Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

130903 - MR - Australian Army Commemorates Historic

03 September 2013

Australian Army Commemorates Historic 1943 Nadzab Parachute Jump
 


Approximately 45 soldiers from the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) 2nd Commando Regiment will be parachuting into Nadzab, Morobe Province, on Thursday 5 September to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first combat parachute jump of the Pacific War. This parachute jump also marks the completion of the ADF/Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Exercise NIGHT NAIP.

The parachute insertion on the morning of 5 September 1943 was carried out by the US Army 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment and included thirty-four personnel from the Australian 2/4th Field Regiment, who had no prior parachute jump experience prior to the operation.

The airborne operation secured a landing ground for the advance of the 7th and 9th Australian Divisions and led to the capture of the essential port of Lae by Allied Forces on 16 September 1943.

The parachute jump into Nadzab from Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft comes at the conclusion of Exercise NIGHT NAIP 2013. The exercise focussed on amphibious and jungle training activities to enhance both the ADF and the PNGDF’s capability and ability to operate together. These training activities included courses jointly instructed by ADF and PNGDF members. An ADF and PNGDF medical team also spent a day attending to local villagers with common illnesses and dental problems.An ADF and PNGDF medical team also spent a day attending to local villagers with common illness and dental problems. An ADF and PNGDF medical team also spent a day attending to local villagers with common illness and dental problems.

Head of Australian Defence Staff Colonel Dick Parker said “Exercise NIGHT NAIP has again demonstrated the close partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea. We have worked together to learn from each other and to develop our skills, as well as help the community. This parachute jump is a reminder of the long history we share, and of the sacrifices that were made to free Papua New Guinea in World War Two.”