Naupoto visits Norship Industries to inspect progress of the refit of RFNS Kikau

The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto has concluded his one week visit to Australia, after accepting an invitation from the Chief of Defence Force of Australian Defence Force, Air Chief Marshall Mark Binskin for an Official Visit to Canberra.

Rear Admiral Naupoto was accorded a Guard of Honor on his arrival at the Australian Defence Force Headquarters.

He also took the opportunity with the Air Chief Marshal Binskin to honor soldiers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace by laying a wreath at the War Memorial in Canberra.

The visit included the inspection of Patrol Boat Facilities, a visit to the manufacturers of the Bushmasters Personnel Movement Vehicles, a strategic meeting with Air Chief Marshall Binskin and his Service Chiefs which includes the Chief of Army, Chief of Navy and Chief of Air Forces and a visit to the Australian Defence Force Peace Operations Training Centre.

Yesterday, Commander Naupoto visited Norship Industries in Cairns to inspect the progress of the refit of RFNS Kikau.

Rear Admiral Naupoto was briefed on the progress of the refit by the refit project manager and engineers of Norship Industries, Royal Australian Navy specialists, and International Policy Division of the Australian Ministry of Defence personnel. Also undergoing refits at the Cairns Shipyard are Pacific Patrol Boats from Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Solomons.

Rear Admiral Naupoto was also briefed on the progress of the Pacific Patrol Boat replacement program and the forecast delivery dates for Fiji’s new patrol boats which are scheduled to be delivered in 2022.