Pacific partners unite
Though seeing the home of the Brisbane Broncos was a highlight for Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Sergeant Sato Gorosahu, it was the sharing of knowledge and training by 35 Squadron that gave the PNGDF supplier a valuable experience during the Kumul Exchange.
CAPTION: Sergeant Joshua Magun, of the PNG Defence Force, on the flight line at 35 Squadron during the Kumul Exchange at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Greg Hinks. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Nell Bradbury.
During the Kumul Exchange in November, three members of the PNGDF – in logistics and aircraft maintenance roles – spent two weeks with 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, gaining practical experience and enhancing readiness for humanitarian and security missions.
For Sergeant Gorosahu, the benefits of the exchange were clear from the start, through the support 35 Squadron aviators gave the PNGDF member in logistics systems.
“The Kumul Exchange is a great program. I learnt a lot about the RAAF’s logistics processes and the way RAAF does things,” Sergeant Gorosahu said.
“35 Squadron are friendly and were really helpful, teaching me how the systems relate here [in Australia], how purchasing is completed and how each of the logistics sections operate.
“I have developed an understanding that I can take back to the PNGDF.”
CAPTION: Sergeant Joshua Magun, of the PNG Defence Force, listens as RAAF Aircraft Technician Leading Aircraftman Lachlan Vivers explains what to look for while they inspect a RAAF C-27J Spartan during the Kumul Exchange at RAAF Base Amberley.
For PNGDF maintainer Corporal Joshua Magun, learning how the RAAF coordinates aircraft maintenance was an important part of the exchange.
“In terms of being exposed to a different workspace in a different country, it sort of gives a different perspective in the way things are done in the aviation industry, especially in the Air Force,” Corporal Magun said.
“I enjoyed the fair and just culture at 35 Squadron, and my highlight was the visit to the maintenance hangars where the squadron conducts deeper-level maintenance.
“I have seen the Spartan literally stripped down and rebuilt.”
PNGDF maintainer Sergeant Wesley Tait echoed those sentiments while also taking note of the safety culture.
“It has been good exposure to flightline duties, safety while on heights and seeing different types of stands for different heights and jobs,” Sergeant Tait said.
35 Squadron Logistics Officer Flight Lieutenant Elizabeth Weston oversaw parts of the exchange and said she saw the value for both PNGDF members and Air Force aviators.
“These exchanges will lead to greater cooperation under the Defence Pacific Air Program by strengthening technical interoperability, building trust between PNGDF and RAAF personnel, and aligning maintenance and logistics practices,” Flight Lieutenant Weston said.
“Beyond technical skills, these exchanges build long-term relationships, create future liaison pathways and promote shared standards that make combined operations more efficient.”
The Kumul Exchange is part of the Olgeta series, where ADF personnel visit Papua New Guinea and PNGDF members visit Australia to attend training, exchanges and exercises.
CAPTION: Sergeant Sato Gorosahu, of the PNG Defence Force, operates a forklift on the flight line during the Kumul Exchange at RAAF Base Amberley.
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