Exercise improves soldiers’ skills

 By Douglas Deseng
THE Exercise Koa Moana is a step in the right direction for future engagements with the United States Marines, a Papua New Guinea Defence Force officer says.
First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment commanding officer Lt-Col Edison Napyo said this during the closing ceremony of the Exercise Koa Moana at Taurama Barracks yesterday.
“I have observed during the exercise that all the soldiers involved have learned a lot from each other and actively took part in activities.”
Napyo said besides other trainings, the riot control drill and practice, first aid and practical conducted from June 19 to 20 were some real issue lessons and tactics learnt during the exercise.
“The range practice or target shooting on June 21 and the visit to Owen’s Corner at Sogeri gave some good experiences as well as sharing of skills, knowledge, ideas and most importantly interaction among participants,” Napyo said.
“On behalf of my soldiers, I want to thank the PNGDF commander and chief of force preparation for having confidence in the First Battalion of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment to host the Exercise Koa Moana.”
Meanwhile, US Embassy’s deputy chief of mission Joel Maybury said Exercise Koa Moana has not only improved military capabilities but laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between PNG and US.