A senior Royal Australian Navy officer of Tongan heritage has been promoted to the rank of captain, marking a milestone for Pacific representation in Australia’s military leadership.

Commander Rose Apikotoa received her new rank at a ceremony in Canberra on 29 January, becoming the first Australian of Tongan descent to achieve the position. She most recently served as Commanding Officer of HMAS Moreton and is expected to begin a new role in Canberra as Chief of Staff to the Head of Military Personnel within Defence’s People Group.

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley described her as “one of the real leaders for quite a significant number of people in our Navy from all parts of the Pacific family”, praising both her professional achievements and wider contributions.

The ceremony was attended by family members, colleagues and Tonga’s Acting High Commissioner to Australia, Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, and included prayers from a Tongan-born Navy chaplain and cultural performances from a local Tongan group.

Captain Apikotoa said her Tongan upbringing had shaped the values guiding her leadership, adding that Tonga “will always have a special place in my heart” despite being raised in Australia.

Her naval career has spanned maritime warfare roles across several Australian ships and senior shore appointments, alongside mentoring programmes supporting women in defence and Pacific youth development initiatives.

The promotion comes amid deepening defence ties between Australia and Tonga, reflecting growing regional cooperation and the increasing visibility of Pacific personnel in senior military roles.