Group photo of EOD officers with Japanese defense force
EIGHT officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have successfully completed their week-long training on 31 January 2024 at Hells Point.
The training was delivered by four instructors from the Japan Ministry of Defence, which was made possible through the bilateral collaboration project.
The training was purposely conducted to educate officers on the Japanese ordnances from World War II found in Solomon Islands.
Seven male along with one female were handed certificates of achievement during the closing ceremony.
Acting Director of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) Inspector Clifford thanked instructors for their professionalism and commitment in ensuring participants grasp every topic covered despite the language barrier.
“Having eight of our EODD members with a broader knowledge of Japan UXOs will surely help our department in ensuring the public is safe and secure.”
As a representative of the participants’ Sergeant Patterson Filiga in his remarks says, “It is a privilege to have learned news topics of relevance to the design and use of Japan Ordinances found here in the Solomon Islands. Knowledge gained throughout the training will certainly make our job safer.”
Lieutenant Colonel of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Takahashi Shinobu says, “Through this project, we believe that it is a very useful and important initiative that not only improves the knowledge and capabilities of the RSIPF EODD Unit and contributes to the safe and reliable mission execution but also leads to a safe and secure life for the people of Solomon Islands.”
Lieutenant Colonel Takahashi says, “In this project, eight EODD Unit personnel gained knowledge about the structure and functions of the former Imperial Japanese military munitions, the military history of the Solomon Islands, and how to dispose of UXO.”
“The Japan Ministry of Defence/Japan Self-Defence Force will continue to maintain and enhance defense cooperation and exchanges with Solomon Islands, an important partner with which Japan has a strong historical relationship.”
RSIPF PRESS
