The Acting Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces  (RFMF), Viliame Naupoto, was yesterday promoted to Rear Admiral.

Before the appointment, he was holding the rank of Commodore.

Rear Admiral Naupoto told the Fiji Sun: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I will be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.”

He said the promotion was aligned with the position of the Commander of the RFMF.

Rear Admiral Naupoto said the promotion was really for the RFMF.

He said for him, life was a journey of self-discovery and with the promotion, he would take a look at himself and the tasks ahead.

The Acting Commander said now that the post of the RFMF Commander had been advertised, he would apply for the post.

“I have my written application letter and it’s on my table. Now with the post advertised in the Fiji Sun, I will now submit it to the authority responsible.”

He said his promotion would also mean other promotions for his senior officers.

These promotions he said would prepare the senior officers for other senior posts in the United Nations.

He said the most senior post held at the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was the chief of staff currently held by Colonel Jone Kalouniwai.

With these promotions, Fiji could also be recognised to hold the post of UNDOF Commander, he said.

One of the criteria for this post is promotion within the institution, which the RFMF is doing now.

He also congratulated the RFMF Land Force Commander, Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho for his new appointment yesterday as Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force.

Rear Admiral Naupoto yesterday appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Sapenasa Motufaga to be the Acting Land Force Commander effective from today.

There is every possibility that Lieutenant-Colonel Motufaga will be promoted to Colonel as the Land Force Commander is a Colonel’s post.

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