Above: CPL Stephen Thom and LCPL Jake Shearer serving with Mobile Training Team–Bravo (MTT-B) in Papua New Guinea.
Two RAEME soldiers serving with Mobile Training Team–Bravo (MTT-B) in Papua New Guinea have been recognised with Spanner Packs from the RAEME Associations.
CPL Stephen Thom and LCPL Jake Shearer spent much of their deployment supporting WO2 David “Shep” Shepherd, Workshop Logistics Advisor, at the Force Support Battalion Workshop in Port Moresby.
Drawing on their strong trade backgrounds, Stephen and Jake provided practical guidance, mentoring and training to Papua New Guinea Defence Force tradesmen. This included valuable instruction in transmissions and automotive electrical systems.
They also assisted in developing options to address identified shortfalls affecting vehicles and equipment gifted to the PNGDF by the Australian Defence Force. The work required practical problem-solving and the ability to operate within a different Army, culture and regulatory environment.
WO2 Shepherd praised both soldiers for their trade knowledge, professionalism and attitude towards mentoring their PNGDF counterparts.
“Both members had an excellent trade background and a brilliant attitude towards mentoring and training the PNGDF tradesmen,” he said.
“It was a pleasure having both members here in the workshop in Port Moresby, and hopefully I will have the opportunity to work with them again in the future.”
The experience gained by Stephen and Jake, working with a partner nation, unfamiliar equipment and different workplace and regulatory arrangements, will stand them in good stead throughout their future Army and RAEME careers.
Article adapted courtesy of information and photographs supplied by WO2 David “Shep” Shepherd
3 CER Craftsmen recognised on Exercise Puk Puk 2026 - PNG
Above: L-R CPL Todd Kitching, CFN Angus Frost, CFN Lucas Wren, CFN Rebecca Dunnett, CPL Maxwell Gerard, CFN Isaac Carpenter with Spanner Packs from the RAEME Associations on Exercise PUK PUK.
RAEME soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3 CER), participating in Exercise Puk Puk 2026, have been presented with Spanner Packs on behalf of the the RAEME Associations.
The packs were presented to the recipients by SGT Bradley Schopp, Engineer Training Advisor in Lae, Papua New Guinea, on 27 August to:
- CPL Todd Kitching
- CPL Maxwell Gerard
- CFN Isaac Carpenter
- CFN Angus Frost
- CFN Lucas Wren
- CFN Rebecca Dunnett
Exercise Puk Puk is an annual military engineering activity bringing together personnel from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Australian Defence Force. The 2026 activity is also supported by members of the New Zealand Defence Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces, highlighting the strong defence partnerships shared across the Pacific.
Conducted for more than 20 years, Exercise Puk Puk combines practical engineering projects with professional training and cultural engagement. This year, participating personnel have been working side-by-side on road construction, building projects and facility improvements while sharing technical knowledge and developing valuable engineering skills.
For the RAEME members involved, the exercise provides an excellent opportunity to apply their trade skills in a different operational and cultural environment. Working alongside members of partner defence forces also develops adaptability, leadership and an appreciation of different equipment, procedures and working practices.
The exercise delivers practical improvements for the PNGDF while strengthening personal and professional relationships among participating nations. These relationships help build trust, improve regional capability and contribute to a secure, stable and resilient Pacific.
The presentation of the Spanner Packs was a small but meaningful way for the RAEME Associations to recognise the contribution of the team members and remind those serving away from home that their work is valued by the wider Corps community.
Congratulations to Todd, Maxwell, Isaac, Angus, Lucas and Rebecca on their contribution to Exercise Puk Puk 2026.
The Association thanks WO2 David “Shep” Shepherd, Workshop Logistics Advisor, and SGT Bradley Schopp, Engineer Training Advisor, for providing the photographs and information used in this article.
Arte et Marte.
Operation Spanner Pack - A little piece of home
Operation Spanner Pack provides care packages, not tools, to RAEME members serving on operations, posted overseas or undertaking long-term training away from their usual support networks.
Administered by the RAEME Association Queensland (RAQ) on behalf of the RAEME National Network, the program sends familiar comforts and useful items that may not be supplied by Defence or readily available locally. Packs may include Australian snacks, biscuits, lollies, Vegemite and RAEME merchandise.
By the end of November 2025, the program had delivered 4,891 Spanner Packs, weighing more than 10 tonnes, to RAEME personnel serving across Australia and overseas.
Who can receive a pack?
The program supports RAEME members who are deployed on operations, posted overseas, undertaking long-term training or engagement activities, or embedded with another organisation or partner force.
Operation Spanner Pack is not state, trade or unit specific. Members can request a pack themselves, while commanders, colleagues, family members and friends are encouraged to nominate eligible RAEME personnel.
There is no lifetime limit on receiving Spanner Packs. If you received a pack during a previous deployment or posting, you are still entitled to receive another during your current or any future deployment. For longer deployments, we would also like to send you a second pack during the deployment.
Deployed? We want to hear from you
If you are deployed or serving away from your usual support network, don’t be shy about asking for a Spanner Pack, we genuinely want to hear from you.
You are not taking a pack away from somebody else. The purpose of the program is to support RAEME members like you and remind you that the Corps family is thinking of you.
To request a pack or nominate someone, contact:
MAJ (Retd) Tom Cross
Spanner Pack Coordinator
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please provide the member’s rank and name, unit, activity, location, expected duration and an appropriate contact or postal arrangement. Operational security must always be maintained.
Help us send the next pack
Operation Spanner Pack relies on the generosity of the wider RAEME community. Individuals and businesses can support the program through financial donations, commercial sponsorship, suitable products or introductions to potential sponsors.
For information about donating or otherwise supporting the program, visit:
Operation Spanner Pack
Every contribution helps remind another deployed RAEME member that the Corps family remembers them and stands firmly behind them.
Arte et Marte
ADF runners tackle Dili International Marathon - Timor-Leste
Seven ADF runners delivered strong performances in challenging tropical conditions at the 10th Dili International Marathon on 8 August. Army SGT Kieren Perkins led the results, finishing second overall and first among international competitors in the half marathon with a time of 1 hour 11 minutes. MAJ Cameron Shilton completed the full marathon in 3 hours 16 minutes, placing 11th overall and third among international runners, while FLTLT Leyla Bey Muftyzade finished seventh in the women’s half marathon in 1 hour 44 minutes.
The event marked the first official team entry by the ADF Running and Athletics Association and offered much more than competition. The team met Timor-Leste’s president and prime minister, planted sandalwood trees, participated in a beach clean-up and toured significant sites connected to INTERFET and Operation Astute. The visit strengthened participants’ understanding of Timor-Leste and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence
