Fijian-born Able Seaman  to visit his seven-year-old son in Levuka.

Able Seaman Vuniwaqa is among five Fijian personnel onboard HMAS Adelaide.

He is waiting for the thumbs-up from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to be able to visit his son in Nabureni Village in Levuka, Ovalau, where Able Seaman was also born.

“There are a couple of plans I have in mind if I get the approval – that is to go visit my son which is the most important thing,” he said.

“I know it will mean a lot to my son, it has been two years since I have caught up with him. He is looking foward to that.”

His son turns eight in September.

Able Seaman Vuniwaqa also wishes to visit his mother, grandmother and pay his respect to his great-uncle who passed away last year, he played a big role in his career.

“I followed in his footsteps that is why I am also in the Navy, but in the Australian Navy. He was in the RFMF Naval Division. He passed away last year, I could not make it. I need to pay my respects to him,” he said.

“I also want to give some gifts to the village kids, maybe some inspirational words to give them a kickstart to this year,” Able Seaman Vuniwaqa added.

He moved to Australia in 2009 and joined the Australian Navy in 2017.

Able Seaman Vuniwaqa was deployed on HMAS Canberra for Indian Pacific Endeavour in 2019, including  a series of engagement activities and military training exercises during port visits to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka , Thailand and Vietnam.

The HMAS Adelaide leave our shores on January 20, 2021.

Feedback:  jennis.naidu@fijisun.com.fj