Establishing a navy is a complex and strategic undertaking that requires careful planning and a phased implementation. Each stage of this process is crucial, beginning with a thorough preparation phase that lays a solid foundation. This initial stage ensures that subsequent steps are not only effective, but also perfectly aligned with the nation’s broader objectives, fostering a cohesive and resilient maritime force.
Commander Brown, who was appointed by government as Navy liaison officer and Commander of the Royal Fiji Military Forces, Colonel Paul Manueli, were the architects for the establishment of Fiji Navy Squadron. Due to the immediate need for the protection of Fiji’s EEZ, the fourth Navy was established as a maritime wing for the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
The desire for a maritime force
Upon their return from their deployment to Christmas Island in mid-20th century, the Fiji Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (FRNVR) was disbanded. This marked a significant turning point in Fiji’s maritime history. In its aftermath, the Fiji Navy Association was founded to manage administrative affairs for former members of the FRNVR. Despite this transition, the members and supporters remained hopeful that the FRNVR might one day be revived or that a formal maritime force for Fiji would be established anew. Their enduring optimism reflected a strong desire to preserve and rebuild Fiji’s naval traditions and maritime capabilities.
The Brown family acquired a vessel that was formerly owned by Queen Salote of the Kingdom of Tonga. Captain Brown, an experienced and respected mariner, helmed the ship which was named Maroro a Kiribati name meaning ‘flying fish’, symbolising agility and grace. This vessel served a dual purpose: it offered luxurious cruises to tourist’s eager to experience the beauty of fire walking at Beqa Island and other tourist attraction sites. The vessel also provided reliable chartered transportation for various government undertakings within Fiji’s maritime islands.
Training
The Maroro Cruise and Charter Services served as a vital training vessel, a floating classroom where the seamanship skills of members from the now disbanded FRNVR were polished and preserved. The vessel similar to the inter-island vessel AK Taikabara was more than just a ship, the Maroro became a symbol of hope and future envisioned – a training ground for the sons of Fiji Navy, fueling the dream of a dedicated maritime force for the island nation.
Commander Brown visited industrial workshops in search of former FRNVR sailors to sign on as sailors for his cruise and charter vessel. Elderly FRNVR members sent their sons to replace them as sailors for AK Maroro. Among those who sailed onboard Maroro was the late Peniasi Babale Sokosoko, a young man whose dedication and skill propelled him to become a Lieutenant Commander in the Fourth Navy. In his collection, LCDR Sokosoko reminisced his senlistment as a crew member of Maroro Cruises and Charter Services.
“The first time I met this gentleman from Great Britain and his wife Gene Brown, was during a school holiday in 1963. My father took me to the Slipway at Walu Bay where Commander Brown’s vessel, berthed (current location of naval base). I felt a sense of pride and excitement as I met my schoolmates from Suva Methodist Boys School, who were cadets aboard the vessel. As I set foot on the deck, the signal to prepare for departure was sounded. Commander Brown pointed at me, then pointed at the wheel in the wheelhouse. I was frustrated and took a glance at Ratu Lauwa Bainimarama who then told me to climb the ladder, into the Bridge and prepare to steer the vessel as a helmsman. That was the beginning of my naval career.”
Another key figure in this formative journey was Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, the son of Inoke Bainimarama, a former FRNVR member. Even as a student at Marist High School, he eagerly seized every opportunity to serve, dedicating weekends and school holidays to seamanship training. His unwavering commitment gradually paved a steadfast path toward leadership and service. Ultimately, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama rose to become the Commander of the Fiji Navy, then the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. His leadership and dedication culminated in his election as the Prime Minister of Fiji following the 2014 General Election, marking a remarkable journey from a young trainee to the nation’s top leader.
Former members of the FRNVR who served onboard the vessel Maroro were enlisted into the Fiji Navy, carrying with them their valuable experience and maritime skills. Their sons faced the official military recruitment process, embarking on their own journeys to serve and uphold the nation’s naval traditions.
Preparation for establishment
The United Nations’ decision to establish the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), coupled with the urgent need to safeguard Fiji’s valuable maritime resources, left limited time for the rapid establishment of Fiji’s fourth maritime force, pressing the nation to act swiftly to secure its maritime sovereignty. The Fiji Navy Association’s aspirations for the development of Fiji’s maritime force were seamlessly integrated into Ratu Mara’s broader vision which resulted in the establishment of a robust and self-reliant naval presence for the nation, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Fiji’s maritime security and maritime identity.
Driven by the urgent necessity to establish a robust maritime defense, the Fiji Navy was formed as a dedicated maritime wing within the Royal Fiji Military Forces under Cap 81 for the defense of Fiji’s EEZ. It promptly assumed its vital roles and responsibilities within Fiji’s EEZ, operating in accordance with the provisions outlined in Fiji’s Marine Spaces Act Cap 158A and Fisheries Act, safeguarding the nation’s waters and maritime interests with steadfast determination.
