PNG Defence Force

It is one of the largest naval facilities in the Pacific and encompasses an international standard wharf for Guardian-class military vessels and smaller boat operations. The infrastructure project also includes training and living accommodation facilities for the PNG Defence Force and visiting forces and medical/dental facilities.

According to Secretary Hari John Akipe, the 2020 Structure replaces the previous seven-year-old redundant structure. He says the 2020 Structure will allow the department to carry out its legal mandate effectively in the evolving security environment.

The delivery mission saw HMPNGS Cape Gloucester playing a vital role, rafting alongside ADV Reliant to efficiently receive the cargo, which included essential Australian Army vehicles, skillfully maneuvered using a crane. Once loaded, the cargo was ferried to the barge ramp and carefully transported to its designated location on Manus Island.

Secretary for Defence, Hari John Akipe, was recently in Honolulu, Hawai in US and visited the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to gain insights into their mission of locating and returning the remains of fallen American soldiers in PNG and other countries.

He was given a tour of the DPAA labs where remains are analyzed with the aim of identifying missing service members and providing answers to their families.

The PNG Defence Force has retracted its earlier statement saying preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier alleged to have caused willful damages to medical equipment in the PMGH Emergency Ward, was a patient there. He was referred to PMGH A&E Department on the afternoon of Thursday 15 December. 

While they are awaiting a report from PMGH on circumstances surrounding the incident, hospital CEO Dr Paki Molumi said the incident occurred on the said date (15 December), between 3:15pm and 3:30pm.

It was alleged that the fight was between supporters of the two candidates contesting the Finschhafen Open seat, and as a result, business houses were closed on Monday 20 June, for fear of violence escalating.

A section of PNGDF Engineers engaged in road construction in Finschhafen, together with members of a police unit responded and apprehended three suspects. The suspects are now in police custody.

“One example of such training was APEC 2018 when bilateral partners came and trained PNGDF personnel to support Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in delivering of APEC in respect to security of the leadership summit,” Major General Goina said.

“Another example of such training was deployment of PNGDF Force Elements to Solomon Islands in 2003 to quell civil unrest. PNGDF personnel were trained alongside Australian Defence Force and other Pacific Countries prior to deployment in Solomon Islands,” added Major General Goina.

Superintendent Singura said a number of meetings have already been held with stakeholders, and the provincial government will be assisting them to engage 70 PNG Defence Force soldiers from Igam Barracks and 20 Correctional Services officers from Buimo.

The extra personnel will boost the current manpower of 186 officers from the Morobe command.

“These are extra manpower that we need and I thank the provincial government and the Morobe provincial administration for the funding support of K3 million,” stated PPC Singura.

The agreement sees the United States and PNG partner to combat illegal maritime activity in PNG waters.

Steven Adler, Captain of the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, in an interview, stated that Cutter Stratton sailed to Port Moresby because the United States is concerned with the potential global instability caused by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in other maritime illicit activities.

The project, which was launched today in Lae, will ensure that PNG Defence Force personnel have a home to go to once they retire from service.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the K900 million ‘Destination Igam’ project was held today outside Igam Barracks.

Facilitated by Comrade Trustee Services, statutory manager, Sitiveni Weleilakeba, described the event as a dream-come-true for PNG Defence Force Commander, Major General Gilbert Toropo, and retired colonel, Paul Mai.