The Fiji Navy’s 50th anniversary celebration on July 25 was a day of deep national significance and reflection.
The celebration honoured the brave men and women who have responded over the years to the call of the nation with unwavering commitment and steadfast duty in the Republic of Fiji Navy.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who was the chief guest at the celebration, was joined by senior officers of both the Fiji Navy and the Fiji Military Forces, members of the Diplomatic Corps, men and women of the Fiji Navy and their families in celebrating the incredible milestone.
Mr Rabuka, in his address, said Fiji was a maritime nation, an archipelago of more than 330 islands and its vast exclusive economic zone covers over 1.3 million square kilometres – both a blessing and a responsibility.
“The Navy serves as the guardian of our maritime domain, protecting our fisheries, deterring illegal activities, responding to natural disasters and ensuring maritime safety for our people and neighbours,” he said.
“The Fiji Navy is not only a line of defense, it is a force of diplomacy, development, disaster resilience and recovery.
“We live in an era of complex threats – from illegal fishing and transnational crime to the growing impacts of rising sea level and climate change.
“To address these threats, Fiji has embraced regional and international co-operation. We stand should-to-shoulder with partners from the Pacific Islands Forum, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Australia, New Zealand and other allies because our oceans connect us, not divide us.”
Maritime threats are changing.
“Illegal fishing, people and drug trafficking, smuggling and related transnational crime and cyber intrusions into port systems. The Navy of the future must not only be strong at sea, but smart with requisite capabilities.
“Your government envisions an advanced maritime domain awareness with the use of technological solutions.
“The deployment of satellite and drone surveillance; integration into our naval command systems; training in unmanned systems and data-driven operations. We must be a navy that is as nimble in technology as it is in tradition.”
He said Fiji’s Navy does not exist merely to defend borders.
“It exists to protect a Pacific way of life, one of harmony with the ocean, peaceful coexistence with our neighbours and mutual responsibility across the Blue Pacific Continent. As we celebrate Fiji Navy Day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to the vision of a safe, secure and sustainable Blue Pacific.”
The day also marked the pre-launch of the Fiji Navy’s History Book.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the the Fiji Navy’s 50th anniversary celebrations at Walu Bay in Suva last week. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (middle) is joined by Commander (retired) David Lanes (left) and Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts during the Fiji Navy’s 50th anniversary celebrations at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
