Thousands are expected to turn out in Fiji's capital, Suva, today for the unveiling of a memorial to a New Zealand air base.
RNZAF ground crew work on Singapore flying boat in Laucala Bay hanger, Fiji. Photo: Supplied
The base, at Laucala Bay, housed flying boats nearly 30 years, before becoming the campus for the University of the South Pacific.
A contingent of veterans who served at Laucala Bay ventured out with New Zealand's defence minister, Ron Mark, yesterday to attend the unveiling.
Today at the unveiling, they are expected to be joined by many locals who remember the presence of the RNZAF at Laucala Bay.
Mr Mark and his Fiji counterpart Ratu Inoke Kubuabola paid tribute to the strong historical ties between the two countries when they met yesterday.
Good to meet NZ Defence Minister Ron Mark this afternoon. Reminded of strong historical ties between Fiji and NZ. pic.twitter.com/oRJH4HoH3f
— ratu inoke kubuabola (@InokeRatu) March 22, 2018
The base opened as World War II broke out across the Pacific in the early 1940s, before finally closing as Fiji marched towards independence in 1967.
It was here that the New Zealand Air Force based a squadron of flying boats which conducted missions right across the South Pacific including search and rescues and anti-submarine missions.
Today, a memorial - made from a Sunderland aircraft and representing albatross wings - will be unveiled at the grounds by Mr Mark and Fiji's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama.
