The United States and Papua New Guinea are proud to announce the commencement of Tamiok Strike 2025. A joint military exercise aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) and the United States military. This exercise will take place from April 14 to April 25, 2025, at various locations across Papua New Guinea including Port Moresby, Lae, and Wewak. The exercise will see participation from over 200 personnel, including members of the U.S. Army, the Wisconsin National Guard, and the PNGDF with observers from the Australian Defense Force, New Zealand Defense Force, and German Bundeswehr (Army). The focus will be on enhancing joint operational readiness, improving tactical skills, and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between armed forces. Major General Gardner at the opening ceremony on April 14, 2025, said this exercise is about partnership and the Partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States. “It’s a commitment from us to you to be here forth for the good times and the bad through our training and partnerships, we know we can build trust and confidence, and we can handle any crisis together and keep the regional stability,” he said. "We are excited to participate in Tamiok Strike 2025 and continue our strong partnership with the PNGDF," said 1st Lt. Morgan Schwittay, of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He said this exercise not only enhances their military capabilities but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. “It is made even more special for me as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, continuing to build personal relationships with our shared history and values,” he said. Key Highlights of Tamiok Strike 2025: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills: These drills will prepare both forces to respond effectively to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, ensuring rapid and coordinated assistance to affected communities. Medical and Engineering Civic Action Programs: These programs will provide medical and engineering support to local communities, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to the well-being of the people of Papua New Guinea. Field Training Exercises: These exercises will simulate real-world combat scenarios to improve the tactical proficiency and coordination of both forces. Staff Exercise Exercises: These exercises will focus on enhancing command and control capabilities, decision-making processes, and communication between the two militaries. Bunkhouse Construction: U.S. and PNGDF Soldiers are building a bunkhouse in Lae to increase future troop capacity for routine training events. The joint construction project also provides opportunities for Soldiers to improve their engineering skills and knowledge base. The United States is committed to engaging Papua New Guinea and its Pacific neighbors to preserve a free and open, secure, connected, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which entered into force in 2023, is the cornerstone of the growing security partnership. The United States is committed to deepening and expanding its bilateral relationship with Papua New Guinea. The bilateral relationship contributes to America’s safety, demonstrates strength, and provides opportunities for prosperity.