Today marked the final day of the 2023 Papua New Guinea Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange. The joint exercise, co-hosted by USA and PNG at the request of the government of PNG, built on the capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and National Disaster Center to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster. Working together hand-in-hand, experts from Papua New Guinea, the United States, and the United Nations used a scenario-based table-top exercise to evaluate and implement the national disaster response framework. Major General Reginald Neal, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific arrived in Port Moresby to meet with PNDGF officials and take part in the closing ceremony. He thanked the PNGDF for their hospitality during past military-to-military events such as Koa Moana which began in 2016, Naval Mobile Construction Battalions construction on the PNGDF maritime base, HMPNGS Tarangau in Manus, which began in 2020, and Tamiok Strike which began in 2022. The team also highlighted that U.S. support for the PNDGF aims to promote a safe, stable, and secure PNG. At the event, Major John Cole of the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation said, “We are grateful for the partnership we share with the people of Papua New Guinea which began in WWII.” “My own grandfather parachuted into Markham Valley, so this partnership has special significance for me.” “The U.S. Embassy wants PNG to prosper, and peace is the key to prosperity. Through the Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange and other programs that the PNGDF requested, we hope to support stability for all Papua New Guineans.” The scenario first presented a simple natural disaster, but over the course of the exercise, evolved into a complex event with different provinces facing unique challenges. Distinguished visitors from the Papua New Guinea Defence Forces, the National Disaster Center, the United Nations Resident Coordinator's office, the United States Army Pacific, and Wisconsin National Guard supported the exercise to maintain a safe, stable, and secure PNG for future generations. The goal of this partnered event is a strong Papua New Guinea that can respond to an emergency by leveraging shared best practices, interoperability, and partnerships to assist affected communities. This DREE highlighted the relationship between United States and Papua New Guinea, and their commitment to the safety and resilience of Papua New Guinea. Of historical note, the 32nd Infantry Division of the Wisconsin and Michigan National Guards, called the Red Arrow Division, was one of the first infantry divisions to engage in combat in WWII. Much of their 654 days of combat throughout WWII was conducted in Papua New Guinea