The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division will receive a new hydrographic survey vessel from South Korea in November.

This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun yester­day by the RFMF Naval Division Command­er, Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake, in an interview after the visit of the Minister of Defence and National Security Inia Seruira­tu to Captain Stanley Brown Naval Base, Walu Bay.

“This is a fully hydrographic survey vessel and we’re thankful to South Korea for this huge donation,” he said.

Captain (Navy) Tawake said the vessel would be smaller than the RFNS Kacau.

While it is a specialised hydrographic sur­vey vessel, Captain (Navy) Tawake said it would help patrol Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

More patrol boats from Australia

Fiji’s Navy is also expected to receive two replacement Guardian patrol boats from Australia.

This was announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison during his official visit to Fiji last week.

At the briefing to the Minister for Defence, Mr Seruiratu was told of developments at the RFMF Naval Division in 2017–2019.

They are:

Review of existing all ranks profession­al development priorities;

Structure realignment and gradual HR capacity increase;

Review of Ships Operational Readiness criteria;

Capability acquisition and delivery (Ka­cau and Volasiga);

Establishment of Information Fusion Centre – FMSRCC;

Refurbishment of Kikau and Kula;

GPD Infrastructure and Valenicina – Projects commence; and

Multipurpose Vessel – (MPV) and LCH custom designs scoping.

The minister was also told of the 50th anni­versary celebration of the Fiji Navy on July 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, the officers and sailors held a surprise birthday celebration of their Com­mander’s 47th birthday on Monday.

Captain (Navy) Tawake thanked them and told the Fiji Sun that he did not expect it.

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj