By Staff Writer
A New Zealand female naval officer raised most of her life in Samoa received a lifetime surprise with a royal greeting by their Royal Highnesses, Prince and Princess of Wales, while attending the late Queen Elizabeth’s recent passing.
Alberta Moeono-Alaiasa was one of four naval officers who made up a total of only 15 officers from other branches of the New Zealand military to attend the royal funeral.
The New Zealand contingent joined military officers representing other Commonwealth Countries in theguard of honour parade at the funeral.
Alberta Moeono-Alaiasa left Samoa in 2019 after primary education at the Vaivase Primary School where she was a student prefect.
Her college education was at Samoa College and Pesega College.
The young lady’s home villages are Falefa, Tanugamanono, Fasito’o-uta and Tiavea.
She left Samoa in February as a 17 year old in 2019 to further her education in NZ where she decided to join the New Zealand defence force.
Her choice was influenced largely by a family legacy started by her late great grandfather Oscar Meredith who was with the military services.
Her late grandfather Moeono Penitito’s Luafalemana Kolio Alaiasa’s was with the Samoan Police Force for 41 years of service.
Alberta’s three uncles Suafoa Kolio, Leugamafatele Penitito and Loapuu Tavita Moeono matched the elder Moeono’s long service record by joining the Police Force for a combined total of 41 years.
Alberta distinguished her naval pursuits by being presented the Quarterly Best Sailor of the Year award earlier in the year and last August presented the Chief of Defence Force Bravery Award.
The prestigious military distinction was in recognition of the 2 lives she saved during a Covid Isolation incident at a location where she was posted.
The now 21 year old is continuing with her training with the NZ naval force that includes 6 months training coming up soon in Canada to follow a scheduled trip of the Pacific.
