MEDIA RELEASE
24 November 2008
For immediate release
AUSTRALIAN ARMY HELICOPTERS AND PNG DEFENCE FORCE SOLDIERS CONDUCT TRAINING ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE PORT MORESBY
Today, four Australian Army Blackhawk helicopters are participating in training activities with soldiers from the PNG Defence Force 1st Battalion, the Pacific Islands Regiment, as part of Exercise HELICON LUK 2008.
The training activities involved transporting PNGDF soldiers from the Air Transport Wing Base at Jackson’s Airport to exercise areas near Bautama (Central City) and Koke Bagu, south-east of Port Moresby in Central Province. Once dropped off by helicopters, the PNGDF soldiers conducted a number of infantry field exercises. This includes a two-day rafting exercise down the Kemp Walsh River. The exercise is due to finish at Kalo on 27 November, when the soldiers will be transported back to Port Moresby in a PNG Defence Force Landing Craft.
Exercise HELICON LUK 2008 began on 7 November and helps Australian Army helicopter pilots maintain their flying skills and build links between Australian and PNG Defence Force aviators, which have proven essential during recent humanitarian assistance operations. The majority of Exercise Helicon Luk took place in Madang Province and the Highlands Provinces, where the steep mountains and valleys provide challenging flying training.
“The last three weeks flying training has again been valuable for our Army pilots. We have greatly appreciated the opportunity to undertake bilateral training with the PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing. Their experience and local knowledge has been invaluable” said Head of Australian Defence Staff at the Australian High Commission, Colonel Luke Foster. “We are pleased to have the opportunity now to support the PNGDF’s Exercise Tuari Tauna in Central Province.”
While based in Madang, the helicopters also provided humanitarian support to the local community. This included flying communication equipment and construction and medical supplies to remote villages. Australian Army medical staff participating in the exercise also provided assistance to the Madang hospital.
The exercise will conclude on 26 and 27 November when the four Blackhawks will be transported from Jackson’s Airport to Australia inside two C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276