NZDF Help Bring Back Fallen Peacekeeper WO1 Vatoga Home
WO1 Vatoga will be entitled to a COVID-19 compliant military funeral tomorrow in his village of Togobula, Nadroga.
The coffin of the late WO1 Vatoga carried aboard the Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft by carriers from the New Zealand Defense Force on Wednesday 02 June 2021.
On May 13, 2021, the regimental sergeant major of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, WO 1 Amenisitai Vatoga tragically died of natural causes unrelated to COVID-19.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Headquarters and UNDOF Headquarters worked together to facilitate the return of WO 1 Vatoga’s remains to Fiji. It was difficult, given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated complications inherent in traveling in these uncertain times.
The coffin containing WO 1 Vatoga’s remains arrived in Auckland, New Zealand on May 31, 2021. The RFMF had asked the Royal New Zealand Defense Forces (RNZDF) to help it receive the fire. WO 1 Vatoga as he was unaccompanied due to COVID. -19 travel restrictions. The RNZDF not only provided an official military reception upon his arrival, they offered to hand over the late adjutant
Vatoga’s house.
WO 1 Vatoga’s final return trip ended this afternoon when an RNZDF C-130 Hercules aircraft landed in Nadi, accompanied by RNZDF porters. A transfer to the RFMF was made at Nadi Airport, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.
Coffin of the late WO1 Vatoga flanked by members of the Royal New Zeland Defense Force as he prepares to leave New Zealand on his final return trip.
RFMF Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto expressed his gratitude and deep gratitude to the RNZDF for its support.
“It is always difficult for me to receive a fallen soldier, who died in a foreign land. As Commander, my thoughts are with his family. As much as we can facilitate it, given the global pandemic, we try to get them home on their last trip to our shores, in a manner with dignity and with the respect that should be accorded to a soldier who has gave his life in the service of world peace.
“The large RFMF family is grateful to the RNZDF for its support, including the New Zealand High Commission in Suva and the Royal New Zealand Defense Force Advisor’s Office. The cooperation between RFMF and RNZDF to bring our comrade home to his family in a dignified and honorable manner is a welcome respite from this pandemic. “
WO1 Vatoga will be entitled to a COVID-19 compliant military funeral tomorrow in his village of Togobula, Nadroga. He is survived by his wife, Losana Vatoga, of Vadravadra, Gau.
The RFMF appreciates the public’s support and prayers for the Fijian troops serving in the Middle East and the families of all fallen peacekeepers. We call on the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the families of those affected by this tragedy.