The Wisconsin National Guard (WING) recently concluded a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The exchange, which ended on March 19, involved a team of 14 personnel with expertise in civil engineering, medical fields, security forces, and public affairs. This marks the fifth year of WING's bilateral partnership with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), continuing a friendship that dates back to World War II.
During the exchange, significant focus was placed on the PNGDF Air Transport Wing (ATW). Civil engineers from WING collaborated with both the ATW and the Royal Australian Air Force Mobile Training Team to repair housing facilities for ATW personnel. Meanwhile, WING security forces partnered with Military Police to develop future plans for enhancing base security.
The medical team from WING conducted Tactical Combat Casualty Care training alongside members of the PNGDF 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. Coordination efforts were made between the Security Assistance Training Command (SAATCO) medical team and WING's medical experts to provide train-the-trainer level courses in Advanced Situational Medical Casualty Care.
Chaplain Buckman from WING led two religious services on Sunday at both ATW and Murray Barracks, working together with PNGDF chaplains.
Major Keith Peter of the Wisconsin National Guard expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing collaboration: “We’re always excited to come work with the PNGDF and grateful for the opportunity to continue training and sharing expertise with the PNGDF in 2025.” He noted that this year is particularly meaningful as it marks five years of partnership between WING and PNGDF, along with celebrating 50 years of Papua New Guinea's independence and US-PNG diplomatic relations.
Additionally, Chaplain Buckman participated in a chaplain subject matter expert exchange with members of PNGDF.