ADF IN PORT MORESBY TO SUPPORT PNGDF

ROYAL Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules is currently in Port Moresby with embarked Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel ready to assist the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) as they support Papua New Guinea’s celebration of their 50th Anniversary of Independence.

The ADF named their support Operation “WANTAIM” commemorating the strong Defence relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Choules will remain in Port Moresby until mid-September, providing accommodation and real-life support for Pacific partners from Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga and Vanuatu who are taking part in PNGDF Week and PNG50 celebrations.

Led by the PNGDF, the ADF will also contribute personnel from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force to ceremonial and celebratory events including air shows, ceremonial drill and artillery displays and military bands.

Lead Maritime Planner for the PNGDF’s Joint Taskforce (JTF-50), Lieutenant Commander Laijah Anthony, said the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations are important for the PNGDF and for the people of Papua New

Guinea.

Meantime, a second Royal Australian Navy Ship, HMAS Childers will join in the Multinational Fleet Review on Thursday 4 September.