The Federated States of Micronesia has taken ownership of its second Guardian-class Patrol Boat at a handover ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Garden Island.

Federal Member for Brand Madeleine King MP, along with the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP, participated the handover ceremony on Australia’s largest navy base.

Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Hon Aren B. Palik, accepted the patrol boat acknowledging the country’s longstanding maritime cooperation and commitment to regional maritime security.

The patrol boat, designed and built by Austal in Hope Valley, within the electorate of Brand, will continue the important work of the Australian-built Pacific-class Patrol Boat FSS Palikir, which was decommissioned this year after 33 years of service to the Federated States of Micronesia and Pacific communities.

With capacity to sail faster, for longer distances and carry more humanitarian and disaster relief supplies, the vessel will support the Federated States of Micronesia to protect its territorial waters and enhance its maritime security and surveillance capability alongside its sister vessel FSS Tosiwo Nakayama.

The Pacific Maritime Security Program delivers sovereign capability, infrastructure, sustainment, training and coordination to our Pacific partners.

The Guardian-class Patrol Boat has been named FSS Bethwel Henry after the first speaker of the Federated States of Micronesia Congress, and the postmaster general from 1988 to 2007.

Federal Member for Brand, Madeleine King, said Brand has a longstanding commitment to supporting our Australian Border Force, with Austal delivering 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats.

 “I am proud to see this vessel being built by locals and launched in my electorate,” Madeleine King said.