The Fiji Navy has received three Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and a new boat ramp from the United States to help strengthen its operations around Fiji’s waters.

The handover was held at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay this morning.

The new boats will help the Navy increase its presence around the islands and respond to issues such as drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other activities in Fiji’s waters.

Fiji Navy Commander, Commodore Timoci Natuva said Fiji and the United States had been working together on the project since 2018 and 2019 after looking at some of the challenges Fiji could face in its waters.

He said the increase in drug-related cases was one of the reasons why the Navy needed to have a stronger presence in the country’s waters.

“We need to have more presence in our waters, so this will be very important in terms of getting our footprint out in the islands,” Commodore Natuva said.

He said the support from the United States included the boats, infrastructure and spare parts.

“The infrastructure which they provided, that’s a critical part of our ability to launch our programme,” he said.
Commodore Natuva said having spare parts and a proper system to support the equipment was also important for the Navy to keep using the boats in the future.

A specialist was also provided to help set up a logistics system to support the new equipment.

The new boats will allow Navy personnel to carry out patrols, boarding operations and other activities closer to land.

Commodore Natuva said the focus now was on making sure the Navy could properly use and maintain the new equipment as it works to increase its presence around the islands.

The support from the United States is expected to help the Fiji Navy improve its patrols and response around Fiji’s maritime zone.

By: Rajiv Singh (Intern Journalist)