Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF)

Citation :: The Fiji Navy Received a Chinese-Built Hydrographic Vessel

11 Oktober 2018

New hydrographic vessel of Fijian Navy RFNS Kacau (all photos : Fijian Navy)

New Vessel Enhances Fijian Navy’s Capabilities

The Fijian Navy’s hydrography and maritime surveillance functions will now be fully enhanced with the arrival of its new ship the RFNS Kacau.

The ship is the result of co-operation between the Fijian and Chinese governments as well as the Fijian Navy and People’s Liberation Army-Navy.

The RFNS Kacau was welcomed at its Suva home, the Captain Stanley Brown Naval base yesterday.

Heavy rain failed to dampen the spirits of navy officers and sailors as they celebrated the arrival of the newest addition to the navy fleet.

Chief of the Fijian Navy Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake said, “Today (yesterday) marks a milestone in the announcement of our maritime security campaign with the arrival of RFNS Kacau.”

He said the project was initiated by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the People’s Republic of China’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy, “who saw fit to donate a vessel of such a magnitude because of the role we have in Fiji not only that, but also maritime security in the region”.

RFNS Kacau is a new hydrographic vessel which Captain Tawake said would also be used for other maritime surveillance activities that the Navy saw fit.

“In the next couple of weeks, we will work with the PLA-Navy team as they arrive to conduct the sea transit and the technical aspects of the vessel so that we do not miss any issues that may hinder us in future,” he said.

Captain Tawake said it was important for Fiji Navy to ensure that the new vessel was seaworthy and met all requirements.

“A dedicated crew has been selected for the RFNS Kacau and they are undergoing training at the Naval Base in Togalevu just to refine their maritime skills before they get posted on board when the Chinese PLA naval personnel are here and we will see areas where we can enhance our skills,” he said.

The PLA-Navy team will work with the Fijian Navy for about four months.

The official handover of RFNS Kacau would be done before Christmas this year.

PM stresses discipline, leadership

Meanwhile, officers and sailors in the Fijian Navy were reminded about the importance of discipline, leadership and decision making.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama gave the reminder while welcoming the month of October in a church service at the Stanley Brown Naval Base yesterday.

Mr Bainimarama also welcomed the crew of the RFNS Kikau which returned from a refit and three-month exercise in Australia.

“I am grateful that you all preserved the status of the Fiji Navy abroad,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“Discipline needs to be upheld. Most of the time leaders dish out decisions without fully assessing the situation.n We should not make decisions in haste because it might lead to family problems.”

“Indiscipline can cause an army to collapse, but discipline will build it up.”

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-fiji-navy-received-chinese-built.html

Citation :

Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment a partagé l’album de Fijian Government.

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 539

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 683822

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Republic of Fiji Military Force

The 48th Anniversary of the Fiji Day Celebrations culminated in the Trooping of the Colours as people from the north crowded Subrail Park at midday today Wednesday 10th October 2018. Words could not describe the flow of energy that connected the people totaling approximately 10,000 who were all tuned into a vibrant frequency never before experienced in the north.

His Excellency the President Major General (ret’d) Jioji Konousi Konrote who was the Chief Guest was extremely overwhelmed with the massive turnout coupled with the sensational atmosphere that filled the ground. Upon his arrival, he was accorded a Presidential salute from the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment Guard on parade followed by the national anthem.

Commanding Officer of the 3rd Fiji Infantry Battalion (3FIR) Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Penioni Naliva was the Parade Commander with Warrant Officer Class One Aminiasi Lepolo as the parade Regimental Sergeant Major. Lt Col Naliva was delighted to have excellently commanded the parade with the Regimental Colour dauntlessly hoisted in their midst. “The trooping of the colour for us signifies our loyalty to our institution, to our unit and most importantly our sign or emblem which we hold in high regard and is used as a rallying point for soldiers in times of peace and war. We consecrated our colours on Sunday. That in turn told us there is a living God that looks after the Battalion every day of its existence,” said Lt
Col Naliva. Morale of Officers, men and women of 3FIR was very high.

After the trooping of the colours, members of the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment marched through Labasa Town and was procedurally halted by a Fiji Police Force Inspector challenging the legality of the march through town. He was then shown the scroll bearing the signature of the Labasa Town Mayor which approves of the RFMF to march through Labasa Town with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, band playing fanfare and colours flying high.

Members of the public gave thundering cheers and claps during the march through town as everyone was in a jubilant mood. The Fiji Day celebrations brought everyone together regardless of culture, religion, race or gender. Everyone stood on a level playing field to merrily enjoy the momentous occasion.

Planning for the Fiji Day rehearsal started in March this year as this was the first time the biggest number of troops, vehicles and stores had to be deployed from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu. It really involved a lot of logistics and operational planning.

