Aussie naval ship calls in at Rabaul

Royal Australian navy ship HMAS Success is currently in Rabaul as part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2018 (IPE18) – Australia’s major annual maritime activity in the region.
HMAS Success arrived at Simpson Harbour yesterday morning and will depart tomorrow.
Ship personnel visited Malaguna Technical Secondary School and Rabaul Urban Clinic where they carried out much-needed repairs, maintenance work and a coaching clinic.
Rabaul Clinic was the fortunate recipient of two new refrigerators to store vaccines, a new fan, generator set, security lights and an air-conditioning unit.
At Malaguna, repainting and changing of louvre blades was done on the school hall.
The commanding officer of HMAS Success, Commander Grant Zilko, noted the significance of the visit.
“This is the Royal Australian Navy’s second visit to PNG in two years under the Indo-Pacific Endeavour banner, demonstrating the value we place on the long-standing defence relationship between our two nations – a relationship that has been forged through our shared history and close geography,” he said.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Caitlyne Wilson joined East New Britain Governor Nakikus Konga to welcome the vessel and personnel.
“The PNG-Australia Defence Co-operation is one of our largest globally,” Wilson said.
“This reflects the broader PNG-Australia Partnership for growth development, stability and security.
“In the last 12 months, our two defence forces were at the forefront of relief efforts following the devastating earthquake.
“Looking ahead, we look forward to the partnership delivering a safe and secure Apec 2018.”
The Chief of staff of the PNG Defence Force, Capt Philip Polewara, highlighted the ongoing relationship between the two defence forces.
The arrival of HMAS Success in Rabaul makes PNG the only country in the world to receive consecutive visits under the Indo-Pacific Endeavour.
The vessel stopped over in Port Moresby last year as part of IPE17.
Indo Pacific Endeavour is an Australian Defence Force joint task group deployment to promote security and stability in the region through engagement, training and capacity-building.