Australia handed over the RFNS Puamau, Fiji’s second Guardian-Class Patrol Boat, to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the HMAS Stirling Naval Base in Perth, strengthening maritime security capabilities. 

Rabuka emphasised the boat’s importance in protecting Fiji’s waters from threats like illegal fishing and organised crime, citing recent drug raids. 

He praised the Pacific Maritime Security Programme, supported by Australia, as a model for regional cooperation. 

The Prime Minister called for unity in maintaining peace in the Pacific and thanked Australia for its support. Australia’s Defence Industry and International Development Minister, Pat Conroy, highlighted the partnership’s significance in addressing shared challenges. 

The boat, named after late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, will be commanded by Lieutenant Commander Sairusi Colati and is set to arrive in Fiji next month.