Naupoto Officially Hands Over RFMF Leadership To Kalouniwai

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.

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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