US PROVIDES MOBILITY ASSISTANCE TO RFMF

The donation of 3 Strategic Mobility vehicles from the United States of America to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is an elevated commitment from the US in supporting our UN peacekeeping efforts says Deputy Commander Commodore Humphery Tawake.

“Today, marks another milestone in the Fiji, US relationship and I thank the US for this initiative in supporting RFMF’s peacekeeping efforts. The current fleet of vehicles and those that will arrive later will support and enhance Fiji’s commitment to its UN peacekeeping pledge. These strategic mobility vehicles will provide logistical and rapid response capability in UN missions,” he said.

Commodore Tawake said that the RFMF was grateful for the handover of mobility assets and the visit by the INDOPACOM J5 Major General Chris McPhillips.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the RFMF’s Blackrock Camp in Nadi yesterday, US Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Mr Tony Gruebel said they were happy to provide equipment to the World Class facility at Blackrock as this will expand Fiji’s peacekeeping capacity.

Mr Gruebel added that the historic visit by the US Secretary of State a few weeks ago was a sign of continuing progress of US and Fiji’s bilateral cooperation which will go to new heights in the future.

Fiji and US relationship goes a long way when our soldiers fought alongside each other in the trenches of Europe in World War 1 and again in the jungles of the Pacific in Bougainville and Guadalcanal in World War 2. This was later solidified when in 1984, Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara visited President Ronald Regan in the White House to enhance the relationship and commit Fiji to US global peace initiative.

“Today, our hearts go out to the women and children and Ukrainians that have been affected by Russian invasions. I hope good and sound leadership will prevail.”

This year, RFMF will celebrate 40 years of our participation in the US-led Multinational Force & Observer Mission in Sinai, Egypt.