Australia transfers the Pacific-class patrol boat FSS Independence to the FSM.

What happened

The boat came through Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boat Program and, with its sister ships FSS Micronesia and FSS Palikir, gave the FSM its own maritime surveillance. Its jobs included fighting illegal fishing, search and rescue, and disaster relief.

Why it matters

It served until 2022, when Australia replaced it with a newer Guardian-class boat.