PM Pays Tribute to Able Seaman Timo Puamau

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka paid homage to Able Seaman Timo Puamau of Narocivo village in Nayau, Lau, while officiating at the commissioning of the Republic of Fiji Miliatry Forces (RFMF) Naval Division’ vessel named after the late seaman.

RFNS Puamau, which was donated by the Australian government, was commissioned at the RFNS Stanley Brown Naval Base in Suva on Saturday.

Mr Puamau joined the then Royal Fiji Naval Volunteers in January 1942, he was later transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The late Able Seaman Puamau died at 22 years old after the naval ship he was in was torpedoed in the Solomon Islands waters during the peak of World War II in the Pacific.

RFNS Puamau

The Able Seaman was a crew member of the HMNZS Leander, the vessel was reported missing during the war on July 13, 1943, in the Kula Gulf.

Able Seaman Puamau was reported missing and later confirmed dead later.

Forty-three years after he died, Mr Puamau was awarded four World War II medals by the then Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau in 1986.

Mr Rabuka said the vessel would serve as a reminder of Mr Puamau’s courage and sacrifice.

The Prime Minister highlighted the critical timing of RFNS Puamau’s arrival, emphasising its role in enhancing Fiji’s maritime capabilities.

“The commissioning of RFNS Puamau mirrors Fiji’s concerted efforts at the national level in developing the Maritime Powers legislation and Maritime Border Framework,” Mr Rabuka said.

“This milestone, not only signifies Fiji’s commitment to maritime security, but also embodies the spirit of regional cooperation and a collective approach to regional maritime security,” he said.

“The enhanced Vuvale Partnership with the Pacific Maritime Security Programme (PMSP) embodies our dedication to collaborative efforts to strengthen regional maritime security and address common security challenges.”

He added that the heart of Fiji’s maritime aspirations was the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a visionary roadmap that underscores the paramount importance of maritime security in achieving both national imperatives and fostering broader regional collaboration and partnership.

With room for 23 crew members, a 3000-nautical mile range, the capabilities and performance of the vessel epitomised the commitment in enhancing the safety and security of the maritime environment across the region.

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