In a strategic move to bolster maritime security, Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka commissioned the RFNS Puamau at the RFNS Stanley Brown Naval Base today.

This event marks a pivotal step in Fiji’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and regional cooperation.

“The commissioning of RFNS Puamau mirrors Fiji’s concerted efforts at the national level in developing the Maritime Powers legislation and Maritime Border Framework,” stated Prime Minister Rabuka.

“These strategic documents are poised to provide the legal mandate and framework necessary to strengthen joint coordination efforts at the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC).”

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Rabuka honored the late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, highlighting his legacy of courage and dedication.

He emphasized that this milestone not only signifies Fiji’s commitment to maritime security but also embodies the spirit of regional cooperation.

“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,” Rabuka said.

At the core of Fiji’s maritime aspirations lies the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a visionary roadmap emphasizing the crucial role of maritime security in achieving national and regional objectives.

“The 2050 strategy outlines the pivotal role that maritime security plays in realizing Fiji’s long-term objective for the Pacific to be a region of peace,” added Rabuka.

Rabuka highlighted that the ongoing work on Fiji’s National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Security Defence Review (NSDR) underscores the nation’s dependency on oceanic resources for livelihood and economic security.

“These plans emphasize Maritime Security and Maritime Domain Awareness as key strategic priorities,” he noted.

Addressing the myriad of threats, including transnational crime, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the impacts of climate change, Rabuka stressed the necessity of bolstering maritime security capabilities.

“With room for 23 crew and a 3,000 nautical mile range, the advanced capabilities and stellar performance of this vessel epitomize our commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the maritime environment across the region.”

The commissioning of RFNS Puamau marks a significant enhancement of Fiji’s maritime security infrastructure, reflecting a robust commitment to both national and regional stability and security.