PNG Defence Force Commander

Major General Toropo was speaking at the farewell ceremony of Lt Col Boniface Aruma, who leaves this weekend for Canberra, Australia, to pursue further studies in military services.

It was only three years of taking up the office of the Commander of 1RPIR Taurama Barracks but Lt. Col Aruma had accomplished much, according to his superior, Major General Toropo.

“Lt. Col Aruma thank you for your commitment and your strong leadership. During your time we have seen so many operations,” stated Major General Toropo.

The new Guardian Class Pacific Patrol Boat, worth K36.4 million (AUD$16 million), was launched on May 29^th, at Australian Marine Complex at Henderson, Western Australia, and named as Ted Diro with the pennant number 401.

The patrol boat is a gift to PNG as part of the Pacific maritime security program.

The Guardian Class Pacific Patrol Boat has a length of 39.5 metres, a maximum speed of 20 knots and a complement of 23 crewmembers.

PNG Defence Force Commander, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, confirmed this, saying: “Payments have been made to order the parts of the gear box from overseas.”

The Commander however, did not give a response to how much it would cost to have the propeller gear box (PGB) fully serviced.

According to the Accident Investigation Commission (AIC), the aircraft sustained an engine failure on 13^th July 2016 during a flight from Telefomin to Vanimo, Sandaun Province, necessitating the removal of the right engine PGB at Vanimo Aerodrome. 

The monument is placed at Murray Barracks, in Port Moresby, and includes those who died in the Bougainville Crisis as well as others who have died of natural causes over the years.

PNG Defence Force Commander, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, challenged his officers to serve with pride and passion.