Moem Barracks hosts formal handover-takeover parade for Commanding Officers

Moem Barracks 2RPIR, outgoing Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Francis Vitata escorted out of the parade ground by the battalion recon unit in Moem Barracks (NBC News)

The Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment [2RPIR] at Moem Barracks marked a new chapter on Saturday with a handover-takeover parade transitioning command from outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Francis Vitata to incoming Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nick Mariap.

The ceremony brought together representatives from the East Sepik Provincial Government and Administration, the Wewak District Development Authority, disciplinary force partners, bilateral partners, and other stakeholders who have supported the regiment’s operations and development.

In his farewell address, Lieutenant Colonel Vitata thanked the East Sepik Provincial Government and its administration, the Wewak District Development Authority, disciplinary force partners, bilateral partners, and all stakeholders for their continued support to the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment at Moem Barracks.

Lieutenant Colonel Vitata also paid tribute to the soldiers of 2RPIR and their families for their loyalty, dedication, and cooperation throughout his tenure.

He acknowledged the regiment's commitment to duty and encouraged them to extend the same level of support, loyalty, and collaboration to the incoming Commanding Officer.

Meanwhile, incoming Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nick Mariap acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, praising Lieutenant Colonel Vitata's leadership during his tenure as the 27th Commanding Officer of Moem Barracks.

“Sir, you've done well in your tenure as the 27th Commanding Officer for Moem Barracks,” Lieutenant Colonel Mariap said.

Lieutenant Colonel Mariap assured officers and soldiers that he would outline his command directives and leadership philosophy during his first battalion conference parade.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building on the achievements of the outgoing Commanding Officer and pledged to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the regiment.

The Handover-Takeover Parade marked a significant milestone for the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment as it enters a new chapter under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Nick Mariap.