Royal Australian Navy

Australian Defence Force personnel have deployed on HMAS Choules for a month-long activity of engagement and training with their regional partners and other government agencies in the Southwest Pacific.

The Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules, Commander Scott Houlihan, said the deployment provides an opportunity to contribute to long-standing relationships and enduring engagement with Pacific island nations.

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.