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HMPNGS Francis Agwi supports international fleet review

Saturday, 4 April 2026, 12:18 pm

HMPNGS Francis Agwi joins ships from Australia as well as 18 other partner nations to sail in formation off the coast of Australia for as part of Exercise KAKADU ahead of the International Fleet Review (Image: Supplied- Department of Defence)

HMPNGS Francis Agwi successfully participated in the recent International Fleet Review as part of Exercise KAKADU on Sydney Harbour, marking the 125th anniversary of Australia’s Navy.

HMPNGS Francis Agwi, command by LEUT Ziegfried Bartley, is one of the four Guardian-class Patrol Boats in the PNGDF Maritime element fleet, and was gifted by the Australian Government in 2021 through the Pacific Maritime Security Program. 

HMPNGS Francis Agwi sailed in formation into Sydney Harbour alongside the other participating vessels, accompanied by a Royal Australian Air Force aerial display and ceremonial gun salute.

Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Rear Admiral Polewara, was in Sydney to witness HMPNGS Francis Agwi’s contribution, joining the Australian Chief of Defence Force Admiral Johnston and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Hammond, as well as other dignitaries on board HMAS Leeuwin to view the official sail past.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN is formally greeted onboard Guardian-class Patrol Boat HMPNGS Francis Agwi during the International Fleet Review as part of exercise KAKADU at HMAS Waterhen (Image: Supplied- Department of Defence)

Since the 19th century, Fleet Reviews have been held for commemorative events and celebrations, including inviting other national navies to participate by sending vessels.

This year, thirty-one ships from nineteen nations participated in the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review, including Papua New Guinea.

HMPNGS Francis Agwi is due to arrive back in Papua New Guinea in early April.