In Perth, Western Australia, today, Solomon Islands High Commissioner based in Canberra, Robert Sisilo will witness the handover ceremony of the second Guardian-class Patrol boat to the RSIPF.
In 2019, the country received her first Guardian class patrol boat called Gizo.
This second one will be called Taro.
Both have replaced Patrol boats Lata and Gizo, which served the country for many years.
The Pacific Patrol boat replacement project is part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program that aims to enhance practical maritime security cooperation across the South Pacific.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project broadens and further strengthens the region’s capability to responds to issues such as fisheries protection, trans-national crime, and search and rescue through the provision of patrol boats to Pacific Island nations.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement program comprises 21 vessels for delivery to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste from late 2018 to 2023.
According to the Australian Defence, the COVID-Safe ceremony is scheduled at the Austal Shipyards in Henderson, Perth..
Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, Head of Australia Navy Engineering, and Mat Kimberley, Assistant Secretary DFAT with other key Australian representatives were invited to attend the ceremony.
Source. Island Sun newspaper.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
