Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) ‘Bula Force’ team deployment that assisted Australia during the Victorian bushfire relief and recovery operations.

Speaking during a morning tea to commemorate the event at the Headquarters RFMF, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto thanked the Australian government for accepting the assistance rendered by the Bula Force through the Vuvale partnership during the Bushfire crisis.

Rear Admiral Naupoto said that the deployment to Australia was also a learning experience for them. He said the troops were generally used to Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) during and after cyclones but our involvement in the Bushfire was worthwhile as they learnt new lessons and skills.

Present at the Anniversary were members of the Australian Embassy and Senior Officers of the RFMF.

During the Bula Force six weeks of deployment in Australia, they helped open almost 170 kilometres of road, cleared blocked rivers and restored fences within Orbost Town in rural Victoria.

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