The Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Success is currently in Rabaul, East New Britain, as part of Indo Pacific Endeavour 2018 (IPE18) – Australia’s major annual maritime activity in the region.
Indo Pacific Endeavour is an Australian Defence Force Joint Task Group deployment to promote security and stability in the region, through engagement, training and capacity building.
In Rabaul, personnel visited schools and health facilities to carry out repairs, maintenance work and provide medical support to local communities.
The Commanding Officer of HMAS Success, Commander Grant Zilko, noted the significance of the visit to Rabaul: “HMAS Success is delighted to represent the Indo-Pacific Endeavour Task Group in Papua New Guinea.
“Over the coming days we look forward to working alongside communities in Rabaul to carry out repair and maintenance work and general improvements at key education and health facilities,” Commander Zilko said.
“This is the Royal Australian Navy’s second visit to Papua New Guinea in two years under the Indo Pacific Endeavour banner, demonstrating the value we place on the long standing defence relationship between our two nations, a relationship that has been forged through our shared history and close geography.”
Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Caitlin Wilson, joined provincial leaders and the community to welcome HMAS Success and its personnel.
“The Papua New Guinea Australia Defence Cooperation is one of our largest globally. This reflects the broader PNG Australia Partnership for growth, development, stability and security,” Ms Wilson said.
“In the last 12 months, our two Defence forces were at the forefront of relief efforts following the devastating earthquake. Looking ahead, we look forward to the partnership delivering a safe and secure APEC 2018.”
The arrival of HMAS Success in Rabaul makes Papua New Guinea the only country in the world to receive consecutive visits under the Indo Pacific Endeavour. HMAS Adelaide stopped over in Port Moresby last year as part of IPE17.
(Deputy High Commissioner Caitlin Wilson addressing the crew of HMAS Success who have been carrying out repair and maintenance work at key health and education facilities in Rabaul)
