By Navitalai Naivalurua, Fijivillage | 20211302

Mereseini Sokoilagi is the first female naval officer to have completed all formal military and midshipmen training. [Image: Republic of Fiji Navy/ Twitter]

It was a historic day for the Republic of Fiji Navy with the commissioning of their second female naval officer.

Mereseini Sokoilagi is the first female naval officer to have completed all formal military and midshipmen training to the standard required of her to be warranted the rank of Ensign.

Sokoilagi who is from Naloto, Verata in Tailevu attended Adi Cakobau School before graduating from the Fiji National University.

She joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2019 for her officer’s training and after two years she attained both her Officer of the Watch Course and later the Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto says Sokoilagi will now be the lone female naval officer in the Fiji Navy as they had just farewelled the late Lieutenant Commander Silipa Kubuabola just a week ago.

Naupoto also reminded Sokoilagi and other Navy officers about the three pillars they should uphold which are loyalty to the institution, courage when faced with adversity and confidence in their good conduct.

Sokoilagi is now posted onboard the patrol boat RFNS Savenaca as an Assistant Navigating Officer.