Since the trooping of the colour is finished, members of the public are looking forward to the military tattoo that will be conducted in the evening at the same venue.

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Republic of Fiji Military Force Exercise Victoria Cross.

Exercise “Victoria Cross” started on Sunday 14th October 2018 and is currently into its second week. The first training block at the Sukanivalu Barracks in Labasa with a company strength of 100 personnel is focused on peacekeeping operations with vehicle check points and snap road checks in place. This block concludes with a live firing exercise at the Nubu live firing range area in Macuata.

The second block which concentrates on jungle warfare is taking place, in the Namuavoivoi to Wainunu area in Bua. The four phases of war are practised here where they advance and are harassed by the enemy. They then proceed to their defensive position where they develop the position to provide defensive cover and conduct offensive operations prior to their 10 kilometer withdrawal march to the pickup point.

The third training block is at Valeci in Savusavu and concentrates on Military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) with emphasis on Civil Military Cooperation, vehicle check points, improvised explosive devices, key point protection, amphibious operation and crowd dispersal.

Captain Rokoseru Uluitavuki, the operations officer of the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) who is running the exercise said the various mode of operations within the three provinces is designed to uplift the operational readiness standards of 3FIR. “The heavy downpour was a huge challenge but paved a way forward to intensify proficiency for the majority of the budding infanteers involved in the exercise. It is only through training and using different concepts of operations within the exercise scenarios that men and women of the Third Battalion can broaden their knowledge, sharpen their skills and gain more experience to perform to the required standard as envisaged by the Commanding Officer 3FIR Lieutenant Colonel Penioni Naliva,” he said.

A key feature of the exercise is the emphasis of foot as a means of transportation for 3FIR. “ For armies all over the world, the Infantry have always been known for their ability to get to any place they are required for operations by foot, regardless of season weather or terrain and we as infantry men must proudly live up to this legacy” said the CO, LTCOL Naliva.

The remaining two weeks will see the three companies rotate through all the exercise areas and experience the main objective of Exercise Victoria Cross which is to up skill all 3FIR members so everyone is prepared to perform any given task within the military at any time whether it be local or abroad.

The exercise will culminate with a 2nd Nov remembrance day service at the SVC Barracks in Labasa before the redeployment of 3FIR back to their bases.

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 757

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Citation :

Republic of Fiji Military Force

The 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment has accomplished its final phase of the exercise with the three companies having rotated and completed the three training areas, jungle operations in Bua, urban operations in Savusavu and peacekeeping operations in Labasa. Majority of the young infantry men and women of the 3rd Battalion will immensely benefit from the exercise in terms of acquiring new skills, knowledge and gaining valuable experience after completing the three weeks training.

Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Penioni Naliva said exercise Victoria Cross was designed to allow the 3rd Battalion to once again look at their basic soldering skills and also create a stronger camaraderie within the troops. “This exercise reminds us that the work of the infantry regardless of how good communication is, how good technology is, the basis of all infantry operation will be foot operations. Those were the main objectives of exercise Victoria Cross. I believe my battalion have archived and surpassed the outcome required with what the men and women have grasped from the exercise.

Lt Col Naliva said the continuous rain really tested the men and women physically and look at their resilience mentally especially in the jungle operations. He said troops at the urban operations in Savusavu were exposed to leaking tents which created great difficulty but resulted in a positive outcome in that it strengthened their comradeship.

“Having completed two exercises this year, it has given an insight for us to identify our weak spot and for that we are grateful to have some senior non commissioned officers from the Army Training Group to evaluate and asses the conduct of the exercise. They were given the opportunity to brief us on weaknesses and improvements as this will form the basis of our next exercise. All in all I believe exercise Victoria Cross is successful and we are looking forward to going back to Viti Levu,” said CO 3FIR.

The 3FIR Battalion commander also appreciated the inclusion of the team of seven police officers from the north into exercise Victoria Cross that were earmarked for peacekeeping duties. “This partnership creates a bond and a stronger relationship between the RFMF and the Fiji Police Force,” he added.

Cpl Laniana Musuqawa, the only female police officer in the team said she was grateful to the Commissioner of Police for being nominated for pre-deployment training. “I was very amazed on the very first day to be called upon as part of the team. Being a mother of three and having spent the last eighteen years in the Fiji Police Force, this was totally a new experience and also a very challenging one for me. However support from my female comrades was very encouraging and made me focus on the task at hand. Even though I was in a male dominated institution, they were also very helpful in providing assistance and motivation especially in the jungle live firing exercise at Nubu in Macuata,” she said.
Lt Col Penioni Naliva said that 3FIR is preparing to deploy to the Golan Heights in the year 2019 and exercise Victoria Cross has been a good measure on where the battalion stands and the direction it needs to pursue. The 3rd Battallion departs Nabouwalu and proceed towards Viti Levu today Sunday 04 November 2018.

