Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina said the Australia - PNG Defence Relationship is at the highest level. Adding that it is the most enduring security partnership, founded on shared geography historical links and cultural ties.
Commander Goina said the project of securing the vessel was initiated through the combined capability assessment program that saw the decommissioning of HMS Buna and Salamaua, and the subsequent agreed purchase of Niuship Cape Gloucester, now the commissioned HMPNGS Cape Gloucester.
