Suva – The Fiji Police Force hosted a graduation ceremony on May 27, recognizing 57 personnel who completed U.S.-instructor led training courses in Fiji. The graduates included Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Navy personnel, who attended training in areas of maritime law enforcement, officer safety, and planning skillsets.
U.S. Coast Guard-Maritime Security Response Team-West led Maritime Skills training from May 16-27. Participants included officers from the Fiji Police Force, Water Police, Police Special Response Unit, and the Republic of Fiji Navy. The course focused on expanding knowledge of basic legal concepts, practical experience in boarding procedures and techniques stressing teamwork and officer safety for personnel on maritime law enforcement boarding teams. The course culminated in students applying newly acquired skills during practical scenarios or exercises conducted on maritime vessels.
Instructors from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration International Training Team also conducted a Tactical Safety and Planning course from May 23-27. Twenty-four students from the Fiji Police Force, Narcotics Bureau, Police Special Response Unit, and Transnational Crime Unit attended. Training focused on administering lifesaving emergency care, including practical application scenarios meant to simulate situations requiring a tactical or emergency medical response.
Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel stated that the graduation was “the latest milestone in U.S.-Fijian efforts towards a safer and prosperous Pacific region. Since World War II, the U.S. has remained a committed partner to the region, ensuring a strong and consistent defense presence necessary to support peace, security, and stability.”
Both courses were coordinated through the assistance of Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF West), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s counter-drug and counter-transnational crime task force, and the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office.
These courses advance Fiji’s capability to effectively enforce maritime security throughout territorial waters and provide increased awareness for officers charged with countering activities related to transnational crime. The ongoing cooperation and commitment between Fiji and the United States to promote a rules-based international order preserves and supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.