We’re Still Looking For New Navy Base: Tawake

He made the statement to members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence yesterday.

Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy, Captain ( Navy) Humphrey Tawake, says they are still searching for a new naval base.

He made the statement to members of the Parliament Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence yesterday.

He was replying to a question by Opposition Members of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu. Captain (Navy) Tawake said they had Togalevu but there were restrictions as it was on reclaimed land.

One option, he said, was Momi Bay. He said RFN needed a base that could have four patrol boats, a landing craft and a hydrographic ship.

He said they would shift their headquarters (offices) to Togalevu. Opposition committee member and Namosi high chief, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, said if a place in Namosi was suitable for the new naval base he would give his okay to it.

The MPs met at Stanley Brown Naval Base, Walu Bay. They were surprised to hear of the sea and air operations co-ordinated in a small room 24 hours.

“Our men can tell of any vessels entering our waters and can also track any illegal activities,” the RFN Commander said.

They also tracked flights coming into the country, he added. Government backbencher Jijilia Nalibu Kumar said she was satisfied with how the Navy was policing Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).