The United States is strengthening its maritime collaboration with Papua New Guinea (PNG) with the construction of two pivotal facilities at the Lombrum Naval Base. This initiative, led by the Department of Defense and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), involves the creation of the Small Boat Team and Bosun Facility (SBBF) and the Regional Maritime Training Center (RMTC). The total investment for these projects exceeds $16 million, equivalent to approximately 61 million Kina. This investment is aimed at enhancing the maritime readiness and capacities of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) and supporting long-term security in the Indo-Pacific region. The construction contract was awarded in January 2025, with the completion expected by April 2026.
"Today’s ceremony is not just about bricks and mortar," stated Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock during the groundbreaking event on April 29, 2025. "It symbolizes trust and our commitment to work side by side in protecting the democratic principles and mutual respect that define our relationship."
The ceremony, attended by PNGDF leadership, provincial officials, and representatives from the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet and NAVFAC Pacific, marked the start of these projects. The new facilities are expected to significantly boost the operational capability of Lombrum Naval Base by improving support for small boat operations, sustaining training, and increasing maritime readiness.
The Small Boat Team and Bosun Facility will offer operational space for three PNGDF small boat teams and provide maintenance and storage for essential maritime equipment, enhancing PNGDF's coastal operations and maritime threat response capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Regional Maritime Training Center is designed to feature modern classroom and administrative spaces for training programs led by the PNGDF. The center aims to maintain technical proficiency and contribute to developing long-term operational capacity within the force.
These developments are part of the 2023 U.S.–Papua New Guinea Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), symbolizing the United States' commitment to robust defense partnerships, collaborative infrastructure projects, and security priorities that serve both U.S. and PNG interests.
The diplomatic bond between the United States and Papua New Guinea continues to grow, grounded in shared history, values, and a collective vision for the future.