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Tamar bolsters bond with Papua New Guinea as nation celebrates 50 years of independence
12 September 2025
Sailors from HMS Tamar helped the people of Papua New Guinea celebrate 50 years of independence as the UK strengthened military ties with the Commonwealth country.
A contingent from the patrol ship represented Navy and nation during a string of events, alongside the host nation and allies – events which extended beyond marking the milestone anniversary to broader military issues and cooperation.
Ceremonies opened with the ‘sailors march’ by squads from visiting naval units through the centre of the capital Port Moresby, accompanied by an Indian Navy band – accompanied by (a) a very warm reception from Papua New Guineans and (b) very warm temperatures (above 34C).
The march was followed by a reception for key leaders and barbecue for sailors, which allowed Tamar’s crew to get to know their counterparts in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, as well as visitors from Australia, France, the US, Fiji, India, New Zealand, Tonga and Vanuatu.
As well as meeting dignitaries from the Papua New Guinea defence and civil leadership, the Brits gained an insight into the country’s extremely diverse culture (it’s a land home to more than 800 languages and 800 tribes).
Independence celebrations built up to the Pacific Military Tattoo, with displays and performances from groups from Papua and beyond.
Our visit to Papua New Guinea for the 50th Anniversary of Independence has been fantastic, a real spectacle. It is a memory we will treasure. We look forward to working with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in the future
Aside from a dramatic parachute display in high winds, the high point for Tamar’s crew was seeing the Papua New Guinea Defence Force pipes and drums put on a skilled performance – the culmination of several years’ support from the UK Armed Forces.
In addition to ceremonial and diplomatic events, HMS Tamar’s crew also met with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Royal Australian Navy to discuss capabilities and operational requirements to help secure the waters of Papua New Guinea.
With an Exclusive Economic Zone covering 2.4 million square miles – the 16th largest in the world (and 30 times the size of the UK) – these discussions will help support future joint activity.
The culmination of engagement activity was the signing of the sea rider memorandum of understanding at the British High Commissioner’s residence high above Port Moresby.
The agreement lays down how personnel from Papua New Guinea and the UK can embark in each other vessels to conduct operations and enforce maritime law in the region – such as tackling smuggling or illegal fishing.
“‘Mipela i bin gat gutpela taim’, which in Tok Pisin – the language of Papua New Guinea – means: We had a great time!”
HMS Tamar is currently in Cairns in northeast Australia undergoing maintenance before resuming her long-term mission to patrol the Indo-Pacific working with the UK’s allies, promoting the mother country and supporting regional security and stability.