English: AWM caption : New Guinea: Papua New Guinea, Papua, Owen Stanley Range, Buna Area, Oro Bay Area. The motor ship Hokitika (S-130) of the Small Ships Section, United States Army Services of Supply, Southwest Pacific Area (USA SOS SWPA), unloading supplies onto barges SB46 and SB74. Hokitika was acquired from Lend Lease, New Zealand, on 25 October 1942, and operated in Papua New Guinea waters. Initially Australian ships were requisitioned and chartered by the Small Ships Section. Construction of ships for USA SOS SWPA commenced in Australia in 1942. About 3,000 vessels were constructed, including freighters, launches, tugs, towboats, lighters, rescue and salvage boats and a large number of barges. An additional 4000 lifeboats and dinghies were built. Around 3000 Australians enlisted in the Small Ships Section during the Second World War. They were not inducted members of the US Army, but were civilians attached to the Army. They were often too young, too old or physically ineligible to serve in the Australian armed forces.