For Captain Mark Matagarakikai of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force's (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW), the lessons learned during a recent Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Operations Officer course in East Sale, Victoria, are now being put to the test at home.
Now back in Papua New Guinea, he has helped plan and execute Exercise Kapa Pisin, the first PNGDF ATW-led bilateral exercise. The exercise marks a significant step forward for PNG's independent air mobility capabilities.
As the exercise controller, Captain Matagarakikai worked alongside lead planner and validator Lieutenant Shaun Kabaraka to coordinate air serials. The serials involved a RAAF C-27J Spartan, two PNGDF PAC-750 aircraft, a contracted helicopter and joint personnel.
For Captain Matagarakikai, the exercise was a chance to bring fresh ideas back to his team after completing the RAAF Operations Officer course.
"There are things that I learnt that we could implement for the unit here as a whole," Captain Matagarakikai said.
While managing an exercise of this scale always brings challenges, the planning cell used every hurdle as a benchmark for growth.
'There are things that I learnt that we could implement for the unit here as a whole.'
"The exercise was never going to be perfect. However, it's been an excellent opportunity to learn," he said.
"We have a lot of lessons we will take on to press forward for the next exercise."
Though aviation exercise control is a new focus for Captain Matagarakikai, joint operations are not. The former infantry officer has experience working alongside the Australian Defence Force during major bilateral exercises, including Exercise Wantok Warrior and Exercise Talisman Saber.
His familiarity with joint environments helped keep the planning cell cohesive. Captain Matagarakikai credited the strong teamwork - especially the foundational work of Lieutenant Kabaraka - as the driving force behind the mission's success. He also recognised the vital support provided by the Long Range Reconnaissance Unit and the 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment detachment in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.
"What has been good is that our team know each other really well," Captain Matagarakikai said.
"From administration to operations to aircrew, even though everyone has a different role, we have a really close working relationship to try to achieve the intent.
"We have worked hard with limited resources - we really want to deliver results."
Captain Matagarakikai's journey reflects a practical outcome of Australia-PNG Defence cooperation: developing professional skills that return home and contribute to PNGDF capability.
