The Republic of Fiji Navy today (05 December 2019) commissioned the Republic of Fiji Navy Ship (RFNS) Volasiga at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Suva. The event was officiated by the Korea Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Yang-soo who handed-over the vessel to the Acting Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs Honourable Mahendra Reddy.
The RFNS Volasiga was built as part of the Official Developing Assistance (ODA) project which was titled “Reinforcing the capacity for responding to climate change in Fiji” by the Korean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA). The vessel is required to conduct hydrographic surveys, tides and current observations, surveying of sea routes in the Fiji Waters.
Speaking during the event Hon. Reddy acknowledged the gratitude of support to the Korean government for providing the hydrographic vessel. He stated that as a maritime Nation, Fiji relied greatly on the oceans not only for resources but for security and prosperity which is why Fiji’s Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) must always be safe and secured.
“We acknowledge the continuous support from the Republic of Korea in terms of its strategic commitment in assisting small island states such as Fiji. As development partners we are thankful that assistance such as this will further elevate our influence in the region as a hub for connectivity, maritime transportation, trade and a bastion of peace, security and stability,” Hon. Reddy stated.
Hon. Reddy also stated that the donation which was signed in 2017 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Fiji Hydrographic Office and the KHOA contributes to the Fijian government priority in ensuring that Fiji progresses into a modernized state.
“The state-of-the-art hydrographic Vessel RFNS Volasiga ensures that Fiji’s capability in Defence Security is enhanced to a modern state where updated current data will be made available. The capability enhancement and the hydrographic data that it can produce will most certainly provide assurances and support to the private sector, intended investors, our maritime sector and the sustainable development of our coastal and island communities.” Hon Reddy said.
The RFNS Volasiga which will be under the Command of Lieutenant (Navy) Jervis Robinson is fitted with modern research equipment’s and a special observation room which will be used to process data which would enhance survey capabilities.
The Volasiga (Planet Venus) is the Fijian word for the morning star which was traditionally used by our ancestors to guide them a safe journey back home.
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