The former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto yesterday officially handed over leadership duties to his successor Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.

Rear-Admiral Naupoto retired from the RFMF on March 4, 2021 after 39 years of service.

Because of the impacts of the second wave of COVID-19, the official handing over ceremony could not take place till yesterday.

Prior to a church service to bless the new commander, Rear-Admiral Naupoto, inspected a 50-man guard of honor at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks drill square.

In a moving service held at the RFMF Chapel, the outgoing Commander presented Major-General Kalouniwai to the RFMF Chaplain

Former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto. Photo: Leon Lord.

Traditional Ceremony
While presenting a kamunaga to traditionally hand over leadership responsibilities to Major-General Kalouniwai, Rear- Admiral Naupoto reminded his successor that the RFMF existed to serve the people.

“You don’t only serve a certain group of people or only those that you know or those that are the same race as you,” Rear-Admiral Naupoto said.

“If there is something that you should not forget is that we are here to help the people and serve them all equally.”

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai with his wife Folaukitoga Logavatu partake in receiving holy communion at the RFMF Chapel on May 2, 2022. Photo: Leon Lord.

He reminded his successor to be steadfast in his faith during the toughest of times.

While speaking at the handing over ceremony yesterday, Major-General Kalouniwai acknowledged the work carried out by Rear-Admiral Naupoto and his support for the RFMF through his years of service.

He also thanked the leadership in Government for their trust and faith in him with the leadership role that he has been bestowed with.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, with his family. From left: Ratu Rabici Logavatu (son), Folaukitoga Logavatu (wife), Adi Tui Logavatu (daughter), Adi Alisi Logavatu (daughter)and Ratu Ro Lagivala Logavatu (son). Front: Adi Losalini Logavatu (daughter), Ratu Edward Logavatu (son) and grandson Mailelatamai Sikote on May 2, 2022. Photo: Leon Lord.

Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney- General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Minister for Commerce, Tourism, Trade and Transport Faiyaz Koya, Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu, Police Commissioner Brigadier- General Sitiveni Qiliho, Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Commander Francis Kean and Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate.

Major-General Kalouniwai also encouraged members of the Force to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities and continue to serve with passion and dignity.

The ceremony ended with an RFMF tradition called the ‘veidre’ where a vehicle carrying the outgoing Commander is pulled out of camp by members of the force to signify the end of his service.

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