ON Saturday, 02nd December 2023, Nadzab Airport in Lae came to a standstill when fifteen Australian Army personnel conducted a parachute demonstration from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globalmaster aircraft over the Nadzab Airport, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Landing at Nadzab; an Allied operation during World War Two.
Two C-17A aircrafts are currently flying in the Papua New Guinean airspace as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 23-2.
This exercise will involve up to three C-17A aircrafts from the RAAF, the United States Air Force, and the Royal Air Force.
The Australian Defense Force (ADF) acknowledges and appreciates the support of the PNG Government and PNG Defence Force and the wider community in allowing the RAAF to test their skills in one of the world’s most complex flying environments.
The training achieved in PNG during Exercise Global Dexterity 23-2 ensures that Australia and its allies can deliver humanitarian assistance anywhere in the Indo-Pacific.
Australian Defence Advisor to PNG, Colonel Travis Gordon, said the Exercise will predominantly take place in Australia, however, will include two missions to PNG.
In addition to the landing at Nadzab demonstration that occurred over the weekend, the three aircrafts will conduct low-level flight training in the Central Highlands today.
The aircrafts will fly through valleys traveling east from the vicinity of Telefomin towards Mt. Hagen and Chimbu before turning north towards Madang; and will eventually land at Momote airport on Manus Island.
The C-17A aircraft will then be loaded with ADF vehicles and equipment used in Exercise Puk Puk for their return flight to Australia.
“During Exercise Puk Puk, the ADF worked closely with the PNG Defence Force Engineers on partnership and capacity building exercises, including refurbishment of facilities and accommodation, drainage, and road repair on Manus Island,” said Colonel Gordon.
PNG Defence Force personnel will integrate into Exercise Global Dexterity 23-2 by supporting ADF personnel in preparing the clearance zone at Nadzab and help load and secure equipment being extracted from Momote.
“This cooperation between our forces builds on our longstanding Defence partnership and enhances our ability to support the PNGDF on future peacekeeping and humanitarian and disaster response operations,” said Colonel Gordon.