According to information published by the Australian DoD on August 28, 2023, the Federated States of Micronesia welcomed their second Guardian-class Patrol Boat at a grand ceremony held in Perth.
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A Guardian class patrol boat (left) and the Pacific class patrol boat FSS Palikir. (Picture source: Wikipedia / Dvids)
A product of Austal's craftsmanship in Australia, this Guardian-class boat is set to pick up from where the Pacific-class Patrol Boat FSS Palikir left off. The FSS Palikir, after rendering 33 years of commendable service to the Micronesian and Pacific communities, was retired earlier this year.
The newly inducted vessel boasts several enhancements over its predecessor, including higher speed capabilities, longer range, and a more substantial capacity to hold humanitarian and disaster relief provisions.
Together with its companion vessel, FSS Tosiwo Nakayama, the boat will be pivotal in ensuring Micronesia's sovereignty over its waters and elevating its maritime surveillance potential.
FSS Palikir
The FSS Palikir is a maritime vessel with a displacement of 162 tonnes at full load. It measures 31.5 meters (103 feet 4 inches) in length and 8.1 meters (26 feet 7 inches) in beam, with a draught of 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches).
Powered by two Caterpillar 3516TA diesel engines, it reaches a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) through two shafts. The vessel has a range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,600 km; 2,900 miles) at a cruising speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) and an endurance of 10 days with a crew of 14 to 18.
It is equipped with a Furuno 1011 surface search radar operating in the I band. Armament varies based on the operating country's requirements and may include an Oerlikon 20 mm cannon, 7.62 mm machine guns, and/or a 12.7 mm machine gun. Not all ships of this class are armed at all times.
