By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Defense Force stands ready to support the APEC Security Operations, led by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
Third, in charge of PNGDF, Colonel Siale Diro says on the 29th of this month, all specialist units of PNGDF including air and sea elements will gather in Port Moresby, ready for duty.
Colonel Diro made this comments after a visit to the Control Command Post at Taurama, the base of the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment.
Because of the sensitivity of the exercise, the media was asked not to the film the drill or see what the inside of the command control post looks like.
However, when giving an overall view, PNGDF Chief of Force Preparation Colonel Siale Diro says he is pleased with the level of training and commitment from soldiers, naval officers, and the air transport wing.
Colonel Diro has also expressed appreciation towards our bilateral partners, especially the Australian Defence Force and the New Zealand Army. As Papua New Guinea counts down to the arrival of World Leaders’ for the APEC Summit in November, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force is concluding its final preparations towards assisting the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in the APEC security operations.
The First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment is the unit leading the PNGDF in APEC related security exercises
Since 2016, members of the PNGDF have undertaken extensive exercises to improve their individual skills in specialist areas.
Commanding Officer of 1RPIR Lt. Col Boniface Aruma is extremely pleased with the outcome of the different pieces of training his soldiers had been put through during the four years of preparations.
Meanwhile, the APEC Summit will be hosted from the 15th to 18th of November.