The Chief of Defence Force has commenced his unit visits this week, visiting the Air Transport Wing today after commencing with the 1st Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment on Tuesday.
The Unit visits is to allow the CDF to understand the challenges currently faced and how best to assist the units as PNGDF is undergoing preparations to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary during the 2022 National Elections Security Operations.
Major General Mark Goina when visiting ATW received the unit briefing from the Commanding Officer of the Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii, the Director Air Preparations, Lt Col Eddie Miro and the Qualified Flying Instructor from the Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Tim Shaw among others.
The Air Transport Wing with the help of partner from the Royal Australian Air Force has put in place the Defence Aviation Air Safety Framework which is critical to implement the Flight of Excellence concept.
Among the challenges raised include the need for perimeter fencing around PNGDF establishments and the need for maintenance of existing facilities.
Similar sentiments were shared by the Commanding Officer for 1RPIR, Lieutenant Colonel Heta Nombe and the Commanding Officer of Taurama Military Hospital, Major David Iamo earlier this week, when the CDF visited Taurama Barracks in the National Capital District.
Major General Mark Goina has given his assurance that he will address the issues in-line with his priorities which include duty of care to the men and women within PNGDF, organizational reform, operational proficiency, infrastructure and nation building.
“I will prioritize areas of immediate concern and direct the Director Engineers to do scoping so these immediate concerns can be addressed,” Maj. Gen Mark Goina said after an area tour of the Hangar at the Air Transport Wing.
While visiting 1RPIR earlier this week, Major General Mark Goina also had the opportunity to witness troops from Alpha and Bravo Company of 1RPIR, the Force Support Battalion and ATW undergoing pre-deployment training for deployment to Porgera in the Enga Province.
He also cautioned serving members to do what is right during the 2022 National Elections when supporting the RPNGC in providing a free, fair and safe election period.
“We don’t want to see our men and women interfering with the election process. Our people should exercise their democratic rights to vote freely,” Major General Goina said.
The CDF’s visit to the units will see him visit all Port Moresby units before completing all the Northern units before elections.