Media release
13 September 2009
For immediate release
PNGDF ADF Blackhawk and amphibious landings spectacular
Spectacular amphibious and helicopter landings were conducted by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) yesterday.
The landings took place at Bootless Bay in the Central Province under Exercise Tuari Taudia which forms part of the much larger PNG-Australian Exercise Olgeta Warrior.
The amphibious and helicopter landings are the largest and most complex activities in Exercise Olgeta Warrior. The activities involve troops landing via Blackhawk helicopters, landing craft and amphibious vehicles. All of these activities were launched from the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Kanimbla, which was anchored near Motupore Island.
The landings were led by Lieutenant Colonel Siale Diro, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) of the PNGDF, and overseen by Royal Australian Navy Captain Stephen Woodall and Australian Army Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Hoskin.
The Commander of the PNGDF, Commodore Peter Ilau, the Head of Australian Defence Staff in PNG, Colonel Luke Foster, and visitors from the defence forces of the United Kingdom and United States of America observed the successful exercise.
The troops are now practicing infantry skills and tactics along the Old Rigo Road between Bautama and the Laloki Estates.
Exercise Tuari Taudia was the result of months of detailed planning, with every single soldier’s individual movements planned to the last detail. This was a particular challenge for an exercise of this size, which involved more than 200 personnel from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and 1RPIR.
Exercise Tuari Taudia is a true test of the skills of both the PNGDF and ADF and brought the two defence forces together as maritime, air and land forces from both countries planned and conducted the activities hand in hand. Its success is a clear demonstration of the close relationship between the PNGDF and ADF.