Navy to hold military exercise in Papua

Navy to hold military exercise in Papua

MANOKWARI, Papua: In observance of National Maritime Day, the
Navy will demonstrate its ability to protect and defend the
country's waters next week in a military exercise in Sorong, some
1,000 kilometers west of the Papua capital of Jayapura.

Chief of the naval base in the Papua regency of Manokwari
Commander Surachman said on Thursday that 32 warships, dozens of
amphibious tanks, and hundreds of naval personnel and marines
from East and West Naval Base would be involved in the exercise
on Jan. 16.

Surachman added that the training was aimed at improving the
professionalism of Navy and marine personnel and to introduce the
public to their mastery in using sophisticated equipment.

"People in Sorong have just watched the strength of our Army.
Now they may take a closer look at the Navy," he said.

Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh, Papua Governor
J.P. Solossa and community leaders are scheduled to witness the
show of force. --Antara