PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services) — On Jan. 12, 2022, FSM President David W. Panuelo attended, in partnership with Jo Cowley, ambassador of Australia to the FSM, the departure ceremony for the Federated States Ship Independence and FSS Micronesia.
The two patrol boats, which were provided to the FSM by Australia in March 1990, will be returning to Australia.
Shortly after arrival, the crews of the Independence and Micronesia will receive extensive training on the new Guardian-class patrol boats, which are part of Australia’s Patrol Boat Replacement Program, itself a component unit of the Pacific Maritime Surveillance Program.
The FSM national government expects to receive the first Guardian-class patrol boat on or around April, 2022, and the second Guardian-class patrol boat on or around July, 2022.
In the interim period, the FSM government is requesting additional patrols from Australia, Japan, and the U.S. until such a time that the FSM maritime surveillance capacity is not only restored but strengthened.
FSM President David Panuelo and first lady Patricia Edwin pose with Australian Ambassador Jo Cowley and other officials.
