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The Australian government has handed over the newest Guardian Class patrol boat, Nafanua II, to the Samoan government at a ceremony in Henderson, Western Australia.
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Nafanua II was received by Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, and the Commissioner of Police, Fuivaili’ili Egon Keil.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Defence engagement with Samoa is continuing to grow through ship visits, cultural and sports engagements and community activities.
“The strong and enduring security partnership we have with the Samoa Police Service is evident as we deepen our defence co-operation through the exchange of the Guardian Class patrol boat under the Pacific Maritime Security Program,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price welcomed the Samoan delegation and congratulated them on their new capability, designed and built by Australian company Austal.
“The Guardian Class patrol boat program supports 400 direct and indirect jobs here at Henderson and is a great example of Australian industry coming together to support our Pacific neighbours,” Minister Price said.
“I am honoured to host the Deputy Prime Minister and Commissioner of Police, along with the crew – including the first three female officers of the Samoa Police Maritime Wing – who are training with our Navy in preparation for the journey home.”
For a look at the handing over of Nafanua II, scroll through the photo gallery above.
