OPERATION PLES DRAI PAPUA NEW GUINEA DROUGHT

THE PNG AND AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCES WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE PEOPLE OF PNG DURING THE 1997 – 1998 DROUGHT

BUILDING A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP

The padre was with his flock.

Perhaps this flock was a little smaller than he's used to, but nevertheless, it was a flock.

The Anglican minister of the Townsville based 5th Aviation Regiment (5 Avn) BobMcKennay was in Papua New Guinea as the Joint Task Force (JTF) chaplain for Defence personnel posted to OPERATION SIERRA. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is, with AusAID, providing assistance to the Papua New Guinea Government and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to conduct drought relief operations.

The ADF's role in the drought relief operation is to provide air transport to enable AusAID, in conjunction with the PNG government, to deliver emergency relief supplies (rice, flour and cooking oil) to the worst hit communities which are only accessible by air.

The Unit with the largest contingent of personnel in PNG is 5 Avn with its air crew and ground support staff, and Chaplain McKennay said he believed it was important to be with C Squadron when it deployed to the field delivering its precious cargo. The Black Hawk helicopters and their crews are proving to be a vital component in the drought relief operations.

Chaplain McKennay was in PNG for two weeks, however it was only a couple of days prior to his return to Townsville that he was able to conduct his first service, but he said that didn't concern him greatly. "Most of my ministry since I've been here has been on an individual basis with members of 5 Avn and from the PNGDF. In fact I consider conducting church services as only a small part of my role. Just being there to talk to people when they want to talk is an important part of my job," Chaplain McKennay said.

Despite his one solitary service at the Murray Barracks chapel, the JTF padre has been tentatively "booked" for a return visit. He's hoping to be back in Port Moresby for services on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

By: Captain Grant King - November 28 ,1997

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