By Orchy Rex
The Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) has officially launched its Defense Force Week, a grand celebration to mark the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration, with the highlight being a series of spectacular military and cultural events in September.
The announcement was made by Minister for Defense, Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, during a formal ceremony attended by senior defense officials including Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Secretary for Defence Hari John Akipe, Deputy Chief of Defense Force Brigadier General Opa Larry Opa, heads of branches within the PNGDF, staff officers, uniformed personnel, and members of the media.
Dr. Joseph described the PNGDF Week as a national moment of reflection and pride, honoring the crucial role the defense force has played in the development and sovereignty of Papua New Guinea since its establishment in 1973.
“The PNGDF has never shied away from meeting its constitutional obligations, despite institutional shortcomings and challenges,” said Dr. Joseph. “It has remained true to its mandate and continues to be a force the government and people of PNG can rely on.”
He recounted the force’s historical milestones, from securing PNG’s international land borders to peacekeeping missions in Vanuatu in 1980 and participation in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 2003 to 2017.
“The PNG Defense Force has taken up arms in defense of the State and has been deployed on numerous occasions to maintain law and order in volatile situations. For that, our country and people must be proud,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Joseph also emphasized the importance of regional and international partnerships that have supported PNG over the years. Key defense allies including Australia, New Zealand, France, the United States, Japan, India, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu will join PNGDF in the celebrations.
“Australia, our oldest friend, has always been there whenever we needed support, and along with the US, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, France, and our Asia-Pacific neighbors, they have stood with us throughout this journey,” he said.
The Defense Force Week, to be held in the first week of September, will feature a range of public and ceremonial events across Port Moresby. These include:
• Ship visits from partner navies with public open days (September 2–3)
• A grand fleet review off APEC House, to be reviewed by the Governor-General (September 4)
• Military tattoo performances at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium showcasing drill displays, music, pyrotechnics, and cultural presentations (September 5–6)
• An air show at Ela Beach with participation from both PNG and partner nation aircraft (September 6)
• Static aircraft display at Jackson’s Airport (September 7)
• Official receptions and functions for visiting land, maritime, and air forces (September 4, 6, and 7)
One of the key highlights will be Operation Planti Balus, a humanitarian logistics operation jointly carried out by PNGDF and its partners, Australia, New Zealand, and France. The operation will utilize military aircraft and helicopters to deliver cargo, medical supplies, building materials, and educational goods to remote and underserved regions of PNG at no cost.
“This operation will demonstrate our partners’ support and also be a visible symbol of the PNGDF’s commitment to assist both government and non-government organizations in reaching the unreachable,” Dr. Joseph announced.
A Joint Air Operations Centre (JAOC) will be set up to coordinate and manage the delivery of supplies under the operation. However, the Defense Minister advised that only cargo from charities, NGOs, or government agencies will be considered, and while not every request can be met, the PNGDF will try to accommodate as many as possible.
The Defense Minister concluded his address by calling on all Papua New Guineans to join in the celebration and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the nation’s defense personnel.
“I expect the official PNGDF celebrations to be a spectacle for the people to watch, enjoy, and celebrate on our 50th Independence anniversary,” he said. “It will be a momentous celebration of our history and a promising future.”