Joint media release from the Australian High Commission, Port Moresby, and the Embassy of the United States ofAmerica, Port Moresby
31 August 2010
For immediate release
HMAS Tobruk arrives in PNG for Pacific Partnership 2010
The Royal Australian Navy Ship HMAS Tobruk arrived in Port Moresby today on its way to Rabaul in the East New Britain Province for Pacific Partnership 2010.
The ship is the command platform for the final leg of the six-country Pacific Partnership mission in Papua New Guinea.
This year the United States Pacific Fleet sponsored humanitarian mission has three Royal Australian Navy amphibious ships, including the mission flagship HMAS Tobruk, and the United States Navy Frigate USS Vandegrift.
The ships are hosting a multi-national team, including personnel from the United States Navy, Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), partner nations and non-government organisations, to provide medical, dental, engineering and community service assistance to people in the East New Britain Province.
Pacific Partnership 2010 Mission Commander, United States Navy Captain Lisa Franchetti, said the command of Pacific Partnership 2010 from an Australian ship is an exciting time for both Navies.
“Our two Navies have a close working relationship, but this is the first time we will command Pacific Partnership from a non-US Navy ship. The adaptability and professionalism of the Tobruk’s company has made the transition seamless,” Captain Franchetti said.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Tobruk, Commander Paul Scott, said, “Our people will work closely with PNGDF personnel and members of the Pacific Partnership team to achieve the mission. We are all anticipating the rewards that come with this type of work, particularly operating with neighbouring Defence Force personnel.”
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, John Feakes, Ambassador of the United States of America to Papua New Guinea, Teddy Taylor, PNGDF Brigadier-General Francis Agwi, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, and other dignitaries were at Port Moresby’s wharf to meet and greet personnel who arrived on the Tobruk. The other ships are sailing straight to Rabaul where the mission is to begin on 3 September 2010.