Australia’s Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant is preparing to depart Townsville for its first deployment of 2026, reinforcing Australia’s long-term commitment to stability, security and resilience across the Pacific.
Over the next three months, the Australian Defence Vessel and its crew will visit Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, responding directly to requests from Pacific partners. The deployment will focus on maritime weather surveillance during the high-risk cyclone and severe weather season, as well as delivering practical support to strengthen regional security.
A key task during the mission will be the delivery of critical supplies to the Solomon Islands to bolster border security capabilities. This includes facilities to support Customs, Immigration, Biosecurity and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, enhancing their ability to manage and protect national borders.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC, RAN, said the deployment highlighted Australia’s ongoing commitment to the region.
“ADV Reliant is a demonstration of Australia’s commitment to regionally led solutions to the Pacific’s needs,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“In 2025, ADV Reliant and her crews were deployed in support of regional resilience for more than 270 days, responding to Pacific partners’ requests for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and delivering essential Guardian-class Patrol Boat spares and equipment.
“ADV Reliant is a versatile and valued asset to the region.”
The upcoming deployment follows a significant year of activity for the vessel. In 2025, ADV Reliant completed three major deployments, delivering two fire trucks each to Kiribati and Tonga, providing humanitarian and disaster relief stores to Fiji, and supplying critical spares to sustain Guardian-class Patrol Boats across Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands.
The vessel also conducted hydrographic survey tasks to support safe navigation in Pacific ports and rescued four sailors from a distressed civilian vessel while transiting to Suva, Fiji.
In October, ADV Reliant hosted 15 members of the Pacific Response Group for induction training, including safety, media awareness, ship familiarisation and Gender Focal Point training.
Throughout its deployments, ADV Reliant has operated on renewable diesel, reducing carbon emissions in the Southwest Pacific and supporting island nations particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Regular port visits and practical assistance continue to strengthen Australia’s partnerships across the Pacific, demonstrating a shared commitment to security, resilience and regional cooperation.
