OPERATION RENDER SAFE TO COMMENCE IN ENB

From 3 to 14 June, six nations will work alongside Papua New Guinea (PNG) in conducting a technical exploration operation in East New Britain (ENB) Province under Operation Render Safe.

The contingent, led by the Australian Defense Force (ADF), will work together with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) and other partners using specialist skills and equipment to locate, assess and record World War Two-Era explosive remnants of war for subsequent disposal at a later date.

Australia High Commission said that the ADF has conducted explosive ordnance disposal operations under Render Safe throughout the Pacific for over 20 years.

“This year, the ADF will contribute around 45 personnel supported by 18 from France, Japan, New Zealand, United States, and United Kingdom, as well as additional personnel from the PNGDF,” Australia High Commission stated.

The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Render Safe is a key ADF commitment in the Pacific region.

“Papua New Guinea is one of our closest defense partners and we are pleased to work alongside their forces on their home soil,” he said.

The Commander of the Contingent, Australian Army Major Joseph Gurung said he is proud to support the safety of local Papua New Guinean communities as part of the multinational effort, which includes the Papua New Guinean Defense Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), as well as personnel from the East New Britain Disaster and Emergency Services Office.

 “Personnel from contributing forces will work together throughout Render Safe as combined teams to share ideas and techniques while strengthening our interoperability.

 “We look forward to engaging with the community in East New Britain and continuing to build on our strong relationship,” Australian Army Major Joseph Gurung said.

He said a separate disposal process will occur at a later date in order to safely remove identified explosive remnants of war.

 The technical reconnaissance operation is focused on locating, assessing, and recording the location of explosive war remnants so that the later disposal activities can be conducted safely.