What began with a small gesture in Tamworth has quietly endured – carried through family, service and friendship – and is now shared again on the deck of HMAS Choules.

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar, Commanding Officer of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Transport Wing, has maintained a 14-year-long friendship that began during his training in Tamworth, Australia.

From 2011 to 2015, he trained at British Aerospace Systems in Tamworth, where Kate Choice – mother of Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Rayne Choice – cared for the officers and supported them while they were far from home.

“She was very kind to us,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said.

“We remember that fondly, and we kept in touch. Fourteen years later, we’re still connected through her daughter, Rayne.”

During his training, Lieutenant Colonel Vavar transitioned from infantry to aircrew, completing fixed-wing and helicopter courses. The time spent in Tamworth shaped his skills and created friendships that have endured far beyond the training program.

Years later, one of those friendships came full circle on board Choules, when Lieutenant Commander Choice, now the ship’s engineer officer, welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Vavar and his family, guiding them from the bridge to the flight deck and offering a glimpse of life at sea.

'It reminds me how simple acts of kindness can create lifelong friendships between people and nations.'

“It’s a pleasure to share the ship with friends who have been connected to my family for so long,” Lieutenant Commander Choice said.

Lieutenant Commander Choice reflected on her mother’s influence, which first brought the two families together. 

“My mother always looked after Defence people passing through Tamworth,” Lieutenant Commander Choice said. 

“She treated them like family, and those friendships lasted long after they left, and to now welcome Lieutenant Colonel Vavar aboard during Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary makes that connection very special.

“Seeing my mother’s care ripple through the years is humbling.

“It reminds me how simple acts of kindness can create lifelong friendships between people and nations.”