RSIPV Gizo returns to Honiara

RSIPV Gizo is back on station and fully operational following maintenance work in Australia.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) welcomed RSIPV Gizo and its crew back to Honiara following maintenance in Australia with a small ceremony at Aola Base in Honiara on 21 December 2022.

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said “the engineering works completed in Cairns and the crew training associated with them demonstrate Australia’s dedication to providing comprehensive support for Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats.”

“We greatly value our maritime security partnership with Solomon Islands and it’s great to see Gizo back in Honiara,” Dr Strahan said.

While in Australia, RSIPV Gizo’s crew completed essential maritime training with TAFE Queensland, including courses in leadership and command, firefighting, damage control and toxic gas response procedures. RSIPV Gizo underwent its 30-month slipping and was the first of the Guardian-class Patrol Boat fleet to receive successful remediation works for the black and grey water systems.

RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said “the Guardian-class Patrol Boats are an important capability for Solomon Islands. Thank you to Australia for ensuring RSIPV Gizo is well-maintained.”

“It’s also great to see the crew continue their training in Australia ensuring they can keep Solomon Islands safe now and into the future,” Commissioner Mangau said.

RSIPF Maritime Division is the regional leader in the number of days per year it uses its Guardian-class Patrol Boats. In 2021 RSIPV Gizo spent 151 days at sea.