US Air Force Experts in PNG to provide expertise to PNG to host major global events.

The Papua New Guinean Defense Force is hosting a team of U.S. Air Force experts at Murray Barracks from July 21 to July 25 for a Pacific Defender Outreach Program.  This security exchange is designed to strengthen the capabilities of PNG’s military and civil police.

This is the first time Papua New Guinea is hosting this U.S. Air Force team.     This exchange is part of U.S. support for Papua New Guinea’s hosting of major events such as the 2015 Pacific Games and the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.  The Pacific Defender Outreach program will include tabletop exercises and scenario discussions on a variety of topics including crowd control, confrontation management, and threat responses.

U.S. Ambassador North noted that the Pacific Defender engagement “is an opportunity to deepen defense cooperation following the April visit of U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Locklear.”     The Pacific Defender Outreach program provides a forum to exchange views among security forces leaders; enhances shared force protection information and understanding of security operations; develops interpersonal relationships among attendees; and contributes to regional security and stability.

The United States is a Pacific nation, and it continues to deepen its efforts in this region because of its importance, not only to its own national security, but also to the global community.  The United States seeks a secure and prosperous Papua New Guinea that is able to play a positive leadership role in the Pacific Islands region.

PNG Today/ PNG Village