Tamiok Strike 2024, which is the fourth iteration of the bilateral training exercise between the United States Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, recently concluded with a closing ceremony at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby on the 26th of July 2024. The exercise involves approximately 100 service members from both the U.S. and PNGDF and aims to enhance combined interoperability through training and cultural exchanges. This year was the first year that the two nations conducted a staff exercise together, enhancing the planning and decision-making capabilities of the PNGDF soldiers. By working together in this structured environment, participants improved their ability to coordinate and execute operations and logistics effectively. PNGDF support services commander, Colonel Kingsley Wawada gave his opening remarks for the exercise along with US Army Lieutenant General, James Jarrard who is the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific. Lieutenant Jarrard stated that their commitment is to work together, improve and learn and also to increase their interoperability to show all adversaries throughout this region and in the world that they are joined together because of the same values they share. “Freedom and prosperity are the values we share and that we will work together to maintain those values.” U.S. and PNGDF service members participated in a staff exercise at Murray Barracks to improve operational planning and shared logistics, medical and military police best practices, through a series of subject matter expert exchanges to enhance soldier proficiency. Meanwhile, in Lae, a combined team of engineers began construction on a military domicile to enable more bilateral training opportunities during future exercises. The project is planned to be completed by the end of August. At the closing ceremony, remarks were given by PNGDF Col. Kingsley Wawada and U.S. Army Major General, Gavin Gardner, the commanding general of the 8th Theatre Sustainment Command. Maj. Gen. Gardner shared that they have a common bond and that is to work together through mutual respect and trust to keep a free and open Indo-Pacific. “We are stronger when we operate together. We look forward to coming back and training with the PNGDF, so we can improve our skills.” In addition to this, PNGDF Colonel Wawada stated that this is the fourth Tamiok Strike and they logisticians have taken charge of it this year. “I am very happy with the outcome, and I look forward to more engagement, more networking and more interoperability with the USA.” Tamiok Strike is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability and readiness of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and U.S. forces and to enhance partner capacity to respond to conventional and potential natural disasters throughout the Indo-Pacific region.