RFMF Joins Military Exercise

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations were the top focus at Exercise Croix du Sud Ex 2018 (Ex CDS18) in New Caledonia that ended on May 25.
Forty-two Republic of Fiji Military Forces soldiers and sailors took part in the exercise.
A release about the exercise said that Ex CDS18 is designed to ensure that all involved are prepared for major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The scenario called for military assistance including a non-combatant evacuation operation followed by stability and security operations.
The French-led exercise is the largest HADR training exercise in the South Pacific.
- The Fijian Navy vessel Kula. Photo: Fiji Navy
This military exercise is held every two years in New Caledonia, its surrounding waters and airspace.
Fiji Navy Lieutenant Commander Timoci Natuva (Junior) said 22 sailors on board the navy patrol boat Kula were part of the sea exercise.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) spokesperson Captain Eroni Duaibe said 22 soldiers were part of the land exercise.
He said while the sailors would return on board the Kula the soldiers would return by air to Nadi.
Ex CDS18 included troop contributions from France (New Caledonia), Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Chile, United States and Vanuatu. Led by the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia (FANC), the exercise is held every two years as part of France’s engagement in the region.
Ex CDS18 includes troop contributions from France (New Caledonia), Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Chile, United States and Vanuatu.
Edited by Epineri Vula
Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj