Papua New Guinea Defence Force, United States Air Force Conduct Bilateral Engagement
Airmen Engage in Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief, Medical Outreach
Release Number: 230124-02
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (Jan. 24, 2023) – U.S. Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing’s Pacific Air Forces’ Air Mobility Support Squadron and Airmen with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, conducted a mission together to deliver aid and medical assistance to remote communities in Western Province, Papua New Guinea, Jan. 19-20, 2023.
The mission, coordinated by U.S. Embassy and PNG government officials, enabled the delivery of approximately 5,600 pounds of rice, 600 pounds of canned fish, and 600 pounds of noodles to residents of Kiunga, Moro, and Nomad, villages that were devastated by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in September.
“The United States and Papua New Guinea enjoy a deep and abiding partnership built on shared values and mutual respect,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Erin E. McKee. “This joint mission reflects the strength of our partnership and our enduring commitment to assisting the people of PNG.”
In addition to delivering aid, U.S. and PNG Airmen conducted a medical outreach program at a local health center in Kiunga, providing much-needed medical care to approximately 200 residents.
“This engagement was a great opportunity for our Airmen to work alongside their PNG counterparts to provide assistance to those in need,” said U.S. Air Force Col. David Mineau, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “It’s also a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea.”
The 374th AW is a C-130J Super Hercules wing located at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing is responsible for providing airlift support to U.S. forces throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
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