After 24 years of service, PSS H.I. Remeliik, a Pacific Class patrol boat which was commissioned into marine law enforcement service in 1996, was finally retired in a fitting ceremony held at the Melusch Melachel, Malakal on March 13, 2020.
PSS H.I. Remeliik during its 24 years of service has been recognized by the Pacific Maritime Security as one of the best-maintained vessels in the Pacific.
“The history of Remeliik’s service is the history of the people associated with it,” expressed Acting DMLE Director Victor Remengesau during the ceremony.
Remengesau added that many people built their careers on PSS H.I. Remeliik. Some have passed away, others have retired and some were still working.
Vice President and Minister of Justice RaynoldOilouch said that “history was made and Palau’s friendship with Australia was strengthened” with acceptance of Remeliik in November of 1996.
PSS H.I. Remeliik in its years of dedicated service has achieved many milestones including participating in many regional surveillance exercises such as Operation Rai Balang among others, medical evacuations, search and rescue, and anti-drug trafficking operations.
“We can’t talk about successes of Remeliik without talking about her crew,” asserted Vice President Oilouch.
“It is a bittersweet farewell,” said VP Oilouch of decommissioning of PSS Remeliik.
PSS H.I. Remeliik will depart with her crew on her last voyage to Australia tomorrow where it will be taken apart. Her crew will undergo a two-month training on the new replacement boat. The crew will sail back on the new patrol boat around June of 2020.
PSS H.I. Remeliik II is 39.5 meters in length, 4.8 meters in depth and 2.3 meters draft, a Guardian Class vessel to replace PSS H.I. Remeliik I.
Joining the Vice President Oilouch at the ceremony were former Minister of Justice and now Judge Salvador Irngeklii, former House of Delegates SurangelWhipps Sr., former Marine Law Chief now Ngiwal Governor EllenderNgirameketii, retired Marine Chiefs Herbert Decherong, Thomas Tutii and the rest of former and current crew members of PSS H.I. Remeliik. Representing Australia were LCDR Clint Moore, Chief Petty Officer Robin Elkington, and Charge de’ Affair Wes Knight.