PNGDF

In 2014, the PNGDF Casa P2-502 was due for a Major Calendar Servicing in Bandung, Indonesia. On completion of the servicing, two major issues prevented the timely return of the engine.

Firstly, due to the lack of funds available, and secondly, proper paperwork for the custom declaration was not completed with PNG Customs.

The situation remained for the last 7 years until earlier this year when the Indonesian Military and Government stepped in to assist with the return of the engine.

NAC did not have enough land to build the new terminal building for Vanimo Airport, hence the trade – off agreement was negotiated two weeks ago which resulted in the PNGDF transferring a 10, 000 square metre portion of its land to NAC.

This is in exchange for the refurbishment of PNGDF’s existing offices, accommodation, mess, ablution facilities and sewer systems at a cost of K3 million.

The elevation in the rank of Commodore Philip Polewara, Deputy Chief of the PNGDF from Captain (Navy) took place at the military headquarters, Murray Barracks. 

Commodore Polewara is from Vunapope, Kokopo, East New Britain Province. In 1986, he graduated from the Defense Force Academy as an army second Lieutenant then the following year in 1987, he underwent the conversion and became a naval officer. A career path he has pursued to this day.

The signing took place today at the PNGDF Headquarters at Murray Barracks, Commander Brigadier General Albert Toropo signed on behalf of the force, whilst PNGDF Secretary Hari John Akipe signed on behalf of the Government and the Hela Provincial Administrator William Bando signed representing the Hela Provincial Government. Hela Governor Philip Undialu and Minister for Defence Saki Soloma witnessed the signing.

The PNGDF engineers were in the province under the Government’s sanctioned project, the Madang-Baiyer road.

They operate out of Iome in Middle Ramu and Songaram in the Madang district.

Governor Yama clarified that the involvement of PNGDF engineers in the COVID-19 with the Response Team is not illegal as claimed.

He said it is the same arrangement in which the PNGDF element have in the last rotation where they were used for the natural disaster during the Manam Island volcano relief effort.

The ship was welcomed by the PNGDF Military Band before a tour of the ship was given to VIPs and the media.

The JS Sazanami will depart Port Moresby on Saturday.

JS Sazanami arrived this morning for a three-day friendship and goodwill call at Port Moresby, where the crew was welcomed by the PNGDF Military Band.

The band was trained in the past two years, by JICA music experts and the Japan ground self-defense force music training.

Sazanami means ripples of wave in Japanese, and this is its first visit to PNG after it’s commissioned in 2005.

In a press briefing today, PNGDF and National Disaster officials gave media an update of the logistics currently on ground in the disaster area.

The PNGDF Commander, Gilbert Toropo, verified that the PNGDF has been on ground since the initial deployment team was sent in on Sunday after the eruption.

As of today, twenty six troops with a medical and communications team have been deployed from Lae with a naval ship currently in Madang to assist with the ferrying of relief supplies by authorities.

This year, the training has been modified to take into account the main leader’s week this November for APEC 2018.

Involving six vessels and various small crafts, this morning’s showcase was to highlight maritime capabilities harnessed during Exercise Paradise.

Chief of Force Preparations, Colonel Siale Diro says that the operations were in line with the supporting security role that the defense will play alongside the police for APEC.

The troops have all conducted their mission rehearsal exercises and are due to carry out the CDF certification drills over the next week.

Commanding officer for Mero Group, Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma says that this exercises are the next stage in troop alignment to the APEC security preparations.

Lieutenant Colonel Aruma says that the troops will all be here to prep ahead of the major APEC deployment in November.

The battalion marched a combined 27 km along the Magi highway towards their battalion headquarters at Taurauma.

The March was a culmination of their Mission Rehearsal exercise as part of their APEC 2018 security preparations.

According to the Battalion Commander, Lt Colonel Boniface Aruma, the march is part and parcel of any training ahead of major troop operations.

He said that as part of the fitness assessment activity each soldier is required to complete a 27km march with a 30kg pack in full field gear.