Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Communitywork
Keyskillsexperience
Hobbies and Interests
Training
Languages
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Ametisi Fonokalafi

Nukualofa,Tonga

Summary

I have worked in the Military Defence space for twenty years, particularly on naval command, patrol boat and operational leadership, law enforcement and public service policy development. I am also an entrepreneur, specializing in harvesting and marketing local crops. As well as repairing and painting vehicles and coordinating procurement of second-hand vehicles and automotive parts from international sources. I am particularly passionate about pushing myself to reach my full potential and motivating young people to utilize their talent.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operations Officer

Tonga Royal Navy
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
07.2021 - Current
  • Planned and executed all naval operations
  • Advised CC Navy on operational planning and intelligence matters
  • Managed operational procedures, administration, and budget recommendations
  • Drafted and distributed operational orders (OPORDs)
  • Ensured operational readiness and alignment with HMAF and Navy missions
  • Oversaw training and skill maintenance for personnel
  • Coordinated naval unit manning and maintenance
  • Maintained liaison with HMAF JOC for joint operations.

Entrepreneur & Business Owner

FONO Panel and Paint
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
01.2010 - Current
  • Established and currently manage a small business specializing in automotive renovation, panel beating, and paint services.
  • Successfully expanded the client base to include government secondhand vehicles and large corporate clients.
  • Provide maintenance services, including panel beating and painting, for private and government vehicles, as well as handling certain insurance-related jobs.

Commanding Officer (Captain)

HMAF Pacific Class Patrol Boat
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
12.2015 - 07.2021
  • Ensured the operational readiness and safety of the ship
  • Managed overall operations and administration of HMAF vessels
  • Conducted emergency drills and maintained lifesaving equipment
  • Monitored professional development and navigational safety
  • Led operations including boarding, search and rescue, and maritime surveillance
  • Compiled monthly reports and maintained ship’s mechanical integrity.

Executive Officer (2nd In Charge)

HMAF Pacific Class Patrol Boat
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
01.2008 - 12.2015
  • Managed discipline, training, organization, and morale of the crew
  • Oversaw ship’s administration, training coordination, and operational efficiency
  • Ensured safety measures, security, and ceremonial duties were upheld.

Navigation Officer (2nd In Charge)

HMAF Pacific Class Patrol Boat
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
10.2011 - 01.2014
  • Planned navigation, conducted watchkeeping, and managed navigational charts
  • Ensured safety and accuracy in navigation and maintained logs.

3rd Officer

MV Otuanga’ofa (FISA)
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
11.2011 - 12.2012
  • Navigation watch - monitor the vessel's position and assist in navigation, ensuring the safe passage of the ferry.
  • Safety and emergency preparedness - managing safety equipment, such as lifeboats, firefighting gear, and safety drills.
  • Cargo and deck operations - assist with the loading and unloading of cargo.

Junior Officer Under Training

Tonga Royal Navy
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
05.2002 - 06.2005
  • Served as an officer trainee, where I learned about military life and performed basic duties.

Education

Master of Military and Defence Studies (International Policy) -

Australian Defence College
01.2023

Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context Residential Course -

01.2022

South Pacific Commanding Officers Course -

01.2015

National Fisheries Officers Surveillance Course -

01.2014

Combined Defence Intelligence Research and Analysis Course -

01.2014

Intermediate Navigation Course 41 -

01.2011

South Pacific Officers Course -

01.2009

South Pacific Executive Officers Course -

01.2009

South Pacific Junior Officers Course -

01.2007

Small Ship Navigation Course -

01.2006

Marine Radio Operator Course -

01.2004

New Entry Officers Course (RAN) -

01.2003

Tonga High School Form 7 – New Zealand Bursaries -

01.2001

Skills

  • Ship Handling
  • Operational Processes
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Technical Aptitude
  • Analytical Abilities
  • Navigation
  • Naval Operations
  • Customer Service
  • Consultation
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Negotiation Tactics
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Project Management
  • Administrative Abilities
  • Attention to Detail
  • Organizational Skills
  • Collaborative Skills
  • Language Proficiency

Accomplishments

  • Promoted to Lieutenant Commander, 2021
  • Promoted to Lieutenant, 2014
  • Commissioned as Ensign and Officer of HMAF, 2005

Communitywork

Active member of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga

Keyskillsexperience

  • Ship Handling: extensive experience with strong analytical skills.
  • Operational Processes: Proficient in operational procedures and regulatory compliance.
  • Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong technical aptitude and analytical abilities, particularly in navigation and naval operations.
  • Customer Service & Consultation: High-level customer service and consultation abilities, with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Negotiations & Marketing: Skilled in negotiation tactics and marketing strategies, effectively promoting and managing projects.
  • Administrative Skills: Strong administrative abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Organizational & Collaborative: Highly organized and effective in collaborative environments.
  • Language Proficiency: Fluent in written and spoken English and Tongan.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Farming yam, cassava, taro, and other Tongan crops for export to New Zealand and Australia.
  • Entrepreneurship – working in my workshop “FONO Panel Beating and Paint” – automotive repair, panel beating and paint.

Training

  • Western Pacific Naval Symposium Short Term Exchange Program for Officer Of the Next Generation, 2021
  • Emergency Operations Centre Training and Desktop Exercise Workshop, Jul 2014
  • Western Pacific Naval Symposium Short Term Exchange Program for Officer Of the Next Generation, 2009

Languages

English
Professional
Tonga
Native/ Bilingual

Affiliations

  • Participate and true believer of Christ

Certification

  • Work Health & Safety General Construction
  • Asbestos Awareness
  • 10830NAT Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Operations Officer

Tonga Royal Navy
07.2021 - Current

Commanding Officer (Captain)

HMAF Pacific Class Patrol Boat
12.2015 - 07.2021

3rd Officer

MV Otuanga’ofa (FISA)
11.2011 - 12.2012

Navigation Officer (2nd In Charge)

HMAF Pacific Class Patrol Boat
10.2011 - 01.2014

Entrepreneur & Business Owner

FONO Panel and Paint
01.2010 - Current

Executive Officer (2nd In Charge)

HMAF Pacific Class Patrol Boat
01.2008 - 12.2015

Junior Officer Under Training

Tonga Royal Navy
05.2002 - 06.2005

Master of Military and Defence Studies (International Policy) -

Australian Defence College

Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context Residential Course -

South Pacific Commanding Officers Course -

National Fisheries Officers Surveillance Course -

Combined Defence Intelligence Research and Analysis Course -

Intermediate Navigation Course 41 -

South Pacific Officers Course -

South Pacific Executive Officers Course -

South Pacific Junior Officers Course -

Small Ship Navigation Course -

Marine Radio Operator Course -

New Entry Officers Course (RAN) -

Tonga High School Form 7 – New Zealand Bursaries -

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Ametisi Fonokalafi