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Today marked the formal handover of the Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the Nafanua III to Samoa by the Australian Government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP was represented by Tania Lawrence MP, Federal Member for Hasluck, who attended alongside Samoan Minister for Police and Prisons, the Hon Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster and the Commissioner for Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo. Minister Schuster and Commissioner Filipo received Nafanua III on behalf of the Government of Samoa.

Nafanua III will continue Samoa’s important work in protecting its maritime sovereignty, enhancing its surveillance capability and supporting faster humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts when required.

Nafanua III is the 18^th vessel delivered under the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, which delivers enhanced capability in support of the security goals of our Pacific partners. The Program is a 30-year commitment by the Australian Government to ensure uninterrupted engagement with our Pacific partners in support of a stable, prosperous and secure region.

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Defence shares a deep and enduring partnership with the Samoa Police Service, and it is fantastic to see Samoa receive Nafanua III, which will play a critical role in supporting regional maritime security efforts.”

“Austal’s continued commitment to building world-class capability right here in Australia will mean safer waters and stronger responses to shared maritime challenges for our Pacific partners.”