𝐅𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐮: 𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division’s 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 military’s 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 milestone—the 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 message—the commitment of the RFMF to honoring its heroes, fostering strong ties with Fiji’s 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 son’s name and legacy would forever be etched in the annals of Fiji’s 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.