Australians Upgrade Skills Of RFMF Navy

Five members of the Royal Australian Navy’s newly formed Sea Training Unit Defense Cooperation team are currently in Suva working with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy.

Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake said the team would boost the local seamen’s performance.

“This is a two weeks training which started on November27 and will end on the 8th of this month (today). The team is carrying out damage control training, including fire-fighting skills and leak stopping,” he said. “There are about 40 Navy personnel that is part of this training. This training will measure where we are now in preparation for 2018 and beyond. The Australian Navy team is also sharing their medical, seamanship and equipment maintenance experience.”

Captain Tawake said after the training he expected the Navy personnel to increase and improve on their skills.

“This is the first time they are here to train and test the naval personnel skills,” he said.

“I expect a higher competency level of all our navy personnel at all levels especially when out at sea.”

These training activities will also help Fijian sailors to prepare for the return of their patrol boat, RFNS Kikau. The RFNS Kikau is currently in Cairns, Australia, undergoing a major refit funded by the Australian government.