Fiji Navy diver joins USA naval fleet

Ratu Ligani Bulidreketi’s journey is a story of perseverance, faith, and humble beginnings as he recounts life growing up in rural Fiji to earn a place as a diver in the United States of America Navy.

His recent achieved is a major career milestone when he was officially pinned as a USA Navy diver.

The Urata native of Wailevu in Cakaudrove Province describes the accomplishment as more than just a personal success.

“It represents the struggles and perseverance behind it,” said Ratu Ligani who has maternal links to Nakorovou in Kubulau, Bua Province.

He reflected on a journey shaped by hardship, sacrifice, and determination.

A representatives from the U.S Navy with Ratu Ligani Bulidreketi.

Growing up as the son of a pastor, Ratu Ligani said his childhood was marked by constant movement across different parts of Fiji, exposing him to diverse cultures and ways of life.

His early years were spent in remote areas like the Nausori Highlands, where there was no electricity or running water, and daily life depended on farming and natural resources.

He later experienced life in urban areas and outer islands such as Cicia in Lau, where the ferry arrived only once a month and daily routines included fishing, farming, and household chores.

Despite the challenges, those experiences taught him discipline, resilience, and an appreciation for simple living.

One of the most defining moments of his life came during his high school years in Levuka, when he lost his mother.

“She was our anchor, everything to us,” he said.

The loss forced him to grow up quickly, taking on greater responsibility while coping with grief.

He credits his faith and family values for helping him navigate that difficult period.

Instead of pursuing tertiary education immediately after school, Ratu Ligani made the decision to join the Fiji Navy to support his family. It was there that his passion for the ocean grew stronger and where his journey into diving began.

He served six years in the Fiji Naval Division and was given the opportunity to represent Fiji in the USA, where he earned his initial diving qualification. Ab achievement he said made him proud of how far he had come.

Determined to push further, he later returned to the USA and started from the ground up, eventually joining the USA Navy.

After completing boot camp and training, he was posted to Japan, where he continued to excel and was recognised as Plane Captain of the Year.

But his biggest achievement came when he returned to diving and was pinned as a USA Navy diver.

He said that along with is diving mate, Ratu Tuvitu Damudamu, they became the first two Fijians from the Fiji Naval Division to attend USA Navy dive school and earn their second-class diving qualification.

Ratu Ligani said the moment of being pinned brought everything full circle.

Ratu Ligani Bulidreketi with his dive buddy Ratu Tuvitu Damudamu.

“It reminded me of where I started, the sacrifices along the way, and the faith that carried me through,” he said.

He acknowledged the role of the Fiji Navy diving team in shaping his journey.

They played a crucial role in building his discipline, resilience and ability to adapt.

“They molded me and shaped me to withstand any situation, especially in diving.

I’ll never forget where I began my diving career,” he said.

Looking back, Ratu Ligani said his journey—from remote village life to international military service has taught him that back-ground does not define one’s future.

He hopes his story will inspire others, especially young people from rural and humble beginnings, to stay disciplined, remain grounded in their values, and take opportunities even when they seem uncertain.

“Where you start does not define where you can end up,” he said. “If I can do it, then it’s possible for others too.”