19 September 2024
Army is continuing to strengthen its ties in the Pacific, working side by side the Vanuatu Mobile Force in Cairns on Exercise Pacific Exchange 2024.
Seven Vanuatu Mobile Force personnel deployed to Cairns in early September to train alongside 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment (51FNQR) soldiers to share skills and increase cooperation, with a focus on building and supporting the professionalism and capability of Vanuatu’s Mobile Force.
Exercise director Major Gareth Hughes, of 51FNQR, said it was the perfect way to strengthen the Vanuatu-Australia Defence Cooperation Program.
“The troops absolutely love it, getting to train and learn with people from a different background and culture just enhances their educational experience,” Major Hughes said.
“You can see the smiles didn’t leave the Ni-Vanuatu officers’ faces the whole time they were here, and it was the same for our personnel.
“It’s all about sharing skills. We both operate in similar littoral environments, so we’re all working to improve our technical skills and pick up those skills that local knowledge develops.”
Almost immediately after Exercise Pacific Exchange, 51FNQR personnel travelled to Vanuatu for Operation Goodwill 2024.
“Heading off to Vanuatu straight off the back of Exercise Pacific Exchange is perfect as the troops can take what they’ve learnt together and implement it straight away,” Major Hughes said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to learn how the Vanuatu Mobile Force conducts operations, so we can bring home some of their best practices.”
Operation Goodwill runs until September 29.
