Onboard the Australian defense vessel ADV Reliant, Major Tadio Nariva of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces stands at the helm, surveying the expansive Pacific Ocean. He embodies both the spirit of a soldier and the dedication shared by Pacific nations focused on building a stronger collective response to regional challenges. Major Nariva is a member of the Pacific Response Group (PRG), a unit comprising military and disaster response specialists from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, France, and Australia, which is currently engaged in training ahead of the high-risk weather season.
The mission of the PRG is to develop swift and effective response strategies for natural disasters, including cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Reflecting on this collaborative effort, Major Nariva expressed, “It’s been an incredible experience working alongside our Pacific neighbors. Every day, we learn something new — not just about operations, but about culture, teamwork, and the Pacific family we all belong to.” This statement underscores the profound meaning of collaboration that extends beyond military objectives, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse cultures of the Pacific.
As a father of six and a seasoned veteran of United Nations peacekeeping missions in Iraq and the Golan Heights, Nariva sees the training as both a professional commitment and a personal sacrifice. He understands the strain military life can place on families, which deepens his commitment to the cause.
Three weeks into deployment, Nariva highlights that his most rewarding experiences have come not from tactical exercises but from the friendships forged with fellow officers, often marked by playful exchanges in their respective native languages. This interaction strengthens the relationships among various Pacific cultures, enhancing their collective mission.
Currently stationed in Brisbane, the PRG is slated to relocate to New Zealand in June of the following year. This change is part of a comprehensive plan aimed at bolstering disaster response capabilities in the region, which not only prepares them for immediate challenges but also fosters cooperation and solidarity among nations. The ongoing training initiatives illustrate a proactive stance taken by the Pacific nations in the face of the escalating threats posed by climate change, signaling a hopeful and united effort to protect the future of the region.