The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Naval ship Her Majesty PNG Ship Buna or HMPNGS Buna has undergone a major refit after 40 years in operation.
The maintenance is part of the PNGDF plans of building its maritime capability.
The last operation of the ship was in 2012 before it was sent in for repairs.
HMPNGS Buna like many other ships owned by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force has seen better days.
Years out at sea, has rendered it unfit for operation. But for the past 12 months it has undergone a major refit at the Papua New Guinea Dockyard in Port Moresby.
The refit is funded by the Papua New Guinea Government at a cost of K4million for the first time.
Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo says, the maritime element of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force will be revamped.
He said, plans are in place to bring in new ships from now to 2017. The current man power of 200 naval officers will also be increased.
It is important to build our maritime capability to safe guard national security and to involve in civic operations, he said.
HMPNGS Buna was transferred to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force by the Australian Defence Force in 1974.
It is 15 meters in length weighing 360 tonnes and can travel at a speed of 9 to 10 knots.
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force is planning a 40th Anniversary to celebrate the service of this great ship to the PNGDF, the country and the people.
HMPNGS Salamaua will be the next ship to go in for refit.
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