A high-level delegation of the PNG Defense Force was in Aiyura, in Obura-Wonenara District of Eastern Highlands province on Thursday to witness the 10th Graduation of the Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AAMES).
The delegation was headed by PNG Defense Force Chief Commander Commodore Philip Polewara.
The Chief Commander was accompanied by Lt Colonel Douglas Magaidimo – Director Technical Training at PNGDF, Major David Amos – Senior Engineering Officer (Air Transport Wing), Warrant Officer Nick Waileta – Apprentice Master, and the Highlands Taskforce Commander – Lieutenant Colonel Heta Nombe with his team.
Polewara was humbled and pleased to attend the graduation through an invite that was sent through Lieutenant Colonel Magaidimo.
The invitation emanates from ongoing dialogues with AAMES Principal Agion Aiako about training PNGDF officers with Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses at the AAMES.
Commodore Polewara, who was the Guest of Honor at the AAMES 10th graduation, is no stranger to the community there as he has been around back in his young days.
During his keynote address to the graduates, their parents, staff of AAMES and the community who were present, he started off saying good morning in two Obura-Wanenara dialects, Gadsup & Tairora.
In his speech, he thanked and appreciated the AAMES Principal for welcoming him and having him as Guest Speaker.
The Chief Commander delivered an inspirational message to the graduands of AAMES, emphasizing the importance of training offered by the school.
Commodore Polewara announced that the PNG Defense Force will send their officers to train in AAMES next year onwards, marking the partnership between AAMES and PNGDF.
The PNGDF usually sends their officers to study Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in New Zealand, which Commodore Polewara highlighted as very expensive exercise.
He acknowledged the same level courses and training provided by AAMES here in Papua New Guinea, and announced to have PNGDF officers onboard commencing next year (2025).
The AAMES Principal was overwhelmingly thrilled to hear and see the head of PNGDF attending the graduation as he recalls there was no such Guest that attended past graduations of the school.
