Tongan-Australian officer makes history with Navy promotion

Rose Apikotoa has made history as the first Australian of Tongan heritage to be promoted to captain in the Royal Australian Navy.

Captain Apikotoa, who most recently served as Commanding Officer of HMAS Moreton, will soon take up a new post in Canberra as Chief of Staff to the Head of Military Personnel in Defence People Group.

Her promotion, a significant milestone for her career and Pacific representation in senior military leadership, was marked by a ceremony attended by family, colleagues, and Tonga’s Acting High Commissioner to Australia, Curtis Tu'ihalangingie.

Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley, presented Apikotoa with her new rank slide and praised her leadership.

“Rose is not only one of our great leaders, she is one of our great female leaders and undoubtedly one of the real leaders for quite a significant number of people in our Navy from all parts of the Pacific family,” he says.

“Her professional and personal contributions, both in and outside of Navy, support and vindicate Rose’s remarkable career success.”

Captain Rose Apikotoa speaks at her promotion ceremony in Canberra. Photo/Australian Defence Force

The ceremony also featured prayers and blessings from Tongan-born Navy Chaplain Simote Finau and traditional performances from a local Tongan cultural group.

Apikotoa reflects on her cultural heritage and family values. “I am humbled by the support being provided to my promotion by the presence of the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga,” she says.

“Whilst I was born and bred in Australia, my ancestral home of Tonga will always have a special place in my heart.

Listen to the 2024 interview with Rose Apikotoa by John Pulu of PMN Tonga on Facebook.

“Growing up in a Tongan household gave me the morals and collective culture that have contributed to my own leadership style and the values that I live by. My parents worked hard and made great sacrifices for myself and my siblings.”

Her career has spanned maritime warfare roles on several HMA Ships and key shore appointments, including aide-de-camp to the Chief of Defence Force and Deputy Director Navy Intelligence Capability.

Beyond her operational work, Apikotoa mentors women in the Australian Defence Force. She also contributes to Pacific youth programmes with Western Sydney University and Griffith University.

Captain Rose Apikotoa’s story is one of personal achievement and a celebration of heritage, leadership, and paving the way for others in the Pacific community.