PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers worked with Australian Defence Force and Papua New Guinea service members to rehabilitate base housing at the Air Transport Wing.
Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard’s 157th Mobilization Enhancement Brigade are working to fix plumbing, electrical and structural issues in several dilapidated base housing units.
“It’s meaningful to know we’re doing some good for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Wenzel, platoon sergeant with the 829th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, 724th Engineer Battalion, 157th MEB.
Wisconsin and Papua New Guinea are partners in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. The program improves interoperability and readiness of U.S. and partner forces. It began in 1993 and has grown to include 115 partner nations.
The Australians are working as part of Olgeta Aviator, a Royal Australian Air Force exercise focusing on international engagement in Papua New Guinea. Seven RAAF servicemembers from the 65th Air Base Recovery Squadron are on a month-long deployment helping the PNGDF restore base housing.
“It’s good for us to work together and get to know each other,” said RAAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Cheadle, work supervisor with the 65th ABRS. “And we’re working together to make sure the housing is safe to live in.”
The PNGDF also assists in the rehabilitation effort.
“The American Soldiers are working with the ADF and we’re very grateful for the support from both,” said PNGDF Lance Corporal Rame Thavara, a plumber supervisor assigned to the Air Transport Wing.
Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers anticipate working on several housing units while with the RAAF.