Kikau Returns Home Following Facelift, KAKADU Exercise
The Republic of Fiji Navy Ship (RFNS) Kikau returns home next Fiday (October 5) after participating in the KAKADU exercise in Darwin, Australia.
This was confirmed by the Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake yesterday.
RFNS Kikau following significant restorative repair works at the Norship shipyard in Cairns was returned to the Fiji Navy in July this year.
The repair cost is estimated to be around $20 million.
Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Tawake said he was looking forward to its return next week.
“The navy officers have done pretty well and are looking forward to their return. They were away for three months from home,” he said.
The arrival of the RFNS Kikau would be followed by the arrival of new naval vessel RFNS Kacau, donated by the People’s Republic of China.
By 2020 the Fijian navy is going to receive another new vessel from the Australian Government’s “Pacific Patrol Boat” programme.
Fleet operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Navy Timoci Natuva, said that RFNS Kikau would boost the maritime surveillance.
“There will be an official reception on her arrival where we will have senior RFMF, and senior Australian officials present,” Lt Com (Navy) Natuva said.
“Right now there are 20 naval officers bringing back Kikau under the command of LCDR Joe Tunidau.
“The refit at Cairns has extended the life span of RFNS Kikau to more years giving additional capability for maritime surveillance.”
