Aussies sail away after goodwill PNG visit

THE Australian naval ship HMAS Choules has completed visits to Port Moresby and Lombrum Naval Base, Manus.
HMAS Choules has left the country for a training exercise in the southwest Pacific.
The ship delivered equipment and tools.
It also hosted 18 members of the PNG Defence Force on a four-day journey from Port Moresby to Manus.
The group looked at the ship’s operational capabilities took part indemonstrations, a helicopter demonstration and gained valuable experiences.
The visit demonstrated Australia’s commitment to its ongoing engagement with the Defence
Force, said the commanding officer of HMAS Choules, Scott Houlihan.
“The partnership between PNG and Australia remains strong and this visit has reinforced the friendship between our nations,” he said.
“By demonstrating interoperability with our neighbours through training, exercises and engagements, we strengthen the security and capability of our region.”
The ship is expected to return to Australia in late March.