Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules arrived in Port Moresby on Saturday, 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.
Choules will be participating in the Public Open Day for ship visits on Tuesday 02 September, while a second Royal Australian Navy Ship, HMAS Childers will join in the Multinational Fleet Review on Thursday 4 September.
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.
“We are working hard with our Australian counterparts and we thank them for their support,” JTF-50 LCDR Anthony said.
Commander of the ADF contingent, Australian Army Lieutenant Colonel Simon Frewin said the ADF is honoured to be in Port Moresby and is ready to support.
“The ADF is proud to have been invited to join PNG independence celebrations under Operation WANTAIM,” he said.
“Our contribution to PNG50 celebrations is testament to the deep friendship and partnership between our two militaries, which is constantly increasing in breadth and integration,” Lieutenant Colonel Frewin said.
Led by the PNGDF, the ADF are supporting the planning and delivery of PNGDF Week events:
• Public Open Day for Ship Visits
• Multinational Fleet Review
• Naval ‘Freedom of Port Moresby’ March
• Military Tattoo and Cultural Presentations
• Air Show at Ela Beach
• Static Air Display
Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy officers look out from the bridge of HMAS Choules as the ship enters Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100