Some members of the Royal Fiji Military Forces regular force with the likes of Isireli Tamanitoakula, Sakenasa Sauvoli Rokovucago, Watisoni R. Nakabea, Epineri Sake, Koli Rakoroi, Vanavasa Vakacegu and some others were transferred to the navy squadron to strengthen its ranks and capabilities. The permanent secretary for Home Affairs in 1975, Mosese Buadromo encouraged civil servants who were originally from Lau to be enlisted into the fourth navy. Sekove Cama and Enele Ma’afu were transferred from Fiji Marine to the Fiji Navy in 1975.
On June, 30 1975, hundreds of interested applicants flocked to Queen Elizabeth Barracks as they vie for a spot in the upcoming navy recruitment. Major Otto Johansen and Commander Stanley Brown were members of the interview panel. The first day of the interview focused on applicants who were older and had naval and seagoing experience while the interview for young applicants followed the next day. Due to the amount of interested applicants, it took one week to complete the interview.
The concept of enlistment for the fourth Navy of Fiji designed by Commander Brown was featured in four categories. First was the enlistment of those who were former naval officers as warrant officers. Then second was the transfer of RFMF regular forces members to occupy the positions of communications officers, clerical staffs, physical training instructors, drivers, gunnery instructors and two commissioned officers. Third was the enlistment of employees from industries including ship captains, mates, boatswain, marine engineer, fitters, riggers, shipwright and electricians. When these positions were occupied at the naval base they were prepared to integrate the fourth category into the force, the new navy recruits.
Names of successful applicants for the first navy recruit was published in The Fiji Times as follows: Viliame Korokorovata, Sakaraia T. Yalimaiwai, Tomasi Tokailagi, John Lee, Inoke Luveni, Meli Debalevu, Duncan Hill, Alipate D. Raqauqau, Jioji Levaci, Inoke Tananumi Driso, Napolioni Vidovi, Josefa Baletanagasau, Viliame Vakaloloma, Kaurasi Taito, Kaminieli Rogo, Mosese Semi, Ilai Koro, Malakai Rarawa, Brian Peter Fisher, George J. Miller, Joeli Bulu, Koliaci Naika, Mark M. Sword, Isikeli Koroimatanibukalevu, Jai N. Lal, David Kutty, Eliesa Matavuso, Joni Soro, Usaia T. Delai, Solomoni George, Inia R. Tikomaimaleya, Iosefo Loka, Ivan K. Maesepp, Teinuku Koau, Poate N. Koroi, Viliame Cikaitoga, Suliano V. Ninokibau, Josaia V. Bainimarama, Vata Lui, Jekope Mualevu, Poese Bale, Enele M. Besetimoala, Samuela Damuni, Nasoni Amanoni, Timoci Ratuniyauravu, and George T. Galuvakadua.
The naval recruits endured the intensive and demanding weeks of training designed by the 1FIR Training Cadre led by Captain Albert Eastgate. The navy recruits were accommodated in their tents located where the present Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess at Queen Elizabeth Barracks is located. Two commissioned officers, Masiverata Lomaloma and David Andrew Lane who had just completed their training at the Sandhurst Military Academy and Sergeant Vanavasa Vakacegu whom the recruits labeled as Rest In Peace (RIP due to the meaning of his Fijian name ‘Vakacegu’) were accommodated with the recruits. The recruits were divided into sections to streamline their daily activities. They were issued their personnel weapon and were taught the safekeeping of weapon drills. During their recruit, they also witnessed the weapon transition from .303 Assault Rifle to the Self Loading Rifle (SLR).
After completing the military training at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, some recruits commenced with their seamanship training on board a Fisheries Department vessel named Tovuto. Some remained at QEB for communications training and two recruits were sent to the Catering School. The Gunnery team conducted Mortar firing lessons at Makuluva Island under Major Bill Masi’s leadership. Prior to the completion the recruitment, the recruits were deployed on a memorable journey on board the New Zealand Ship HMNZS Inverell and the Australian Navy Ship, HMAS Dutches where they assumed the practical phase of their recruitment. The training conducted on board both ships were part of their preparation for the delivery of the two ex-minesweepers from the United States. Two Fiji Navy training officers were Lieutenant Sakaraia Tabua Yalimaiwai and Lieutenant Ed Barret originally from Ireland who was a former crew of the HMS Hydra. He returned to Fiji to join the Fiji Navy when HMS Hydra returned to England.
The recruits completed their grueling weeks of recruitment which culminated with their passing out parade on September 19th, 1975.
In reflecting their days of recruitment, the late Lieutenant Commander Sokosoko recalled recruit Jowhwar Lal’s remarks during the recruitment, that he thought that the intensive training chopped his body like mincemeat.
