The Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Naval Division, successfully executed a four-day Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise on Dravuni Island, Kadavu, from Monday, 14 July, to Thursday, 17 July 2025.

A three-ship naval task group was deployed from Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay, led by RFNS Volasiga and supported by the Guardian-class patrol boats RFNS Savenaca and RFNS Timo.

En route to Dravuni, the task group carried out a series of maritime drills, including patrol formation maneuvers, communications checks, and maritime security procedures. These exercises were designed to strengthen unit coordination and maintain operational readiness.

Upon arrival and anchorage off Dravuni Village, the HADR scenario commenced. Naval personnel disembarked to conduct reconnaissance operations, secure designated food distribution zones, and assess simulated post-disaster damage within the village environment.

While shore-based activities were underway, RFNS Timo conducted live-firing exercises in designated open-sea areas to maintain crew proficiency in naval gunnery. Simultaneously, RFNS Volasiga proceeded with hydrographic survey operations to update maritime navigation data for the surrounding waters.

The exercise provided a critical opportunity to enhance the Navy’s disaster response capability, inter-agency coordination, and readiness to deliver timely assistance to remote maritime communities during emergencies.