Tuesday 2nd September, 2025
Port Moresby is well into festivities marking PNG’s 50th anniversary with regional military converging on its shores this week.
The PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) vessels and regional partners started with an impressive display of its military capabilities at the Old Container Wharf in Down Town Port Moresby.
The celebrations continued today with the Defence Force Ship Open Day at APEC Haus and T Wharf, where the public came and explored ships such as HMAS Basilisk, HMAS Choules, and regional vessels including France’s FNS Auguste Benebig and India’s INS Kadmatt.
HMAS Choules, an amphibious warship from Australia’s navy, arrived in Port Moresby on October 30 after a two-day voyage from Townsville, supporting the celebrations and regional cooperation efforts.
Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Frewin, commander of the Australian contingent, highlighted the significance of HMAS Choules, a large vessel capable of supporting land operations and humanitarian aid.
With a crew of 170, the ship can carry over 488 people and supplies, including more than a million liters of fuel, enabling it to travel vast distances.
Frewin emphasized that the ship’s presence symbolizes the strong partnership between Australia and PNG, showcasing regional unity and shared security interests.
Tomorrow’s program features the Fleet Review at APEC Haus, where ships from PNG, Australia, France, India, and other nations will parade in a show of maritime strength.
The events will end on September 6 with an Air Show at Ela Beach that will feature aircrafts from multiple countries, including Australia’s F-35 jets.
Australia’s participation, particularly through HMAS Choules, underscores the enduring alliance and shared future between the two nations.