The United States is partnering with Papua New Guinea to protect communities from the dangers of unexploded ordinance (UXO) through multiple efforts funded by the U.S. Government.
The United States is the world’s largest financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction and is engaged in efforts across Papua New Guinea.
“The United States is proud to support Humanitarian Mine Action efforts in Papua New Guinea,” said Colonel Baskins, senior defense official and Defense Attache with U.S. Embassy Port Moresby.
“These programs reflect our commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, and strengthens the partnership between our two nations,” he said.
July 25 marked the conclusion of a five-week Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) training program aimed at enhancing the PNGDF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities. This critical initiative is focused on equipping PNGDF personnel with the skills necessary to safely handle and dispose of explosive remnants of war (ERW), including landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), to ensure the safety and security of communities across Papua New Guinea.
The training, led by U.S. Marines from 1st EOD Company of I MEF, took place in Port Moresby and other locations around Papua New Guinea. It is designed to provide PNGDF personnel with foundational EOD skills, including ordnance identification, safe handling procedures, controlled demolitions, and emergency response techniques.
“It has been a great experience to work alongside the PNGDF in delivering this training. Their dedication is inspiring, and we are confident that the skills they are learning will make a lasting impact,” said SSgt Mueller, EOD Team Leader from 1st EOD Company, 7th ESB.
Separately, the U.S. Government has awarded a $2.25 Million (K9.2 Million) grant to the HALO Trust to remediate UXO left over from WWII and enhancing reporting and tracking of UXO.
The HALO Trust signed an MOA with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in June and anticipates signing with Oro Province and beginning work in both regions soon. Their efforts will include survey and mapping unexploded ordinance contributing to national tracking of UXO, community risk education, and the excavation of hazardous areas identified during the survey.
The United States first provided UXO assistance to Papua New Guinea in 2009, where the US Quick Reaction Force removed or destroyed 2,727 UXO items and additional small arms ammunition in Torokina, Bougainville.
The United States is committed to working with the Government of Papua New Guinea, PNGDF and local communities to return land for the safe use of local communities.