The Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) has sent a detachment to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in a first from 43 years. Pacific friends have come together over the shared values of sustaining peace and stability across the Indo- Pacific region, from the rugged and jungle-covered mountains of Papua New Guinea to the flat and arid terrain of northern Australia. The PNGDF brings with it two PAC-750 aircraft, typically used for training and other utility tasks, a small but significant footprint. Pitch Black PNG pilot Lieutenant Cameron Hosea highlighted the importance of interoperability with other participating nations. “We are really excited to be here as a part of the military aviators of the world." “We love being able to build capacity to enable us to have future working relationships." "We’re after the exposure and experience from operating in Australia.” The PNGDF has also brought a highly skilled maintenance crew to sustain its efforts throughout the exercise. PNGDF Aircraft Engineer Joshua Magum said the team has seized this opportunity to gain exposure to maintaining their aircraft in a different environment. “I’m looking forward to learning and being part of the exercise as an individual and part of the team." "I hope to learn as much as I can to take back home with me,” Aircraft Engineer Magum said. Pitch Black offers the PNGDF and nineteen other countries a comprehensive, practical collective training program that supports their respective sovereign security goals. PNGDF Detachment Commander for Exercise Pitch Black 2024 Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, said the exercise gave his force the opportunity to look at how it operates against the world's best. “The PNGDF element is growing and eventually will become an Air Force." "An Air Force is built on capability and the people." "Exercise Pitch Black 2024 gives us the opportunity to grow our people,” said Lieutenant Colonel Vavar.