January 25, 2024
A celebration was held at the Maritime Wing this afternoon by the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services to mark the Guardian Class Patrol Boat Nafanua III’s handover.
The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, members of the Cabinet, His Excellency Will Robinson the Australian High Commissioner, notable visitors and members of the Diplomatic Force all presided over the occasion.
Rev. Fepai Kolia opened the ceremony with a heartfelt words of encouragement. He highlighted Paul’s journey to Rome as a prime instance of how we ought to place our trust in God, who knows our fear. Even though we may feel scared and frightened during our storms, God will comfort and uplift us if we turn to Him.
His Excellency Will Robinson, Australian High Commissioner for Samoa commended the crew and captain for a job well done. He further expressed Australia’s commitment to bolstering maritime security in the Pacific and marks a major advancement in Samoa’s maritime security capabilities.
Nafanua III, a Guardian Class Patrol Boat, is a cutting edge craft that will significantly improve Samoa’s capacity to defend its territorial waters and people from threats to maritime security. With its cutting-edge technology and sophisticated capabilities, the Nafanua III will be important in upholding maritime law and order and discouraging illicit activity.
The Australian Government was commended by the Minister of SPPCS Faualo Harry Schuster, for their continued cooperation and support of the Samoan Government.
The ceremony concluded when His Excellency, Australian High Commissioner and the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister cut the ceremonial ribbon to end the event.