13 August 2025
The thrum of engines from the USS Pearl Harbor echoed across the Port of Lae, PNG, signalling the start of Pacific Partnership - the US Navy’s largest annual humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission in the Indo-Pacific region.
Against a backdrop of mist-draped mountains, palm-fringed roads and the hum of local markets, Australian Defence Force personnel stepped ashore with partner nations to work with PNG communities during two weeks of health, engineering and cultural engagement activities.
In its 21st year, and sponsored by Commander US Pacific Fleet, it is focusing on the Indo and South-West Pacific.
After departing Honolulu in early July, ADF personnel joined forces with counterparts from the US, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, Germany and South Korea, delivering medical clinics, infrastructure improvements and community outreach programs.
Commander Darren Smith, Australian contingent commander and director of the multinational operations coordination cell for the exercise, said the Lae community’s welcome was overwhelming.
“We have had record numbers of participation in our women's peace and security workshops at the Christian Revival Centre, incredible relationships being built at the Angau hospital and local community health clinics, as well as support to the beautification to some of the construction the engineers are conducting,” Commander Smith said
There are five ADF personnel embarked aboard Pearl Harbor.
“Our integration with other nations has been fantastic,” Commander Smith said.
“The highlight of the trip for me would be witnessing the work of our multinational teams on the ground.
“In particular, our medical teams working in Angau hospital, and seeing the effect that they’re having, the smiles they’re raising and the strength that we’re building in the host nation.”
'We have this opportunity to build this resilience in calm, so we can all work together when a crisis strikes.'
Locals also welcomed community outreach activities by the Pacific Partnership Band and chaplains.
“The local reaction to the chaplain outreach and the band performances has been incredible,” Commander Smith said.
“The band has absolutely lifted the roof in places like the Lae Secondary School, the university and primary schools across Lae.
“And, in a country where religious events are really important to the community, our chaplain has been conducting hugely successful activities across the town.”
With the red, black and gold of the PNG flag fluttering with partner nations' flags in Marobe province, Commander Smith said Pacific Partnership highlighted what was possible when partners united.
“It’s so important to have Australia involved in Pacific Partnership, because the Indo Pacific and South-West Pacific are part of our inner-region,” he said.
“We have this opportunity to build this resilience in calm, so we can all work together when a crisis strikes.”
Pacific Partnership will head to Chuuk, in the Federated States of Micronesia, followed by a stop in Samoa.
“This is what Pacific Partnership is all about. People helping people, shoulder to shoulder,” Commander Smith said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity that we should all look forward to participating in.”
