Ensign Sokoilagi Paves Way For Women In The Navy
She is currently posted onboard the Navy vessel, RFNS Savenaca, as an additional seagoing officer in navigation.
Saturday 13 February 2021 | 09:49
Ensign Merewalesi Sokoilagi with her parents Kameli Sokoilagi, Anaseini Sokoilagi and her sister Loata Sokoilagi. Photo: Kelera Sovasiga
Merewalesi Sokoilagi is paving the way for women in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division.
She has become the first female to be ranked Ensign, a promotion from also being the first female to hold a midshipman rank.
She was commissioned yesterday at the RFNS Stanley Brown Base by RFMF Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto.
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Ensign Sokoilagi was the first female to undergo formal midshipman training in New Zealand.
She was also the first female in the RFMF Naval Division to attain a Bridgewatching Keeping Certificate.
She graduated in 2017 from the Fiji National University with a Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science.
“After graduating from FNU, I wanted to become a Lab Technician at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital but it was hard getting employment,” she said.
“It wasn’t until I saw the RFMF Naval Division recruitment that I told myself it would not hurt to at least try and apply.”
She completed her basic recruit training in 2018 and was sent to New Zealand to undergo Junior Officers Training. She graduated in September 2020.
The 26-year-old has paternal links to Naloto Village, Verata, Tailevu and maternal links to Tarukua Village, Cicia in Lau.
She is currently posted onboard the Navy vessel, RFNS Savenaca, as an additional seagoing officer in navigation.
“I thank God and I owe it to the RFMF Naval Division for giving me the chance and opportunity to come this far,” she said.
“I am so grateful for the support from my family, parents and my grandparents for their consistent support and words of encouragement especially when I am in a male dominant field.
“You don’t have to be a know-it-all person. It is okay to ask for help.”
Commander Naupoto highlighted the importance of carefully and diligently carrying out duties with loyalty, courage and confidence
“That directive implies that you do not know everything so ask questions,” he said.
“Learn from your mistakes, let love and faithfulness never leave you and do not be wise in your own eyes.
“The first talks about the confidence that I and the institution have in you in three specific areas are: your loyalty to the institution, your courage when faced with advertise and confidence in you good conduct.”
Feedback: adi.sovasiga@fijisun.com.fj
