RFNS Puamau to assist Fiji’s ability to protect its waters - Rabuka

While commissioning the new naval vessel RFNS Puamau, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the vessel vessel has arrived at a critical time to assist the effort of improving Fiji’s ability to protect its waters.

Rabuka says this is against the increasing threats in our region particularly from illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing and transnational organised crime.

He says the vessel would also help with surveillance and maritime security which also supports National Security.

The vessel is named after the late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a Nayau, Lau native who died on board a naval vessel that was torpedoed in the Solomon Islands in 1943.

The ceremony started with a church service and a full traditional iTaukei welcome ceremony was accorded to the Prime Minister.

This is the 19th boat under the Pacific Maritime Security Program of the guardian patrol program.