REPUBLIC of Fiji Navy Commander, Commodore Timoci Natuva represented Fiji this week at the Milan 2026 and the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Visakhapatnam, India.
The IFR was guided by the theme “United Through Ocean” while the Milan 2026 theme is “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration”.
The two events showcased professional exchange, operational drills and cultural celebrations.
This year’s edition according to IRF and Milan, provided participants with valuable opportunities to share harbour operational insights, hone professional skills at sea, strengthen camaraderie on the sports fields and enhance the richness of Indian culture.
In harbour, the program featured Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and the International Maritime Seminar (IMS), enabling dialogue on shared maritime challenges, opportunities and priorities.
For young officers, activities included cross-deck visits, ship-handling simulator training, damage control and NBC simulator training and demonstration of submarine rescue capabilities by a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV).
The engagements were to strengthen collective ability to generate credible and coordinated responses at sea.
As highlighted by the organiser, during the sea phase, participating units were expected to conduct a wide spectrum of operational drills in multinational groupings – carrier operations, seamanship evolutions, weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare, air defence drills and tactical manoeuvres.
Commodore Natuva joined naval leaders from 74 nations, and participated as a panel speaker at the Maritime Seminar.
Fiji Navy said he shared Fiji’s perspective on the growing challenges of non-traditional maritime threats, including illegal activities at sea, narcotics trafficking and the impacts of climate change on Pacific Island nations.
The Fiji Navy said he also held valuable engagements with senior leaders from the Indian Navy, United States Pacific Fleet, Tonga Navy, PNG Defence Force, France Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy – strengthening partnerships and reinforcing Fiji’s role as a trusted maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Fiji’s participation highlights the Navy’s commitment to protecting its maritime domain and working alongside partners to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient ocean for all.
The event also featured cultural and recreational activities, including sports competitions, tours, social events and the spectacular International City Parade celebrating shared maritime heritage.
