Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Choules has departed Papua New Guinea (PNG), having successfully completed a visit to Port Moresby and the Lombrum Naval Base, Her Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Ship (HMPNGS) Tarangau in Manus Province.
HMAS Choules delivered equipment and tools, gifted as part of the Defence Cooperation Program, that will be used to support the capability development of Lombrum Naval Base.
HMAS Choules also hosted 18 members of the PNG Defence Force for the four day transit between Port Moresby and Manus Province.
During their time onboard, the group took part in a series of ship tours, shipboard demonstrations, an MRH90 helicopter familiarisation and gained valuable life-at-sea experiences.
Commanding Officer HMAS Choules, Commander Scott Houlihan, said the visit demonstrated Australia’s commitment to ongoing engagement with the PNG Defence Force.
“The partnership between PNG and Australia remains strong and this visit has reinforced the friendship between our nations,” Commander Houlihan said.
“By demonstrating interoperability with our neighbours through training, exercises and engagements, we strengthen the security and capability of our region.”
Australia’s security cooperation with PNG reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting our regional partners and promoting a secure and prosperous region.
HMAS Choules is currently deployed on a month-long activity for maritime and land training with regional partners in the Southwest Pacific. The ship is expected to return to Australia in late March.
Imagery is available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/DM20190198
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
