The color yellow in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Support Battalion represents the Supply Company, a vital logistic unit that manages supplies for all ten PNGDF units throughout Papua New Guinea.
As bright as the color itself, the Supply Company has a colorful history that was birthed on the 26th of July 1968.
Established seven years before independence the Supply Company remained the backbone of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force including the Maritime Element and the Air Transport Wing.
When the name Papua New Guinea Defence Force is mentioned, most people imagine soldiers on patrol at the borders or soldiers responding to tribal conflicts in the Highlands.
However, many do not know enough about the Supply Company to appreciate their work in ensuring soldiers are equipped with uniforms, boots, operational gear and fire power to carry out the duties of the Defence Force.
This essential role is performed by dedicated men and women of the sub-units within the Supply Company based out of Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.
For over five decades the Company evolved from One Base Ordinance Depot to Defence Support Agency (DSA) before transitioning into Supply Company as it is known today.
On November 28th the Company commemorated its 56th anniversary with a day’s celebration out of its base at Murray Barracks.
The longest serving member of the Supply Company, Chief Warrant Officer, Sition Saulo who served 34 years in the Company said 26-years had passed since the company hosted a Parade to mark the Company’s anniversary.
“I am happy about this parade; this is my last parade. I am retiring next year,” said Saulo.
Enlisted into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in January of 1981, Saulo was posted to the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) where he spent his early years as a young PNGDF solider.
“After Goldie, I passed out and I was transferred to A Company 2RPIR and from there I was posted to the Support Company as a store man,” Saulo recalled.
Ten years later, Saulo was part of the Delta Company from Moem Barracks who travelled to Port Moresby because of a curfew in Moem.
When the rest of the Delta Company returned to Moem, Saulo stayed back to attend a Supply Course.
Little did he know that he would be spending 34-years serving in the Supply Company based out of Murray Barracks.
“I attended a Supply Course at Goldie and from there on, I was posted to Supply Company. From then on, until today,” said Saulo.
When addressing serving members of the Supply Company during the anniversary parade, its Commanding Officer, Major Chalem Chandrol said the celebration was an opportunity to honor past serving members, acknowledged the dedication of current members and celebrate the contribution of Supply Company within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
“This anniversary celebration holds immerse significance for us. On July 26th 1968, to 26th July 2024 makes over five decades, 56 years of service and evolution of the PNGDF Supply Company,” said Chandrol.
