Australia delivers RSIPV Taro to Solomons, arriving in June

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SOLOMON ISLANDS RECEIVES SECOND VESSEL UNDER THE PACIFIC
MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM
Australia and Solomon Islands’ strong and enduring security partnership has
reached another milestone on Friday as Solomon Islands received its second
Guardian-class Patrol Boat under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security
Program.
The High Commissioner for Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr Robert Sisilo,
accepted RSIPV Taro on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government at a
ceremony in Henderson, Western Australia.
The Head Navy Engineering, Rear Admiral Katherine Richards RAN said
Australia and Solomon Islands have a long history of close security
cooperation, based on a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Pacific.
“The new Guardian-class Patrol Boats play an important role in tackling our
shared regional security challenges, and the delivery of RSIPV Taro is a
significant milestone,” Rear Admiral Richards said.
“We are better positioned to respond to maritime threats, from illegal fishing to
transnational crime, by working together, coordinating closely and building our
interoperability.”
RSIPV Taro is the second of two Australian-made Guardian-class Patrol
Boats to be gifted to Solomon Islands. The first vessel, RSIPV Gizo, was
delivered in November 2019.
“Solomon Islands is leading the way in its use of the Guardian-class. The
completion of its Guardian-class fleet is a significant step-up in Solomon
Islands’ and regional capability,” Rear Admiral Richards said.
Rear Admiral Richards said Australian industry is delivering world-class
maritime capability for our Pacific Partners.
“We are committed to ensuring we provide the best possible assets, and are
delivering lifelong maintenance support for the new Guardian-class Patrol
Boats,” Rear Admiral Richards said.
“This project is making an essential contribution to regional security and
providing job opportunities for Australian industry,” Rear Admiral Richards
said.
Under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, 12 Pacific Island nations and
Timor-Leste will receive 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats. To date, ten vessels
have been delivered across the Pacific.
The RSIPV Taro is expected to arrive in Honiara in June.

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