US to reinforce commitment

United States (US) navy secretary Carlos Del Toro visited Port Moresby and HMPNGS Tarangau in Manus to reinforce the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Toro met with Government representatives, including Prime Minister James Marape, to discuss ways both countries can establish a free and open Indo-Pacific region together.
In Papua New Guinea, Toro visited the naval construction battalion, better known as the “Seabees”, who are building new facilities in support of the revitalisation of the PNG Defence Force maritime base at Lombrum.
The US Embassy, in a statement, said the Seabees were in Manus temporarily, working with Papua New Guineans and Australians to enhance the capabilities of PNG forces.
The Government invited the US military construction teams to Manus to support the renovation of the PNGDF maritime base, the HMPNGS Tarangau.
Construction workers are building a regional maritime training centre, a dental clinic and a small boat team facility. These upgrades strengthen the defensive capabilities of the PNGDF operating there.
After touring the HMPNGS Tarangau, Toro said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the PNG Defence Force again.
“The Seabees have been here before, and we are happy to be back.”