The first engagement of two personnel from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) maritime element with the United States (US) Coast Guard surveillance of the country’s waters, was a big success. According to the Transport Department First Assistant Secretary (FAS) for Maritime Security Mr. Sylvester Adema, on the 23rd of August two Papua New Guinea (PNG) gentlemen from the PNGDF embarked on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) MYRTLE HAZARD and did the first mission. “It was an eye opener and a successful mission, that they came back with some of the positive information that we gathered from the mission,” said the FAS. “We are looking forward to more partnership with the US in our endeavor to protect this vast ocean that we have.” He said this is what PNG wants from its partner countries, a cooperation like this. He encouraged everyone to partner with PNG to protect its seas. Meanwhile, the USCGC MYRTLE HAZARD is in the country at the request of the PNG Government, to support maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources during the month of August. The vessel is commanded by Lieutenant Halle Merritt as Commanding Officer, and the vessel will be here for some time in the country to conduct the patrols and surveillances of the waters of PNG.