The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has been receiving a lot support from the Australian Defence Force through the defence partnership and this time, it was gifted with new vehicles, and vessels to go towards its logistical support for its troops and achieving its goals in nation building.
Commander Defence Force (CDF) Major General Mark Goina said the equipment includes 20 Isuzu troop trucks, five 19-seater buses, three 30- seater buses, 2 coastal riverine supply vessels, two forklifts and one tow- tractor to name a few.
“All of these items are vital for us to create a base line and sound foundation from which we can look to grow capabilities of the PNGDF,” said the CDF.
He said with a solid foundation the PNGDF will be able to deliver and develop its capabilities into the future.
“These gifts fully support my 2022 to 2026 intent by providing our personnel with modern, reliable, and efficient transportation and logistical support items.
“They will allow us to become more proficient in our delivery of operational outputs and they will ensure that as a defence force, we are well prepared to support the government and the people of Papua New Guinea, as we as a nation look to strengthen our economy, social and national security to enable growth and prosperity.”
CDF Goina further said that the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Government has and will continue to provide this form of support as seen over the years with the gifting of three Guardian Class patrol boats and recently, the gifting of a new modern landing craft vessel.
Goina later thanked the Australian Government and Australian taxpayers for their support in the gifting of these logistical items.
The items were presented to the PNGDF yesterday by the Associate Secretary of Department of Defence Australia Mr. Matt Yannopolos to CDF Goina, at the Basilisk Naval Base in Port Moresby.
Mr. Yannopolos said through this capability that the Australian Defence Force has gifted, he is confident that they will be put to positive use to strengthen the PNGDF capabilities to better able to deliver to the people and the country