The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW) on Thursday 21st June saw the opening of its refurbished Hanger at 7 Mile, Port Moresby. Refurbished with the assistance of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the facility was opened by the Australian Chief of Defence, General Angus Campbell along with the PNGDF Acting Commander Defence Force (CDF), Philip Polewara. The hanger, which was initially built in the early 1990s, got a much needed facelift and will continue to house aircraft and cater for other ATW activities in the country and the region into the future. General Campbell said this assistance shows the continued defence and security ties between the two countries, and commitments to improving the capacity of the PNGDF to support development in PNG and to assist in regional security as well. “This relationship is renewed in the continuing efforts between our countries; efforts between our two forces to build the Air Transport Wing,” said the ADF General when highlighting the importance of defence infrastructures and support. He said such infrastructure is a critical part of enabling the progressive development of air transport capabilities of both cargo and personnel from the PNGDF and also PNG. “Australia is delighted to be part of that story, a story that we are committed to and a story that will see overtime the development of the air capability that members of the defence force can relay on.” General Campbell went on to say that the support given to ATW is not just on infrastructures and equipment. “The work at ATW is not just here, but also in building that technical skills and competency through experience and training provided by Australia.” In saying so, he said that Australia is welcoming ATW into the Air Force gathering that will occur later this year in Darwin. An activity that will see twenty- four (24) countries come together to demonstrate airpower, air capability, air planning and logistics. “Our nations have been building defence capabilities together now for almost fifty (50) years,” remarked the General. “We’re going to continue to do that work and I’m also inspired by the potential of where we can go together.” Meanwhile, the Acting CDF thanked the ADF and the Australian government for the continued support and assistance over the years, saying that this partnership strengthens defence capabilities between PNG and Australia, and also strengthens regional security.