Tamiok Strike 2024, conducted between the U.S. Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, concluded with a ceremony at Murray Barracks. The exercise aimed to improve operational planning and soldier proficiency through combined training exercises and a staff exercise for the first time. Remarks from senior officials highlighted the value of mutual respect and trust in maintaining a secure Indo-Pacific.
The Tamiok Strike 2024, the latest iteration of the bilateral training exercise between the United States Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), concluded with a formal ceremony held at Murray Barracks on July 26, 2024. This exercise marked a significant milestone as it was the first occasion the two nations jointly conducted a staff exercise aimed at enhancing operational planning capabilities and fostering shared practices in logistics, medical support, and military police operations. At the culmination of this initiative, U.S. and PNGDF service members engaged in various subject matter expert exchanges to strengthen soldier proficiency, which included practical exercises designed to improve teamwork and coordination. Simultaneously, in Lae, a collaborative engineering team commenced the construction of a military domicile, aimed at facilitating more extensive bilateral training opportunities in future exercises. The project is anticipated to reach completion by the end of August. Remarks delivered by PNGDF Colonel Kingsley Wawada, the PNGDF Support Services Commander, alongside U.S. Army Major General Gavin Gardner, the commanding general of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, underscored the value of this partnership. Major General Gardner expressed, “We have a common bond, and that is to work together through mutual respect and trust to keep a free and open Indo-Pacific. We are stronger when we operate together. We look forward to coming back and training with the PNGDF, so we can improve our skills.” Colonel Wawada emphasized the organizational role of logisticians in this year’s event, stating, “This is the fourth Tamiok Strike, and we logisticians have taken charge of it this year. I’m very happy with the outcome, and I look forward to more engagement, more networking, and more interoperability with the USA.” The exercise involved approximately 100 service members from both countries, with a primary aim of enhancing collective readiness and interoperability while also promoting cultural exchanges. Tamiok Strike is fundamentally designed to bolster the preparedness of both the PNGDF and U.S. forces to efficiently respond to both conventional threats and potential natural disasters across the Indo-Pacific region.
Tamiok Strike is a longstanding bilateral training exercise that enhances the readiness and interoperability of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force with U.S. Armed Forces. This annual exercise not only focuses on military operations but also emphasizes cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two forces. Due to the geographical and political importance of the Indo-Pacific region, such collaborative efforts are essential for maintaining security and ensuring preparedness for various challenges.
In conclusion, Tamiok Strike 2024 has successfully advanced the collaborative capabilities of the U.S. Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Through focused training and mutual engagement, both forces have strengthened their operational readiness and established a foundation for future exercises, highlighting the importance of alliance-building in the Indo-Pacific region for enhanced security and disaster response measures.
Original Source: www.pacom.mil
