Shared skills strengthen ties

Eight Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel have graduated as aircraft and avionics technicians from RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) at RAAF Base Wagga – the first PNGDF Air Transport Wing personnel to complete technical training at the school in more than two decades.

Their achievement is part of a broader effort to strengthen PNG’s sovereign aviation capability, while preparing both defence forces to work more closely together.

Director PNG Sovereign Aviation Capability at HQAC GPCAPT Steve Fielder has helped guide the Flights of Excellence initiative since 2019. He said the courses formed part of the Air Force-supported partnership, administered through Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program.

The program combines aviation safety, aircraft maintenance and sustainment, and workforce development. It connects PNG’s ability to sustain its own operations with Australia’s interest in having capable regional partners.

Having spent more than 10 years in PNG as an adviser with the Australian aid program, GPCAPT Fielder understands the value of that relationship firsthand.

“It benefits Australia, having a solid friendship to the north,” he said.

He added that the relationship enabled ADF personnel to train alongside their PNGDF counterparts in some of the world’s most demanding mountain and jungle terrain.

“That experience builds cultural understanding and strengthens their ability to operate together in challenging conditions,” GPCAPT Fielder said.

According to CO RAAFSTT WGCDR Richard Poole, shared training created scope for mutual aircraft maintenance support.

“They understand our training system, they have confidence in the way that we train our people, and so our people can then work on their aircraft much more easily,” WGCDR Poole said.

“As we move into a challenging strategic environment, having regional partners that we can rely on is very important.”

The eight graduates join a growing PNGDF workforce receiving training across aviation and support specialties. The graduates were aircraft technicians PTE Jackson Waimun, CPL Elizah Paul, LCPL Bonny Mathew and PTE Jason Gam, and avionics technicians LCPL Marlin Unaen, LCPL Joel Waieng, PTE Kenblake Amiwasa and PTE Johnson Renagi.

Over the past two years, participation has included nine personnel in initial officer training, six in aircrew combat training, seven in aviation medicine and two in aeromedical evacuation foundations. Another two have undertaken aerospace initial engineering training and nine non-technical duty crew training.

Four officers are currently completing operations officer training at RAAF Base East Sale, while six pilot trainees are studying at the National Aviation Academy in Townsville.

Australia’s commitment includes helping participants succeed throughout their courses. At RAAFSTT, education support staff assist with technical terminology and course material, while cultural liaison support helps PNGDF personnel adjust to their new environment.

For PTE Renagi, the value of the training comes back to the aircraft and people at home.

“We need trained and skilled people to work on the aircraft,” he said.

He said working alongside experienced personnel in PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing would allow him to build on the knowledge gained in Australia.

With further technician and engineer intakes planned, GPCAPT Fielder said he was pleased with the program’s progress.

“The graduates form the backbone of the new and developing aviation capability in PNG,” he said.

“Not only is this a sustained investment in that country’s aviation workforce – it’s also bolstering our relationship with a close and valuable neighbour.”