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More than 15,000 sets of new dress uniforms have been delivered to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from the United States government.
The uniforms, worth around US$5 million, were supplied through the US Department of Defense and US Indo-Pacific Command at the request of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
The uniforms were handed over during a ceremony involving US Indo-Pacific Command Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, INDOPACOM Major General Jay M Bargeron and US ambassador to PNG Ann Marie Yastishock.
“We are proud to present the Papua New Guinea Defence Force with a set of brand-new dress uniforms,” according to statements made by ambassador Yastishock.
“These uniforms were designed with precision, delivered with pride and rooted in our shared commitment to professionalism.”
The uniforms are expected to enhance the PNGDF’s ceremonial presence at national and global events, ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary in September this year.
“This support is not just symbolic … it enhances our identity, morale and operational readiness and we thank the US and USINDOPACOM,” RADM Polewara said.
The PNGDF was reportedly highly involved in the new designs.
“The timing of this delivery is particularly meaningful. With Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence approaching in September, these uniforms will allow the PNGDF to proudly represent your nation during this historic celebration,” MajGen Bargeron said.
“Through those 50 years and for the 50 years plus to come, PNGDF and the United States Department of Defense have been and will remain side by side. Admiral Paparo looks forward to attending your celebrations and seeing PNGDF proudly don these new uniforms.”
