Media release
2 November 2010
For immediate release
PNGDF ships off to Cairns for Exercise Paradise 2010
Commander Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), Brigadier General Francis Agwi was joined by the Head of Australian Defence Staff (HADS) Colonel Mark Shephard today in bidding farewell to HMPNGS Seeadler and HMPNGS Moresby as they departed Port Moresby.
Both patrol boats are bound for Cairns and will participate in Exercise Paradise 2010 with the Royal Australian Navy.
Brigadier General Agwi said the exercise is important as it aims to demonstrate and enhance interoperability between the two nations’ patrol boats in a safe and professional manner.
“Be ambassadors of PNG and perform to the best. You are among the finest seamen to participate in this exercise,” Brigadier General Agwi said.
Colonel Shephard encouraged both ships’ crew members to be prepared for emerging threats such as people and arms smuggling and illegal fishing.
“You will be joined by HMAS Wollongong, HMAS Bundaberg and I encourage you to work with your naval counterparts to improve surveillance over our waters,” Colonel Shephard said.
Exercise Paradise is an annual bilateral maritime surveillance training activity between the PNGDF’s Maritime Element and the Royal Australian Navy. It is a chance for PNG and Australian sailors to train together in preparation for combined maritime surveillance operations including Operation Island Chief and Operation Big Eye.
Since the 1980’s PNGDF has hosted Exercise Paradise within PNG waters. This is the first time the activity will be held in waters off Cairns.