Two years after studying together at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Royal Australian Navy Sub-Lieutenant Patrick Cabot reunited with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Lieutenant Steven Ali, Lieutenant Lawrence David, Lieutenant Jeremeel Gabby and Second Lieutenant Trevor Tanabi in Port Moresby for PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence.

The four PNGDF officers attended ADFA and the Royal Military College – Duntroon as part of an ongoing program that enables international military personnel to train alongside junior ADF officers.

Sub-Lieutenant Cabot and Lieutenant Ali were in the same division and lived as neighbours in the academy’s accommodation. They studied together, trained together and played touch football together in the ADFA Taipans Touch Football Club, where Sub-Lieutenant Cabot also met Lieutenant David, Lieutenant Gabby and Second Lieutenant Tanabi.

The group remained close throughout their studies and kept in touch as the PNGDF members transferred to the Royal Military College to continue their military education. 

'We’ve all come so far. I can’t wait to see what comes next.'

Now an assistant weapons electrical engineering officer deployed on HMAS Choules, Sub-Lieutenant Cabot was part of the ADF’s support for PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence celebrations under Operation Wantaim. His deployment gave him the opportunity to reconnect with his friends. 

“It was a bit surreal getting to see them again after all this time, and all we’ve accomplished since we were at ADFA,” Sub-Lieutenant Cabot said. 

“I’m so grateful to get to see them in person again – and with such a significant milestone to celebrate.” 

The feeling was mutual for his PNGDF friends. They joined Sub-Lieutenant Cabot for a tour of Choules and a catch-up ahead of Lieutenant Ali’s ceremonial role in the Presentation of Colours event at Murray Barracks. 

“It was great getting to see Patrick again and to receive a tour of his ship. It feels like yesterday that we were in Canberra, and now he was in PNG helping us with our independence day celebrations,” Lieutenant Ali said. 

“We’ve all come so far. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

HMAS Choules remained alongside in Papua New Guinea for several weeks, operating as a floating hotel for partner nations and the embarked ADF contingent.