Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy, Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake while speaking at the welcoming ceremonyof the RFNS Kikau at the Stanley Brown Naval base last Friday said it was virtuous to have Kikau back home.

“It is bonus to us as navy to have a naval vessel like that,” Captain (Navy) Tawake said.

He said it was an asset that they would use in terms of maritime surveillance.

“We will task Kikau accordingly and it will depend on operational tasking,” he said.

“It will continue where the HMNZ Otago had left.”

Also present was Captain (Navy) Warren Bairstow of the Royal Australian Navy who said it was a personal honour and privilege to be at the naval base on the day.

Captain (Navy) Bairstow is commander mine warfare clearance diving hydrographic meteorological and patrol force.

He said the journey had been long and rewarding.

“From the ship lift of the vessel from Suva in May last year to the Norship refit yard in Cains, Kikau has completed repairs and upgrades that will see her perform her mission of ensuring the maritime security of Fiji for another five years, in good time for her replacement by an Australian built Guardian Class patrol Boat,” Captain (Navy) Bairstow said.

“A first for the Fiji Navy amongst several other new players in this exercise, Kikau’s crew demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment in this busy multinational exercise that ultimately contributes to greater maritime security for our region,” he said.

The Fijian navy who brought Kikau back home offices resumed on duty on Monday.