USNS MERCY, PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP MISSION ARRIVE IN INDONESIA

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Fulton | 180329-N-OU129-032 SINGAPORE (Mar. 29, 2018) Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) anchors near Bengkulu, Indonesia March 29. Mercy is currently deployed in support of pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18). PP18’s mission is to work collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increased stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific Region. Pacific Partnership, now in its 13th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Fulton/Released)  

INDONESIA

03.29.2018

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Adams 

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

BENGKULU, Indonesia – U.S. and partner nation service members participating in Pacific Partnership 2018 arrived in Bengkulu, Indonesia aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) March 29.
The mission in Bengkulu will continue through April 12 and will feature mission personnel working side-by-side with Indonesian medical professionals, participating in civil engineering projects, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) readiness drills, and partnering in community outreach engagements in the local Bengkulu community.
"We are excited to be working with our friends in Bengkulu," said Capt. David Bretz, Pacific Partnership mission commander. “This port visit is designed to continue our strong partnership with the military and the people of Indonesia. I look forward to learning from one another and strengthing the bond between our two countries during the different exercises and events scheduled to take place.”
Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. This year's mission includes military and civilian personnel from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Peru, and Japan.
After Indonesia, USNS Mercy will make mission stops in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Japan strengthening alliances, partnerships, and multilateral cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
"Through Pacific Partnership we are deepening integral ties with our allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, Commander, Task Force 73, the executive agent for Pacific Partnership 18. "The challenges we face with natural and manmade disasters do not respect borders or national sovereignty. This dynamic mission enables many nations and subject matter experts to come together to pursue solutions to complex problems while enhancing preparations for disaster emergencies that reduce the severity of their impact. The foundation of trust created through Pacific Partnership engagement helps foster a cooperative environment that encourages collaborative approaches to improving the lives and conditions for the people of this region and beyond."

• Date Taken: 03.29.2018
• Date Posted: 03.29.2018 05:19
• Story ID: 271043
• Location: ID