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Republic of Fiji Military Force

Members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Territorial Force Brigade (TF Bde) conducted their refresher training at the Vatuwaqa Range today, Wednesday 19th December 2018.

The TF Brigade Training Officer, Lieutenant Eroni Raikoti stated that the range shoot was aimed to refresh the military skills. “Basically this training is part of the unit’s program to refresh military skills of the men and women of the Brigade,” he said.

He added that as part of their Basic Infantry Skills refreshment, they undertook a weekly training at various training areas which included Delainakobalevu, Coloisuva, Wailoku and Tamavua-i-Wai. The training program which included Watermanship, weapon handling, traverse rope, navigation and observation was part of the unit’s objective to up skill their personnel in preparation for the New Year, 2019.

Their training was completed with a section battle drill followed by the range shoot.
The Territorial Force Brigade will be conducting their End of the Year Christmas Party at the Bainimarama Barracks at Nasinu on Friday 21 December, 2018.

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 13a934

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Citation :

Republic of Fiji Military Force

The Second Fiji Infantry Regiment (2FIR) contingent (FIJICON), assigned to the Multinational Force & Observers in the South Camp, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, conducted their monthly route march and range shoot from 5th to the 9th of February 2019.

A Battalion from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces was deployed into the Sinai Peninsula ever since the mission began in 1982. FIJICON provides security at South Camp and to the Civilian Observer Unit when conducting missions in Zones A, B and C. The Contingent (2FIR) Commander serves as the Deputy Chief of Liaison and it consists of Headquarters staff and one Infantry Company. FIJICON also provides soldiers to support the Force Headquarters staff and other ancillary positions throughout the Force in the Sinai.

Physical training have always been a major component to troops serving in mission areas for it ensures that women and men on duty are fit and vigilant to any given task whenever required. Route marches are conducted on monthly basis but may vary at times as the situation faced in the mission area dictates the mode and concept of operations. Morale of 2FIR personnel is very high.

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 00b8d24

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Citation :

Republic of Fiji Military Force

A total of 175 members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have been training in Blackrock Camp in Nadi for the last five weeks and will soon be deployed to the Middle East next month to serve in the Multinational Force Observers mission in Sinai, Egypt. Currently, the group is undergoing a Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) whereby the mission area in Sinai is simulated at the Blackrock Camp in accordance with the current FIJIBATT Concept of Operations.

The MRE tests and reviews all the training that was conducted for the last four weeks and various scenarios relevant to the current situation faced in the Sinai is injected into the exercise gauging troops reactions and how they deal with certain situations. The MRE follows the Crawl, Walk and Run concept phases whereby troops are taken through the general operation of tasks that are conducted in Sinai specific to FIJIBATT Concept of Operations.

The MRE is the culmination of all the training conducted since Day 1 and this is where troops are expected to make their mistakes together with the immediate commanders in a training environment. It is better to make these mistakes during training so troops can learn from these lessons and prepare themselves better for the mission area.

The MRE involves checkpoints, guard houses, search areas and tower sentries as well as key appointments with Operations rooms and Company headquarters where commanders at all levels are injected scenarios to gauge reactions and evaluate their decision making processes.

The exercise is focused on peace keeping deployment operations and activities, current taskings, the rehearsal and execution of contingency plans, armed escort’s convoys, personnel and vehicle search processes, combat lifesaver exercises and reporting procedures. This is all done to raise the level of the troop’s preparedness with the aim being that when troops arrive in the mission area, half the battle is already won in terms of what the mission requires from the Fiji Battalion.

Since 2017, the Second Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment has been embedded with a US Battalion in the MFO and have since been working together in the service of Peace in Sinai. It is therefore essential for the troops to adapt and understand their systems and procedures so the transition is smooth when the troops get onto the ground and conduct their individual handovers.

So far, the troops reactions to the various scenarios has been very positive as they progress through the phases of the MRE.

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 00b8g76

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Citation :: Republic of Fiji Military Force a ajouté 3 photos à l’album OFFICER CADETS HEAD FOR WEST POINT.

A ceremony to send off two officer cadets was held at the Commander RFMF’s complex HQ RFMF in Suva on Friday 21 June, 2019.

It was a historic moment between Fiji and the United States in that for the very first time two Republic of Fiji Military Forces Officer Cadets have been confirmed to attend the prestigious West Point Military Academy.

Established in 1802, West Point or the United States Military Academy has well known alumni’s such as the 34th President of America, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Generals Douglas McArthur and George S. Patton. Also prominent in this list is Buzz Aldrin, American engineer and former astronaut and fighter pilot. He and Neil Armstrong were the first two humans to set foot on the Moon surface during the July 1969 Apollo 11 mission.

