U.S. Army Pacific and the Government of Papua New Guinea kicked off the first Oceania Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange on May 11 in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

The DREE is a five-day exercise, hosted by the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, consisting of presentations and discussions from subject matter experts, a tabletop exercise, a field training exercise and an after action review. There are more than 80 participants from PNG, the U.S., Australia, Solomon Islands, various international organizations and non-governmental organizations.

"This kind of exercise helps to come together to understand both civil and military standard operating procedures and enhance the plan that is already in place in case of an emergency," said Col. Dominic Bulungal, Chief of Defense Intelligence, Papua New Guinea Defense Force.

The opening ceremony included two cultural dance groups representing different tribes in PNG and opening remarks from both U. S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Melanie Higgins, from the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and Deputy Governor Judas Nalau, from Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Shortly after the opening ceremony Higgins, Bulungal, and Director of the National Disaster Center Martin Mose held a press conference describing the exercise.

Pacific Resilience is USARPAC's platform to engage, partner and prepare for a Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response in the Asia-Pacific region, working with both military and civilian organizations in order to enhance the ability to respond and recover from an emergency situation. It is not a singular event, but one of many exercises throughout the region that ensure that the United States is prepared to assist our global partners.

"The work you're doing here this week has real benefits to save lives," said Higgins. "When terrible things happen we need to integrate and be able to work together as seamlessly as possible."
The Pacific Resilience DREE will build upon existing partner nation capacities and enhance the U.S. government's readiness and preparedness to provide aid in the wake of hazards.

"This type of exercise has the ability to decrease barriers in order to communicate, work together and come up with practical solutions on how we can ensure that if there is a natural disaster or emergency, we can respond quickly, effectively and together in a joint response," said Higgins.

"The work you're doing here this week has real benefits to save lives," said Higgins. "When terrible things happen we need to integrate and be able to work together as seamlessly as possible."

The Pacific Resilience DREE will build upon existing partner nation capacities and enhance the U.S. government's readiness and preparedness to provide aid in the wake of hazards.

"This type of exercise has the ability to decrease barriers in order to communicate, work together and come up with practical solutions on how we can ensure that if there is a natural disaster or emergency, we can respond quickly, effectively and together in a joint response," said Higgins.