The Commander of Australian Army 1st Division, Major General Justin (Jake) Ellwood made an official visit at the Headquarter of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to meet with the Commander RFMF, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto on Tuesday, 02 July 2019 before visiting the Land Force Command Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Vatimeo Leva at Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
The Purpose of his visit is to strengthen military ties between the Australian Defence Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Major General Justin Ellwood was greeted with a quarter guards at the RFMF Headquarters upon his arrival. He later had a dialogue with the commander RFMF for future plans in regards to military issues.
Major General Ellwood later was accorded a Fijian Traditional Welcoming Ceremony at the Officers’ Mess by RFMF Officers’ and Senior Non-Commission Officers’ (SNCO). The ADF General told Officers and SNCO’s after traditional welcoming ceremony that the Australian Army Defence Force are looking forward to work side by side with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Major General Ellwood added that whenever he talks to ADF soldiers in a high level discussion, they would express enthusiasm about the idea of coming to Fiji to work with the Fijian soldiers and at vice versa they loved to have the Fijian soldiers in Australia.
“I had spoken to your Commander today about the very fact to bring the amazing ability towards a relationship that our soldiers could really learn from, and throughout my career I would advise you, when you work beside Australian soldiers and officers, to help mentor them up along the journey and impart some skills of you”, the ADF 1st Division Army Commander stated.
The Land Force Command Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Leva presented Major General Justin Ellwood a plaque on behalf of the Commander Land Force as a token of appreciation for his visit to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