Previously, promising young officer cadets have been selected from among their peers to complete Officer Cadet training with Military Academies in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Officer Cadets (OCDT) Max Delai 21 years of Vione Gau and Sera Lewaravu 20 years of Magodro Ba were the successful candidates from 100 that began the Officer Selection Course since January this year. They had undergone 13 weeks Basic Recruit course and were continuing with Officer Selection Course when the news came of their successful selection from the U.S. Embassy.

Representing the government of Fiji is the Permanent Secretary Defence and National Security, Mr. Manasa Lesuma. Chief of Staff RFMF, Captain (Navy) John Fox on behalf of the Commander RFMF, congratulated the two and wished them well.

Also in attendance were the Director Human Resource Management, Colonel Litea Seruiratu; Chief of Staff Land Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Vatimio Leva; Director of International Defence Cooperation, Lieutenant Colonel Daunivakasala Ravunakana and Commandant Officers Training School (OTS), Lieutenant Colonel Avinesh Kumar.

“This is an important milestone for Fiji, in that for the first time, two cadets will be attending the prestigious military academy,” Capt (Navy) Fox said.

The U.S. Embassy were represented by Chargé D'Affaires Michael Goldman and Commander Constantine Panayiotou. Mr. Goldman said, “We had dozens of very qualified candidates…. And how exceptionally honored the government of the United States is [in having the two].”

OCDT’s Delai and Lewaravu who will be leaving the country in a week’s time were given their certificates of confirmation and West Point t-Shirts in the historic occasion.

OCDT Delai said, “As a child I’ve always been keen of being a pilot in the military, this was after my aunt had a vision of me flying an air force aircraft. And the initiative of joining the military expanded after undergoing cadet training back in QVS. So…it was always a dream, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Citation :: Australia has handed over the newest RFNS Savenaca Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Fiji

In the latest milestone for the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia has handed over the newest Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Fiji at a ceremony on March 6, 2020, at Austal Shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
The vessel, the RFNS Savenaca, was today gifted by the Government of Australia to the Government of Fiji during a handover ceremony at Austal Australia’s Henderson shipyard – attended by the Fijian Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, Australian Minister for Defence Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds CSC, Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price MP and Chief of Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO DSC.
Austal Chief Executive David Singleton said the first Guardian-class Patrol Boat delivery for 2020 highlighted the Australian shipyard’s continuing gains in productivity and efficiency, which is delivering a new naval vessel every 3 months.
Faster, with improved seakeeping, better amenities and an enhanced mission capability – including an integrated stern launch and recovery system – the Guardian-class Patrol Boat(s) provide the Fiji Navy with a much improved naval asset to carry out border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue and many other operations domestically and internationally.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project was awarded to Austal in May 2016, with an additional contract option awarded in April 2018, taking the program to 21 vessels valued at more than A$335 million.
Twelve Pacific Island nations including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Timor Leste will receive the vessels through to 2023.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/march/8135-australia-has-handed-over-the-newest-rfns-savenaca-guardian-class-patrol-boat-to-fiji.html

Citation :: Republic Of Fiji Navy

Citation :: Fiji Takes Delivery of Guardian-Class Patrol Boat

10 Maret 2024

RFNS Puamau, Fiji Guardian-class patrol boat (photo: warshipcam)

Fiji has today taken delivery of its second Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the RFNS Puamau, at a handover ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Western
Australia.

The Prime Minister of Fiji, the Hon Sitiveni Rabuka received the vessel on behalf of the Government of Fiji.

Fiji and Australia are Vuvale – natural partners working together to develop joint responses to emerging regional needs and priorities.

The RFNS Puamau is the second vessel delivered to Fiji, and the 19th vessel delivered under the Pacific Maritime Security Program – Australia’s
30-year commitment of uninterrupted engagement with our Pacific partners in support of a stable, prosperous and secure region.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Australia is proud to be Fiji’s security partner of choice. The delivery of the second Guardian-class Patrol Boat today is a tangible demonstration
of our Vuvale Partnership

“By enhancing Fiji’s maritime security capabilities, we are more effective in tackling our shared regional challenges together.”

(Aus DoD)

https://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2024/03/fiji-takes-delivery-of-guardian-class.html

Fiji Government

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 43176910

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Citation :: Admiral David Johnston
·
It was my great privilege to speak at the handover of 14 Australian Bushmaster vehicles purchased by #Fiji. Our countries share a warm and enduring friendship defined not only by our geographical proximity, but also mutual respect and our #Vuvale partnership.

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 45322110

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 45339310

Les Forces militaires de la République des Fidji /Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) 45323410

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