EXERCISE Puk Puk has delivered upgraded training and living facilities at Igam Barracks in Lae to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), marking the successful completion of the long-running exercise.
The completed works include an upgraded forward operating base training facility, a one-kilometre section of improved perimeter road and refurbished accommodation for around 50 soldiers. The new infrastructure will provide lasting benefits for PNGDF personnel and support future training and operations.
Delivered by a multinational engineer contingent led by the Australian Defence Force’s 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment from Townsville, the project was completed side by side with PNGDF personnel.
Since 2003, Exercise Puk Puk has been a key activity under the Australia-Papua New Guinea Defence Cooperation Program. The exercise continues to strengthen practical cooperation under the PNG-Australia Alliance, while building engineering capability and interoperability between regional partners.
This year’s exercise brought together 125 personnel, including 91 members of the Australian Defence Force, 23 PNGDF personnel, in addition to members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the New Zealand Defence Force. Personnel worked in integrated teams, sharing engineering knowledge, skills and experience throughout the activity.
Commander of the Australian contingent, Major Ian Thomson, said the exercise had delivered both practical and professional benefits for those involved.
“Exercise Puk Puk has been a valuable activity that allowed us to strengthen our partnerships through shared experiences, while delivering facilities that will directly improve how PNGDF soldiers train, live and operate at Igam Barracks,” Major Thomson said.
“Every project was built shoulder to shoulder with our PNGDF, New Zealand and Fijian friends. That sense of teamwork and camaraderie, combined with delivering meaningful improvements, has made this a valuable experience for everyone involved.”
Second in Command of the PNGDF contingent, Captain Nathan Muli, said the completed projects would deliver lasting benefits for PNGDF personnel.
“These works mean our soldiers now have improved facilities to train, rest and prepare for their duties, and that makes a real difference to how we operate at Igam Barracks,” Captain Muli said.
“Working alongside our Australian, New Zealand and Fijian counterparts gave our soldiers new skills and new friendships, and that is something the PNGDF will carry forward long after this exercise ends.”.
Exercise Puk Puk demonstrates the commitment of Papua New Guinea, Australia and regional partners to strengthening defence capability, improving readiness and advancing the PNG-Australia Alliance through practical cooperation and shared experience.