PNGDF’s support battalion celebrates 10th anniversary

THE Support Force Battalion (SFB) unit celebrated its 11th anniversary at the Papua New Guinea Defence Force headquarters at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby yesterday.
The battalion was established on Nov 18, 2008 to be the army’s logistical support during operations.
It was initially called the Headquarters Support Company in 1965 and shifted to the Murray Barracks in 1975 before the SFB’s inception in 2008.
“We are the backline to the armed force during operations by providing them with logistical support,” SFB acting commanding officer Major Peter Ikau said.
The battalion is made up of Port Moresby Supply Company, Transport Platoon, Workshop General Engineering, Signal Squadron, Military Police, Ceremonial Guard Company, medical personnel and others.
PNG Defence Force Commander Major Gen Gilbert Toropo commended the commitment, hard work and loyalty of the officers and encouraged them strive to be better next year.
“We have improved so much in last five years. Our commitment in support the government during National Election in 2012, Apec last year and security at the LNG site and other areas in the country,” Toropo said.
He said 2019 was a reconstitution year and despite funding issues they had maintained a high standard.
The SFB unit has 400 officers with more than 30 female officers.