AUSTRALIAN Army personnel recently parachuted into Papua New Guinea for the 80th anniversary of the World War II Nadzab Landings.
The airdrop mission flew from RAAF Base Amberley via Townsville as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 23-2, a biannual training activity.
Jumping from RAAF and United States Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, 15 2nd Commando Regiment members dropped into Nadzab Tomodachi Airport.
The Globemasters also airdropped donated sports equipment from the ADF Sports Council.
The event commemorated the Nadzab Landings of September 5, 1943, an Allied operation that helped establish a major airbase during the New Guinea Campaign.
C-17A Loadmaster Corporal Kristanto Sandjaja said he was proud of his involvement on the mission.
“It’s great training for us and the airdrop included donated sporting equipment, which will get distributed to the community.”
Following the airdrop, the RAAF C-17A crew hosted an aircraft tour for PNG Government members and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel.
PNGDF personnel took part in the parachute demonstration and supported ADF personnel prepare the clearance zone at Nadzab.
Australian Defence Adviser to Papua New Guinea Colonel Travis Gordon said the exercise helped build on the long-standing defence partnership between Australia and PNG.
