US Marines train PNGDF for APEC and election roles

2:42 pm on 19 April 2017

About 100 United States Marines have taken part in training exercises to help prepare Papua New Guinea soldiers for security during the general election and 2018 Apec meeting.

US marines on exercise from their base in Okinawa, Japan

Photo: AFP

The newspaper The National reported the two forces took part in exercises in Port Moresby over the long weekend.

Training took place at the military barracks, Sir John Guise Stadium, hotels and parks.

Commanding Officer Bradley Coletti said the training and activities were to enhance US-PNG relations and ensure a stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region.

During the exercise local soldiers also opened a vehicle checkpoint, stopping suspicious drivers, and searching vehicles for contraband.