The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has further enhanced its maritime capability with the official handover of a new Aluminium Long Boat (ALB) Striker fast craft recently.
The ceremony was led by RSIPF Maritime Commander, Superintendent Nevol Soko, alongside an Australian Defence Force (ADF) advisor, and attended by the Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) for Western and Choiseul Provinces as well as the Team Leader of the Police Response Department (PRD) Western Border Operations.
The Striker is a modern, fuel-efficient vessel designed for endurance, capable of long operational hours with minimal fuel consumption. This makes it a cost-effective and sustainable asset for RSIPF operations. To support its introduction, familiarization training was delivered by the Small Boats Advisor together with RSIPF Maritime officers, ensuring crews are well-prepared to operate the craft.
Superintendent Soko noted that the arrival of the Striker comes at a crucial time, with RSIPF preparing for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Retreat in Noro, Western Province. The vessel will be deployed as part of the maritime assets for the PIF, contributing to security and smooth delivery of the regional event. It will also bolster border security operations along the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands maritime boundary during the Bougainville elections.
The Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) of Western and Choiseul Provinces, together with the PRD Team Leader, welcomed the new addition and highlighted its importance in supporting police operations. They emphasized that the Striker will strengthen not only border patrols but also general policing duties such as search and rescue, crime prevention, and community safety.
Commander Maritime, Superintendent Soko, underscored the importance of responsible management and maintenance of the vessel to ensure its long-term value.
He, along with the PPCs and PRD Team Leader, extended gratitude to the Government of Australia and the ADF for their ongoing partnership and support to RSIPF Maritime.
“The handover of the ALB Striker represents another milestone in RSIPF’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, operational readiness, and its ability to effectively respond to policing challenges across the nation,” Superintendent Soko said.
