Australian Minister for Resources Madeleine King and RMI Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko participated in the formal handover of the Guardian‑class patrol boat Jelmae during a ceremony in Western Australia January 29. Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program is the cornerstone of the Australian Defense Department’s engagement in the Pacific, which includes the provision of 23 Guardian-class patrol boats and three landing craft to Pacific island countries.
Photo: LSIS Shaun Chatfield.
The Marshall Islands late last week took delivery of a new Guardian-class Patrol Boat, RMIS Jelmae, in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.
Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko received the vessel on behalf of the RMI government.
The vessel is expected to strengthen the Marshall Islands’ maritime capability and assist in responding to national and regional priorities.
The vessel will replace Pacific Patrol Boat, RMIS Lomor 03, which was delivered to the Marshall Islands by Australia in 1991. RMIS Lomor 03 was the longest-serving Pacific Patrol Boat, operating for almost 35 years.
RMIS Jelmae is the 23rd vessel delivered under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program – a 30-year commitment with its Pacific partners to support a stable, prosperous and secure region.
Last week’s milestone marked the final delivery of a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to a Pacific partner nation under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
“Through our partnership with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, we are increasing regional maritime security and will be more effective in tackling our shared regional challenges together,” commented Susan Bodell, First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Division.
“The Pacific Maritime Security Program is empowering protection of the Pacific, by the Pacific – by delivering enduring sovereign capability that is underpinned by through-life sustainment, training and regional coordination.”
