Challenges and achievements are highlighted by outgoing commanding officer 1RPIR, Heta Nombe

Sunday, 3 March 2024, 12:04 pm

Outgoing Commanding Officer Lt. Col Heta Nombe [left] hands over to Lt Col Ezron Dekaitavara during the welcome parade at Taurama Barracks (supplied: (Larissa Nombe)

Outgoing Commanding Officer [CO] First Battalion Royal Pacific Islands Regiment [1RPIR], Lieutenant-Colonel [Lt Col] Heta Nombe says apart from the 2019 global pandemic and other issues that posed challenges during his 3-year tenure [2021-2023], the bilateral exchanges with foreign military institutes have been success stories.

“Along the way in 2023, the PNGDF was rocked with multiple meal interruptions. The Unit had to step in to assist, especially the live in personnel with other meal arrangements. These had been very hard times, but everyone pulled together and minimized the routine of the unit.

“I also thank the ADF [Australian Defence Force] for the Renovation of Admin Coy building at the cost of K8 million, maintenance of guard house, maintenance of BHQ and other minor projects.

“We also have significant bilateral exchanges with the Australia, United States and British through various programs and activities, Lt Col Nombe said when welcoming the new CO, Lt Col, Ezron Dikaitevara.

Lt Col, Ezron Dekaitevara is a graduate of Waiouri Cadet School of New Zealand and throughout his 25 years of service, has served in various appointments within the force. He has also attended both military and civil Courses in the country and abroad and just recently completed his Staff College in Australia.

He said he is not surprised nor happy but he’s confident to take on this challenging role and challenges it comes with.

“I appreciate my colleague, much has been done under his command and I am looking forward to continue on from where he left,”  Lt. Col Ezron Dekaetavara said.

Meanwhile the Acting Chief of Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara also challenged him to work hard as PNGDF is going through hard times.

“As a leader you will now feel the pain of what we are going through and how you do it, you will have to get things done. Now you have to be very creative and very smart and that’s the way we are heading today,” Commodore Philip Polewara said.