Australia's Pacific Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, is preparing to depart Townsville for its first deployment of 2026, reinforcing Australia's enduring commitment to Pacific stability and security.
Over the next three months, ADV Reliant and her crew will visit Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Fiji and Solomon Islands, responding to Pacific partners' requests and supporting maritime weather surveillance during the high-risk weather season.
A key task will be delivering critical supplies to strengthen border security in the Solomon Islands, providing facilities for Customs, Immigration, Biosecurity and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN, said ADV Reliant's program underscores Australia's commitment to the Pacific.
"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. They responded to Pacific partners' requests to support maritime surveillance and search and rescue operations, and delivered essential Guardian-class Patrol Boat spares and equipment.
"ADV Reliant is a versatile and valued asset to the region," Vice Admiral Jones said.
A Year of Impact - 2025
In 2025, ADV Reliant completed three significant deployments, answering requests for assistance and strengthening Australia's relationships with Pacific island countries. Key achievements included:
- Delivering two fire trucks each to Kiribati and Tonga.
- Providing humanitarian and disaster relief stores to Fiji.
- Supplying spares and stores to sustain Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Cook Islands' Guardian-class Patrol Boats.
- Conducting hydrographic survey tasks to support safe navigation in Pacific ports.
- Rescuing four sailors from a distressed civilian vessel while in transit to a port visit in Suva, Fiji.
In October, Reliant hosted 15 members of the Pacific Response Group for induction training, including safety training, media awareness training, ship familiarisation and a Gender Focal Point (GFP) course.
Regular port visits throughout the year reinforced Australia's partnerships and demonstrated the shared commitment to security and resilience across the Pacific.
During its deployment, ADV Reliant operated on renewable diesel, contributing to lower carbon emissions in the Southwest Pacific and supporting Pacific island nations that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
