.
Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs director policy, Eroni Rokisi received the boat on behalf of the Fiji Navy.
