U.S. Marines and Sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 23 recently participated in a fire-starting class hosted by Papua New Guinea Defense Force Warrant Officer Class 2 Steven Baloiloi in Goldie River Training Camp in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea is part of Task Force Koa Moana’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through bilateral and multilateral training.
The informal period of instruction was taught by Baloiloi, a native of Milne Bay Province and the PNGDF Warrior Wing Sergeant Major.
According to Lance Cpl. Jalen McLean, a native of Baldwin, New York and a transmissions system operator with the task force stated that, the class was unscheduled, but very much appreciated by the service members. “Sergeant Major Baloiloi is a really nice guy,” said McLean.
“We asked him for a coconut from their coconut tree and he said sure. He helped us get the coconut down. He cut the coconut and showed us the difference between the brown coconut and the white coconut and how to pick the soft ones and not the hard ones.”
Additionally, Baloiloi taught the Marines and Sailors how to create fire using wood, coconut husks and coconut leaves.
“You just need wood and friction,” said Baloiloi.
“You need to learn how to make your own fire. Don’t bring a lighter when practicing perfecting the skill – you will become dependent on it, you must master it. Make your own fire!”
Throughout the class, Baloiloi reminded the Marines and Sailors to watch for thick smoke as it is an indicator of fire.
“It was fun, but tough and it was a great experience,” said McLean. At the conclusion of the class, Baloiloi offered to host other basic survival classes for the Marines and Sailors over the remainder of their time in Papua New Guinea.