RFMF Strengthens Defence Partnership With Nevada National Guard

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is strengthening its long-standing defence partnership with the Nevada National Guard (NVNG) following a recent visit by RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai Logavatu to the United States.

Major General Kalouniwai visited Nevada from September 3 to 8, 2026, as part of the Fiji-Nevada State Partnership Programme, which was established in 2019.

The visit provided an opportunity for the RFMF Commander to engage with senior Nevada National Guard leaders and observe military and civilian programmes covering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-narcotics operations, unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligence and surveillance, and personnel and family welfare.

During the visit, Major General Kalouniwai toured the Nevada Office of Emergency Management, Nevada National Guard Joint Operations Centre, Youth Challenge Academy, veterans’ facilities and aviation capabilities.

He also visited the United States Air Force Warfare Centre in Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Discussions between the two forces focused on emerging security challenges, including transnational crime and illicit drugs.

The Nevada National Guard also shared its experience in coordinating military capabilities with civilian agencies during emergencies and natural disasters.

The RFMF is expected to explore opportunities to strengthen its own humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities through further cooperation with the Nevada National Guard.

The two sides also discussed expanding joint training, exercises and professional exchanges, including greater participation by RFMF personnel in regional and Nevada National Guard exercises.

Another area of focus was the professional development of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

Potential leadership and professional development programmes could help strengthen the leadership capacity of NCOs serving within the RFMF Territorial Force Brigade.

Discussions also covered opportunities for technical cooperation in unmanned aerial vehicle operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in support of counter-narcotics operations.

The visit also placed significant emphasis on the welfare of military personnel and their families.

Major General Kalouniwai was briefed on the Nevada National Guard’s Family Readiness Programme, which provides support to families of service members during domestic and overseas deployments.

He also observed programmes supporting children and young people from military families.

At the Youth Challenge Academy, he was briefed on programmes focused on discipline, leadership, education and character development.

The RFMF Commander also visited veterans’ facilities and received an overview of programmes supporting rehabilitation, recovery and long-term wellbeing.

The Nevada National Guard has also indicated its willingness to support the RFMF in strengthening psychological services.

A potential deployment of a psychology team to the Joint Task Force Command is being explored, with the proposed support focusing on counselling and monitoring personnel before and after deployments.

The initiative would complement efforts to strengthen mental health and welfare support for RFMF personnel.

The visit concluded with both forces reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation, training, professional exchanges and capability development.

The Fiji-Nevada partnership continues to provide opportunities for both forces to share expertise and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including disaster response, security, leadership development and personnel welfare.