US facilitates two-week maintenance course
THE US Coast Guard and the US Embassy in Suva facilitated a two-week outboard motor maintenance course recently for 10 Republic Of Fiji Navy and eight Fiji Police Force officers.
According to a Fiji Police Force social media update, the course focused on basic maintenance of outboard motors with both theory and practical knowledge.
US Embassy deputy Chief of Mission Tony Greubel said the workshop was the latest milestone in the US and Fijian efforts towards a safer and prosperous Blue Pacific Region.
The Blue Pacific is a regional strategy aimed at strengthening political leadership and regionalism, people-centred development, peace and security, resources and economic development, climate change and disasters, ocean and environment and technology and connectivity.
Mr Greubel said since World War II, the US had remained a committed partner to the region ensuring a strong and consistent defence process to support peace, security and stability.
“Through our Bilateral Agreement with US Coast Guard, Nevada National States Guard partnership program and other agencies we are extremely proud of our partnership and security cooperation with the Republic of Fiji,” Mr Greubel said.
“Those who were your instructors, they are now your colleges, I hope that even across the mass Blue Pacific, you maintain this new professional connections.”
He said the course was one of the first in the region to be conducted as part of a larger and collaborative effort between the US Coast Guard and the Australia Pacific Maritime Security program as they worked together to supMSC port their Pacific neighbour’s maritime goals.
The two countries together aim to bring more opportunities ‘on small boats, navigation seamanship, maritime patrol planning and law enforcements boarding operations.’
Those who were your instructors, they are now your colleges, ... – US Embassy deputy Chief of Mission Tony Greubel