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US Marines and sailors with Marine Rotational Force Darwin 24.3 have undertaken training at Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
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The military units were reinforced by Marine Transport Squadron 1, Marine Aircraft Group 41, and 4th Marine Aircraft Wing late last month on 30 April and continued until 9 May.
The comprehensive training exercise aimed at validating crisis response capabilities and enhancing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) readiness.
It was held in coordination with the US Embassy in Port Moresby, focusing on projecting select medical capabilities, equipment, supplies, and Marine Air-Ground Task Force command and control capabilities off-continent. The exercise also conducts subject matter expert exchanges with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
“The purpose of this exercise is to validate our crisis response capability while strengthening regional partnerships,” Colonel Brian T. Mulvihill, commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3, said
“It is important for us to maintain readiness and be prepared to provide assistance in times of need.
“This exercise highlights the ability of MRF-D to integrate seamlessly with local organisations and institutions to provide effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.”
Key events include religious key leader engagements, academic briefings, site surveys, and medical interoperability, including various aspects of medical care, preventative medicine, and disease prevention.
The HADR exercise is expected to help enhance relationships with the PNGDF, the US Embassy in Port Moresby, and set conditions for future MRF-D operations in the region.
MRF-D 24.3 remains committed to maintaining readiness and fostering partnerships to ensure a swift and effective response to humanitarian crises wherever and whenever they may occur.
“The partnership between our two nations is vital and enables mutually beneficial exercises like this one,” US ambassador to Papua New Guinea Ann Marie Yastishock said.
“This exchange of expertise will improve the capabilities of both MRF-D Marines and PNGDF members alike.”
