
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ
March 9, 2025
๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ
March 12, 2025The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Divisionโs newly commissioned vessel, FNS Timo, made a significant and historic visit to the island of Nayau in the Lau Group. This visit was part of a traditional protocol to honor the late Able Seaman (AB) Timo Puamau, after whom the ship has been named. AB Timo Puamau, is a native of Nayau.
Leading the delegation was Commander RFMF, Major General Jone Kalouniwai, accompanied by several senior officers, including Captain (Navy) Lepani Vaniqi, the RFMF Director of Finance, Logistics & Acquisition. Their presence highlighted the significance of the occasion, highlighting the militaryโs deep respect for tradition and the sacrifices of its personnel.
Under the command of Lieutenant Commander Madanavosa, FNS Timo arrived off the coast of Nayau at approximately 0500 hours on Thursday morning. As the sun rose, the crew swiftly began preparations for the Cere, a revered Fijian ceremony that welcomes visiting ships to the island. The traditional ceremony, conducted with full honor and respect, set the tone for a day filled with solemn remembrance and joyous celebration.
Upon arrival, Major General Kalouniwai was welcomed according to full traditional Fijian protocol, a mark of respect not only for the military but also for the deep cultural ties between the island and the RFMF. The people of Nayau gathered in great numbers to witness and participate in the momentous occasion, proud to host a military delegation of such high rank for the first time in their history.
A key highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a monument dedicated to AB Timo Puamau, a tribute to his life, service, and enduring legacy. Major General Kalouniwai unveiled the monument followed by a minute of silence in honor of AB Timo PUAMAU. As the bugler sounded the last post, the sound of the bugle echoed across the village grounds as the whole village stood still in honor of the fallen sailor. Some of the village elders could not hold back their tears as a sense of pride dawned upon them signing praises for the RFMF for recognizing the contribution of one of their own.
For Nayau, the visit was a historic milestoneโthe first time a military ship named after one of its own had visited, and the first time a formal military ceremony was conducted on the island. It was a moment of pride, as the island community celebrated the recognition of one of their own in such a prestigious manner.
Beyond the ceremonial aspect, the presence of FNS Timo on Nayau symbolized a broader messageโthe commitment of the RFMF to honoring its heroes, fostering strong ties with Fijiโs outer islands, and ensuring that the contributions of its service members are never forgotten. The ship, now an integral part of the Fijian Naval fleet, will carry the name of AB Timo Puamau across the Pacific, continuing his legacy in every mission it undertakes.
As FNS Timo sailed away from Nayau, the islanders bid farewell with pride and gratitude, knowing that their sonโs name and legacy would forever be etched in the annals of Fijiโs naval history. The visit reaffirmed the enduring connection between the RFMF, its naval forces, and the people of Fiji, strengthening bonds of loyalty, service, and respect for generations to come.