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PNG and US Defense Dialogue

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US PNG

A recently concluded Bilateral Defense Dialogue between PNG and United States concluded with Military Exercise, Capacity Building and Professional Military Education as top three agendas discussed.

From the discussions under,

  1. Military Exercises:
  • PNG and US highlighted the significance of joint military exercises to strengthen their Defense Capabilities and improve coordination between their armed forces.

-These exercises are poised to deepen military-to-military ties and enhance the readiness of their troops.

  1. Capacity Building:

-The United States and Papua New Guinea have committed to mutual capacity building by sharing knowledge and technology.

-Collaborative projects aimed at enhancing their defense infrastructure and capabilities will be a focal point of their partnership.

  1. Professional Military Education:

-In recognizing the importance of education in the military, both nations have unveiled plans for Professional Military Education.

-These programs will offer military personnel opportunities for advanced studies and specialized training, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

The discussions held at Murray Barracks on 11th September was between acting PNGDF Commander, Commodore Philip Polewara, deputy Defense Secretary Simon Tunapai and U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Thomas James.

Talks on this annual bilateral meeting is aimed at reinforcing and deepening partnership and commitment to fostering cooperation in defense between the two defense forces.

A practical example was the completion of a 10 day maritime patrol by two PNG ship riders on board US Coast Guard USCGC Myrtle Hazard.

The dialogue, was seen as an opportunity for both nations to jointly plan activities for the upcoming year.

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Maritime Surveillance with US Coast Guard

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Maritime Surveillance

The first joint maritime patrol between Papua New Guinea and United States concluded after a 10 day surveillance within PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

It included members of the PNGDF’s Maritime Element, National Fisheries Authority, PNG Customs and US Coast Guards on board USCGC Myrtle Hazard.

Captain of the USCGC, Myrtle Hazard, Lieutenant Jalle Merritt after completing the first leg said they were very excited to establish firm connections with state agencies.

“During the most recent patrol we embarked on, two customs officers were Abel to get to work right away and it’s been really great and we are excited about the future partnerships,” said Lt. Merritt.

The first joint maritime patrol follows the Ship Rider’s Agreement between the two countries signed in June and aims at strengthening regional security and resource management in PNG’s EEZ.

Mathew Bunt from the US Embassy said through the Ship Rider’s Agreement, PNG maritime law enforcement officers will be using US Coast Guard vessels to patrol PNG’s water.

“The US Coast Guard is providing the vessel, crew and other resources to help Papua New Guinea enforce it’s maritime borders and defend it’s sovereignty, said Mr. Bunt.

From this maritime patrol, the law enforcement officers boarded four foreign fishing vessels targeting tuna and confirmed no violation.

With intensive planning sessions, it led to the enhanced use of maritime domain awareness tools and the development of strategies. A subject matter exchange on law enforcement took place aboard USCGC Myrtle Hazard, involving multiple PNG partner agencies. Cultural exchanges, including sharing customs, traditions, and histories.

First Secretary for Maritime Security, Sylvester Adema who met with the crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard said it took a while to arrive at this agreement before it was operationalized.

“We had our two ship riders who embarked with the US Coast Guards and did the first mission. I guess it was an eyeopener and a successful mission and they came back with some positive information from that mission,” said Secretary Adema.

The operations, led by Papua New Guinea and supported by the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Coast Guard upon invitation from the PNG Government, reinforced the importance of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

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