Micronesia Sun Bright News from the Deep Pacific
Photo Sources: Australian Embassy, Federated States of Micronesia
By Christopher Cottrell
May 25, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia___The Royal Australian Navy is continuing to aid FSM’s vigilance for Border Control and Maritime Surveillance (BCMS) with the donation of new, durable uniforms for difficult maritime operations. This will allow FSM’s National Police Maritime Wing to expand their reach for violators of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU), and drug smuggling and human trafficking, which are increasing problems in FSM and across the Pacific Islands.
This gear up is part of Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), a “ comprehensive package of capability, infrastructure, sustainment, training and coordination designed to increase national and regional maritime security for 16 partner nations,” according to a statement from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
This involves an Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program (EASP) that fortifies, “national and regional maritime security through targeted, intelligence-driven patrols. The program also supports the improved interoperability between Pacific island nations.”
The larger 30-year Australian government program is a, “commitment for the next 30 years in the region and consists of the following components:
- 24 new Guardian-class Patrol Boats, 3 landing craft, and other maritime assets including a small loan fleet
- a package of major maintenance and sustainment support, including infrastructure
- training for crews through the Royal Australian Navy and commercial providers
- embedded in-country Navy advisers to support safe operations
- region-wide contracted aerial surveillance to enable targeted, intelligence-driven patrols to respond to transnational crime
- enhanced regional coordination and communication.”
According to a statement from Australian Embassy, Republic of Federated States of Micronesia, Operations Officer of BCMS LEUT Fiona Halverson, said the uniforms are “lightweight and durable for maritime operations.” This means they are, “perfect for demanding conditions BCMS operates in. Supporting strong identity, teamwork and effectiveness across the BCMS.”
