RFMF troops serving under the Multinational Force Observers (MFO) mission in Sinai hosted a morning tea for their US Battalion (US Batt) comrades on the 31st of May, 2022 at the MFO South base camp.

The traditional occasion is known as the ‘Fiji Time morning tea’ is a well-kept event between the two forces in Sinai. It represents and re-affirms their legacy of the partnership while serving alongside each other as peacekeepers under the MFO mission.

Speaking during the event, the Fiji Battalion (Fiji Batt) 40 Commanding-Officer Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt-Col) Vakatale acknowledged the presence of the US Battalion and reaffirmed the strong and respectful relationship forged by the two forces.

“The Fiji Time Morning Tea event symbolizes the unique spirits, cultures, and respect we have for each other as members of the MFO South Battalion. It also helps to reaffirm the work relations, trust, and esprit de corps handed over to us from our predecessors.” Lt-Col Vakatale said.

Lt-Col Vakatale also presented gifts to the US Batt Commanding Officer Lt-Col William Ault and his Command Sergeant-Major Charles Trophe on behalf of the Fiji Battalion.

In addition to this, in recognition of individual exceptional performance for the month of May, Lt-Col Ault had the honours of presenting two special awards to Sergeant N.Nairoti the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month, and Corporal S. Delana who was awarded the soldier of the month award.

Lt-Col Ault congratulated the award recipients and thanked Lt-Col Vakatale for hosting the event.

Source – RFMF