Australia delivers Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands has taken delivery of a new Guardian-class Patrol Boat, RMIS Jelmae, in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia. The Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Kalani Kaneko, received the vessel on behalf of the government of the Marshall Islands. Australia and the Marshall Islands share a strong partnership, underpinned by a shared focus on maritime security. The vessel will 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 our Pacific partners to support a stable, prosperous and secure region. This milestone marks the final delivery of a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to a Pacific partner nation under the Pacific Maritime Security Program. The Australian government continues to partner with the Pacific on shared regional maritime security through the $5.9 billion invested into the Pacific Maritime Security Program. Susan Bodell, First Assistant Secretary Pacific Division, said: “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. 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.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]