Community celebration marks completion of engineering and medical engagements at Igam Barracks during Tamiok Strike 26

LAE, Papua New Guinea — A closing ceremony at Igam Barracks Primary School marked the completion of the Engineer Civic Action Project (ENCAP) and health engagement, highlighting both tangible improvements and the strengthened relationship between U.S. Army Soldiers, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), and the local community during Exercise Tamiok Strike 26.

The event brought together U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 844th Engineer Battalion, medical personnel from the 1984th U.S. Army Hospital-Pacific, PNGDF service members, school officials, and hundreds of students. The campus filled with energy well before the program began, as students gathered in anticipation. As the ceremony opened, laughter, applause, and cheers echoed across the grounds. Students performed traditional ceremonial dances showcasing Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage to an audience of their peers, Soldiers, educators, and community leaders.

The ceremony capped weeks of collaboration between U.S. Army and PNGDF personnel. Engineers from both forces renovated two schoolhouses originally built in 1967 that had not been updated since. At the same time, U.S. and PNGDF medical teams worked side by side to deliver care to the local community, treating 302 patients and providing dental services to 183 others.

Philip Tipperary, the school’s headmaster, serving as master of ceremonies, thanked those involved for their contributions to the project and the community.

“On behalf of our students and teachers, thank you to every Soldier and PNGDF member who supported this project. Your work will benefit our children for years to come, and we look forward to continuing this alliance.”

— Philip Tipperary, Igam Barracks Primary School’s headmaster

Student performances continued throughout the ceremony, with dancers in colorful attire earning enthusiastic applause. Their presentations reflected community pride and offered U.S. Soldiers a firsthand experience of Papua New Guinea’s traditions.

Following the performances, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Austin Williams, Officer in Charge of the ENCAP, PNGDF officials, and the headmaster exchanged commemorative gifts. Students also lined up and presented each Soldier with a handmade gift that was proudly worn by each service member. The gesture underscored the mutual respect developed during weeks of collaboration that extended beyond construction and medical care to include lasting professional and personal relationships.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Austin Williams emphasized the importance of the relationship during his speech.

“This project would not have been possible without our PNGDF partners. They worked alongside us every day, shared their expertise, and welcomed us into their community. This experience helped strengthen the relationship between our Soldiers and the PNGDF.”

— Austin Williams, Chief Warrant Officer 2, Officer in Charge of ENCAP

After the formal program ended, the celebration continued across the school grounds. Students gathered around visiting Soldiers, asking for photos and sharing smiles and conversations that crossed language and cultural barriers. The celebration concluded with a specially prepared feast featuring traditional Papua New Guinea cuisine. Soldiers, PNGDF members, educators, and community members shared the meal, providing one final opportunity to strengthen the relationships forged through engagement.

The engineering and medical engagements conducted during Exercise Tamiok Strike 26 demonstrate the enduring relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea in support of regional stability and community well-being. While the renovated schoolhouses and medical services provide immediate benefits, the strengthened relationships and mutual understanding will shape future cooperation and shared success.