Exercise Cartwheel 2025 was officially opened yesterday, 31 October, 2025, by the Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), Major General (Maj-Gen) Lance Okamura, at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Force Training Group (FTG) in Nasinu.

Since its inception, Exercise Cartwheel has evolved into a major multilateral military-to-military training involving the RFMF and partner defence forces from the United States, Tonga, PNG, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The exercise aims to enhance expeditionary readiness and interoperability by developing unit capability to respond effectively to crises and contingencies at the highest levels of training.

The exercise takes its name from ‘Operation Cartwheel’, a World War II campaign launched by Allied Forces in the South West Pacific in 1943. Fiji’s connection to that campaign was marked by the service of its guerrilla scouts and the 1st and 3rd Fiji Infantry Battalions, who fought alongside Allied Forces in the Solomon Islands and Bougainville. Their courage laid the foundation for the enduring partnerships that Exercise Cartwheel continues to honour today.

During the opening address, Maj-Gen Okamura reflected on his visit to Fiji last year, where he met Brigadier General (Brig-Gen) Onisivoro Covunisaqa, Commander Land Forces, and was inspired by two profound words that have since come to define the spirit of Exercise Cartwheel—“Toso Vata,” meaning “Go Together.”

“I was privileged to visit Fiji just a year ago on the beautiful shores of Nadi, where I met my friend and battle partner, Brig-Gen Covunisaqa. He shared with me two simple yet very profound words—‘Toso Vata,’ meaning ‘Go Together,’ Maj-Gen Okamura said.

“These two special words capture the spirit of Exercise Cartwheel and the essence of what we aim to do together. It’s a testament to the enduring commitment of our nations to work together for the future.”

Maj-Gen Okamura highlighted that Exercise Cartwheel continues to strengthen multilateral interoperability in the Pacific theatre, promote tactical cooperation, and reaffirm an 84-year defence partnership rooted since World War II.

“Ex Cartwheel is a reinforcement of our bond forged over 84 years during World War II. Ex Cartwheel is a platform for enhancing multilateral interoperability here in the Pacific theatre. Our focus here is obvious: to promote tactical interoperability and strengthen army-to-army relations,” Maj. Gen. Okumura added.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of collective effort in safeguarding shared values, peace, and regional stability.

“Relationships, friendships, and partnerships—these are the pillars upon which we advance our shared values of freedom, democracy, peace, and security. Together we are stronger, and together we can overcome any challenge. With Exercise Cartwheel, we will only succeed if we go together—‘Toso Vata.’ ” Maj-Gen Okamura said.