Joint US-PNG disaster exercise under way in Morobe
A four-day joint disaster management and humanitarian field training exercise between Papua New Guinea civil-military partners and international agencies is currently under way across Morobe to build local response capacity.
The exercise, which began on Tuesday and runs until Friday, is led by the US Pacific Command’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance [CFE-DM] in coordination with the PNG Defence Force [PNGDF], National Disaster Centre [NDC], National Maritime Safety Authority [NMSA], and the Wisconsin National Guard.
The training aims to establish robust provincial coordination systems that can be rapidly deployed during natural and maritime emergencies.
CFE-DM training and engagements branch chief James Kenwolf said disaster preparedness was a shared commitment to regional security.
"This field training ensures that our forces work as a unified team to save lives and protect vulnerable communities," Kenwolf said.
Morobe was selected as the key training ground due to its high exposure to natural hazards, including riverine flooding, landslides, and droughts.
The exercise features practical drills in oil spill response operations at the Port of Lae, alongside search and rescue, displaced population management, and medical emergency response at the PNGDF Engineering Battalion’s Igam Barracks.
US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Andy Covington said bringing practical training directly to the provincial level helps reinforce local capacity.
"By bringing practical training directly to the provincial level, we are reinforcing the sovereign capacity of PNG’s first responders to lead disaster response efforts independently and efficiently," Covington said.
He added that proactive preparedness also provides economic benefits, as every K1 spent on disaster readiness can save up to K7 in future recovery losses, allowing development funds to remain in local communities for infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Participating organizations include the Morobe Provincial Government, PNG Red Cross Society, International Organization for Migration, Spirit of America, World Vision, US Coast Guard, and US Army Pacific’s Oceania Engagement Team.