Fiji Sun

Cape Champs Home

It is tradition that the youngest navy is bestowed the honour of wearing the commander’s uniform.

- Grace Narayan

WELCOME HOME CHAMPS... Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor with members of the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rugby tean and officials at the Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on December 12, 2018. The team was well received by Fijian fans, families and friends on arrival. After winning in Cape Town last weekend, the team now looks forward to the next challenge in Hamilton, New Zealand (January 26-27, 2019) and Sydney, Australia (February

1-3, 2019).

As the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Navy marks the festive season, it also celebrated one of its old traditions at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva. RFMF Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake said on the day they would appoint the youngest person in the navy to be Commander for the Day.

That privilege was bestowed on 18-year-old Sekope Halapuleag­a Yaqona. Commander of the Day Yaqona told Fiji Sun yesterday the announceme­nt caught him by surprise.

“I was shocked and could not believe the big news, but I was really happy and proud to wear the Commander’s uniform,” he said. “I had some decisions to make for the day and it has been a big lesson on my part.”

Mr Yaqona hails from Tubou, Lakeba, and had attended Ratu Finau College in Tubou.

After completing his studies at Ratu Finau College last year he applied to join the RFMF Naval Division.

“I was lucky to be chosen and attended the 14 weeks of training before I finally graduated and joined the Navy in May this year,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Yaqona would like one day to wear the Commander’s uniform again and lead the RFMF Naval Division.

 ?? Photo: Waisea Nasokia ??
Photo: Waisea Nasokia
 ?? Photo: Ronald Kumar ?? From left: Major Ilaitia Tuwere, Commander of the Day, Sekove Yaqona and Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake cutting the cake during the celebratio­n at Stanley Brown Naval Base, Walu Bay, Suva, on December 12, 2018.
Photo: Ronald Kumar From left: Major Ilaitia Tuwere, Commander of the Day, Sekove Yaqona and Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake cutting the cake during the celebratio­n at Stanley Brown Naval Base, Walu Bay, Suva, on December 12, 2018.
 ?? Photo: Ronald Kumar ?? Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy personnel during their Christmas and New Year celebratio­ns at Stanley Brown Naval base in Walu Bay, Suva, on December 12, 2018.
Photo: Ronald Kumar Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy personnel during their Christmas and New Year celebratio­ns at Stanley Brown Naval base in Walu Bay, Suva, on December 12, 2018.

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