Australian Army Chief visits troops in Exercise Olgeta Warrior

The Australian Army’s Commander Forces Command, Major General Gus Gilmore, visited Wewak and Port Moresby from 19-21 October to observe Australian and Papua New Guinean troops participating in the component activities that comprise Exercise Olgeta Warrior.

Major General Gilmore travelled to Moem Barracks, Wewak, and saw Exercise Wantok Warrior, where over 100 troops from Australia’s 3rd Brigade in Townsville are working with their Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) counterparts on amphibious training.

He visited Exercise Puk Puk at Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby, where another 150 troops from Australia worked with over 200 PNGDF troops on the upgrading of PNGDF living and working accommodation.

He also met with Australian troops involved in mentoring training teams supporting PNGDF recruit training at Goldie River Training Depot and supporting the PNGDF’s Force Support Battalion at Murray Barracks.

Major General Gilmore met with Commander PNGDF Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo to learn more about Brigadier General Toropo’s plan for increasing the capability and professionalism of the PNGDF.

Major General Gilmore said: “I congratulated Brigadier General Toropo on his plans to improve the force, the success he had achieved to date, and reiterated that Australia would continue to support his efforts.”

“The opportunity for Australian troops to work alongside their PNGDF friends is always welcome. Our troops learn a lot from their time in PNG and I am glad to hear PNG troops gain a lot too. I am pleased that we continually receive excellent hospitality from our PNG hosts. The relationship between our two forces is extremely strong and close, and I look forward to that continuing as together we protect our region’s security.”