Vessels decommissioned

PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) last Pacific class boat was decommissioned last week in Manus’ Lombrum.
The last three such boats decommissioned were HMPNGS Dreger, HMPNGS Seeadler and HMPNGS Moresby.
The decommissioning ceremony took place at the patrol boat base in HMPNGS Tarangau.
The decommissioning paves the way for the guardian class patrol boats – HMPNGS Ted Diro and NUSHIP Rochus Lokinap which docked on Tuesday.
Captain (Navy) Philip Polewara stood in for PNGDF Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo as the guest of honour during the decommissioning.
Capt Polewara thanked all the commanding officers and men who served on the three ships.
“Thank you for your service and sacrifices you and your family have made,” he said.
“I know there are some other jobs that you wanted but you chose to serve in the PNGDF and in the Navy.
“I just want to say thank you.”
Of the four patrol boats, HMPNG Rabaul, which was decommissioned two years ago, was built first, HMPNGS Dreger was the most operational ship in the fleet.
It steamed 383,177.17 nautical miles in a total of 73,000,195.85 hours since commissioning on Oct 11, 1987, clocking 34 years of loyal service.
“These miles and hours did not come easily,” Capt Polewara said.
It is a reflection of the loyalty, dedication, commitment and sacrifice of those who served aboard and also our families who have to put up with the challenges when their fathers are away.
“Today mothers too will be sailing on these ships.”
He thanked those who had kept the ships afloat to carry the symbol of sovereignty and represented the Government to very remote islands and atolls within PNG waters.
“They flew the flag and carried the stamp of authority to these isolated places,” Capt Polewara said.
“Throughout their service, HMPNG ships have been at the forefront of national positions, be it national elections, fisheries patrols, sovereignty patrols, remote area visits or major naval exercises.
“They served a common purpose of defending our nation’s interest and spreading peace and prosperity across the seas in our nation, our region and our world in tandem with our partners,” he.
Capt Polewara acknowledged the support from the Manus administration, National Fisheries Authority, Department of Defence and the government and people of Australia.
The decommissioned vessels have been stripped and fuel-drained.
The vessels are awaiting their final leg of the journey to Cairns, Australia, next Tuesday.