Palau gifted 7th Guardian-class patrol boat

Australia has handed over a new Guardian-class patrol boat during a COVID-safe ceremony in Henderson, WA, to the Republic of Palau.

FILE PHOTO: The first Austal-built Guardian-class patrol boat on builder’s sea trials. Austal photo.

Named PSS President HI Remeliik II, the latest Pacific Maritime Security Program patrol boat was received by Palauan Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Emerson Nobuo.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the new Guardian-class patrol-boat handover demonstrated Australia’s enduring partnership with Palau and our shared commitment to regional maritime security.

“Australia and Palau have worked closely to prepare for the delivery of the new vessel, which represents a significant boost to Palau’s maritime capability and to the region’s maritime security,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Our ability to unite to advance shared goals in this challenging COVID-19 environment is a testament to the strength of our partnership.

“The crew’s commitment to the training program with our Navy personnel and our industry partners at Austal has been exceptional, and we were proud to host them here in Australia.”

Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Alex Hawke said the Pacific Maritime Security Program was making an important contribution to regional security.

“The Palau vessel is the seventh Guardian-class patrol boat delivered to our Pacific partners under the Pacific Maritime Security Program,” Minister Hawke said.

“This program, which is the successor to the Pacific Patrol Boat Program, proudly continues a 60-year commitment to the Pacific and to regional maritime security.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said she was pleased to represent the Australian government at today’s handover to see how the Pacific Maritime Security Program also supported Australia’s defence industry.

“Construction of the patrol boats in Perth demonstrates that manufacturing is alive and well in Australia, with work at Austal Australia supporting some 400 direct and indirect local jobs,” Minister Price said.

“Defence industry projects like this one are a great jobs success story and provide a reminder of the importance of the role that such companies play in supporting both our economy and defence capability.”

 

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• PNG commissions first Aussie-gifted patrol boat
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