Media release
1 November 2010
For immediate release
PNGDF sends 13th contingent to RAMSI
Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Brigadier General Francis Agwi and Head of Australia Defence Staff (HADS) Colonel Mark Shephard, in a small but significant ceremony farewelled the 13th contingent of PNGDF soldiers to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) at the Jacksons airport today.
Among the 13th Kumul Force soldiers on deployment to the Solomon Islands were two female drivers from the Force Support Battalion (FSB), Murray Barracks.
Private Josephine Pek from the Western Highlands and Private Julianne Yallon from Enga, created history today when they became the first two females amongst a contingent of 34 PNGDF soldiers to be deployed on operations overseas.
Brigadier General Agwi thanked the ADF for their continuous assistance and urged his men to up-hold their conduct and maintain discipline.
“Today’s farewell parade marks a significant event in history as we witness the first two female officers deployed for an overseas assignment,’ Brigadier General Agwi said.
He also urged the Platoon to work alongside RAMSI Coalition Partners and learn from the experience.
Colonel Shephard congratulated the contingent for the speed with which they conducted their preparations, and thanked the staff of Taurama Barracks Medical Centre who had done a first class job in getting the pre-deployment health checks completed in three days.
He urged the Platoon Commander Second Lieutenant Pidik and his Section Commanders to look after the men and women under their command, while they were getting the job done for RAMSI.
The Australian Defence Force has provided the PNGDF with assistance for medical examinations and air transport to bring the contingent from Wewak to Port Moresby and Australia.
Once in Australia, the contingent will receive additional equipment from the ADF and undergo three weeks training specific to the RAMSI mission, at the Canungra Military Training base in Brisbane.