Onboard the Australian defense vessel ADV Reliant, Major Tadio Nariva of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces gazes across the vast Pacific, embodying both the spirit of a soldier and the commitment of Pacific nations towards a united effort in enhancing regional resilience. Major Nariva is part of the Pacific Response Group (PRG), a collaborative team composed of military and disaster response experts from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, France, and Australia, which is training in anticipation of the upcoming high-risk weather season.
The PRG aims to establish swift and effective response mechanisms for natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Major Nariva reflects on the significance of this initiative, stating, “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 sentiment captures the essence of the collaboration, fostering unity beyond military strategic objectives.
Nariva, a father of six and a veteran of United Nations peacekeeping missions in Iraq and the Golan Heights, views the mission as both a professional endeavor and a personal sacrifice. With much of his career spent away from home, he understands the challenges faced by military families and embodies the dedication required for national service.
Three weeks into the deployment, Nariva emphasizes that his most valuable lessons come not from military exercises, but from the camaraderie shared with fellow officers—often enjoying light-hearted exchanges in their native languages, reinforcing the bond among diverse Pacific cultures.
The Pacific Response Group is currently stationed in Brisbane and is scheduled to move to New Zealand in June next year. This transition is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional disaster response capabilities, which not only boosts operational readiness but also promotes inter-nation cooperation and solidarity. The ongoing training exemplifies a proactive approach taken by Pacific nations as they confront the rising threat of climate change and its related disasters, signaling a hopeful and united stance towards safeguarding the region’s future.