The talks, held at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby, marked the first Army-to-Army Staff Talks between the PNGDF and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC). Okamura was joined by Brig. Lari Opa, deputy chief of the PNG Defence Force; Col. Mike Banda, chief of force preparation; Col. Raphael Yapu, chief of staff to the DCDF; Maj. Ryan McCauley, U.S. Embassy security cooperation chief; and Maj. Eamonn O’Neill, USARPAC security cooperation division.
 
The meeting focused on advancing the PNG-U.S. Defence Cooperation Agreement and identifying opportunities for increased collaboration. Discussions included expanding joint tactical activities, such as the annual Exercise TAMIOK STRIKE, and increasing U.S. participation in multilateral exercises like PUK PUK and WANTOK WARRIOR.
 
Leaders also explored ways to support the PNGDF’s efforts to build, generate and apply forces, including restarting the PNGDF’s Exercise KUMUL, enhancing infrastructure development, and delivering Military Police training.
 
“The opportunity to have a productive and transparent conversation is the cornerstone of ensuring interoperability and shared objectives,” Okamura said. “These Army-to-Army Staff Talks demonstrate the closeness between our two nations and represent the strength and essence of the U.S. relationship with the people of Papua New Guinea. May our partnership, grounded in shared values of freedom, democracy, peace, and security, continue to flourish and thrive.”
 
The talks also emphasized improving the PNGDF’s ability to respond to national emergencies and enhancing basic soldier skills to increase the force’s overall lethality.

The meeting reflects the growing defense partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea, as both nations work to promote regional stability and shared security goals.
 
Contact:
U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs Office (808) 786-0300 
usarmy.shafter.usarpac.mbx.pao@army.mil